The Lamar register., 1920-03-31
A. b. S. co. ISSUES STATEMENT
Beet Situation Rapidly Clearing Up
and Acreage Will be Larger
Than Usual.

ing up and the farmers who desire to
grow beets are coming in for contracts
in large numbers. Many of the farm
ers especially on lands owned by the
company are already planting. The
A. Il. S. Co. has issued letter TO the
farmers explaining the two contracts
and especially the reasons for Clause
or the one with regard to irrigation
after September first which has caused
so much discussion. This part of the
letter is as follows:
"In explanation of Clause No. 5 of
the contract, we wish to say that for
the past several seasons the beets
grown in the Arkansas Valley averag-
ed approximately two per cent less in
sugar content than beets grown else
where in the state, and in the season
of 1919 the bcets worked in our fac
tories only IL per cent sugar content.
This shows a gradual deterioration in
quality that, unless arrested, will ulti-
mately put an end to the manufacture
of sugar in the Valley. When we re-
call that in the early history of beet
growing in the Valley, the beets pro-
duced exceeded in quality those grown
in most other sections of the state,
we are brought to realization of the
fact that some corrections must be
made in the methods employed in the
production of the crop.
1--WE are persuaded to believe that
the low sugar content of the beets re-
ferred to, was, in measure, caused
by late irrigations, and it is for the
purpose of trying to improve the quail
ity of the beet that the September
first irrigation clause is put in the
contract.
"Of course, it goes without saying
that if the Company finds tina. iI1i-
CATION of the crop at or after that
time is necessary or advisable, it will
not hesitate to consent thereto, be-
cause it is equally interested with the
grower in securing beets that will
serve the purpose for which they are
grown. We do not believe compli-
ance with this clause will affect tic
tonnage at all. because the truth is
that during the years of good quality
beets the average tonnage was as
large as it has been during the period
of poor quality beets.
MANY growers have expressed 4
preference for price participating
contract over flat rate contract. In
this we believe they are right. We
feel that a participating contract bas-
ed upon the sugar price and sugar
content of the beet is not only fair
to the grower and the manufacturer.
but is decidedly in the interest of the
grower.
1--WE are, therefore, offering such
contract in conjunction with flat con
tract, so that the growers may exer-
else their choice. 1t will be noted that
the participating contract contains no
restrictions as to irrigation or time
of planting, because the price of sugar
and quality of beets determine the
price per ton to be paid for the pro-
duct.
'In offering these contracts to the
beet growers, the Company feels they
are the most favorable in terms that
it is justified in entering into. Exist
ing conditions will not permit it to do
more.
"Owing to the limited time within
which to provide labor for the beet
fields, it is necessary the Company
should be advised at the earliest pos
sible moment of the acreage that will
be Contracted for, and therefore, urges
the growers TO make their decision
without further delay. The growers
should also bear in mind that early
planting will secure the highest ton
mage and the better beet, which will
be to the mutual interest of both the
grower and manufacturer.
"The price for siloing beets season
1920, will be s1.75 per ton instead of
81 90 per ton as in the contracts Of
fered.
American Beet Sugar Company"
It will b. seen BY tAs above that