Hilleshög is a business unit of Syngenta Seeds, Inc.

HILLESHÖG®, the ALLIANCE FRAME, the HILLESHÖG logo, the PURPOSE ICON and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

©2010 Syngenta Seeds, Inc. Longmont, CO 80501. All rights reserved.

Firmly rooted in your industry...Don’t let sugarbeet diseases limit your final stand, harvestability, crop yield and quality. Look to Syngenta’sHilleshög® brand sugarbeet varieties, stacked with disease-tolerant traits, to help meet your need for success.

Allow your crop to reach its full potential. Call your Sales Reptoday or visit www.hilleshog-us.com to learn more.

H

— Feature Articles —Rhizoctonia Demands More Attention

In Upper Midwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Fewer small grain acres a reason for disease growth

Rhizoctonia in Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Update on research & recommendations

Sugar in Mexico: An Industry Overview . . . . . . . . . 8Outline of size & structure of Mexican sugar sector

A Primer: Sugarbeet Breeding & Genetics . . . . . . 14A layman’s look at the basics behind variety development

— Regular Pages —

Dateline: Washington . . . . . . . . . 10 Roundup Ready, supply/demand, dietary

30 Years Ago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Excerpts from our April/May 1980 issue

Write Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Auction Fever!

Around the Industry . . . . . . . . . . 18 Who, what & where it’s happening

— Front Cover —A 2009 western Nebraska sugarbeet field thrives on a warm late-summer morning.

Photo: Don Lilleboe

THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010 3

Page 4Page 14

‘Serving The Nation’s SugarbeetCommunity Since 1963’

Volume 49 Number 4April/May 2010

Sugar Publications4601 16th Ave. N.Fargo, ND 58102

Phone: (701) 476-2111Fax: (701) 476-2182

E-Mail: sugar@forumprinting.comWeb Site: www.sugarpub.com

Publisher:Sugar Publications

General Manager & Editor: Don Lilleboe

Advertising Manager:Heidi Wieland(701) 476-2003

Graphics:Forum Communications Printing

The Sugarbeet Grower is published sixtimes annually (January, February, March,April/May, July/August, November/December)by Sugar Publications, a division of ForumCommunications Printing.

North American sugarbeet producersreceive the magazine on a complimentarybasis. Annual subscription rates are $12.00domestic and $18.00 for foreign subscribers.

Advertising in The Sugarbeet Growerdoes not necessarily imply endorsement of aparticular product or service by the publisher.

Visit Our Web Site!

www.sugarpub.com

Though sugarbeet producers inwestern states have dealt with sig-

nificant levels of Rhizoctonia crownand root rot for many years, the dis-ease’s development as a serious prob-lem in the Red River Valley andSouthern Minnesota growing areas isa more-recent phenomenon.

A key factor in Rhizoctonia’s“Upper Midwest expansion” over thepast several years is cropping pat-terns. There now are fewer wheat andbarley fields (nonhost crops) and morecorn, soybean and edible bean fields(all host crops). That has translatedinto more disease inoculum present in

soils to threaten sugarbeet crops thatfollow corn or beans. “We think thenumber-one driver [behind theincreased incidence and severity ofRhizoctonia] — if talking about thewhole Red River Valley — is soy-beans,” says Allan Cattanach, generalagronomist for American CrystalSugar Company. “Whereas corn andsoybeans together probably make itworse in Southern Minn, Minn-Dakand the southern end of the Crystalgrowing area.”

Other factors believed by AmericanCrystal to have contributed to theincreased incidence of Rhizoctonia

include: (1) the increasing presence ofmore-virulent strains of this disease,(2) the fact that common weed species(e.g., pigweed, lambsquarters) aregood hosts, (3) very limited usage todate of chemical control options, (4)few good resistant varieties beingavailable until recently, and (5) thepresence of environmental conditionsfavorable to the disease’s development.

As elsewhere, resistant varietieshave become a key weapon for thoseUpper Midwest beet growers encoun-tering moderate to heavy Rhizoctoniainfections. For the 2010 growing sea-son, for instance, Southern MinnesotaBeet Sugar Cooperative approved five“Rhizoctonia Root Rot SpecialtyVarieties.” American Crystal Sugarapproved 13 varieties for planting byits growers seeking good Rhizoctoniacontrol.

