Sugarbeet Harvest Underway After Delayed Start

After over a week’s delay from scheduled start-up, the sugarbeet harvest got underway on Oct. 8 for Sidney, Culbertson, Savage and Fairview area growers. Those growers in the Powder River and Pleasant View areas followed suit on Oct. 9. At press time, weather has continued to cooperate and growers have had relatively smooth digging with only a few delays at individual stations due to heat. “We’re about a third done,” said Randy Jones, Sidney Sugars, on Oct. 12. “If the nice weather continues, the majority of growers should be done by the 25th.”

He continued, “Most stations have had normal scheduling, but there have been a few short hours in some areas due to heat. Each station works according to conditions in its area, so one station may close down early while others continue to dig.”

At press time, sugars averaged 17.37%. Tonnage estimates were not available, but Jones feels tons will average close to the earlier estimates made by agriculturists. “Sugar is a bit below average at this point,” Jones said. “I won’t begin to estimate tonnage at this time, but I believe we will make or slightly exceed our estimate of 23.4 tons per acre.”

Because of heavy road traffic, Jones reminds everyone to take care, be courteous and cautious, and to keep safety in mind at all times. “There is a lot of traffic out there with all the beet trucks and the oil trucks,” he commented. “Slow down, drive defensively, and take a little extra time to reach your destination. We are really thankful for the traffic light at Holly and Central, because without that, traffic would really be snarled at that corner.”

He concluded, “Don’t forget there is now a three-way stop sign by the Good Cents Store. Beet trucks and oil trucks use that intersection, so remember to stop and be courteous to other drivers.”