Wisconsin is well-known for being the top producer of a variety of agricultural commodities, including cheese, cranberries, ginseng, whey protein, snap beans and corn silage. But did you know Wisconsin also ranks first in the nation for the production of mink pelts? This unique commodity has played a key role in the state’s agriculture for generations while contributing to the strength of Wisconsin’s economy on an international scale.
How long has Wisconsin led the nation in mink production?
Wisconsin has long been a national leader in mink production, dating back to the early 1900s. At this time in history, farmers began raising mink for fur to diversify income streams on their farms. Wisconsin’s cooler climate, access to feed byproducts from agriculture and food processing and strong farming infrastructure made it a natural fit for mink farming.
By the mid-20th century, Wisconsin had become one of the top mink-producing states in the country. Mink farms, many of them family-owned and operated, were often located alongside dairy, crop or poultry farms, allowing producers to integrate mink into existing agricultural farmsteads.
Mink production is a core part of Wisconsin’s $116.3 billion agriculture industry. Mink farming focuses on breeding and raising mink primarily for their fur, which is used in clothing and accessories around the world.
How do farmers care for mink in Wisconsin?
Like other livestock sectors, mink producers rely on animal care, nutrition, biosecurity and sustainable practices to maintain healthy animals and productive farms. Mink are also natural recyclers, allowing them to make use of food and agriculture byproducts that might otherwise be discarded. These byproducts include materials from meat, fish, poultry, and cheese processing, which are mixed fresh daily and contribute to a well-balanced diet for high-quality mink products.
Mink farming in Wisconsin is regulated at both the state and federal levels. Farms must follow guidelines related to animal health, environmental protection, and disease prevention. Biosecurity and animal health monitoring are top priorities in the mink industry, as producers work closely with veterinarians, researchers, and regulatory agencies to address animal welfare, disease management, and sustainable farming.
What is the economic impact of mink in Wisconsin?
The mink industry contributes to Wisconsin’s diverse economy through jobs, feed production, veterinary services, equipment suppliers and export activity. Mink production supports rural job opportunities and local businesses in parts of Wisconsin, and contributes to our state’s economy.
On the global scale, mink benefits the $3.97 billion in economic activity attributed to Wisconsin’s agricultural exports. While mink products are traded all over the world, most mink pelts are exported to markets in Asia and Europe, including those in China, Russia, South Korea and Japan.
What is Alice in Dairyland’s connection to mink in Wisconsin?
At the state level, Alice in Dairyland is proud to partner with the Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association to help grow awareness of the mink industry across Wisconsin and beyond.
Since 1969, this partnership has worked to promote quality mink garments, family-owned farms and the positive impact of mink on Wisconsin agriculture. As part of this partnership, Alice has showcased Wisconsin’s mink industry with customized attire for over 55 years, made possible by mink pelts provided by the Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders and Zimbal Mink.
This garment, usually in the form of a coat or vest, is a recognizable way to honor mink production in Wisconsin and share the stories of hardworking mink farmers and their families across the state.
The next time you think of Wisconsin agriculture, remember the many different communities and products that form the “fabric” of this diverse and abundant industry, including fibers like mink! You never know when you might learn a few fun facts about a new or unique commodity raised right here in our state.
To follow along with the Alice in Dairyland program, be sure to visit our Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn social media profiles, or www.aliceindairyland.com!