For growers whose Rhizoctoniaproblem is slight, the use of a resist-ant variety may be sufficient to pro-tect against the disease, Cattanachsuggests. But “if you have moderateto severe Rhizoctonia, you should beapplying a fungicide in addition tousing the special variety,” he notes.

As elsewhere (see Michigan articleon next page), Quadris® is the predom-

Rhizoctonia Demands MoreAttention in Upper Midwest

Expanded Soybean & Corn Acreage, Coupled with Decline In Small Grains, Adds to Level of Disease Incidence

4 THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010

UNDISPUTED TRACK STAR !"#$ %#"&'()*+$, !"#$ %"-$#.'/, !"#$ #$/*01/$, WHY SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS?

!"#$%#&'"#($)&#*++,"-.*&"/#%"*&0,")#$%# &'"# 123445# 6",.")# 1$7.89&,*-:#);)&"(# .)# &'"# -$(%$,&# 9# &'"#123445#6",.")# &,*-&$,)# -$("# <.&'# &'"# +&.9=./":# )0)+"!).$!># <'.-'# -0)'.$!)#"?",;# ,./@"># 70(+# *!/# ,0&# &'"#&,*-&$,# "!-$0!&",)A# 2'"# 1$7.8"9&,*-#0!/",-*,,.*@"#*8)$#+,$?./")#-$!)&*!&#-$!&*-&#<.&'#&'"#@,$0!/>#<'.-'#@.?")#;$0# # 0+# &$# B4C# 8"))# )8.++*@"A#2'.!D#$%#.&#*)#/$.!@#B4#'$0,)#$%#<$,D#.!#*#E#'$0,#/*;A##

F'"!# +*.,"/# <.&'# *# G3G9'+# 5H2I#"!@.!"#*!/#BJ9)+""/#5H2I#+$<",)'.%&#&,*!)(.)).$!># ;$0# @"&# &'"# ($)&#+,$/0-&.?"># +$<",%08># *!/# ,"8.*78"#&,*-&$,#.!#&'"#(*,D"&A#

123445#6K=LK6

!"#$%&'()*+,-.&'/!+0)

1"&'2&&.345!665!36748

9-:)*'+;<4=!66>!4?@48

A-+;-.:0.<4=!753!=7448

B*'C0<4=!6?4!>=448

D'*.28B0';:<4=!<<5!76>?8

E*.;-.:0.<4=!676!<7<7

F*)&:$0 .<4=!65=!=744

G-.0$<4=!?56!>54?

H-&''&345!667!5744

I*J-28K-$/345!>76!7?54

L-0#M8B*%%:345!>>3!>4=4

YOU CAN COUNT ON US FOR EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS AND THE BEST IN DEALER SUPPORT.

inant fungicide for Rhizoctonia con-trol, though Proline® also has beenshown to be effective on this disease.Last year, about 15,000 AmericanCrystal acres were treated withQuadris. In 2010, however, the coop-erative expects upward of 75,000 of itsacres to have Quadris applied. Part ofthe reason is the increased incidenceand severity of this disease; hand inhand with that was a significant earlyorder/early pay discount offered thiswinter by the fungicide’s manufactur-er, Syngenta Crop Protection.

American Crystal’s recommenda-tion is to band the fungicide on four-to eight-leaf beets as the soil tempera-ture reaches 65°F. Neither Quadrisnor Proline will be effective if they’reapplied after infection occurs. “If youwait until 70 degrees, you’re probablya little late applying it,” Cattanachadvises. “We think it has to be doneby the time [the soil temperature] isaround 65.

“If you’re going to error in applica-tion timing, it’s better to go a littleearly rather than too late.”

Cattanach adds that daily soil tem-perature readings from stations locat-ed throughout the Red River Valley(and Sidney, Mont.) can be found onthe North Dakota AgriculturalWeather Network (NDAWN) website:ndawn.ndsu.nodak.edu. AmericanCrystal also has a Rhizoctonia soiltemperature advisory system on itswebsite for each NDAWN station.

