Michigan sugarbeet harvest is underway, and recent rains proved to be a blessing.
That’s according to Rob Clark, director of communication and community relations for Michigan Sugar Co., a sugarbeet cooperative and processor.
He said sugarbeet harvest officially kicked off Aug. 29.
“We have about 150,000 acres to harvest this year,” Clark wrote in an e-mail to Michigan Farm News. “Recent rains have been a blessing. Though we are only in the ‘early dig’ phase and have a ways to go for the crop to finish, we are optimistic with what we are seeing in the fields.”
Michigan Sugar predicts a 30.5-ton per acre crop, with sugar at 17.8 percent. If realized, this would fall below last year’s record yield of 34 tons per acre.
“All factories will be up and slicing this week — Bay City, Caro, Croswell, and Sebewaing,” Clark added.
“We are excited, as always, for another crop of sugarbeets and wish our nearly 900 grower-owners a safe and bountiful harvest.”