The 2014 sugar beet crop is shaping up to be a good one according to Sidney Sugars agricultural manager Russ Fullmer. The latest root samples indicated big tonnage. “They were pretty good,” Fullmer said. “The tons will be there.”
The earlier light frosts should help with sugar content while not affecting growth. Fullmer said there are more yellow fields this year than in the past few years, indicating that the beets are making sugar. Sugar content has been an issue recently, but Fullmer predicts better sugar this harvest. The root samples showed average sugar but Fullmer said there is not much correlation between the test results and harvest since the beets have about a month yet to grow, with many factors which could affect the sugar, and tonnage.
Harvest workers are gathering in the area with most of them being RVers. They will be scattered at all the stations from Fairview and Culbertson, south to Terry. Campaign workers are needed. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Job Service or Sidney Sugars operations department at 406-433-3303.
Harvest started in Culbertson September 29, the factory and Sugar Valley September 30, and will begin in Savage October 1, Pleasant View October 2 and Powder River October 3. The factory started slicing September 30.
Everyone is reminded to please pay attention and drive safely. Loaded beet trucks cannot accelerate, or stop, quickly. Please be courteous and enjoy the fall harvest season.
Reader Comments(0)