Grading & Harvesting (November - December)
Most mink are graded in November or early December, depending on colour-type and sex.Grading involves careful physical evaluation of the mink's fur coat.Characteristics considered include texture, underfur density, nap length (length of guard hair) and colour.Market demand at the time will dictate which characteristicsshould receive the greatest focus .
Grades are used to determine which mink will be pelted and which will be kept as breeding stock for the next season.Fur grades are often used in conjunction with size/weight, litter size, reproductive history of parents, temperament and disease history.
The mink selected for breeding stock will be placed in separate pens.
The mink selected for pelting will be euthanized by exposure to carbon monoxide.This method is humane, works quickly and creates minimal stress.
Pelting may occur on site or the mink may be shipped to a pelting operation offsite for processing.
With few exceptions, the processed pelts are shipped to auction houses for sale.