"With a co-op, there's a whole bunch of people feeding into that system. We have to be very thoughtful about where you apply the assistance to make sure it's felt throughout the entire system. It's important that we find the real source of need and help and remedy that," he said.

"Our ultimate goal is to save the jobs and to help this company that's been an important part of our state for so many years. I don't know how quickly it will be. We do know time is of the essence."

Bennion Spencer, Democratic candidate for Congress in Utah's 3rd District, where the company's hometown of Moroni is located, was to spend the July Fourth holiday in the area to spread the message that "help is on its way."

Spencer has been in contact with the governor's office and after hearing about the "rescue" plans decided to visit the city, the company and the employees to deliver the news.

"The more I talk to people, and the more I talk to the governor's office, I want people to know this thing can work," he said. Moroni Feed Company spokesman Kent Barton said Thursday the company had no official comment other than to say, "The governor's office called to express concern. That's all that's officially been done."

Roskelley said, "The magnitude of the governor's concern for this company shows his level of commitment."

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E-mail: john@sanpetemessenger.com