Bite Back Magazine & Voice of the Voiceless presents:
The Blueprint
200 farms. 60 days.
The Largest Collection of Fur Industry Intelligence to date.
Fur Farm Intelligence Project: The Full Report
The Fur Farm Intelligence Project
200 farms. 60 days. The full report.
After months of research and footwork, the Fur Farm Intelligence Project releases the most comprehensive collection
of fur farm addresses to date.
By Peter Young
In 1997, I left home with a list of fur farm addresses and drove across the coun-
try collecting notes on the U.S. fur industry. Those notes were con?scated by the
FBI, I was sent to prison, and the notes were never made public.
In 2009, I organized a resurrection: a two-month road trip to every fur farm in the
western U.S. The goal: compile the largest collection of raw fur industry data to date.
I drafted a budget. Bite Back magazine wrote a check. And the Fur Farm Intel-
ligence Project came to life.
I recruited Daisy as a road trip partner. We spent two months scanning satellite
images in fur farming regions. We cross-referenced every fur farm address collec-
tion. We assembled a binder of maps. We compiled lists of unveri?ed addresses
mined from media reports, fur industry literature, and the word-of-mouth
stream. Then we left on the Fur Farm Intelligence Project (FFIP), a mission to
document and verify 75% of the fur farms in the U.S.
Resurrection
My return trip would be absent the felonies, with an investigative scope never be-
fore attempted. Our goal was a complete blueprint of the fur industry. Every farm
address, its operational status (open / closed), and every infrastructure target
veri?ed and mapped.
In the years since my ?rst trip, the lynx pens of Fraser Fur Farm and sprawling
prison of Short’s Fur Farm festered in the darkest part of my psyche. And in
those years, I plotted my return. A return to those Iowa dirt roads and Montana
trails; a return to the farms. After staring thousands of animals in the eye only to
walk away, I would return on their behalf.
This time, I would not be giving them freedom under darkness. And while
anything less is to fail them, this investigation was no less crucial to winning their
freedom.
Operation Bite Back Until Today: Fur Farm Data in the 2000s
The sum of the fur farm addresses we have today are found in two sources: The Final Nail #3 (2008), and TheFinalNail.com;
both built from the original fur farm list, The Final Nail #1 (1996). Yet outside of A.L.F. raids, the “open” or “closed” status of
each farm has never been veri?ed. Central to our mission was this goal: providing the ?rst operational-status update of known
fur farms in 13 years.
Investigations into hard data on fur industry (as distinct from its treatment of animals) have taken many forms. The Coali-
tion to Abolish Fur Farms released bulletins in the early-90’s revealing for the ?rst time addresses of fur farms and internal
industry research documents. Rod Coronado in?ltrated the Seattle Fur Exchange (now American Legend) in the early 1990s.
An activist also in?ltrated the International Mink Show in 1994, publishing an article on the information he gathered in the
Militant Vegan #5. Illegal operations with data collection as their primary or secondary motive included Operation Bite Back
(where addresses of fur farms were removed from labs), and the Hawkeye Mink Cooperative break-in (thousands of documents
con?scated).
The Fur Farm Intelligence Project will compile
the largest collection of hard data on fur farms and
fur industry infrastructure in 15 years. The Proj-
ect is an endgame mission to map the entire grid
of the industry, with a primary focus on names,
addresses, and other actionable data.
The goals:
1) Verify the operational status of every known
fur farm (open / closed)
2) Discover locations of unknown farms, research
locations, and infrastructure sites.
3) Collect data at each location relevant to legal
campaigns: including species seen, farm size, and
more.
4) Publicly disclose all data in a single document.
The phases:
Phase One: A two-month road trip to visit, at
minimum, 75% of the fur farms in the country.
Phase Two: Research and compilation of all known
data on fur industry locations into one hard docu-
ment, forming the largest body of raw, site-spe-
cific data to date.
Phase Three: Three: The public release of all com-
piled data in one document titled The Blueprint.
Mission Statement
Coordinative Outreach and the Actionability of the Address
While past fur industry investigations focused on the treat-
ment of animals, this one sought something else: names and
addresses. Of all forms of animal rights outreach, the dissemi-
nation of “names and addresses” is at once among the most
overlooked, and most potent. To understand the power of
the name and address, one most accept a distinction between
actionable info, and unactionable.
That which is actionable is information that serves as an im-
mediate call to action. Unactionable data is informative, but
o?ers no clear “next step”. A “Why Vegan” pamphlet is action-
able: the reader can become vegan. Information becomes less
useful the further it moves from being something that can be
acted on in an immediate way. A philosophical tome on the
socio-economic roots of animal exploitation may be informa-
tive, but brings with it no call for action. For outreach to be
useful, it must incite.
An address gives injustice a ?xed physical location, and
confronts the reader with the obligation that comes with
that knowledge. More than knowing of injustice, it is know-
ing where. The “next step” could be a
protest or undercover investigation,
but an address brings the burden of
action.
The Parameters
Any breach of property lines to
obtain info for a very public project
would subject our team to possible
criminal prosecution, and defy the
instructions of the project’s ?nancial
backers. All information would be gathered from public space.
To con?rm farms the hard way, we brought tools: Soundpro
II unidirectional microphone (to pick up sounds of mink
from a distance); military grade digital binoculars; old fur
farm address lists; a list of new, uncon?rmed addresses; digital
camera; and video camera.
Scale-Based Strategy and Blueprints as Bullets
Above the equally horri?c meat, dairy, and egg industries,
intelligence gathering on the fur industry has a special sig-
ni?cance. In 2009, the industry has shrunk to fewer than 350
supply-end sites. Fewer than 350 physical locations form the
sole architecture of the entire fur industry. We have arrived at the
stage the entire industry can be mapped into one concise blue-
print. While a blueprint assists construction, it brings equal
utility to deconstruction.
The Architecture of Avarice
The current farm and support structure of the U.S. fur indus-
try (numbers approximate):
Processors / wholesalers / etc: numbers unknown.
Mink farms: 274
Feed suppliers: 12
Equipment suppliers (cages, etc): 10
Research farms: 5
Auction houses: 1
That is it. And the end of the industry does not require the
erasure of every target, only their support structure. The
further one moves upstream, the higher-impact the target. 274
farms are supported by only a very small and vulnerable sup-
port-base of research farms and feed suppliers.
A comprehensive industry map, with details of its supply and
support structure, allowed an immeasurably greater ability to
identify the weaknesses that would bring its collapse.
Were you, tonight, to pore over a list of thousands of chicken
farms, chicken slaughterhouses, chicken feed producers, chick-
en research labs, and chicken distributors,
it would be impossible to identify anything
you could do that moment to remove a pil-
lar from the industry and bring it measur-
ably closer to collapse. In the fur industry,
such pillars number in the low-dozens.
The fur industry is on the losing end of the
scale / absorption quotient, whereby the
e?ect of any one action is inversely propor-
tional to an industry’s mass. In a large in-
dustry, no one target takes on major signi?cance in the supply
network – there is always another target that ful?lls the same
role, and quickly absorbs any business from a decommissioned
building or bankrupt processor.
The fur industry is the opposite. Farms generally have only one
choice for specialized feed. Industry research sites number at ap-
proximately ?ve. Farms rely on breeding stock with genetic lines
that are irreplaceable. From every angle, the industry is weak.
The fur industry is among the most vulnerable targets
in our sights. We rented a car, and set out to create the
roadmap to its collapse...
Read the full narrative of the two-month, 12-
state Fur Farm Intelligence Project investiga-
tion in Bite Back magazine #15
U.S. Fur Farm Numbers:
The following report was compiled by a national
wildlife advocacy organization.
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Ser-
vice (NASS) collects data on the number of mink
farms, the number of mink pelts produced broken
down by color class, value of pelts, and the number
of female mink bred, and the percentage of each fur
color class the females were bred to produce. This
information is compiled in an annual market report
as are other agricultural commodities. The NASS
does not collect data on farmed fox, lynx, or bobcat
fur production.
According to the NASS, mink production reports
are based on “a census of all known active produc-
ers.” The list of “active producers” is compiled from
“various sources” and the census is conducted via
mail or telephone. In most cases NASS representa-
tives do not actually visit the farms in the course of
the census (pers. comm. Chris Hawthorn USDA
06/25/09). According to the 2008 census there
were between 274 and 283 mink farms in the United
States. However these numbers may not tell the
whole story.
Most states where fur farms exist don’t require
farms to be licensed and state agriculture depart-
ments may not even be aware of the location, status,
or existence of some farms. It is also possible that
the NASS has knowledge of fur farms that the state
agriculture or wildlife agencies are unaware of (pers.
comm. Hawthorn).
Independent surveys (counting mink, fox, and
lynx/bobcat farms) indicate there are significantly
more fur farms in many states than are reported
in the NASS. While the presence of fox and
lynx/bobcat farms in alternative data explains some
of the discrepancy, the alternative data also indicate
a greater number of mink farms.
Some differences in numbers may be the result
of how farms are counted. The NASS data do
not distinguish between single location farms and
farms with multiple locations; the data collected are
entirely dependent upon how the producer collects
data. So if a producer operates three farms but
records the data collectively, the three farms are
counted as one, but if the producer keeps separate
records for each farm and reports each of them, the
farms would be counted individually (pers. comm.
Hawthorn).
Some variation in data may also be explained by
lack of disclosure. The NASS records nine farms
as being assigned to “other states” when in fact the
information is not from farms in “other states” at
all, but from states listed in the report that were
counted differently to “avoid disclosing individual
operations.”
Additional discrepancies can be found in the esti-
mates of total number of mink pelts produced. The
NASS reported that in 2007 a total of 2.83 million
mink pelts were produced (USDA 2009). Data
from the Fur Commission USA sourced from
Oslo Fur Auctions estimate 3 million farmed mink
pelts were produced that year (Fur Commission
2007). This amounts to hundreds of thousands of
mink pelts possibly uncounted for by the USDA,
further calling into question the accuracy of the
USDA’s annual mink report.
The NASS has also begun reducing the amount
of data collected and published. The NASS used
to note the total number of U.S. mink farms that
also reported raising fox (although these data were
never broken down by state or fur value). In 2006,
16 mink farms reported also raising fox (down
from 19 in 2005). However, the 2007 NASS
report contained a “special note” informing that “the
number of mink farms also raising fox will no longer
be published.” Another “special note” included in
the 2008 NASS report (released July 10, 2009)
stated, “The number of operations by state will no
longer be published on an annual basis. State level
numbers will only be published in conjunction with
the Census of Agriculture every five years. The
number of operations at the U.S. level will continue
to be published on an annual basis” (USDA 2009).
Feed Suppliers
The Weak Link
In a letter to the to the FDA from Dale Lawson of
Northwest Farm Food, he states that without inexpen-
sive and specialized feed ensuring top pelt quality, the
U.S. fur industry would collapse.
“The additional costs associated with [FDA proposal lead-
ing to increase in feed costs] would, in my opinion, totally
eliminate the mink industry in the United States.”
A farmer speaking this candidly about the critical role
of feed is not uncommon. I have viewed other industry
literature laying bare this reality of fur farming in the
U.S.: With other countries now able to produce fur
more cheaply than the U.S., the only way U.S. farmers
can compete and the only edge they have in the global
market is superior pelt quality. And along with breeding
stock, the most crucial factor in pelt quality is specialized
feed. In Utah, when the Fur Breeder’s Agricultural
Co-op stopped delivering to their town, several farms
were forced to close.
Feed cost is the largest cost incurred by fur farms,
representing 50-60 percent of the total cost of produc-
ing a pelt.
With a mere dozen targets, there may be no weaker link
in the fur industry.
The current breakdown of known U.S. feed suppliers:
Central Fur Food (WI)
Medford Fur Food (WI)
Wisco Feed (unconfirmed if this company still
manufactures feed) (WI)
United Feeds (WI)
National Fur Foods (WI)
Northwest Farm Food-Burlington (WA)
Northwest Farm Food-Astoria (OR)
Fur Breeder’s Agricultural Co-op: Logan (UT)
Fur Breeder’s Agricultural Co-op: Sandy (UT)
Rancher’s Choice (NE)
Hawkeye Mink Cooperative (IA)
Heger Company (MN)
*** Total: The NASS reported 271 mink farms in the U.S.
However, the state-by-state data provided in conjunction with
information on pelts produced by color class inexplicably reflect a
greater number of farms.
Truth Vs. Lies
Small Farm List
DATA SOURCES In the mid-90s, mink farms with 2 or 3,000
animals were not uncommon (fox farms
generally imprison animals in the hundreds).
In the last 10+ years, the consolidation in the
fur industry is tremendous. Smaller farms
have closed, and the large have gotten larger.
During The Fur Farm Intelligence Project,
we saw only a handful of farms that were likely
to hold fewer than 5,000 mink. A list of the
smallest mink farms found:
North 40 (Richmond, UT)
North Star Fur Farm (Ollie, IA)
Misty Moonlight Mink Ranch (Waverly, IA)
Seth Dawson (Morgan, UT)
J & G Mink Ranch (Highland, UT)
Ovard Mink Farm (Wanship, UT)
McMullin Fur Farm (South Jordan, UT)
The vast majority of information being released in this docu-
ment was gathered from binoculars, dirt roads and standing
waist-deep in foliage during the 13,000 mile, two-month
footwork phase of The Fur Farm Intelligence Project.
During the Project, internet research was de-emphasized
for two reasons:
First: internet sources, being available to everyone ef-
fortlessly, were not in harmony with our mission to bring
new, undiscovered data.
Second: most internet research is dependent on what
they want you to see. Satellite images were invaluable to this project as
a supplemental source for hard-copy data, but experience has shown that the best new data will not be
found online.
All information contained in The Blueprint was obtained from the following sources:
On-site investigations
Over 200 farms - opened and closed - were visited during the two month road phase of the F.F.I.P.
Satellite images
Used primarily to verify the presence (or appearance) of animal sheds or pens at addresses obtained post-road phase.
Business entity records
Secretary of State’s office records which give clues to a business’s operational status were referenced.
Media reports
Old and recent media reports on the fur industry provided many addresses.
Business directories
Fur industry trade journals
and…
Just before going to print, we were provided with a box of documents from inside the fur industry. This paper-
work was never intended for public circulation. These documents, ranging in date from 1998 to July, 2009 - were a
wellspring of new addresses and other unpublished info. Among the documents were a fur farm mailing list, memos,
business cards, and other paperwork providing leads on unknown farms.
Obtained at the final hour, this info was unable to be investigated during the road-phase, but all of it has been included
here for the benefit of those wishing to do research locally (and make public their finds). Data from these documents
have been marked as being sourced from “internal fur industry documents”.
Towards a complete map of the fur industry, gaps remain in our movement’s intelligence. The following are holes requiring investigation:
*All farms in The Blueprint for which the status is listed “unconfirmed”, “inconclusive” or “uninvestigated”.
*Every active farm not listed in The Blueprint, which await discovery.
*The location of every farm in the “Closed Farm” database which was not found at its published address, yet may remain active at another, un-
known address.
*Full reports from the states not covered in the Fur Farm Intelligence Project: PA, IL, NY, IN, ND, SD, MO, OH, MD, MI, MN, & NC.
Fox, lynx, and bobcat farming are areas for which information is scarce. If you know of such a farm in your area, please make this information
public, and submit to the email addresses below.
Please submit local reports, or any information regarding the above to:
nail@finalnail.com & info@voiceofthevoiceless.org.
Completing the Blueprint
Fur Industry Research
The industry’s research apparatus is
part of its central support structure.
In 2007, the Research Committee
of the Fur Commission USA gave $69,400
in funding for research projects to keep the
industry afloat.
Most fur industry research targets have been
raided, burned down, or otherwise sabotaged
by the A.L.F. The raids have succeeded
in disrupting research, saving animals, and
confiscating data, but only one, Oregon State
University, has been shut down.
The known remaining fur industry
research sites:
Washington State University
The best information available on W.S.U.
was submitted anonymously just before
this article went to print (see sidebar under
“Washington”). A raid by the A.L.F. in 1992
Destroyed Gorham’s lifetime of research to
benefit the fur industry, but did not put him
out of business.
Gorham remains the second largest recipient
of research grants from the Fur Commission
USA, a strong indicator his research contin-
ues to be among the most significant.
Idaho State University
Dr. Jack Rose has been one of the two largest
recipients of research grants from the Fur
Commission USA “to support his studies
on delayed implantation in mink”. While it
would seem unlikely research to benefit the fur
farming industry would be done in an indoor
laboratory setting, all attempts at finding an
off-campus ag-research farm were unfruitful,
and surveys of the outlying areas of campus
failed to located mink sheds – if they exists.
The fur industry deems Dr. Rose’s research
to be worthy of a significant percentage of its
budget, and should be assumed to be a vital.
Near the top of the “must locate” list.
Utah State University
Among the most feared threats to the fur
industry is Aleutian Disease. It has wiped out
numerous farms, pillaged entire regions of
mink farming, and was said to have “ravaged”
the Utah fur industry in the 90s. The cure and
prevention of Aleutian disease is a prime focus
of fur industry research.
When identifying a hub of Aleutian dis-
ease research, all arrows point to Utah State
University.
“A vaccine is being developed against the dis-
ease by Utah State University that promises
to eliminate these losses, which could save
Utah mink producers $2.4 million.” (USDA,
2003)
Such a vaccine, if produced, would eliminate
one of the largest threats the industry faces. In
Utah, it has been called “the most serious live-
stock disease in the state”. Aleutian Disease
remains a threat: in 2009 several farms had to
pelt out and start from scratch after Aleutian
outbreaks.
As recently as 2004, Utah State University was
confirmed to house 200 mink. In the rural areas
surrounding Logan, UT are at least 11 satel-
lite research facilities USU calls “agricultural
experiment stations”. In plain sight from major
roads, numerous of species of animals – sheep,
cows, turkeys, coyotes, and more - can be seen
languishing in pens, the unwilling subjects of
experiments to benefit the industries which, each
year, claim their lives by the billions.
The small amount of information available on
mink at U.S.U. specified the “North Logan
Farms” research station houses this species. As
of April 2009, the facility still had numer-
ous animal pens and barns, nearly all of them
empty. Additional research turned up an
assessment by staff that “we (North Logan
Farms) will be gone in the next few years”.
Small numbers of animals (sheep and cows)
were reported, but the farm was said to be
largely vacant.
However, there is no evidence this research has
stopped. And for LeGrande Ellis, after 25+
years researching mink, an abrupt career change
is unlikely.
Ellis’s mink are out there. Responsibility now
lies with all of us to find them.
National Fur Foods
By the time the address for the National Fur
Foods Research Ranch was made public in
2008 it may have already moved, or closed al-
together. In the 1990s this farm housed 4,000
mink, existing as the largest experimental
mink farm in the country.
We drove north from Fon Du Lac to the dis-
closed location: “near intersection of Hwy 45
and Ripple Rd”. Where the former research
farm once stood near the western shore of
Lake Winnebego, we found a vacant lot.
The farm may have relocated, and its new
location awaits discovery and disclosure. Na-
tional Fur Foods is the single largest supplier
of mink feed to farms in the country. Any
research coming from National Fur Foods
will be of premium benefit to an industry for
which any small advancement is pivotal. If it
continues to exist, it is imperative this research
hub is located.
Michigan State University Fur
Animal Research Station
On Jolly Road in Lansing, Michigan State
University operates an experimental fur farm
“where research on nutrition, physiology,
toxicology and management of fur bearing
animals is conducted.” The latest informa-
tion states, “The present Experimental Fur
Farm can accommodate over 1,000 research
animals”. Former head researcher Richard
Aulerich retired in 2002, but there is no evi-
dence the farm has ceased operations.
Utah Fur Breeder’s Cooperative
Behind the largest fur feed cooperative in the
country sits an experimental farm. Partially
visible from 700 West, these sheds are the
site of feed research to benefit the Utah fur
industry. The research portion of the farm is
said to house 100 animals, which may be part of
the larger Dixon Fur Farm (Final Nail #3),
said to also sit on the FBAC property.
Head veterinarian Dr. Gary Durrant’s
research work with the FBAC is likely to have
ended: Durrant was arrested in 2008 for sex
crimes against underage boys.
More
Grants have also been given to various veteri-
narians and local fur farming organizations.
In the past 4 years, the Research Committee
of the Fur Commission USA has also given
research grants to the following:
American Fur Merchants Association (New
York, NY)
Olympic Fur Breeders (Granite Falls, WA)
Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders (Plymouth, WI)
Scintilla Development Company (Provides
Aleutian Disease Virus testing for mink
farmers) (Bath, PA)
Minnesota Fur Breeders (Detroit Lakes, MN)
Dr. John Easley (Plymouth, WI)
Dr. Hugh Haldebrandt, Medford Veterinary
Clinic (Medford, WI)
Research labs and experimental farms report
Evidence
Threshold
It had been two months of 16-hour days, dirt roads, and the ever-present sight of imprisoned
animals. After 12,000 miles and over 200 farms, we investigated the last Wisconsin address
and made a slow return trip to Seattle.
Upon returning, we circulated a list of unverified farms and other locations. An attached letter
asked anyone with information on these sites to submit it anonymously. Over the next month,
we received several detailed reports on heavily veiled locations. These reports are contained
througout The Blueprint.
As word of the project spread, more information came in. The most salient being a box of
internal fur industry documents specified only as being obtained “legally”. The addresses,
memos, invoices, and other documents provided many of the addresses that would be pub-
lished in the final version of The Blueprint.
The Future of the Fur Farm Intelligence Project.
The Fur Farm Intelligence Project is not complete until the industry is exhaustively mapped.
This day is soon coming. The final phases will bring on-site visits to farms in Minnesota, Il-
linois, Indiana, Ohio, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri, Michigan,
South Dakota, and North Dakota.
The Blueprint
This document represents the culmi-
nation of the Fur Farm Intelligence
Project. Every piece of data obtained
during the two month, 12-state investi-
gation has been released in a single
document. Additional copies of The
Blueprint can be downloaded at:
www.voiceofthevoiceless.org
For Liberation,
Peter Young
To confirm a farm “open”, the required
evidence would be to either see, smell,
or hear animals, or see evidence of their
presence (such as waste accumulations).
To confirm closure, the burden of proof
was much higher. Publicly announcing a
farm “closed” would permanently erase
a farm from the movement’s radar,
forever ensuring them against any
activist efforts. Early on, we decided we
were not comfortable with the burden of
such ponderous responsibility: one mis-
confirmed closure condemmed to death
every animal born on the farm until the
end of its existence. In investigating
farms from one side of the property
line, evidence was often difficult to read
and open to interpretation. Confirming
19 sheds empty said nothing conclusive
about the 20th, and a visible row of gut-
ted sheds did not preclude the possibility
of many very full ones behind it. No
matter how observant and thorough,
there was always the potential of missed
evidence that a farm was in fact open.
In consideration of the risks, definitive
declarations will not be given. Instead,
farms with no evidence of animals pres-
ent will receive two notations:
*A subjective opinion on the operational
status of the farm.
*An objective account of the evidence
suggesting closure.
THE FUR FARM LIST
What follows is the largest collection of fur farm
(and fur industry infrastructure) addresses and
intelligence to date.
All data compiled during the Fur Farm Intelligence
Project - both in the road trip phase and the
subsequent research phase - has been included in the
list that follows.
States whose data has been made public by the
USDA have been highligted, and all known
statistics included.
States where no on-site investigations were carried
out have also been included, with info sourced from
FinalNail.com and additional sources (see “Data
Sources” sidebar).
New Farms: All new, previously unpublished
addresses have been bolded, for review at a glance.
212 Farms Later…
Fur Farm Address List
Farms. Feed Producers. Auction Houses. Research Facilities.
California
No known fur farms.
Los Angeles
Fur Information Council of America
8424-A Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 860
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (323) 782-1700 or (323) 848-7940
Fax: (323) 651-1417
Contact: Keith Kaplan, Executive Director;
Missy Smart, Chairman
Notes: “FICA provides background information
and guidance on industry developments, research-
es markets trends and consumer habits, tracks and
reports sales and price points, identifies issues of
common concern, represents the fur industry in
dealings with the press, the public sector and other
industries, as well as state and federal govern-
ments. FICA monitors legislative initiatives and
judicial actions that have direct impact on the fur
industry.”
American Scienti?c Laboratories
2520 San Fernando Rd
Los Angeles CA 90065
Status: Con?rmed open, 2009.
Notes: Manufactures a mink distem-
per vaccine. Also a vendor at recent fur
farmer’s convention (2009).
Colorado
No known fur farms.
Programmed Release (PR) Pharmaceuti-
cals (formerly Wildlife Pharmaceuticals)
1716 Heath Parkway
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Status: Ucon?rmed.
Notes: Wildlife Pharmaceuticals merged
with Programmed Release Pharma-
ceuticals in 1999. PR Pharmaceuticals
?led for Chapter 11 bankrupcy in 2008.
Acquired by SurModics in 2008. Current
status of company is unknown. Wildlife
Pharmaceuticals was at one time the only
manufacturer of melatonin implants for
fur bearing animals. The implants allowed
farmers to pelt two months early, and cut
feed costs by 18.8%. Owner Terry Cairns
was also reported to be a fox farmer
(1994). Unknown if this company still
manufactures melatonin implants, or is
still in business.
INDIANA
Anderson
Adams Fox & Mink Ranch
2814 East 150 South
Anderson, IN 46017
Species: Fox.
Notes: Approximately foxes: silver, arctic, &
blues. 150 to 200 outdoor pens, with 4 or 5 short
sheds housing the silvers. Mink reportedly no lon-
ger held here. E 150 S is also known as 25th Street
Road. Farm is located west of Markleville Road/S
300 East.
Middlebury
Hidden Meadow Fur Farm
59821 County Rd 33
Middlebury, IN 46540
(219) 820-5930
Rick & Renea Miller
Species: Fox.
Spotlight:
Fur Commission USA
Fur Commission USA
29 Port Royale Rd
Coronado CA 92118
(619) 575 0139
Teresa Platt
Phone: (619) 575-0139
Fax: (619) 575-5578
Notes: New, unpublished o?ce address
for the fur farming industry’s largest trade
and public relations organization. Teresa
Platt, Executive Director; Simon Ward,
Communications Director. “Fur Commis-
sion USA represents 420 mink-farming
families on 330 farms in 28 states.”
Board (as of June 2008):
Scott Harris, President
Paul Westwood, Vice President
Jim Wachter, Secretary
Robert Zimbal, Treasurer
Brad Wiebensohn, Board Member
Ryan Holt, Board Member
Ron Gengel, Board Member
Research Committee of Fur Commission
USA
(formerly known as the Mink Farmers Research
Foundation)
2007 Grants (most recent year from which infor-
mation is available):
- $7,500 grant to American Fur Merchants Association
(New York, NY)
- $9,000 grant to Fur Breeders Agricultural Coop
(Sandy, UT)
- $1,000 grant to Olympic Fur Breeders (Granite Falls,
WA)
- $20,000 grant to Dr. Steve Bursian, Michigan State
University (East Lansing, MI)
- $7,400 grant to Dr. Jack Rose, Idaho State Univer-
sity (Pocatello, ID)
- $10,000 grant to Dr. Kirsti Rouvinin-Watt, Nova
Scotia Agricultural College (Truro, NS)
- $1,500 grant to Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders
(Plymouth, WI)
- $10,000 grant to Dr. John Gorham, Washington
State University (Pullman, WA)
- $3,000 grant to Scintilla Development Company
(Bath, PA)
2006 Grants:
- $10,000 grant to American Fur Merchants Associa-
tion (New York, NY)
- $9,000 grant to Fur Breeders Agricultural Coop
(Sandy, UT)
- $1,000 grant to Minnesota Fur Breeders (Detroit
Lakes, MN)
- $1,000 grant to Olympic Fur Breeders (Granite Falls,
WA)
- $20,000 grant to Michigan State University (East
Lansing, MI)
- $6,000 grant to Dr. Jack Rose, Idaho State Univer-
sity (Pocatello, ID)
- $10,000 grant to Dr. Kirsti Rouvinin-Watt, Nova
Scotia Agricultural College (Truro, NS)
- $1,500 grant to Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders
(Plymouth, WI)
- $7,000 grant to Dr. John Easley (Plymouth, WI)
- $7,000 grant to Dr. Hugh Haldebrandt, Medford
Veterinary Clinic (Medford, WI)
- $10,000 grant to Dr. John Gorham, Washington
State University (Pullman, WA)
2005 Grants:
- $20,000 grant to Dr. Steve Bursian, Michigan State
University (East Lansing, MI)
- $7,000 grant to Dr. Jack Rose, Idaho State Univer-
sity (Pocatello, ID)
- amount unknown, Dr. David J. Prieur, Washington
State University (Pullman, WA)
Montpelier
Owl Creek Fox Farm
8343 S 1000 W
Montpelier, IN 47359
Contact: Verlis Slusher, Lois Slusher
Phone: (260) 375-3845
Species: Fox.
Notes: Four short sheds housing approximately
200 to 300 total foxes. Sheds are very close to the
house. Located south of W 800 S, on east side of
road. Farm may be closed (investigation needed).
Rochester
Flory Fur Farms
5440 State Road 110
Rochester, IN 46975
Contact: Doyle Flory
Species: Fox.
Notes: Farm may be closed (investigation needed).
Burley
Geary Fur Farm
425 West 400 South
Burley, ID 83318
Phone: (208) 678-3327
Jed & Treena Geary
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: 22 sheds. House at a distance from the sheds.
Moyle Mink Ranch
571 E. Highway 81
Burley, ID 83318
Phone: (208) 654-2033
Don Moyle
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Notes: Located off Highway 81, south on S 600 E
to end of road. Dirt service road runs along entire
rear of property along river, off 550 E. Two farms
on this stretch of Hwy 81.
Fur Farm
Intersection of 350 E & Hwy 81
Burley, ID
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Mink.
Notes: On E side of 350 E / S side of Hwy
81. Along the same river as Moyle Mink
Ranch. Survey of approximately 50% of the
property showed nesting boxes removed
and cages empty. However there was much
evidence indicating this was a function-
ing farm: equipment in sheds, functioning
water system, and intact sheds and cages.
Many farms in Idaho found to be at only
50% capacity. Possible this is an active farm.
Two farms on this stretch of Hwy 81.
Caldwell
Harris Mink Farms
15258 Green Road
Caldwell, ID 83607
Phone: (208) 459-6015 or (208) 459-9359
brenthmf@cs.com
Donald B. Harris, Scott Harris (President, Fur
Commission USA; as of 2006)
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Large farm. Sheds at a distance from the
house. Photoelectric sensors positioned in corners
of the farm. Numerous empty sheds. On busy
road. Email address previously unpublished.
Eagle
Riverside Mink Ranch
4015 Old Valley Road
Eagle, ID 83616
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Mink.
Notes: On-site investigation found address to be
a nursery. Later review of satellite images show
three sheds at end of Frost Lane, south side of
road, near nursery.
Filer
Moyle & Sons Fur Farm
(Rock Creek Canyon Ranch)
4052 North 2600 East
Filer, ID 83328
Phone: (208) 733-4440
Jay & Barbara Moyle
Dean Moyle: Vice President
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Set back from road at end of driveway. On
a river. Furthest sheds are at a distance from the
house. Two houses on the property.
Franklin
Note: Six clusters of sheds or single mink sheds
are dispersed around a six block residential area in
downtown Franklin. All appeared to be sheds. Po-
lice attention prevented confirmation of addresses
and status of each. The list of the micro-mink
farms found is as follows:
Hobbs Furs
24 North 1st East
Franklin, ID 83237
Jeffrey T. Hobbs
Phone: (208) 646-2401
IDAHO
Total mink imprisoned (kits + breeders):
279,900
Average farm size: 11,663
24 mink farms in 2007
Number confirmed, or appearing active: 15
Newly discovered farms confirmed or showing
evidence of being open: 6
Newly discovered mink farms uninvestigated: 2
Farms found closed or not at their published
address: 2
Farms yet to be discovered: 9+
Harris Mink Farm
Caldwell, ID
Moyle Mink Farm
Filer, ID
Geary Fur Farm
Burley, ID
Kingsford & Son
250 South 1st East
Franklin, ID 83237
Larry D. Kingsford
One shed west of street, Two sheds east of street.
N 1st St E and E 1st St N
Very small shed on side of house. Half
size. Cages inside visible from road.
New, unpublished info.
E end of E 200 S
Sheds on N & S side of road.
New, unpublished info.
Approx. 250 S 200 E
W side or road.
New, unpublished info.
E end of E 100 N / Intersection of Spring
Creek Rd / Lowe Lane
Cluster of sheds N side of E 100 N / S
side of Lowe Lane
New, unpublished info.
Kevin Hobbs Fur Farm
4175 S. Parkinson Road
Franklin, ID 83237
Kevin Hobbs
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink & fox.
Notes: Across the street from Hobbs Fur Farm
Hobbs Fur Farm
331 Parkinson Road
Franklin, ID 83237
Phone: (208) 646-2418
Contact: Boyd T. Hobbs
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink & fox.
Notes: Across the street from Kevin Hobbs Fur
Farm.
Brets Mink Ranch
2904 South 2800 East
Franklin, ID 83237
Phone: (208) 646-2513
Bret D. & Annette Hansen
Status: Uninvestigated.
Species: Mink.
Grace
Fur Farm
On Mingo Rd / Cattle Trail Rd btwn
Bench View & Niter Bench.
Grace, ID
Status: Uninvestigated.
Notes: Media reports the Logan plant of
the Fur Breeder’s Agricultural Co-op “de-
livers as far north as Grace, ID”. Possible
farm at the above location.
Heyburn
Moyle Mink Farm
390 South 600 West
Heyburn, ID 83336
Phone: (208) 678-8481
Lee & Martha Moyle
Status: Confirmed open, 2009
Species: Mink.
Notes: Large farm. Associated with Moyle Mink
and Tannery. East side of road. 50 sheds. Visible
from I-84. In very commercial area.
Malad
Ball Brothers Fur Farm / B&D Fur Farm
2726 N 5600 W
Malad City, ID 83252
William “Bill” Ball Jr.
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Large farm with 20,000 mink. Updated
address & farm name. Very remote location. Ap-
proximately 24 sheds. No house on site.
Malta
Smith Mink Farm
155 2nd Street West
Malta, ID 83342
Phone: (208) 645-2316
Cregg Smith
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located at end of service road running
W off of 2nd St, after bend. 11 sheds. Most sheds
found empty. This farm is very isolated and set
back from any traveled road. No house on site.
Fur Farm
1175 South Highway 81
Malta, ID
Status: Likely to be a newly constructed
farm.
Species: Empty mink cages found.
Notes: New, unlisted farm on W side of
Highway 81. Buildings appeared to be
newly constructed. Approximately 50% of
the farm surveyed. All cages found empty.
Likely to open in the near future. No
house on site.
Newly-Built Mink Farm
Malta, ID
Smith Mink Farm
Malta, ID
Moyle Mink Farm
Heyburn, ID
B&D Fur Farm
Malad, ID
Pocatello
Jack Rose
Idaho State University
Gale Life Sciences Bldg., Room 306/307
921 South 8th Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83209
Phone: (208) 282-3765
Fax: (208) 282-4570
Notes: Received $7,400 grant from Fur Com-
mission USA in 2007, $6,000 grant in 2006
and $7,000 grant in 2005, “to support his studies
on delayed implantation in mink.” Address is
for Rose’s office. Location of mink unknown.
Unknown of Rose performs research on an
experimental fur farm or in a laboratory setting.
Investigation needed.
Preston
Palmer Mink Ranch
1988 South 600 West
Preston, ID 83263
James R. & Linda Palmer
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink & fox.
Notes: Sheds close to road. Located across the
street from Lew Palmer Mink Farm.
Lew Palmer Mink Ranch
1768 South 600 West
Preston, ID 83263
Lewis J. & Staci Palmer
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located across the street from Palmer
Mink Farm.
Gri?n Fur Farm
440 W 800 S
Preston, ID 83263
Kelly K. Gri?n
Status: Uninvestigated.
Source: Business records.
Notes: New, unpublished info.
Wendel
A-K Moyle Ranch
3539 South 1500 East
Wendell, ID 83355
Allen & Karla Moyle
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Trail to the north of the sheds, along fence.
Weston
Sandy Hill Mink Ranch
2951 West Hwy. 36
Weston, ID 83286
Dwain L. & Sandra Weeks
Status: Unconfirmed. Evidence points to active,
2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: No farm found at this address. Possible
alternate location: North of Dayton on Hwy 36 /
N Westside Hwy, just south of 2400 N, east side
of road.
Bluffs
Littig Fox Ranch
1774 Eagle Run Road
Bluffs, IL 62621
Contact: Terry Littig, Kerry Littig
Species: Fox.
Crystal Lake
Frye’s Fur Farm
2224 Behan Road
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: (815) 455-4862 or (815) 459-0823
Contact: Larry Frye, Steve Frye, Robert J. Frye
Species: Mink.
Dieterich
David Draves Fur & Archery
5758 N. 2200th Street
Dieterich, IL 62424
Contact: David W. Draves, Jessy Draves,
Victoria Draves
Species: Fox.
Notes: Farm may be closed (investigation
needed).
Downer’s Grove
Charles Ide Jr.
8250 Edgewood Drive (off of 83rd Street)
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Contact: Charles C. Ide, Janet Ide & Harold
Melkus
Species: Mink.
Notes: Farm reported closed (investigation
needed). One of the oldest farms in the country,
founded in 1932.
Dundee
MSC (formerly Milk Specialties Company)
260 S. Washington Street
Dundee, IL 60118
Phone: (800) 323-4274 or (847) 426-3411
Fax: (847) 426-4121
Contact: Trevor Tomkins, CEO
Notes: Owns National Fur Food (largest fur farm
feed supplier); see National Pet Products (New
Holstein, WI). Located at corner of Illinois &
Water Streets. Reported that no feed is produced
at this location.
Elgin
Montelone Mink Ranch
891 Plato Road
Elgin, IL 60123
Phone: (847) 464-5118
Contact: Frank & Bernice Montelone
Species: Mink.
Notes: Large farm. Plato Road in Elgin is also
known as County Road 32.
Hampshire
William Dumoulin
16N393 Walker Rd
Hampshire, IL 60140
(847) 683-3886
Species: Mink.
Notes: Listed as “pig, mink farm”. Satellite images
how one long shed in back, resembling a mink shed.
Located on Walker Road between Allen Road and
Highway 72.
Lake Villa
Gengel Mink Farm
38614 N. Fairfield Road
Lake Villa, IL 60046
Phone: (847) 356-5661
Fax: (847) 356-1617
Contact: Ronald & Joanne Gengel
Species: Mink.
ILLINOIS
No fur farms in IL were investigated during the Fur
Farm Intelligence Project. Data is from FinalNail.
com, with updates made to several entries based on the
latest info.
2007 USDA mink farm statistics: 7 farms
Total number of animals: 82,700
Average farm size: 11,814
Notes: Ron Gengel is a Board Member, Fur Com-
mission USA (as of 2006). The Gengel family
also operates a Christmas tree farm (Gengel Tree
Farm, in Lake Villa).
Illinois Mink Wire Company
38614 N. Fairfield Road
Lake Villa, IL 60046
Phone: (800) 408-5661 or (847) 356-5661
Fax: (847) 356-1617
Contact: Ron Gengel, Gerry Gengel
Notes: Sells Minkomatic feeders, fleshing/skinning
machines and wire for cages. Illinois Mink Wire
Co. is the U.S. representative for foreign fur farm
suppliers, such as Dansk Mink Papir, Hedensted
Gruppen, and Morsø Mink.
Marengo
Hidden Farms
23707 Grange Road
Marengo, IL 60152
Contact: Roger Groenland
Species: Mink.
Notes: Farm may be closed (investigation
needed).
Sorensen Mink Farm
19014 Kishwaukee Valley Road
Marengo, IL 60152
Species: Mink.
Contact: Hans Sorensen
Polo
Michael S. Singley Foxes
2792 S. Lincoln Avenue
Polo, IL 61064
Phone: (815) 946-3439
Species: Fox.
Notes: Farm may be closed (investigation
needed).
Roanoke
Aeschleman Fur Company
1574 County Road 1600 East
Roanoke, IL 61561
Phone: (309) 923-7656
Contact: Daniel K. Aeschleman, Soni G. Aeschle-
man
Species: Fox, deer, & raccoon.
Notes: Also sells fox, deer and raccoon urine.
Union
The Mink Barn
4609 Franklinville Road
Union, IL 60180
Contact: Vanessa Christensen
Species: Mink.
Notes: Farm reported closed in 2000 (investiga-
tion needed).
Volo
Daniel Frey
26421 W. Molidor Road (at N. Fish Lake Road)
Ingleside (Volo), IL 60041
Species: Mink.
Notes: Farm reported closed (investigation
needed).
Wadsworth
Imperial Mink Ranch
39495 N. Mill Creek Road
Wadsworth, IL 60083
Phone: (847) 336-6760
Contact: Jeff Serdar
Species: Mink.
Notes: Farm may be closed (investigation
needed).
Anamosa
Robert Roman
23778 Fairview Road
Anamosa, IA 52205
Phone: (319) 462-4107
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Fox.
Notes: Small backyard. If farm exists, it is very
small.
Belle Plaine
Schmuecker Fox Farm
1545 79th Street Trail
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
Phone: (319) 444-2219
Danny & Nancy Schmuecker
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Fox.
Notes: No sheds or pens seen from road. Closer
inspection was not made.
Cedar Rapids
Diamond V Mills
838 1st Street NW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52407
Phone: (800) 373-7234 or (319) 366-0745
Fax: (319) 366-6333
Contact: John C. Bloomhall, President & CEO
Status: Uninvestigated.
Notes: Fur feed ingredient supplier
Cherokee
Perrin & Sons Fur Farm
1637 600th Street
Cherokee, IA 51012
Phone: (712) 225-5348
C E Perrin
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink & fox.
Notes: Large fur farm. Located west of Highway
59. N side of the road. Sheds directly on the road.
Sheds & fox pens are at a great distance from the
house. Dirt road. “Perrin Farm” sign posted.
Fredericksburg
Woodring Fur Farm
3020 250th Street
Fredericksburg, IA 50630
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Large fur farm. Located just west of
Union Avenue/County Road V56. Sheds very
close to the road. Dirt road.
IOWA
Total number of mink imprisoned (breeders +
kits): 193,000
Average farm size: 11,353
17 mink farms in 2007
Number confirmed as open, or appearing active:
14
Newly discovered mink farms confirmed, or
showing evidence of being open: 0
Newly discovered mink farms uninvestigated: 2
Mink farms found closed or not at their published
address: 12
Farms yet to be discovereds: 1+
Number of fox farms: Unknown
Number confirmed as open, or appearing active: 8
(Three mink farms also found to house fox).
Newly discovered fox farms confirmed or show-
ing evidence of being open: 1
Newly discovered fox farms uninvestigated: 0
Fox farms found closed or not at their published
address: 3
Palmer Erickson
Mink & Fox Farm
Jewell, IA
Underwood Farm
2260 Quinlan Avenue
Fredericksburg, IA 50630
Justin Underwood, Mary J. Underwood
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located south of 220th Street, west of
Roanoke Avenue. Undergoing major construcion
/ deconstruction, 2009. Many sheds visible on
satellite images have been dismantled. No animals
smelled or seen. Farm is either being heavily reno-
vated, or dismantled.
Jewell
Palmer Erickson
3374 Saratoga Avenue
Jewell, IA 50130
Marilyn Erickson
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink & fox.
Notes: Located south of 330th Street/Highway
175. West side of road. Approximately 100 fox
pens at rear / west end of property. Numerous
mink pens with black & white mink. Train tracks
run along W side. Jewell lagoon sits directly west
of farm.
Hawkeye Mink Cooperative
1324 Main St
Jewell, IA
(515) 827-5458
Status: Evidence points to active, 2009.
Notes: Fur farm feed supplier & pelt processor.
Isebrands Fur Farm
3221 Queens Avenue
Jewell, IA 50130
Phone: (515) 827-5562
Mark Isebrands, Floyd L. & Shirley Isebrands
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located between 320th and 330th Streets.
Open. Dirt road. Many sheds directly on the road.
House at a significant distance from many of the
sheds.
Steve Hassebrock
2931 280TH ST
Jewell, IA 50075
(515) 827-6198
Status: Uninvestigated.
Source: Final Nail #3, residence directory.
Notes: Newly discovered farm. Address
previously unpublished. Name published
in Final Nail #3. Satellite images show
what appear to be mink sheds.
Lawton
Gilbert C. Holmes
7510 Correctionville Rd.
Lawton, IA 51030
(712) 274-1285
Status: Uninvestigated.
Source: Final Nail #3, residence directory.
Notes: Address previously unpublished.
Name published in Final Nail #3. Satellite
images show what may be mink sheds at
this location.
Mystic
Mark McGrann
19093 / 19075 Highway T14
Mystic, IA 52574
Phone: (641) 437-4028
Status: Inconclusive. Presence of a single wide shed
confirmed.
Notes: Wide shed (4+ rows) behind house.
Address previously published as 19013 Highway
T14. Mailboxes at end of driveway read “19093” &
“19075” (two houses on driveway).
New Hampton
Earl Drewelow & Sons
2477 239th Street
New Hampton, IA 50659
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Mink.
Notes: 239th St. is off Odessa Avenue, north of
240th Street/County Road B54. Earl Drewelow
died February 2007; survived by his son Harvey.
Best viewed from 240th St.
Numeous small sheds and one large mink barn.
Sheds at a great distance from the house.
New Sharon
Ruby Fur Farm
2564 200th Street
New Sharon, IA 50207
Phone: (641) 672-2067
Fax: (641) 672-0262
Mae Ruby
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Skunk, ferrets, raccoons, skunks. Possibly
other species.
Notes: “We specialize in breeding and raising
ferrets, raccoons, and skunks and we offer them
wholesale to pet stores.” Dirt road. Two houses on
property. Corn fields on all sides of sheds. Numer-
ous species audible from inside farm.
Palmer Erickson fur farm
Jewell, IA
Received anonymously.
“After receiving a request for more
information on the Palmer Erickson
fur farm, we entered the property in
the middle of the day and compiled
this brief report. Enclosed, please nd
photos of the animals and layout of the
farm. This is the last fur industry target
in Jewell untouched by the A.L.F.
Inside the Erickson farm, which is not
visible from Saratoga Ave, we found
the following: many thousands of both
black and white mink, and approxi-
mately 100 foxes held in pens at the
rear of the property. We would like to
point out Erickson’s house is located
quite a distance from the mink and fox
pens. We were able to freely move about
this farm during the day, an e?ort that
would be made even easier under dark-
ness. While we failed in our duty to save
these animals, we hope these photos in-
spire others to act with their hearts and
bring this sick enterprise to an end.”
Ollie
North Star Fur Farm
26614 280th Street
Ollie, IA 52576
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Small farm. S side of road. House in close
proximity to sheds.
Osage
Silver Fox Farms
2596 370th Street
Osage, IA 50461
Contact: Brian Huffman
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Fox.
Notes: Small fox farm. Dirt road. Farm is further
east than the previously published location placing
it at the corner of Primrose Ln. Outdoor fox pens
directly behind house.
Fox Farm
2605 Hwy 9
Osage, IA
Status: Con?rmed open, 2009.
Species: Fox.
Notes: Newly discovered fox farm. North
side of road. Several sheds of various
shapes visble from Highway 9, just east of
downtown Osage.
Remsen
Klingbeil Mink Farm
22487 or 22485 Tamarack Ave
Remsen, IA 51050
Phone: (712) 786-3361
Donald Klingbeil
Notes: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Large fur farm. Located between 220th and
230th Streets. West side of road.
Runnells
Morgan Valley Fox Farm
12420 S. 128th Avenue W.
Runnells, IA 50237
Phone: (515) 966-2028
Frank E. & Judy P. Rains
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Fox.
Notes: Fox farm. If sheds / pens exist, they are very
well-hidden at far rear of the property. Located
north side of road, just east of W. 125th Street S.
Dirt road. If farm exists, it is very small.
Sioux City
Circle K Fur Farm
3701 Memorial Drive
Sioux City, IA 51104
Phone: (712) 252-2202
Steven Krage
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink & fox.
Notes: Approximately 5,000 mink & 100 fox.
Located north side of road. Sheds at a great distance
from the house. Gate to rear of farm on Talbot,
along farm’s W side.
Swisher
Marak Fur Farm
1297 Marak Road NW
Swisher, IA 52338
Phone: (319) 857-4331
Darrel L. & Carolyn Marak
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Fox.
Notes: Darrel Marak also sells animal urine. Farm
on E side of road, house & address on W side. At
least one shed visible from the road.
Toddville
James M. Roberston
3794 Toddville Road
Toddville, IA 52341
Phone: (319) 393-4454
James M. & Florence Roberston
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Fox.
Notes: Heavily wooded property. S side of road,
up long driveway. No sheds or pens visible.
Union
Andrews & Sons Fur Farm
32786 Highway D67
Union, IA 50258
Curt Andrews
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Fox.
Notes: Single, very small animal shed with cages
seen in fenced-off yard beside house. Contents
undetermined / not visible.
Drewelow & Sons
New HAmpton, IA
Underwood Farm
Fredericksburg, IA
Woodring Fur Farm
Fredericksburg, IA
Andrew & Sons Fur Farm
Union, IA
Perrin & Sons Fur Farm
Cherokee, IA Fox pens @ Perrin & Sons Fur Farm
Cherokee, IA
Palmer Erickson’s Mink & Fox Farm
Jewell, IA Palmer Erickson’s Mink & Fox Farm
Jewell, IA
Isebrands Fur Farm
Jewell, IA Hawkeye Mink Cooperative
Jewell, IA
Waverly
Misty Moonlight Mink Ranch
1842 140th Street
Waverly, IA 50677
Contact: Nick Demuth
Phone: (319) 276-3350
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Small farm. Farm formerly reported as
closed. Sheds close to road, on S side. House at a
distance from sheds.
Webster City
Fassett Fur Farm
939 N. White Fox Road
Webster City, IA 50595
Phone: (515) 832-2094
515-832-5058
Jim F. Fassett
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: White Fox Road is also known as R33. W
side of Road. Sheds very close to house. Second
phone number previously unpublished.
West Point
Merschman Fur & Wool
2240 Saint Paul Road
West Point, IA 52656
Mark Merschman
Status: No farm found at this address.
Source: On-site investigation.
Notes: No animals on site. Appears to be pelt pro-
cessor / wholesaler only. Approx. 5 corrugated metal
structures on site. Ambiguous sign on door reads
“Closed. We are not buying fur”.
Woodbine
David Tremel
2017 Troy Trail
Woodbine, IA 51579
Phone: (712) 647-2191
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located west side of road, approx. 1/2 mile
south of 194th Street. Service road cuts through
field to the north running directly behind farm,
parallel to 210th St.
MARYLAND
Parsons Mink Ranch
7765 Jersey Road
Salisbury, MD 21801
Contact: Frank Parsons
Species: Mink.
Notes: Farm may be closed (confirmation needed).
MASSACHUSETTES
Hindsdale
Berkshire Furs
172 Peru Road / County Road 143
Hinsdale, MA 01235
Phone: (413) 655-2653
Contact: Earl & Jeanne Carmel
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located east of the city center. The Carmel
family also operates a retail store, Beck Furs, in
Albany, NY. Jeanne Carmel is President of the
American Mink Council (as of May 2007).
Northbridge
Riverdale Mills Corporation
130 Riverdale Street
Northbridge, MA 01534
Phone: (800) 762-6374 or (508) 234-8400
Fax: (508) 234-9593
Notes: Manufacturer of cages for mink farms.
David Tremel’s mink farm
Woodbine, IA
Circle K Fur Farm
Sioux City, IA
Fassett Fur Farm
Webster City, IA
Misty Moonlight Mink Ranch
Waverly, IA
Bath
Jack Brower Fur Farm
15011 Chandler Road
Bath, MI 48808
Notes: Farm may be closed (confirmation
needed).
Berrien Springs
Fox Haven
1806 E. Hinchman Road
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Contact: James E. & Judith Brown
Notes: Fox farm.
Lemon Creek Fox Ranch
2224 E. Lemon Creek Road
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Contact: William V. & Norma Kechkaylo
Notes: Fox farm. At same address, Wicklewood
Kennels.
Channing
Robert Roell & Sons
N11218 State Highway 95
Channing, Ml 49815
Contact: Robert Roell, Kenneth Roell, David
Roell
Notes: There are two large farms south of Chan-
ning on State Highway 95; east side of road.
Gladstone
Sturdy Mink
5218 18.9 Lane
Gladstone, Ml 49837
Phone: (906) 786-7835
Contact: Robert & Rita Sturdy
Notes: Large fur farm. Entrance located off of
19th Lane, about 1/2 mile west of County Road
426/Michigan 5/G38.
Harris Township
Jander’s Fur Farm
N17725 County Road 551
Harris Township, MI 49807
Contact: Gregory Jander
Notes: Located at northwest corner of 551 and
Dump Road Number 44.
Lansing
Steve Bursian
Michigan State University
Department of Animal Science
2209C Anthony
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 355-8415
Fax: (517) 353-1699
Notes: MSU’s Dept. of Animal Science received
$20,000 grants from Fur Commission USA in
2007 and in 2006. Dr. Bursian also received a
$20,000 grant in 2005 (“Research on Nutrition,
Toxicology, Behavior and Management of Mink”).
Dr. Bursian used to work with now-retired fur
industry researcher Richard Aulerich. MSU used
to operate an Experimental Fur Farm (located on
Jolly Road), which may still be open.
Leonidas
Dale Hiatt
31765 M-66 or 30985 Covey Road
Leonidas, MI 49066
Notes: Fox farm. Farm may be closed (confirma-
tion needed).
Marshall
Natural Fibers
17519 L Drive South
Marshall, MI 49068
Contact: Joe & Marie McFadden
Notes: Fox farm. Farm may be closed (confirma-
tion needed).
Menominee
JET Mink Ranch
N2119 Bay De Noc Drive
Menominee, MI 49858
Phone: (906) 863-3113
Notes: Large fur farm. Bay De Noc Drive is also
known as Old US 41. Farm is located at southwest
corner of Bay De Noc and 5.25 Lane, west of US 41.
Powers
Pipkorn, Inc.
W4503 US Highway 2
Powers, MI 49874
Phone: (906) 497-5725
Contact: Thomas D. Pipkorn, Steve Pipkorn
Notes: Located between Kluba Lane and Quarry
Road K.5; south side of highway. Two clusters
of sheds, 1/2 block apart. Second cluster at end of
driveway, SE of the house.
Sand Lake
Fisk Fox Farm
11576 Sprague
Sand Lake, MI 49343
Phone: (616) 984-5564
Contact: Douglas R. and Diane Fisk
Notes: Fox farm.
Shelbyville
Van Elderen Bros.
2345 6th Street
Shelbyville, MI 49344
Michael Van Elderen
Notes: New address. Previously published ad-
dress for Van Eldern Farm was “8th Street, just
north of 112th Avenue, Martin MI”. This address
may be incorrect, or for another farm.
Traverse City
Mink farm
2495 Phaneuf
Traverse City, MI 49686
Contact: Brian Fisher
Notes: Farm may be closed (confirmation
needed).
MICHIGAN
No fur farms in MI were investigated during the
Fur Farm Intelligence Project. Data is from Final-
Nail.com, with updates made to several entries based
on the latest information available.
2007 USDA mink farm statstics: Nine farms.
Total number of animals: 55,800
Average farm s size: 6,200
“It is estimated that there are presently about 20
fox farmers in the state.” (1998)
“Most of the fox farms are located in the Lower
Peninsula.” (1998)
Wayland
LeFebre’s Mink Farm
1260 146th Avenue
Wayland, Ml 49348
Contact: Randall J. LeFebre
Notes: Farm may be closed (confirmation
needed).
Scholten Fur Farm (Scholten Feeds)
260 - 139th Avenue
Wayland, Ml 49348
Phone: (269) 299-2144
Contact: John Scholten
Notes: Large fur farm.
Annandale
Davidson Fur Farm
10739 30th Street NW
Annandale, MN 55302
Phone: (320) 274-8837
Contact: Henry Davidson
Species: Fox
Big Falls
Big Falls Mink Ranch
Highway 6
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2467
Contact: Carl Larsen
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located approx. 5 miles south of down-
town Big Falls, on the Big Fork River.
Bovey
Louis Baumel
21596 County Road 447
Bovey, MN 55709
Species: Fox.
Notes: Located on south side of road.
Brownton
Petersen Fur Farm
10587 Tagus Avenue
Brownton, MN 55312
Phone: (320) 328-5369
Contact: Sheridan & Barbara Petersen
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located just south of 108th Street; west
side of road. Farmer reported having alarms in
sheds, 1999.
Buffalo Lake
Randall Knudsen
52655 780th Avenue
Buffalo Lake, MN 5532
Species: Mink.
Chandler
Gunnink Fur Farm
446 80th Avenue
Chandler, MN 56122
Phone: (507) 677-2223
Contact: Calvin & Alison J. Gunnink
Species: Fox.
Cyrus
Jergenson Mink Ranch
14747 380th Avenue
Cyrus, MN 56323
Phone: (320) 795-2487
Contact: Duane Jergenson
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located north of 150th Street/Township
Road 144. West side of road.
Detroit Lakes
Bob’s Mink Ranch
28603 State Highway 34
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone: (218) 847-8407
Contact: Robert R. Sonnenberg
Species: Mink.
Notes: Large farm. Located east of Detroit
Lakes city center, north of highway. At same
address: Minnesota Fur Breeders, and S & S Feed
Company.
Hillcrest Mink Ranch
28774 State Highway 34
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Contact: Kent Disse, George Disse, Glen Disse
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located across street from Bob’s Mink
Ranch.
Keith Sonnenberg
30786 State Highway 34
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone: (218) 847-5490
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located on north side of road.
fur farm
320 Avenue
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Notes: Located at end of road, entrance off of
State Highway 34.
Castle - Lehmann, Inc.
41835 County Road 126
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone: (218) 847-5065
Contact: Gary L. Lehmann
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located between White Pine Road and E.
Long Lake Road; south side of road.
Gill Gigstead
17296 County Road 29
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone: (218) 847-8059 or (218) 847-7068
Contact: Gill Gigstead
Species: Mink.
Notes: Farm may be closed (investigation
needed).
Hinckley
Gary Klein Fur Farm
17827 Carnie Road
Hinckley, MN 55037
Phone: (320) 384-6688
Contact: Gary E. & Ann Klein
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located north side of road.
Kroschel Mink & Stock Farm
2937 330 Avenue
Hinckley, MN 55037
Phone: (320) 384-6976
Species: Mink.
Contact: Hugo & Fran Kroschel
Howard Lake
Latzig Mink Ranch (Lakeside Ferrets)
809 County Road 7 SW
Howard Lake, MN 55349
Phone: (320) 963-3594
Notes: Located just north of 10th Street SW.
MINNESOTA
No fur farms in MN were investigated during the
Fur Farm Intelligence Project. Data is from Final-
Nail.com, with updates made to several entries based
on the latest information.
Mink farms (2007): 23
Total number of mink: 250,500
Average farm size: 10,891
Kasota
Vogt Fur Farm
205 (Donald)or 210 (John) Elm St.
Kasota, MN 56050
Donald & John Vogt
(507) 931-2829
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located in NW corner of town, between
railroad tracks and Minnesota River, at end of E.
Elm Street. Street numbers previously unpublished.
Le Center
Kavan Ranch
22802 Lexington Road
Le Center, MN 56057
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located north side of road, just east of
229th Avenue.
Litchfield
Warner’s Westside Fur Farm
59483 Csah 11
Litchfield, MN 55355
Phone: (320) 693-6547
Contact: Steve & Linda Warner
Species: Fox.
Little Falls
J&S Mink
13472 Airport Rd.
Little Falls, MN 56345
Stephen M. Litke
Status: Evidence points to active, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located north of the Little Falls-Morrison
County Airport; east side of road. Street number
previously unpublished.
Luverne
Ehde Brothers Fur Farm
County Road 8
Luverne, MN 56156
Phone: (507) 283-9747
Contact: Arthur Ehde
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located at southeast corner of County
Road 8 and Township 124, northeast of Luverne.
Minnesota City
Garvin Brook Fox Ranch
Rural Route 1
Minnesota City, MN 55959
Species: Fox.
Notes: Address unknown.
Morris
Pomme De Terre Fur Farm
County Road 70
Morris, MN 56267
Phone: (320) 795-2729
Contact: Robert L. Jergenson
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located on County Road 70, approx. 1
mile east of US Highway 59, on the Pomme de
Terre River.
Nisswa
Fox Farm
1476 Cty Rd 29
Nisswa MN 56468
(218) 568 5560
Status: Uninvestigated.
Species: May be a fox farm.
Notes: Address is listed on the business entity
filing for the North Central Fox Producer’s As-
sociation.
North Branch
North Branch Fur Farm
County Road 15
North Branch, MN 55056
Phone: (651) 674-4721
Contact: Gerald & Joyce Strenger; Gene &
Kadine Rabel
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located at NW corner of Lincoln Road
and County Road 15.
North Saint Paul
Heger Company
2536 E. Seventh Avenue
North St. Paul, MN 55109
Phone: (651) 777-2701
Contact: Dean Armstrong, Gregg ‘Whitie’
Johnson
Notes: Fur farm feed supplier.
Okabena
.
Schmidt Mink Ranch
37110 800th Street/County Road 12
Okabena, MN 56161
Phone: (507) 853-4572
Contact: Leonard Schmidt
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located just east of 370th Avenue.
Ottertail
Richard Dorow Mink Farm (Custom Fleshing
Inc.)
31727 State Highway 108
Ottertail, MN 56571
Phone: (218) 367-2870
Species: Mink.
Contact: Richard & Gloria Dorow
Notes: Located on south side of road.
Randolph
Doug Anderson Mink Farm
4515 292nd Street E.
Randolph, MN 55065
Phone: (507) 263-2219
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located north side of road, east of Divers
Path/railroad tracks.
Richmond
Lang’s Mink Farm
19013 225th Street
Richmond, MN 56368
Phone: (320) 597-3400
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Rochester
Zumbro River Fur Farm
4625 West River Road NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: (507) 529-8164
Contact: Scott A. Stevens, Marian C. Stevens,
Larry N. Stevens.
Species: Mink.
Notes: West River Road NW is also known as
County Road 133.
Sauk Centre
Royal Oak Mink Ranch
20452 County Road 2
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Phone: (320) 352-6866
Contact: Steve and Colleen Thang
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located on north side of road, at 205th
Avenue.
Vergas
Wenzel Soland
31247 County Highway 130
Vergas, MN 56587
Phone: (218) 342-2545
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located north side of road, just west of
315th Avenue.
Schultz Fur Farm
31829 County Road 130
Vergas, MN 56587
Phone: (218) 342-2501
Contact: Arland & Karrie Schultz
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located north side of road, east of 315th
Avenue. One of the oldest fur farms in the coun-
try, founded 1928.
Warroad
Heinen Mink Ranch
33091 620th Street
Warroad, MN 56763
Phone: (218) 386-1194
Contact: George Heinen, Jr.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located north of State Road 11.
MISSOURI
Mid-Missouri Fox Farm
12640 Derstler Road
Richmond, MO 64085
Species: Fox.
Notes: Located on west side of road, north of
railroad tracks.
Sky Halsey’s fox farm
Martinsdale, MT
Received anonymously.
“We entered Sky Haley’s Silver
Fox Ranch and are submitting the
following info:
*The farm is open
*There are approx. 6 rows of 15
pens, each housing one fox. This
puts the approximate number of
fox in outdoor pens at 100.
*There are three sheds to the west
and north of the fox pens. Due to
activity around the property, we
were unable to determine the con-
tents of the sheds. One or more of
them is likely to hold horses (many
horses were on the property).
*The fox pens are not in view of
the house.
*The property is extremely dif-
cult to access. From the front, all
points of access were visible from
the house (irrelevant for a night-
time visit). We hiked over two
miles from the rear. Approach-
ing proximity to the sheds, we
traversed dense marsh, and even
denser brush, before accessing the
pens from the east.
Photos are being submitted with
this report.
We would like to highlight to any
future visitors of Sky Halsey’s
Silver Fox Ranch: The most dif-
cult part is getting close to the
property. Once you have made it to
the pens, the rest of your visit – in
whatever form it may take – will be
a simple endeavor.
Anon”
Sky Halsey’s
Silver Fox Ranch
Martinsdale,
Montana
Fraser Fur Farm
Ronan, MT
Received anonymously.
