The annual sugar beet harvest began this next week beginning with Culbertson, Savage and the factory yard on Monday, September 30; Sugar Valley and Pleasantview on Tuesday, October 1 and Powder River on October 2. The factory started processing beets on October 1.
According to Russ Fullmer, Sidney Sugars agricultural manager, if the weather is still too warm, there will be a controlled harvest to begin with, then it will be “full bore, as quickly as we can”. Sidney Sugars will have daily harvest reports on 660 KEYZ beginning September 30.
The beets look good with the latest root samples showing higher tonnage than expected, but lower sugar. Cooler fall weather and drier fields should improve the sugar content. Research center test plot beets from Montana and North Dakota came in last week, giving further indication of what this year’s crop will be like.
Harvest help will again consist of many RVers, some repeats and others enjoying ‘life’s adventures’. They seem to enjoy the harvest and being in this area with many of them frequently posting comments and pictures on their websites.
There are still job openings available for harvest and campaign. Anyone interested may apply at Sidney Job Service.
Once again, beet tailings (tops and chunks of beets) will be available to feeders at no charge. Call the factory at 406-433-3303 for details.
As they do every year, staff worries about road safety. “It’s just getting worse,” Fullmer said. “PLEASE BE CAREFUL!” Beet truck drivers, and the driving public, need to be careful and considerate. Drive defensively and make it through harvest safely.
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