Pronunciation: [fˈɜː fˈɑːm] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "fur farm" is [fɜr fɑrm]. The first word, "fur," is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɜr/ and is spelled with the letters "f," "u," and "r." The second word, "farm," is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɑ/ and is spelled with the letters "f," "a," "r," and "m." A fur farm is a facility where animals such as mink or foxes are raised in order to harvest their fur for commercial use.
A fur farm is an agricultural facility specifically designed for the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of animals, primarily for the purpose of obtaining their pelts or fur. Also known as a fur ranch or fur breeding facility, a fur farm typically comprises of fenced enclosures or cages where the animals, such as minks, foxes, or rabbits, are kept in captivity. These animals are selectively bred to enhance certain desirable characteristics in their fur, such as color, density, or length, in order to meet the market demands for luxurious fur garments or accessories.
The main activity in a fur farm revolves around the systematic breeding and raising of these captive animals. Specialized care, including nutrition, veterinary attention, and protection from harsh weather conditions, is provided to ensure the animals remain healthy and exhibit optimal fur quality.
Once matured, usually after a few months or years depending on the species, the animals are humanely killed through approved methods, such as gas euthanasia or electrocution, to retrieve their pelts. The pelts are then carefully processed to remove any remaining flesh and fat, tanned, and prepared for sale in the fur industry.
Fur farming has been a subject of controversy due to ethical concerns raised by animal rights activists, primarily relating to the confinement and treatment of animals in these facilities. The practice has been banned or strictly regulated in several countries worldwide, while others have implemented welfare standards and codes of conduct for fur farm operations.
The word "fur farm" is a compound noun composed of two individual words: "fur" and "farm". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Fur: The word "fur" originated from late Old English "fūr" or "fȳr", which originally referred to the animal skin still covered in hair. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fūra", meaning "fur" or "sheathe". This word is also related to Old Norse "fūrr" and Middle Dutch "vūre". Over time, "fur" came to specifically refer to the soft, thick hair covering the skin of certain mammals.
2. Farm: The word "farm" stems from Middle English "ferme" or "farme", which were derived from Old English "feorm", meaning "rent", "payment", or "taxation".
