Of all the achievements of humanity, there is perhaps no greater feat than human’s capacity to domesticate their food, their predators, their land, and even their clothes. Archaeological research has confirmed that the prehistoric Neanderthal peoples were the first to use their weapons to not only hunt wild species, but to cover their own bodies for warmth and comfort from the hide of their prey. Albeit the vision and attitudes towards fashion and clothes has evolved since, it is important to stress that real furs were “in-style” for many early human communities because of its practical function of providing warmth in harsh climates and comfort. Concurrent with these events, humans began to domesticate their crop for farming, their animals for food, and their land for shelter. With these feats, the standard of living was elevated as was the average lifespan which initiated a population boom. This created a positive feedback cycle in where the larger communities required more food, more land, and more clothes. As human populations grew, so did the demand for real furs for clothing and the best way to ensure a stable source for fur fashion was through the implementation of husbandry of creatures. While indigenous communities in arctic climates still get their fur from fur bearing wild species, the globalized and commercialized world market has reinforced the strategy of farm fur. Today, 85% of world fur production for the purpose of clothes originates from farm fur species.
Mink Fur Farm
Concerning fur farming, the animal most commonly produced for the purpose of fur fashion is the ranch mink. Among the mink fur farming countries, Denmark currently produces 32.1% of the world’s ranch mink fur production. This is seconded by China at 19.9% and the Netherlands at 8.2%. Popular fur practice in fur farming countries also produce ranch fox furs, raccoons, chinchillas, as well many annual reported cases of fur farming of cats, dogs, and rabbits too. The legal and moral implications of the institutionalization of fur farming remain highly controversial even today. Numerous undercover reports have documented the conditions in which fur farming is practiced. Because fur farming and real fur fashion is a method of maximizing a business’ bottom line, so long as demand for the real fur remains high, for farmers it is best to produce as much pelts as they possibly can. What this results in are overcrowded fur farms and practices where the weight of the animals’ well-being and deaths are not given too much consideration. Countries such as Austria, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Croatia, and Luxembourg have outright banned fur farming altogether with the support of animal rights activists. The main criticism is that with fur farming, there is a lack of transparency and regulation.
However, many farmers are quick to argue that most do follow proper fur practice and humane standards. All this considered, fur fashion remains in high demand in the fashion community. Fur farming actually began in North America although today only 12% of fur farms remain there. Today, black ranch mink pelts account for over 50% of exported real fur from the United States. Although with greater importation and fur breeding programs in other countries, the demand may inevitably diminish. In the late 1880s, Canada also developed this new industry alongside their Southern neighbors with the two main creatures supporting this fur practice being the ranch mink and the silver fox. In the North American context, very little has actually changed. In Canada, for example, 75% of furs originate from farming fur practices with the mink and fox remaining the two most valuable fur bearers.
fur farms practicing euthanasia
In the 20th century, fur farming practices migrated to Europe. Today, over 73% of fur farms in the world are located in Europe. According to the European Fur Breeders Association, the European Union accounts for 67% of ranch mink fur and 70% of ranch fox fur production. Most of the fur farming in not only Europe, but the entire world, is concentrated in Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands, whereas the garment manufacturing occurs primarily in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Greece. The appeal in farming real furs for farmers is obvious: A simple purchase of a fur coat can provide a lot of income via the efficient and cheap fur practice of farming. Newer fur farming countries such as China and Russia are now enjoying a massive boom in their economies. What this translates to fur fashion is threefold: first, massive new markets and potential buyers, new competitors and importers of fur farming to established markets, and new voices concerning the direction fur fashion may take in the future. Although legislation has been passed in multiple European countries concerning this fur practice with the increased awareness of what the actions of these fur farming countries entail, global sales still rise and the role of fur fashion on clothes continues to inspire. Until then, Europe remains king as it regards fur farming.
Fur farming remains controversial. It is bounded by tradition, yet very little of the traditional origins remain. It is something that for many seems so new, yet the fur farming practice is being viewed by critics as out of date of the wishes of the public. Still, sales remain high and fur farming is still practiced. Fashion, if nothing else, is a slave to the basic premise of economics: supply and demand. Consequently, the farming of real furs will continue to thrive.
Ranch Mink Fur Hat
A sophisticated look with ranch mink fur hat! It is made of Danimark originated high quality ranch mink fur. You can shape the soft brim as you wish. For a classy appearance: