| SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. Rocky Mountain Sugar Growers
Cooperative legal consultant Randon Wilson said the organization will have
a commitment of at least 150,000 acres to supply six Western Sugar
factories.
Wilson said his figures are based on reports made by growers and from
what he has heard from grower associations in the four states involved.
Tate & Lyle North America Sugars is selling its Western Sugar
factories to the grower cooperative with members in Nebraska, Colorado,
Wyoming and Montana. The parent company told Wilson he could operate the
factories with a grower commitment of 150,000 acres of sugar beets.
But Wilson said he is looking for at least 170,000 acres to improve
operational cash flow. He said he has a contingency plan that may involve
more transportation to get those extra acres.
Growers have until the end of this month to pay $35 per acre as a down
payment for the cooperatives purchase. A remaining payment of $150 per
acre must be made by the end of February. |