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Rain delays full sugarbeet harvest, but improves field conditions for American Crystal growers

The general agronomist with American Crystal Sugar Company says full sugarbeet harvest is underway and going well for the cooperative, which has growers in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Joe Hastings says the tonnage and sugar content are satisfying, considering the dry growing season.

“The sugar content ranges from 18 to 18.5%, which is really good and our estimate for yield is in the 29 tonnage range.”

He says recent rains delayed the start of harvest last week, but also softened the soil, making it easier to lift the sugarbeets and helping with sugarbeet storage.

“During pre-pile conditions were very dry and digging was tougher because of getting harvesters into the ground to lift the beets, but things are going well now.”

Hastings says the full sugarbeet harvest campaign started over the weekend.