[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 22128]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                              SUGAR BEETS

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to bring attention to a 
disaster facing many Eastern Montanans. As you are aware, Montana has 
faced wildfires and drought this summer. Another type of disaster has 
struck the upper Yellowstone Valley. This region grows and processes 
about one million tons of sugar beets a year. Sugar beets must be 
harvested before the ground freezes to ensure the quality of the 
product. On October 4, 2000, temperatures dropped very low and a heavy 
frost impacted the area. The growers who are under contract to Holly 
Sugar are now left without a viable crop that, under normal conditions, 
would bring $40 million to the area. This is the major cash crop for 
this part of Montana. Without this revenue, futures, jobs, and 
businesses will be in jeopardy. I bring this important matter to your 
attention today, so that you will be prepared to assist me in getting 
the necessary financial help to these producers whose very future may 
hinge on the help we can provide.

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