Feb. 1, 2023 it will be determined if Sidney Sugars can contract enough acreage to keep the factory open, which would not only affect sugar beet growers and their employees, but the year-round and seasonal employees at Sidney Sugars.
On Dec. 21, 2022 a letter went out to sugar beet growers from Chief Operating Officer, Steve Rosenau, explaining that Sidney Sugars is requiring approximately 25,000 acres to be contracted for 2023 in order for the factory to continue operations. It is also estimated that 30,000 acres will be required following 2023. Last year, only 18,400 acres were contracted, which was not enough acreage for the factory to be financially sustainable.
“Acreage contracts with our growers take place each year at this time. The contracted acreage of their sugarbeet crops informs our needs for facility operations planning. The letter dated Dec. 21, 2022, sent to growers of our Sidney, MT district reviews our expectations for the overall contracted acreage targets that keep facility operations sustained and financially viable. American Crystal Sugar leadership reviews annual contracts and makes annual determinations based on that information. Our leadership’s next communication will be sent to growers in February 2023,” stated Rosenau.
The letter explains that if Sidney Sugars is able to contract enough acreage, they will prepare to process the 2023 crop; if not, it would “lead to decisions about the future of the factory”.
Contracting will conclude on Feb. 1, 2023, at which time the exact number of acres needed will be determined, taking into consideration the sugar market, agri products and energy prices. Additionally, waiting until Feb. 1 will allow time for post campaign equipment inspections to ascertain needed maintenance.
Once contracting has concluded, more information will be available regarding the future for growers and Sidney Sugars.
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