Superior Sugar Beet Growers Association records

Collection

Identifier: WASH-007

Scope and Contents

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The records of the Superior Sugar Beet Growers Association span the years of 1933-1943. The records contain the work of the association as they grew and sold their beet seed. The association was closely connected to the Utah and Idaho Sugar Company as they acquired most of their seeds. The growers were monitored by the company and many of them also contracted with the sugar company to haul away the waste from their seed plants.

The collection is arranged in three series: Financial Records, Business Records, and Correspondence. The Financial Records (1933-1943) contain the association's account books, bank statements, financial statements, and promissory notes of their association with the Utah and Idaho Sugar Company. The Business Records (1934-1942) hold the association's member lists, by-laws, certification of incorporation, and a few of their meeting minutes. The Correspondence series (1933-1943) is arranged chronologically and much of it is between the Utah and Idaho Sugar Company and the association.

Dates

Creation: 1933 - 1943

Creator

Superior Sugar Beet Growers Association (Originator, Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open and freely available to researchers during Special Collections hours or by appointment. Researchers must complete an Application for Use and show a photo ID prior to accessing materials.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical/Historical note

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In 1932, farmers of southern Utah began experimenting with beet seed. It became the difference between living and existing during the 1930s and 1940s and gave the farmers of southern Utah a cash crop. The Utah and Idaho Sugar Company built a beet seed plant in St. George, Utah soon after because the beet seeds for planting came largely from Washington County. The seed was processed then sent throughout the Intermountain West for growing sugar beets. Sugar beets were planted in Washington Fields, St. George, Hurricane, La Verkin, Leeds, and Bloomington in the fall. Due to the mild winter climate in the area, the crop could stay in the ground over winter. In the spring, the plants would be harvested and hauled by wagons to the factory where they would undergo a process to remove the seed and sort it into different sizes and varieties. The seed was cleaned, treated for disease, and stored in bins.

The association of farmers that grew beet seed was originally called the Pioneer Sugar Beet Growers Association, but in 1935 they incorporated themselves as the Superior Sugar Beet Growers Association. This was because their seed was known for its significantly higher production when planted. They worked closely with the Utah and Idaho Sugar Company, the main purchaser of their seed.