News : Beet association directors to meet : Sidney Herald, Sidney, Montana

Beet association directors to meet

By Bill Vander Weele
Sidney Herald
Published on Thursday, September 4, 2008 9:51 AM MDT

After sugar beet growers rejected a contract proposal Wednesday night, directors of the MonDak Beet Growers Association are planning to continue discussions for what they hope is an acceptable contract.

Terry Cayko, president of the association, says the vote failed by about 15 votes.

“But then (if it passes) we would still have to go out and get acres,” Cayko said. “Just because the contract passes doesn't mean people will be growing beets.”

He said a directors meeting is planned for Friday.

“We will try to see what the growers will actually grow beets for,” Cayko said. “Then we will present it to American Crystal and see what their feelings are.”

He thinks a price increase, however, won’t be agreeable with American Crystal unless more acres are utilized for growing beets. Currently, American Crystal is asking for a minimum of 25,000 acres in the valley. This year’s total was only 15,000.

“I’m usually pretty optimistic. I’m not right now,” Cayko said on Thursday morning. “At best, it’s a 50-50 chance.”

He explains growers need to know soon whether a contract is in placed so they can prepare their fields.

“Yes, some of the ground preparation can be the same for grain and sugar beets. Fertilizer is different. The biggest thing is the work should be done in the fall,” Cayko said. “If you wait until spring, you will have an average crop at best.”

Cayko said growers could vote on a new contract proposal as early as next week.

In 2007, Sidney Sugars paid more than $300,000 in property taxes including more than $117,000 in area school levies.

Area leaders met with representatives of the growers association and Sidney Sugars Monday to see if they could help in any form.

Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser and Leslie Messer, Richland Economic Development executive director, repeatedly asked if there was anything they could do. "We feel helpless," Smelser said.

The mayor offered to write a letter to American Crystal stating how important the factory is to the area. Steve Sing, general manager of Sidney Sugars, said a letter wasn’t necessary because American Crystal understands the situation.

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of the Sidney Herald.

rjs wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:50 PM:

" I agree with what r said. Many of the people that work at Sidney Sugars have 30+ years in servive to the factory. They have 401's, insurance, and a good retirement plan. It is hard for someone 50+ years old to start over. Not all of them will be able to go to the oilfield to work and we really don't know how long that work option will be in Sidney. It is hard to find a job that pays as well as someone that has worked somewhere for 30+ years.Many young people that moved away are moving back to Sidney because it is a great place to raise a family. I would hate to see what Sidney would be like if the factory closed. I know that both side want to make a profit and I hope that both sides come to realize that they need each other. I hope that both sides can bargain in good faith. "

r wrote on Sep 4, 2008 4:50 PM:

" I truely hope the two sides can agree on a contract beneficial to both parties. I don't think people realize the money pumped into this community from this industry. Grower payments from SSI, employee wages from SSI, growers paying for hired help, seed, fertilizer, machinary, taxes and entertainment and more. SSI paying taxes, paying for goods and services and participation in community functions and sponsorships.
Sure, the growers will still buy seed and machinary, but with no SSI, the dollars from them will not be there.
Not every employee at SSI is going to be able to work in the oil field. Lets hope the two side get serious and come to an agreement. "

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