| An air of optimism filled the Platte Valley Wyo-Braska Sugar Beet
Growers Association annual banquet Wednesday night at the Rendezvous
Center. More than 150 growers and guests listened as Doug Ehrenkranz,
vice president of sales and marketing at Holly Sugar Corporation,
spoke about the future of the local beet industry.
Ehrenkranz pointed out that the lowest prices known in the sugar
industry were behind them.
"We can see a light at the end of the tunnel," he told
growers.
He also stressed that now, with another growing year in the
planning stages, it is time to get back to business.
Rick Griffith, Holly Sugar agricultural manager, echoed
Ehrenkranz's points as he outlined plans for the upcoming year.
According to Griffith, $2 million to $3 million has been ear
tagged for further improvements and developments at the Torrington
factory. Growers were encouraged by the forecast of higher prices
for their crops in the 2001 year.
"We're ready to contract with the full intent of filling our
contract expectations," Griffith said. "We're ready to run
a factory."
Holly's top 10 producers were also recognized, and those
attending received a personalized jacket or engraved plaque honoring
their achievements.
Top 10 growers recognized were Melcher Farms; Sinnard farms;
Chinook Farms, Inc.; Kieth Ockinga; and Double N Farms in the 100
Acres or More category and Tom and Beverly Preuit; B. Oliver and A.
Sterkel; J&S Brothers Farm Inc.; Schneider Farming Inc.; and K
James Fornstrom in the 99 acres or less. Gardner Farms Inc. of
Alliance was recognized as the largest single producer for the 2000
year with 10,707,000 pounds of sugar on 1,466 acres.
The evening was capped off by presenting door prizes to lucky
winners and each attendee receiving several packages of processed
beet sugar products.
Griffith said it was a good turnout that proved to him growers
still see promise in the future.
"It was a good evening," he said. "It's good to
see so many growers and their families here tonight continue to feel
some optimism in our industry." |