Everything Sugar Beets Galore: ISBI Event March 11-12

If you're looking for all things sugar beet, then The International Sugarbeet Institute (ISBI) is just the event for you! It's held every March and is the United States' largest exhibit of sugar beet equipment and products.

The ISBI is held in Fargo and Grand Forks, ND and alternate years. The 2020 ISBI event is being held in Grand Forks and will spotlight legislators, sugar specialists and agricultural leaders. It will take place March 11-12 at the Alerus Center. Both admission and parking are free for this event.

While the schedule is subject to change, the ISBI is set to kick off this year on Wednesday, March 11, 9 a.m. There is a free breakfast both days from 9-9:30 a.m. for all vendors and attendees, along with a free lunch at noon.

Dr. Courtney Gaine, Sugar Association President and CEO, will be giving a presentation during the show on Wednesday. Before starting at the Sugar Association, Gaine was a senior science program manager at the North American branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI North America).

At ILSI North America they focus on applying and understanding the science behind the nutritional quality and safety of food.

Doors open again at 9 a.m. on Thursday where Scott Herndon, American Sugarbeet Growers Association vice president and general counsel, will give a presentation. In his current position, Herndon is the decision maker when it comes to biotechnology and regulatory issues for sugar beet growers in the U.S.

Doors close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and at 3 p.m. on Thursday.

This event dates back to 1963 where it started in Crookston, MN. It started out as a specialized event and was held during the winter. Later on, it became a two-day trade show and educational opportunity. It gained its international status in 1980 when growers from Manitoba hopped on board and started participating.

Attendees are in for a treat with exciting displays and exhibits along with the special guest speakers who cover a wide variety of topics that pique the interest of anyone in agriculture. One of the specialties of this event is the millions of dollars' worth of equipment that growers will have the chance to scope out.

The ISBI has become such a big event, it's estimated that 4,000 people will attend this year. Exhibitors are even given the opportunity to win awards during the two-day event.

For more information on the 2020 ISBI, you can visit sugarbeetinstitute.com, view their Facebook page, call Mohamed, 218-790-8596 or email [email protected].