04.02.2016
Automatized sizing, color detection, and nap length measurement, coupled with experienced graders doing the final quality control, gives Saga Furs its reputation for having the most reliable grading in the industry. After the thorough grading process, auction show lots can be selected randomly.
Since modern farmers are aware that training and developing their knowledge of pelts and grading are becoming crucial for future expansion and growth because of their impact on farming techniques, Saga Furs organized a grading course covering two essential skin grading topics: guard hair quality and classification based on guard hair length. The course leaders, Martti Inkovaara and Miika Räsänen, are grading experts with nearly twenty years’ experience in the field.
In addition to mink grading, trainees also got to view the grading process for the certified fox and Finnraccoon. Through visiting the auction room with Julio Suarez Christiansen, Business Director of Europe, the farmers had the opportunity to experience the selling process from an auctioneer’s point of view.
“We had a chance to see how everything is organized here at the auction house. Seeing so many pelts under one roof made a huge impression on me”, says Marcin Gorzelańczyk, a farmer from Wielkopolska.
“Saga Furs’ grading machines, and particularly the one measuring guard hair length, are truly worthy of the 21st century”, adds Agnieszka Flis, a mink farmer from the Lubelskie Province.
Before finishing the training, the participants took part in a contest in which they had to arrange skins by their quality category: Saga Royal, Saga and Saga I. The winner was Marcin Sosiński, who placed all the pelts in correct order. Miika Räsänen, who monitored the contest, praised all the contestants for quick learning and excellent performance. Commitment shown by the trainees testified to their thorough preparation and full awareness of breeding decisions taken on farms. Martti Inkovaara was very pleased that the Polish farmers asked him many questions. This, he said, was a clear sign that they wanted to improve the quality of animals in their farms in line with international trends.
“To be a successful farmer you need to train and then train more” says Marcin Sosiński from Beautyfur fur farm in the Zachodniopomorskie Province. “Broad knowledge is necessary and I am happy that I got this opportunity.” “In our industry we need to keep on developing. Buyers’ expectations and farming capacity change constantly and if you stop learning, you will be left behind,” concludes Tomasz Gajzler, a mink farmer from the Zachodniopomorskie Province.