Thread: Possum Fur Buyers and Prices

Yep got an email today from basically bush.

Hi All
Its been a while since I last did an update ,thought it was about time
The market has been very steady this season so far .Domestic demand for fibre has been strong, on the back of an anticipated increasse in tourist numbers,but also the tourist season becoming more extended with a significant number comming during the winter months. We have seen this to some extent through our factory shop.
Prices for fur and skins have been strong this season and all of you that supply fur to Basically Bush will be pleased to know that as of today the fur price has risen to $125/kg for all types . We anticipate that this price will hold for this month and maybe beyond which can only be good news for the hunter. As for the comming months we expect that prices will remain strong but expect to see a drop in late November early December when we expect demand to ease.
I see that there has been a lot of activity in the 1080 space recently. we are constantly beintg told that the only way to get on top of pests is to spread toxins over vast areas of the country,and that the end justifies the means. At a conferance recently one of the presenters from the science community reiterated what I already knew ,that is that there is nothing in the pest control tool box at present that has any chance whatsoever of acheiving the 2050 predator free goal (this includes all the toxins that are used) All hopes of acheivng the 2050 goal hinge on the breakthrough science (whatever that means) that will happen around 2025 (this was confirmed in OIA documents reacently aquired). It was also stated that all efforts at present are simply to hold the line untill new tools become available. So it is somewhat ironic that in the possum space there is an industry that could equally hold the line in most cases as effectively as what we are being told at preasent is the only option. I recently did some stats and assesment of how may possums are utilized in the fur industry at present , and it is about one point five million per annum . If this industry was supported and encouraged at a policy level (read central govt) then this industry could equally hold the line so to speak over large areas of NZ . this industry could potentially use at million more than what is being taken at present .All that is required is a bit of lateral thinking, unfortunately this ability is sadly lacking in a lot of our elected officials when it comes to new policy.
Just my thoughts
Best regards to all our loyal suppliers and supporters