Well here we are and 2013 is almost over,where did the year go.
As you will all be aware we have had a very mixed bag this year,Demand for plucked fur has been quite flat ,with export demand being at its lowest for several years. I think that most full time hunters are now beginning to understanding how the market works, and are trading accordingly. Prices will continue to be flat for the first quarter of 2014,and I don't expect export demand to pick up until later in the year. This may not be what you all want to hear, but the reality is, and I have gone on about this in past blogs ,that possum is just a commodity and is subject to market conditions like any other.
I believe that this industry has a future, but in my view it will continue to be volatile for 2014, and hunters will need to be looking for a consistent price rather than always looking for the best. The old saying a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush will be very relevant for next season
Demand for raw skins was robust in 2013, with prices at an all time high. It is not clear yet if demand will be the same for 2014, but there will always be a market for good quality well prepared skins,and those hunters that take this on board and supply accordingly will do well, those that don't will be disappointed.
To summarize I think that 2014 is going to be subdued and just average. Demand out of china will be flat,and prices will be very similar to this year. The domestic market has been well supplied this year ,and stocks are high.and demand from this sector will be less. Hunters will need to watch the market very closely in 2014 and not have high expectations.
There is one bit of important news that will affect most hunters. This may be initiated in 2014 or 2015, but it is going to happen. The days of cheques are numbered. The banks are telling us that it is the governments intentions that they will be phased out within two years. the days of being able to take a cash cheque into the bank and receiving cash will be over. This will affect you all in different ways, but the bottom line is that getting cash for your fur will ultimately be a thing of the past . For us as fur buyers we can expect a lot more scrutiny from IRD, and as some of you will be aware they do not have a sense of humour when it comes to non compliance, so be warned
Thats it for this year, have a good holiday break,and lets all hope that things look up for 2104
From the team at Basically bush have a merry Christmas and a great new year
Steve and Sue Boot
As you will all be aware we have had a very mixed bag this year,Demand for plucked fur has been quite flat ,with export demand being at its lowest for several years. I think that most full time hunters are now beginning to understanding how the market works, and are trading accordingly. Prices will continue to be flat for the first quarter of 2014,and I don't expect export demand to pick up until later in the year. This may not be what you all want to hear, but the reality is, and I have gone on about this in past blogs ,that possum is just a commodity and is subject to market conditions like any other.
I believe that this industry has a future, but in my view it will continue to be volatile for 2014, and hunters will need to be looking for a consistent price rather than always looking for the best. The old saying a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush will be very relevant for next season
Demand for raw skins was robust in 2013, with prices at an all time high. It is not clear yet if demand will be the same for 2014, but there will always be a market for good quality well prepared skins,and those hunters that take this on board and supply accordingly will do well, those that don't will be disappointed.
To summarize I think that 2014 is going to be subdued and just average. Demand out of china will be flat,and prices will be very similar to this year. The domestic market has been well supplied this year ,and stocks are high.and demand from this sector will be less. Hunters will need to watch the market very closely in 2014 and not have high expectations.
There is one bit of important news that will affect most hunters. This may be initiated in 2014 or 2015, but it is going to happen. The days of cheques are numbered. The banks are telling us that it is the governments intentions that they will be phased out within two years. the days of being able to take a cash cheque into the bank and receiving cash will be over. This will affect you all in different ways, but the bottom line is that getting cash for your fur will ultimately be a thing of the past . For us as fur buyers we can expect a lot more scrutiny from IRD, and as some of you will be aware they do not have a sense of humour when it comes to non compliance, so be warned
Thats it for this year, have a good holiday break,and lets all hope that things look up for 2104
From the team at Basically bush have a merry Christmas and a great new year
Steve and Sue Boot