The sugarbeets in the Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative growing area continue to make progress. Vice President of Agriculture Mike Metzger says cercospora control is the main focus right now. “Most acres already have two fungicide applications on and now, growers are at a fork in the road. Some farmers can skip the next spray, due to genetic benefits in the seed. The more traditional sugarbeet varieties have another cercospora application.” While the crop looks good right now, the sugarbeets need rain. “We’re worried about moisture reserves. Sugarbeets can tap down a long way and they are. There’s a nice, even, slender taproot underneath the plant. Sugarbeets are getting into the moisture, but if soil reserves deplete more, foliage can wilt during the day. This exposes the ground, allowing in more sun and weed potential.”
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