How effective are the fungicidetreatments? In 2009 Jason

Brantner and Carol Windels of theUniversity of Minnesota’s NorthwestResearch & Outreach Center atCrookston tested various labeledfungicides and new products. Theyinoculated beet plots at either the

four- or eight-leaf stage and cultivatedimmediately after inoculation. (Whilecultivation is not recommended inRhizoctonia-infected fields, they did soin order to throw soil onto beet crownsand incorporate the inoculum.)

Harvested results from the four-leaf treated plots showed a recover-able sugar per acre (RSA) of 9,508pounds with the label-rate Quadristreatment; 9,044 pounds RSA with

Quadris at twice the labeled rate; and8,583 pounds RSA with a Quadris/Proline tank mix. The RSA for the “nofungicide” inoculated plots was just1,922 pounds.

RSA on the noninoculated plotsaveraged 8,496 pounds. With Quadrisapplied at the eight-leaf plant stage,RSA was 9,113 pounds. That com-pared to a “no fungicide” RSA of 4,533pounds.

The 2009 UM-Crookston researchalso looked at fungicide effect on con-ventional and Roundup Ready® beets.Brantner and Windels found no signif-icant difference in the performance ofQuadris in the two production sys-tems. “Quadris and Proline provideexcellent control of Rhizoctonia crownand root rot under both conventionaland Roundup Ready systems,” theyreported. — Don Lilleboe

Comparison of Treated & Nontreated Sugarbeets At Various Soil Temperatures

Inoculated With Rhizoctonia& Not Treated With Quadris

Inoculated With Rhizoctonia& Treated With Quadris

80° 70° 60° 50° 80° 70° 60° 50°

Pho

tos: M

elvin Bolton, U

SDA-ARS; M

oham

ed Kha

n, N

DSU/UM

THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010 5

‘If you’re going toerror in application timing, it’s better togo a little early

rather than too late.’

Call: 218-280-3793 or Email: kielinnovation@yahoo.com

TTHHEE KKIIEELL RROOWWFFIINNDDEERR

Controls both Steering andDepth,

and is made to Back-up withthe Harvester Down

OOrrddeerr yyoouurrss ttooddaayyffoorr tthhee 22001100 sseeaassoonn!!

AAvvaaiillaabbllee aatt::CCrrooookkssttoonn IImmpplleemmeenntt,,

NNoorrmmaann CCoouunnttyy IImmpplleemmeenntt,,aanndd PPrroo AAgg eeqquuiippmmeenntt

Kiel Innovation CorporationCrookston, mn

Michigan Sugar Company has agoal to improve beet quality by

increasing the co-op’s average sugarcontent to 19%. This goal is achiev-able, but it will take increased manage-ment and use of higher sugar varieties.

Many of our new varieties have ahigh tonnage and sugar potential; butseveral likewise are very susceptible toCercospora leafspot and Rhizoctonia.Left unchecked, both diseases cangreatly affect yield and quality. Byusing the BeetCast leafspot predictionmodel and appropriate fungicides,growers are doing an excellent job ofminimizing the impact of Cercosporaleafspot. While Rhizoctonia is moredifficult to manage, we also have madegreat strides in reducing its effect onyield and quality.

Rhizoctonia management beginswith matching varieties with specificfields. Sugarbeet fields with a historyof high Rhizoctonia levels are not goodcandidates for planting of any highlysusceptible varieties. In these fields, aRhizoctonia-resistant variety is thebest choice. Several varieties carry

varying levels of resistance. Growersalways need to remember, though, that“resistance” does not mean “immunity.”

Michigan Sugarbeet Advancementresearch has shown that a resistantvariety placed in a heavy infestation ofRhizoctonia may reduce infections byabout 75% as compared to a susceptiblecheck. Couple this resistance with anin-furrow or properly timed foliarapplication of Quadris®, and infectionslikely will be reduced by more than90% while maintaining a good returnon investment for Quadris.

Fields that have not shown a histo-ry of significant Rhizoctonia are excel-lent candidates for some of the newhigh tonnage and sugar varieties.Many of these varieties are very sus-ceptible to Rhizoctonia and almostalways give an economical response toa Quadris application. For this reason,every Michigan grower is encouragedto equip their operation with the abili-ty to apply Quadris either in-furrow orwith a foliar band application.

