Sugarbeet season started up in earnest for the season with the arrival of water in the irrigation canal. Extremely dry conditions prompted many growers to wait until irrigation water became available before they began the process of planting this year’s crop. “I thought we’d see an early planting year this spring, but we didn’t,” says Russ Fullmer, Sidney Sugars Agricultural Manager. “Growers waited for water before planting because the crop will need watered up. We really need rain; everything is so dry.”
He adds, “Some areas received a half inch with that last rain, but we need a real soaker.”
Fullmer expects growers to complete planting by mid May. “Growers are getting the job done,” he says. “Irrigation has begun all over the Valley. As soon as people can get water, they’ll be irrigating, and it will be business as usual.”
Sidney Sugars has contracted 32,900 acres of sugarbeets this year, similar to last year’s original contracting. “We were hoping for 33,000 acres so we nearly made that goal,” Fullmer comments. “There hasn’t been much redistribution of acres this year in spite of all the oil field activity.”
The factory crews and Sidney Sugars have reached a new three year contract agreement, a fact that works in everyone’s favor. Fullmer also notes that negotiations with the growers will commence sometime this summer for a new grower contract.
Sugar prices remain high, a fact that benefits both growers and the factory. “Sugar prices are good so that bodes well for everyone,” Fullmer remarks.
At this point in time, growers and Sidney Sugars expect to see a relatively normal growing season, with the exception of the very dry conditions. Fullmer hopes all goes well and that rains make a return in the near future so all farmers can realize good harvests. “We’re just getting the crop planted, we’ll be looking at fields over the next month, and we are all praying for rain,” he concludes.
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