Beef Co-Op Schedules
Second Funding Drive

MANDAN, N.D. —(AP)— A regional beef cooperative has scheduled 10 meetings for its second equity drive.

Northern Plains Premium Beef said last week the meetings will be in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming between June 8 and 19.

The beef processing and marketing co-op hopes to build a slaughterhouse in Belle Fourche, S.D.

Two packing plants were planned during an earlier, unsuccessful fund-raising campaign. NPPB officials said the goal for the new equity drive is to raise $10 million to $13 million.

"We're looking for farmers and ranchers who will invest in a food company that can add value to their cattle and get their high-quality beef products marketed profitably to the consumer," said John Lee Njos, a Rhame rancher and chairman of the co-op's board of directors.

Ranchers who want to invest will be asked to buy $100 shares in the co-op. Each share will represent the obligation to annually deliver one fed steer or heifer to the Belle Fourche slaughterhouse.

The plant would process more than 100,000 cattle a year. Organizers hope to open it by the spring of 1999.

NPPB has been trying to lure members from the Dakotas, Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.