Research conducted in 2009 showedeconomic responses to a Quadris appli-cation ranging from $85 to $212 peracre in fields with moderate infectionlevels. Sugarbeet quality increasedfrom 291 to 305 pounds of sugar perton on the best treatments. Thisreflects an average improvement of0.6% in sugar along with an improve-ment in clear juice purity.

The 2009 research results on sus-ceptible varieties were very similar tothose of previously conductedRhizoctonia trials. In-furrow T-bandapplications at planting generally pro-vided the most consistent control. The

label recommendation is 10.5 or 14.3ounces per acre in a 7-inch band for 30-or 22-inch rows, respectively.Sugarbeet Advancement research in2009 suggests that in-furrow width andQuadris rates may be reduced by halfand still provide results comparable toa well-timed banded foliar application.

Growers who choose to reduce thein-furrow width should maintain a rateof 1.5 ounces per inch of band in 30-inch rows and 2.0 ounces per inch ofband in 22-inch rows. Do not dribblein-furrow or apply with in-furrow fer-tilizer, as emergence reduction and lackof efficacy may result. More researchneeds to be conducted comparing effica-cy of narrow in-furrow band widthsand rates to the standard 7-inch band.

In the last few years, the standardrecommendation for foliar applica-

tion has been to apply 10.5 or 14.3ounces per acre in a 7-inch band for 30-or 22-inch rows at the four- to six-leafstage. In 2009, foliar applicationsshowed best efficacy in full-rate appli-cations at the six- to eight-leaf stage.Rhizoctonia is a warm-season disease,and research in other states indicatesthat the infection period generallyoccurs when the mean soil temperaturereaches 70 degrees at the 4.0-inchdepth with moist soil conditions.

Because 2009 saw a prolonged coolspring in Michigan, soils were slow towarm. This favored the later applica-tion of Quadris applied just before opti-mum temperature for infection.Research indicated that the two- tofour-leaf application still gave a signifi-cant 51% control over the check, com-pared to 83% control at the six- toeight-leaf stage. Research also showeda reduction of Quadris efficacy whenthe foliar rate was reduced to the low-est labeled rate of 7.0 ounces, as com-pared to 10.5 ounces in 30-inch rows.

So an in-furrow and /or a well- timedfoliar application of Quadris is

important to effective management ofRhizoctonia. Quadris needs to be usedin conjunction with matching field dis-ease history with variety tolerance.

Reducing in-furrow band width andrate by half appears to have efficacysimilar to a well-timed foliar bandapplication. In a 7-inch foliar band,reducing the Quadris rate from 10.5 to7.0 ounces per acre in 30-inch rowsreduced control. In-furrow applicationsin 2009 did not significantly affect beetemergence.

Improved Rhizoctonia control willincrease sugarbeet quality, yield andgrower profitability. �

Rhizoctonia in MichiganUpdate on Research & Recommendations

By Steve Poindexter

Steve Poindexter is senior sugarbeetextension educator and MichiganSugarbeet Advancement coordinatorwith the Michigan State UniversityCooperative Extension Service. TheMichigan Sugarbeet Research &Education Advisory Council (REACH)recently published a bulletin titled“Management Guidelines for ControllingRhizoctonia in Sugarbeets.” It can beaccessed through the Agriculture link atwww.michigansugar.com.

6 THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010

Accord sugar beet planterPlant your seed more effectively

-precise seed spacing and placement -robust yet light weight, low horsepower, early planting -population adjustment as you plant -individual row control

Ropa North America Inc. www. ropanorthamerica.com

www.kvernelandgroup.com

http://www.beetseed.com

Mexico is one of the top 10 sugarproducers in the world. For fiscal

2009/10 (October/September), USDAwas forecasting (as of early April 2010)production at 4.9 million metric tonsraw value, compared with an averageof 5.6 million tons the previous fouryears and 5.3 million tons in 2008/09.The forecast production is made up ofover 3.0 million tons of standard sugar,

over 1.6 million tons of refined sugarproduced at integrated mills, and asmaller volume of traditional mascaba-do/direct white sugar.

