Cranwars

statementofundistutedmaterialfactsmay2013

This may be a statement of undisputed facts, but I’m thinking it will be disputed. Still, fascinating.

The best article I’ve read on the current situation

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Cranberry-farmers-struggle-as-surplus-drops-prices-4491725.php

Cranberry happenings

So, the weather has finally improved in Wisconsin, and it looks like we will grow some cranberries this year!  It was a long, cold winter in these parts. 

I hear that Clement Pappas is paying $23.50 base and Cliffstar/Cott is paying $22.50.  Decas has paid $14.50 so far.  A year ago these prices were inconceivable.  The CMC 4/30/2013 inventory numbers will be out soon and we will see where we stand with inventory.  There isn’t much to say, except the prices are too low and the crop is too high.  See: CMC February non vote for producer allotment.  Again, I say, opportunity lost.

You may have heard that the USDA has approved some cranberry concentrate purchases through the Section 32 funds.  $5,000,000 worth comes to what, 125,000 barrels?  Sure it will help, but certainly we have to get on the stick and sell some more!

Did you see the announcement for the USDA Value Added Grant? Your very own United Cranberry was awarded a $300,000 grant.  We will be making finished product and attending trade shows with those (matching) working capital funds.  We are excited and grateful!

Finally, the cran wars continue.  Here is a link on the latest, filed today.

 

 

cranwars5613

April in Wisconsin means Cranberries! or not.

So this time last year we had irrigation pipes in, and cranberry growing season was fully underway. This year NOT! Lots of snow, ice and rain and it will be a few days/weeks before everything starts moving. We are READY!

Not much to report about except for that darn lawsuit. In an interesting post, it looks like Miller Canfield (the law firm that almost got things going a couple of years ago) is going to sign on as co counsel on this lawsuit.
cranswarsplaintiffsmotionapril52013

Also, here are the plaintiff’s reasons that the judge shouldn’t listen to Ocean Spray’s request for dismissal:

cranwarsapril42013

Interesting reading for a dreary day…

Cranberry war update

cranwarssanctions3192013

Ok, so seriously? I had the wrong link up for a couple of days and just now someone tells me? I know people are reading the blog because I see the stats…so THANK YOU:)

Updates from the cranberry wars

Some interesting filings in the lawsuit:in this first filing, OS asks the judge to throw out some arguements, and have an oral arguement on others. the second tab lists the attachments for OS’s filing

cranwarsosmotionforsanctionsmar2013

cranwarsmotiondismissalattachments3182013

This is the plaintiff’s response to the OS request.
cranwarsmotiondismissal3182013

I have to say, this is why there are judges, lawyers and lawsuits. Both sides have their points, both sides refer to a bunch of legal cases that prove their case. I’m sticking to blogging.

Amended complaint, OS motion for sanctions

cranwarsosmotionforsanctionsmar2013

cranwarsamendedcomplaintmarch2013

read on!

I didn’t include the exhibits, mostly because they are many, many pages. If someone wants them, let me know.