Mandata poultry (Continued front Page Al) “I’ve been in the poultry business for 20 years and count on this income. “But think of the younger guys with newer houses, They’re really up against it. “It was around Christinas a year ago that their late payments went to 16 weeks. With two flocks in arrears, they owe me about $lO,OOO. “Depending on the size of their flocks, some growers may be owed three times that amount. “When the financial situation became worse, we organized and 25 or so of us hired a lawyer. “We hear all kinds of rumors that Mandata intends to liquidate, but keep its cut-up line and process only whole dressed bitrds that are brought in. “We hear that the hatchery will be picking up the remaining birds that are grown out. P “But the growers with small birds may only have about a week’s worth of feed on hand and then what.” In a letter to State Sec. of Agriculture Penrose HalloweU, the State Grange urged the Depart ment “to aggressively seek new and expanded markets for the poultryxnen.” The Grange also asked that the department call a meeting of the growers, farm organizations, the USDA and the State Department of Commerce to develop long-range strategies to benefit the Penn sylvania poultry farmer, and to increase die Department’s efforts to advise the grower on ways to protect his financial interests. Poultry growers in Adams, Mifflin, Snyder, Juniata, York and Lancaster counties have been under loosely-written grower- operator contracts for several years with Mandata, according to re Grange. Under the contracts, Mandata owns the birds and supplies the feed and growers provide housing and labor. The contracts stipulate SEED CORN - SEED OATS - SOYBEANS COVER CROP SEEDS • C.E. SAUDER & SON MILL, East Earl, Pa. 215-445-4822 • VINCE GREGGO, Pen Argyl, Pa. 215-588-6513 • GEORGE CLENDANIEL. Marydel, Md. 301-482-8120 • TOM DANCER, Freehodl. NJ 201-462-3534 • ANOGROW FERTILIZER COMPANY, Biglerville, Pa. 717-677-7462 • MIDEAST GRAIN & FEED, Pittstown, NJ 201-996-2687 • ROSCOE HARBAUGH, Thurmont, Md. 301-271-2258 ( ) PLEASE SEND CATALOG AND PRICE LIST ( ) IF INTERESTED IN DEALERSHIP. CHECK HERE ( )IF INTERESTED IN GRANGE SALES AGENT CHECK HERE AND MAIL WITH NAME - _ ADDRESS no payment period and either party may cancel at any time. Earl Parsons, president of the Growers Association, said the company has promised to notify all . growers within a week or two by letter as to the arrangements for back payments, according to the Grange. The State Grange has been at tempting to help the growers since January when they requested help in getting back pay from Mandata. Growers have also asked for state legislation to provide protection in cases of default orbankruptcy. In February, the Grange set up a meeting between Mandata growers, the State Department of Agriculture and government of ficials in Harrisburg. Last week, the Grange formed a poultry ad visory committee to draft state legislation requiring all poultry processors and brokers to be bonded. The State Grange plans to have the legislation introduced shortly. On the national scene, the Grange seeks, to amend the Federal Packers and Stockyards Act, which insures payment to livestock producers if a packer goes bankrupt, to provide identical financial security for the poultry industry. State Grange Master Charles Wismer said: ‘This problem is not unique to Pennsylvania. Currently, there are similar cases pending in Arkansas and North Carolina involving $lO million. The situation here in Pennsylvania makes it even more critical to develop legislation to protect our state’s poultry ur dustry.” Many growers are deeply in debt for loans on broiler houses, which can cost an average of $125,000 each, Wismer said. In addition, they have expenses for utilities to heat the houses. SEED CORN Rodeo at the Buck next Saturday Professional championship rodeo will be held at Buck Tractor Pull Stadium at 2 and 7 p.m. next Saturday. The stadium is located about 10 miles south of Lancaster on Rt. 272. Championship events include bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, Brahma bull riding, calf roping, cowgirl's barrel race and team steer roping. Up to 200 participants are expected. A total of $5,000 in prize money and entry fees will be offered, as well as points toward the year-end world championships. Additional featured attractions include two of the youngest trick and fancy stunt riders in the world, a trick and fancy rope artist the bucking bull of the year and the rodeo clowns. We protect the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Your house is probably "the single biggest financial investment you'll make in your lifetime. And the fact is that untreated or improperly treated termites can extensively damage your house. So, it makes sense to choose Ehrlich for termite control. Why? Because we combine over half a century of experience with up-to-date know-how and old-fashioned conscien tiousness. Our reputation for dependability is virtually unmatched. Ask people about Ehrlich, look us over thoroughly. We think you’ll decide your house is far too important to trust anyone but Ehrlich to rid it of termites. Or if you're about to purchase a home, it is espedally worthwhile for you to have a termite inspection. Call us. 717-397-3721 1278 Loop Rd., Lancaster, PA Termite control is too important to trust to anyone else I** Lancaster Farming, Saturday. April 23,1983-Al9 “MASTERCARD AND HBH VISA ACCEPTED" LggL . Since 1928 v>—«**■%.
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