2011 Growers’ Contract Information
February 2011
Dear Grower:
Thank you for your interest in our buckwheat program this season. We are delighted to inform you that the worldwide demand for buckwheat products continues to be strong which has resulted in our ability to increase our contract price on buckwheat again for the fourth year in a row. In fact, this years contract is 35% higher than 2010!
Our contracted price this year will be $27.00 per cwt. ($31.00 per cwt. certified organic) and will be a guaranteed full production contract.
If you would like to contract with us, the following procedures will apply.
Actual contracts can only be obtained at the time you pick up and lease buckwheat seed.
The Birkett Mills contracts are 100% full production contracts at a guaranteed price of $27.00 per cwt. for conventional or $31.00 for certified organic buckwheat.
The Birkett Mills needs are limited and seed will be available on a first come, first serve basis starting May 2, 2011 at The Birkett Mills’ Transloading Facility on North Avenue, Penn Yan, NY (Ph 315-536-2594) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Buckwheat seed is $27.00 per 50 lb. bag ($31.00 organic) to lease and must be paid for at the time of pick up. Because contracts usually go fast, it is a good idea to call and reserve your seed in advance. NOTE: SEED CAN BE RESERVED FOR A MAXIMUM OF SEVEN DAYS! If you do not pick up your seed within a week from the time you call, the seed may be sold to others.
Organic Contracts: Note, if you are already a certified organic grower and would like to contract organic buckwheat with us, we are now accepting any size contracts this year- there is no minimum acreage requirements. Simply fill out a Certified Organic Contract when you pick up your certified seed. Please remember that your land must be already certified organic. We have no details on what is required for organic certification of property; so if you are not currently certified organic, please contact your local extension agent for all organic certification information.
For further information about raising buckwheat, ask for our booklet entitled “Commercial Buckwheat Production in the Northeast” which we’ll be happy to mail to you or you may pick up at our transloading facility or download on line at www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/buckwheat . Cornell University also offers two fact sheets on raising and harvesting buckwheat. You can find them at http://nmsp.cals.cornell.edu/guidelines/factsheets.html click on fact sheets #50 & #51.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
THE BIRKETT MILLS
Cliff Orr
Vice President