Mexico is expected to harvest near-ly 43 million (metric) tons of sugarcanefrom about 664,000 hectares in 2010,making it the second largest crop areain Mexico after corn. Nationally, yieldsare forecast to average 64.2 (metric)

tons per hectare. That would be about15% lower than the prior year, due tounusually cool, damp harvest condi-tions — especially in Veracruz.

Sugarcane is one of the most widelygrown field crops, with cultivation in15 of Mexico’s 23 states. Sugar millsand adjacent sugarcane growing areasform an arc across central Mexico.Sugarcane agriculture takes place inlowlands on both the Pacific and Gulfof Mexico coasts and in high mountainriver valleys in central Mexico.

While soils are generally fertilethroughout the growing regions, poordrainage is a problem in some areas.Periodic winter frosts are a problem insome mountain areas in the morenortherly growing regions. The overrid-ing weather problem in many locales isinsufficient annual rainfall. Droughtconditions can be a major problem,especially in the leading producingstate of Veracruz, which has insuffi-cient irrigation facilities. The level ofuse of production inputs is anotherimportant factor in sugarcane output.

Mexico’s land tenure system has aprofound effect on its sugarcane pro-duction sector. The industry has about150,000 growers possessing productionunits that average about four hectares(10 acres) in size. This structural con-dition inhibits the investment of mod-ern technologies and hinders improve-ments in efficiency and cost savingsthrough economies of scale.

Mexico’s milling sector currentlyconsists of 57 sugar mills operat-

ing as of the 2009/10 season and sevenadditional mills that are closed. Themilling sector is characterized by adichotomy of very small to relativelylarge mills, with a preponderance ofmedium and small mills. The sector isalso characterized by a dichotomy ofmills possessing modern technologiesand those with obsolete technologies.

The industry went through a periodof financial crisis in the late 1990s andearly 2000s, as growers were not beingpaid for their cane and a sizeable seg-ment of the milling sector faced bank-ruptcy. In 2001 the Fox Administra-tion deemed that in the “public inter-est” it had to intervene — and expro-priated 27 mills. Since then, 14 millshave been sold back to the private sec-

Peter Buzzanell, formerly head of theSweetener Analysis Unit at the USDAEconomic Research Service, is senioranalyst at the Reston, Va., consultingfirm of Buzzanell & Associates. Thisarticle is based on one found in the new2009/10 U.S. Sugar Industry Directory.

Sugar in MexicoAn Industry Overview

By Peter Buzzanell

8 THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010

Extremely powerfuland reliable. 2005 Ropa Tiger

#605377

6R30, 2786 Engine Hours, 1876 Harvest Hours,

one owner, just reconditionedwith over $20,000 in parts.

Unit is field ready!

Year/Make/Model Location Description, Stock No Price

09 Misc 30 Ton A Beet Cart, 11090012 ......$59,50008 Wic 2300 A Beet Digger, 6R22 converts

to 4R30 ....................$65,000Wic W948 S Beet Digger, 11002894 ....$36,000Wic 40630 B Defoliator, 11910194 ........$4,500

92 Wic 40630 B Defoliator, 11920695 ........$1,50000 Pickt B Beet Thinner, 11000318 ....$4,00093 Allow 1440 B Defoliator, 11014793 ........$1,500

Wilri 430W A Beet Harv, 11450524............$500

Year/Make/Model Location Description, Stock No Price

05 Ropa Tiger B Beet Harv, 11605377 ....$356,70092 Artsw 690 S Beet Digger, 11950516 ....$14,00091 Artsw 690 B Beet Harv, 11910117 ......$14,500

Artsw 690 A Beet Digger, 11980561 ....$14,50007 Artsw 638 A Beet Defoliator, 11076165 $22,00000 Artsw 638 B Defoliator, 11006114 ......$11,50000 Artsw 638 B Defoliator, 11006128 ........$3,500

Artsw 786A B 4R Defoliator, 11991395 ..$13,000Artsw 784A B Defoliator, 11945044 ........$8,500

$356,700

Making Farming Easier

WWW.21STCENTURYEQUIPMENT.NET

ALLIANCE, NEHwy 385 & 10TH Street

308-762-5870 • 888-762-5870

GORDON, NE6742 State Hwy 27

308-282-0665 • 800-535-4450

OGALLALA, NE101 Road, East 80

308-284-4049 • 800-658-4227

BRIDGEPORT, NE9738 US 26

308-262-1110 • 800-682-5121

IMPERIAL, NE1001 Hwy 61

308-882-4326 • 800-525-4934

SIDNEY, NE1901 Link 17J

308-254-2511 • 866-233-2511

tor or closed, leaving the governmentto operate, as of 2009/10, 13 expropri-ated mills.

