American Crystal Sugar Company General Agronomist Joe Hastings says the beet crop has healthy roots and canopies, but most districts are experiencing some level of drought stress. “Our sugar content has been at very high levels,” Hastings says. “That ratio of moisture in the beet to sugar content, that percentage is higher than average, so we know we got a sweeter beet out there.” Tonnage is below normal, but timely rain could still allow the crop to respond quickly. He describes that potential as “pent up yield,” with healthy, well-shaped roots ready to grow if moisture arrives. Dry conditions and timely fungicide applications have also kept Cercospora leaf spot pressure down.