“In September, 2009, word circu-
lated an investigation was sought
for a major fur industry expose. The
target: Fraser Fur Farm, largest
wildcat farm in the country.
North of Missoula, tucked o?
a small road east of downtown
Ronan, are the cages that may
imprison more lynx than exist in
the wild in the entire state. Despite
it’s signicance, it is possible no one
from the animal liberation move-
ment had seen the inside of Fraser
Fur Farm. The only recorded ac-
count of animal liberators getting
close came in a brief mention in
Strong Hearts, Rod Coronado’s
jailhouse zine. We set out for
Ronan, MT, to verify the farm
was open, conrm the species and
numbers of animals, photograph the
captives, map the farm’s layout, and
release the info to the public.
While most fur farms are easily ac-
cessed, Fraser’s was an exception. It
was immediately clear why help was
being sought – this was one of the
few farms not visible from the road,
unable to be investigated without
breaching property lines, and once
inside: incredibly di?cult to gain
access to animals without being in
view of a house.
A pre-investigation nighttime visit
found the farm sat at the end of a
dirt driveway o? Terrace Lake Rd.
The rst visit we stayed to the dis-
tant perimeter, familiarizing our-
selves with the layout. The outline
of cages and rattle of large animals
hinted at what lay in the shad-
ows, just out of sight. This level of
preparation was necessary because
to obtain the documentation we
sought, a nighttime visit was insuf-
cient. We would have to access the
farm mid-day.
The next morning we parked in
a residential neighborhood o?
Timberlane Road, at what we ap-
proximated was a point one mile
due south of the farm. Our night-
time survey had found two houses
on site, making unsafe any attempt
at approaching from the front.
Gunshots of hunter’s echoed in the
forest around us, and we entered the
woods. In short time we found the
faint outline of a trail, following it
along a fence for one mile until we
came into a clearing. Our shot-in-
the-dark calculation had bore fruit:
were precisely at the rear of the
Fraser Fur Farm.
At the only sliver of an angle not
visible to either house, we emerged
from the forest at the end of a long
shed. We were met with the stare of
a large, caged lynx. As majestic as
imagined, the lynx seemed to have
fallen through the cracks of time,
pacing endlessly in its cage, waiting
for the freedom just out of its reach.
We were now two of the only people
in the U.S. to ever lay eyes on a live
lynx.
We surveyed four sheds and one
long row of lynx pens. Available
information put the animals held at
Fraser as mink, bobcats, and lynx.
Four shed housing mink were found
to be empty, and it is possible the
farm no longer imprisons mink. We
were unable to conrm the presence
of bobcats, but many sheds were not
inspected. One long row of pens
held approximately 50 lynx; pos-
sibly more than exist in the wild.
We heavily documented the farm
on video and with still photos.
The documentation was submit-
ted anonymously to aboveground
contacts. We hope they will make
these images – which may be the
only existing photos of captive U.S.
lynx – available to the public.
A nal word on this farm: There
would be no easy replacement – if
any at all – for lost lynx breed-
ing stock. Only one other farm
in the U.S. (Gunnink Fur Farm)
is conrmed to house lynx. More
than any other animal raised for
fur, the loss of irreplaceable lynx
breeding stock would very likely be
the end of this farm, and perhaps
lynx farming in the U.S. Lastly,
the person to liberate the captives
of Fraser Fur Farm will have one
historic accomplishment to their
credit: possibly doubling the wild
lynx population in Montana.
Thousands of us. Only one Fraser
Fur Farm. Do the math.
Anonymous”
Inside Fraser Fur Farm
Largest lynx farm in the U.S.
MONTANA
Total number of mink imprisoned: 31,100
Average number of mink per farm: 3,888
Mink farms in 2007: 8
Number confirmed as open, or appearing active:
4 (mink), 1 (fox).
Newly discovered farms confirmed: 0
Newly discovered farms uninvestigated: 5
Farms found closed or not at their published
address: 1
Mink farms yet to be discovered: 4+
Montana has 14 bobcat/lynx farms licensed by the
Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks as “fur
farms” although these animals are raised for vari-
ous purposes including pets, attractions, urine,
trophies, and pelts. One (as yet undiscovered)
fur farm reported pelting 6 lynx and 130 bobcats
in 2008.
Conrad
Louis Mink
Conrad, MT
(406) 278-3918
Status: Uninvestigated
Source: Business directory.
Notes: New, unpublished info.
Darby
Behling Fox Farm
3523 McIntosh Lane
Darby, Montana 59829
(406) 821-4410
Status: Uninvestigated.
Source: Montana Secretary Of State
records
Notes: New, unpublished address.
Fairfield
Worbonnot
170 9th Ln NE
Fair?eld, MT
(406) 467-2985
Status: Uninvestigated
Source: Business directory.
Notes: New, unpublished info.
Flaxville
Marshall & Nancy York
RR 1 Box 16a
Flaxville, MT
(406) 783-5388
Status: Uninvestigated
Source: Business directory.
Notes: New, unpublished info.
Hamilton
Rocky Mountain Fur Company
1477 US Hwy 93 South
Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: (406) 363-6789
Dan J. Huggans
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink & fox.
Notes: West side of highway. Set far back from the
road. Sheds at a distance from the house.
Hobson
Henke Mink Ranch / Mountain View
167 Antelope Cr Rd.
Hobson, MT
(406) 423-5542
Richard & Darlene Henke
Status: Inconclusive.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Very remote location. Dirt road. Presence
of structures resembling mink sheds confirmed.
10 miles SW of Hobson. Previously published ad-
dress of 145 Trout Springs Drive. Several houses
& trailers on site.
Libby
Pipe Creek Mink Ranch
5131 Pipe Creek Rd
Libby MT 59923
Mary Ann Grenfell
Status: Uninvestigated.
Source: Internal fur industry documents.
Notes: New, unpublished info. Satellite
images show possible mink sheds at this
location. Internal fur industry documents
indicate this farm is active as of 2009.
Martinsdale
Sky Halsey’s Silver Fox Ranch
6913 US Highway 12 East
Martinsdale, MT 59053
Phone: (406) 572-3358
Status: Confirmed open, 2009
Species: Fox.
Notes: Over 100 black fox in free-standing cages.
North side of road. Set far back from the road.
Surrounded on two sides by dense foliage and
swampland.
Ronan
Fraser Fur Farm
1348 Terrace Lake Road
Ronan, MT 59864
Phone: (406) 676-3177
Corey & Kathy Richwine, S & I Fraser
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Bobcat, lynx, & fox. At least four sheds
formerly housing mink found empty, but farm may
still house this species.
Notes: Largest cat farm in the country. May house
more lynx than exist in the wild in the entire state.
Two houses on property. Farm not visible from the
road. Southern cluster of sheds found to be empty.
One long row of lynx cages and numerous sheds.
Superior
845 Southside Rd
Superior, MT
David Campbell
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Mink.
Notes: 17 sheds. Very close to I-90. First driveway
on left after bend, when Southside Road crosses
under I-90 going from north to south.
NEBRASKA
Colon
Fesler Fur Farm
Colon, NE
(402) 647-2755
Jack L. Fesler
Status: Uninvestigated.
Elkhorn
Schering Plough Animal Health
21401 West Center Rd.
Elkhorn, NE
Status: Uninvestigated.
Species: Mink.
Notes: Mink research. Schering Plough markets
pharmaceuticals for the fur industry. Last available
USDA report lists 216 mink held at this location
(1999).
Scribner
John W. Smeal
963 County Road F
Scribner, NE 68057
(402) 664-2202
Status: Confirmed open, 2009.
Species: Fox.
Notes: Fox housed in indoor sheds. Dirt road runs
from CR-F to the sheds.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Richard Gauthier
845 Center Road
Lyndeborough, NH 03082
Phone: (603) 654-2904
Contact: Richard and Patricia Gauthier
Species: Mink & fox.
NEW YORK
No fur farms in NY were investigated during the Fur
Farm Intelligence Project. Data is from FinalNail.
com, with updates made to several entries
Bloomfield
Reader Fur Farm
7795 State Route 5/20
Bloomfield, NY 14469
Phone: (585) 657-6249
Contact: Robert Reader
Species: Mink.
Notes: Address may be incorrect (confirmation
needed).
Gerry
Main Mink Ranch
Route 60
Gerry, NY 14740
Phone: (716) 985-4104
Contact: Austin Main
Species: Mink.
Notes: Located approx. 1 mile north of town
center.
Rocky Mountain Fur Company
Hamilton, MT
Henke Fur Farm
Hobson, MT
Schering-Plough Animal Health
Division R&D complex
Elkhorn, NE
Received anonymously.
“Approximately 10 years ago, a
small group of us became aware of
fur industry research occurring at
the animal pharmaceutical R&D
complex at 21401 West Center
Road, Elkhorn NE. This is my ac-
count of that visit, which I hope is
useful to your project.
The complex, which is the main
testing facility for Schering-
Plough’s animal pharmaceutical
division, is on a very busy road on
the edge of Elkhorn, a suburb of
Omaha. The property is made up
of numerous laboratory buildings
and sheds housing animals. It is
surrounded by elds of grass, which
aided our ability to stay out of sight
of security patrols and make notes
of the facility’s layout before decid-
ing what buildings to inspect more
closely.
We moved counter-clockwise
around the fence, looking for any
shed that may contain mink. We ob-
served the security vehicle patrols,
and when a window of opportunity
opened, we darted into the com-