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Show NP"P r Kristine Anderson elected UAC first vice president Turkey growers may face unhappy future by Bruce Jennings That the Sanpete turkey farmers lot is not always a happy one is to paraphrase an ancient saying, but like other ancient sayings it contains a large element of truth. Some evidence is that David Bailey general manager of Moroni Feed Co., predicts that the co-omembers will lose around SI per bud on this years production. That adds up to something over $7 million dollars. "Some will lose less, some more, depending on the inroads of disease, grading, weather, management skills and other factors," says Bailey. Dick Olson, senior partner in Olson Bros., makes a similar prediction of a loss of around $1.25 on heavy toms and $.75 on hens. Olsen Bros, are Moroni Feeds largest producers at 300,-00Dick says theyll probably cut back by around five to seven percent in 1998. He says they are fortunate in having a diversified operation in cattle, hay and grain and can survive even the bad times in turkey production. But he adds that several growers with less resources will probably be hard pressed. Bailey said the turkey business in now highly competitive, with Utah, although one of the top 10 MANT1-- - 0. producers, small potatoes compared to California and North Carolina. Bailey said he thinks it will take a substantial cutback nationwide in production to return the industry to profitability. This year Moroni Feed is sending around 7,800,000 turkeys to the processing plant, around 100,000 more than last year. Thirty percent are big toms for the hotel and restaurant trade and the other 70 percent are destined for the housewifes table. Bailey explained that a growing number of turkeys are being processed as parts, legs, roasts, etc. for the supermarket showcases as a way of expanding the consumption of turkey. According to Bailey, Moroni Feed will soon make a decision on whether to make a reduction in turkey numbers and if so, how much. "But other operators may. be s forced out of business because of contingencies like an inability to obtain financing." Bailey said. And any substantial reduction in numbers, according to co-o- p officers, would be a blow to maintaining an efficient operation when efficiency is a vital need m competing nation-widIt seems evident that if the turkey industry is going to survive as a viable institution, production will have to be reduced, or the consumption of turkey will have to expand, or both. And those tasks will be hard to attain. It seems that Moroni Feeds twin tasks will be to maintain a high level of efficiency despite probable reduction in turkey numbers, and make sure that growers, who have taken heavy losses over two years, will still be able to find the money to carry on. One turkey raiser put his It seems certain that despite problem bluntly this way: "If I heavy losses of all Moroni Feeds find some banker to loan cant for a sustained have producers me big bucks, Im on the street." second year in a row, the compaMoroni Feeds position in the ny will continue in operation local, spectrum is, of course, 1998. what extent to But, through evident with 1,000 employquite is still uncertain. Lee Barton and Lewis Heinze ees, the largest payroll in the have already put some of next area, 800 in Sanpete and 200 in Sevier County, satellite facilities years first poults in brooder in several other counties and an coops and other big growers like industry that produces millions of Olson Bros, will soon be acceptdollars in revenue. ing poults. SALT LAKE CIT- Y- Kristine F. Anderson, Sanpete County Clerk, has been elected as first vice president of the Utah Associ-atio- n of Counties tUAC) and wilt serve as its president in 1999. er e. Candlelight service set for Dec. 24 MT. PLEASAN- T- The birth of Christ will be celebrated in scripture and music at the annual candlelight service to be presented at the First Presbyterian Church on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. The adult handbell choir will perform under the direction of Pat Ellsworth. Offerings by talented locals will also occur. The program will end with the candle lighting ceremony as everyone sings "Silent Night" accompanied by the organ and bell choir. The service is free and open to the public. Mt. Pleasants lighting winners MT. PLEASAN- T- Glen Hardy was chosen as "Good Citizen" during the citys Christmas celebration. Larsen House received the "Business Lighting Award". Sam and Bobbie Cox won the "Early Bird Award". More winners will be recognized next week. City Bucks first winners MT. PLEASAN- T- Winners of the first city bucks drawing are Some turkey growers in the area may see a this year, growers need to cut back on the reduction in turkey numbers next year since the ' number of birds produced to keep market prediction is that after losing about $1 a bird values up. Anderson and four other executive officers will lead a board who will determine policies and direct activities for the association. UAC is a voluntary, state-wid- e organization operated by Utahs 29 counties. The organization was formed 75 years ago to help counties provide effective county government to the people of Utah. Don Chambers, $100; Edith Blackburn and R.L. Vance, $50. Those winning $25 certificates are Don Christensen, L. Draper, Haylie Owens, Don Madsen, Jack Smith, Donald Watson, Ron Cox, Jack Bruno, H.R. Johnson. Shellie Ivie, Richard Gillins and Pat Spencer. Another drawing will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, in the City Recreation Center. POORiCOPY "Kristine has worked in the as in her present capacity as an elected official, so she has broad experience that will be invaluable to the states L. Brent association," assessors office, as well Gardner, UAC Executive Director. Anderson has worked in county and state government for some 20 years, 13 years of that as a deputy assessor, having received her credential as a certified appraiser. She has earned certification from the National Association of County Recorders and Clerks; was appointed Sanpete County Clerk m 1989, electin ed in 1990 and 1994. She served as Sanpete County records manager, is a member of the Sixth District Coordination Team for six court locations and is of the Administrative Office of the Utah Association of Clerks and Auditors, is active in community affairs and has worked with the Sanpete County Fair for 18 years. |