U.S. Sugar begins 90th anniversary harvest

Posted 10/4/21

U.S. Sugar kicked off the 90th sugarcane harvest with its newest tradition...

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U.S. Sugar begins 90th anniversary harvest

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CLEWISTON — On Friday, Oct. 1, the people of U.S. Sugar kicked off the company’s 90th Anniversary of its annual sugarcane harvest with its newest tradition -- historic steam locomotive No. 148 hauled the first string of railcars loaded with sugarcane into the area mill. As the steam engine made its way to U.S. Sugar’s mill, it stopped briefly for Pastors Jeff Smith of Clewiston’s First United Methodist Church and Fred Gamble of True Vine Church in Harlem to lead members of the community in a prayer for local farmers and for a safe harvest.

“Our farmers are eager to begin work on yet another harvest as the people of U.S. Sugar continue to sustainably grow millions of pounds of local food crops including sugarcane, citrus, sweet corn, green beans and other types of fresh produce for American families,” said Brannan Thomas, U.S. Sugar’s Community Relations Manager. “Last year was a challenging year due to COVID-19, and we are once again taking all of the proper precautions to ensure the safety and health of our employees, their families, and our community.”

“We appreciate the contributions our local farmers make to our community and our nation’s food supply, and offer our prayers for another safe and successful harvest,” said Pastor Smith. “It is truly an honor to offer God’s blessings to ensure our local communities can all share in yet another bountiful crop.”

“As the annual harvest begins, we offer our prayer for unity among members of our rural farming communities and ask for God’s protection against some of the false attacks made by those who are attempting to divide our communities,” said Pastor Gamble. “We pray for God’s blessings over everyone who depends on agriculture as a source of employment and nourishment.”

To watch the pastors’ remarks, you can view them on U.S. Sugar’s Facebook page.

Hundreds of local residents turned out along the route to watch the historic steam locomotive make its run along the local tracks to bring in the first load of sugarcane. Even more people showed up during the multi-hour public availability that U.S. Sugar arranged for viewing and photos with its popular #148 steam locomotive.

U.S. Sugar is located in Clewiston, known as “America’s Sweetest Town,” near the shores of Lake Okeechobee. The company was founded in 1931 by Charles Stewart Mott, a visionary leader who hailed from a long line of farmers. Since the beginning, the company’s success has been rooted in traditional farming values and respect for the land.

US Sugar, sugarcane, harvest

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