Mink are one of those animals susceptible to COVID. This is why Wisconsin, the nation's No. 1 mink producer, included mink farmers in one of the first waves of people eligible to get vaccinated. Luckily, biosecurity measures already in place prevented Zimbal Mink of Sheboygan Falls from having an outbreak. They face another challenge: decreased demand for furs. Valerie Zimbal says this is because people stopped going to events during the pandemic, although she argues you don't need to go to a fancy event to sport a mink coat. She can be seen in hers at the grocery store, the gym or a Packers game. The mink industry is working to spread the message of sustainable farming to attract consumer attention -- mink coats last generations and the furs are biodegradable if thrown away. Mink are also natural recyclers, eating byproducts of human food production, excreting valuable fertilizer and upon harvest, can be used for premium dog foods, compost, industrial oils and other products -- the carcass is never wasted.