Oct 15, 2003 12:00 PM,
by Joe Vansickle, Senior Editor (952) 851-4670; jvansickle@primediabusiness.com
Meadowbrook Farms Cooperative is moving ahead with plans to open a $25 million packing plant for its 200 producer members at Rantoul, IL, in early November, says company spokesman Jim Altemus.
On Oct. 28, the cooperative will hold its annual membership meeting. At that time, producer members will have the chance to see state-of-the art equipment perform a test run of cutting and packaging pork products.
On Oct. 29, a media session is planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by an open house for the public, says Altemus.
The cooperative will employ 215-220 workers in its 3,000-head, single-shift, pork packing and processing facility.
There was a lot to be positive about in the pork industry the last week of October. I realize it is difficult to be optimistic when you are still losing $25 to $30/head. I also realize that positive news at this point could be as dangerous as it is welcome. But facts are facts, and we must recognize them.
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As I begin this week's column, I"m reminded of two different "flip side" statements that may help characterize the topic at hand. The first is the old Archie Campbell schtick - "That's good - no that’s bad," which I have used before. The second reflects President Truman's frustration with economists' incessant use of the qualifier - "on the other hand" - to introduce the contrary opinion on a given topic. President Truman once demanded in his usual colorful language: "Will someone please find me a *!&%$*?>
