| TORRINGTON, Wyo. Sugarbeets will be processed at the
Holly Sugar Company factory in Torrington this fall. Company
officials announced Wednesday morning the company has
contracted the necessary acres to operate for the 2001 season.
"We have well over 20,000 acres and are continuing to
contract with those who are interested," said Kelvin
Thompsen, Hollys director of agriculture. "Were
contracting in all areas, and anyone interested in
contracting, either in Wyoming or Nebraska, is welcome to call
us."
According to Rick Griffith, Hollys agriculture manager
at Torrington, "We have the best contract in the
business, and we have plenty of acres available at all of the
receiving stations."
The good news followed on the heels of the announcement
that the Goshen County community had anteed up $100,000 to
help growers obtain acres on which to grow sugarbeets for the
2001 crop.
There had been some concern about the impact the Chapter 11
filing by Imperial Sugar would have on its Holly factories in
Torrington and Worland, Wyo., and Sidney Mont.
"On behalf of the employees and everyone here at
Holly, we want to express our sincere thanks to the sugarbeet
growers, the county, the town of Torrington and all of the
banks and businesses who rallied to our support,"
Thompsen said. "It has been great to see what can happen
when people work together and keep a valuable industry that
has been important to the Valley for 75 years."
"Weve had great support from growers and businesses
in Wyoming and Nebraska," Griffith added.
Holly growers will receive their interim payment on the
2000 crop April 6. According to Thompsen, it will average
about $3 per ton, bringing the total to more than $29 per ton.
He estimates the final payment, to be paid Oct. 31, will be
approximately $3 to $4 per ton, and bring the total to $32 to
$33 per ton.
Holly Seed Day will also be Friday, April 6. Growers may
pick up their sugarbeet seed at the seed warehouse in
Torrington between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wheatland area growers
will pick up their seed at a local delivery point.
"The moisture is good from the rain this week, so were
looking forward to working with our growers to produce a good
crop this year," Griffith said. |