This action and the passage of theSugarcane Law of 2005 has let togreater stability to the industry. Forexample, Article 58 of the SugarcaneLaw states that for 2009/10, approxi-mately 57% of the reference price ofstandard sugar (6,579 pesos per metricton, or US $495 per MT) is to be paidto sugarcane growers.

It is important to note that sugar isthe primary agricultural industry inMexico, directly and indirectly employ-ing more than one million people.According to industry and growergroups, there are about 150,000 sugar-cane growers, 100,000 seasonal sugar-cane cutters, 20,000 cane transportworkers, 30,000 factory workers, and7,000 administrative, technical andmanagement personnel. Of the grow-ers, there are two groups — ejidatarios(communal landowners) and small pri-vate landowners.

Reflecting the historical communalland tenure system and the land dis-tribution system implemented follow-ing the Mexican Revolution of 1917,cane field and production units arevery small compared with the UnitedStates. About half of the cane fieldsare two hectares and under, the otherhalf are two to 10 hectares. Only asmall percentage are larger than 10hectares, according to Mexico’sSecretariat of Agriculture.

Sugarcane growers are well organ-ized, with the largest number of pri-vate land owners affiliated with theUnion Nacional de Productores deCana (CNC), i.e., the National Unionof Cane Producers. The ejidatarios orcommunal land cane growers arelargely represented by the UnionNacional de Caneros (CNPR) (NationalUnion of Sugarcane Growers).Sugarcane workers are presented bytwo unions: Sindicato de Trabajadoresde la Industria Azucarera y Similaresde la Republica Mexicana (STIASRM)(Association of Industry SugarWorkers of Mexico) and theConfederacion Regional ObreroMexicana (CROM) (the RegionalConfederation of Mexican Workers).The salaried employees in the millingindustry are represented by theCamara Nacional de las IndustriasAzucarera (National Chamber of theSugar and Alcohol Industry).

Mexican consumption of sugar fordomestic food and beverage use

for 2009/10 is forecast at 5.0 million(metric) tons, compared with 5.4 mil-

lion tons the previous four years.Mexico’s population of about 100 mil-lion uses about 450,000 tons of sugarper month, with the largest demandcoming from the soft drink industry.Lower expected consumption this sea-son can be attributed to less consumerpurchasing power and escalatingdomestic prices fueled by speculationand supply shortages.

To supplement domestic production,Mexico is expected to import 970,000tons of sugar in 2009/10 — mainlyfrom the U.S. — compared with160,000 tons in 2008/09, reflectinglower carry in stocks and aggressiveexport marketing to the U.S. market.For 2009/10, exports are expected tototal 490,000 tons, mainly to the U.S.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) isan increasing part of total Mexicansweetener use. Mexico imports HFCSdirectly from the U.S., as well as pro-ducing it domestically (largely fromimported yellow corn). Since trade hasbeen fully liberalized under NAFTA,corn can be imported at any time.

Mexico has two plants producingHFCS — Arancia and AlMEX, bothlocated in Guadalajara in the state ofJalisco. These plants use an estimated2.0 million tons of yellow corn annual-ly. Mexican farmers overwhelminglyplant white corn for human consump-tion and are resistant to change due tolower yields of yellow corn compared towhite and difficulty in accessing quali-ty seed.

HFCS production for 2008/09 isestimated at 400,000 tons, dry basis.Imports of HFCS for the same periodwere 254,000 tons. Therefore, con-sumption is estimated at about650,000 tons, dry basis, and mainlywent to the beverage industry. For2009/10, the level of HFCS use is pro-jected to be up sharply, meaning a sub-stantially greater import level. �

Fiscal Year (Oct.-Sept.)

