Sidney Sugars in Sidney, Mont., is predicting above-average tonnage at 32 and average sugar at 17 to 18 for the 2017 sugarbeet crop, based on root samples taken last week. Results are only preliminary, but are nonetheless encouraging.
“We’re happy with the crop, considering the rough start this spring,” Sidney Sugars agricultural manager Duane Peters says. “But we’ll wait and see what happens on the 12th.”
Early beet harvest, which used to be common but hasn’t been done for many years, will commence on Sept. 12 with all districts hauling some beets during that time. Digging will be limited depending on tonnage, since Sidney Sugars wants all beets sliced 48 to 60 hours after digging. Slicing at the factory will start Sept. 14. Peters says everything is weather-dependent, since the factory needs to keep processing once it is started.
Peters says growers are to be thanked for working with the factory to make early harvest happen, as it will help Sidney Sugars process the beets in a timely manner.
“It has been done in the past. This will give us more time to process the huge tonnage we see now due to Roundup-ready beets,” he says.
Source: RoundupWeb