Sugar —Beginning StocksProductionImportsTotal Supply

DisappearanceHuman ConsumptionOther ConsumptionMiscellaneousTotal Disappearance

ExportsTotal UseEnding StocksStocks-to-Use Ratio

HFCS Consumption (dry wt.)Mexican Sugar Industry —

Cane Harvested (1,000 MT)Area Harvested (1,000 HA)Tons of Cane/Hectare

Sugar Production —Refined Sugar (1,000 MT)Standard Sugar (1,000 MT)Mascabado (1,000 MT)Total Sugar (1,000 MT)Raw Sugar Equivalent**

2005/06

1,9655,804240

7,809

5,326323

05,649866

6,5151,29419.9

667

47,290659

71.76

1,8313,626

185,4755,804

2006/07

1,2945,633474

7,401

5,133390

05,523160

5,6831,71830.2

698

49,026664

73.83

1,8453,467

25,3145,633

2007/08

1,7185,852226

7,796

5,090414-360

5,144677

5,8211,97538.8

782

48,305668

72.31

1,7023,810

95,5215,852

Mexico: Sugar Production & Supply & HFCS Utilization2008/09

1,9755,260160

7,395

5,065475

05,5401,3676,9074889.6

653

51,000668

76.35

1,6653,297

04,9625,260

2009/10*

4884,900970

6,358

4,600400

05,000490

5,49086818.9

1,200

50,730664

76.40

1,4792,728416

4,6234,900

- - - - - - - - - - 1,000 Metric Tons - - - - - - - - - -

* 2009/10 forecasts as of March 2010. Source: USDA & Buzzanell & Assoc.** For raw sugar equivalent, USDA adds refined and standard sugar and multiplies by 1.06

THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010 9

Sugar is the primaryagricultural industry in Mexico, directly and

indirectly employing morethan one million people.

Dateline:Washington

ByLutherMarkwart

ExecutiveVice President

American Sugarbeet

Growers Assn.

Roundup Ready Litigation

Since we are actively involved inongoing litigation, very little can bewritten or discussed publicly aboutthe case. A strong reminder isextended to all growers that nointerviews should be conducted untilthis case is completed.

While the judge rejected arequest by the plaintiffs to stop theplanting of Roundup Ready® sugar-beets for the 2010 crop, the focus ofthe court and the parties is now onthe remedies for future crops.

A very important factor comesinto play in our case. On April 27,the Supreme Court in Washington,D.C., will hear an appeal regardingthe Roundup Ready alfalfa case.The beet sugar industry, in conjunc-tion with the National CornGrowers Association, has filed abrief with the Supreme Court insupport of Monsanto’s arguments inthe case.

A ruling by the Supreme Court isexpected in June, which may clarifyvarious issues for the 9th CircuitCourt in regard to the pending

Roundup Ready sugarbeet case.Oral arguments regarding the per-manent remedy for the sugarbeetcase currently are scheduled forJuly 9.

2010 Acreage Intentions

On March 31, USDA publishedits planting intentions report for the2010 sugarbeet crop. Planted areais expected to drop by 9,000 acres —from 1,183,200 acres last year to1,174,200 acres this season.

Lower acreage in a stronger mar-ket clearly suggests that with ade-quate moisture to begin the season,we expect yields to be strong againthis year. Our industry is runningat full processing capacity; thusacreage must be modified to adjustfor higher yields.

Supply & Demand

USDA’s March estimate for year-end carry over stocks was at 10.3%,which means the U.S. would have1,075,000 tons (raw value) of sugarin the warehouses as we begin har-

vesting the 2010 crop in September. April 9 is the date for the next

monthly estimate of supply anddemand, and USDA is working hardto make sure it has the best num-bers possible.

Under the current farm bill,USDA may now add sugar to themarket if it deems that supplies areneeded and unrestricted importsfrom Mexico do not threaten to over-supply the market. In March,USDA identified countries thatwould not ship their quota and gavetheir shares to countries that coulddeliver to our market beforeSeptember 30.

The beet sugar industry’s view isthat there is adequate sugar to meetconsumer needs without moreimports at this time. We continue toclosely monitor the government’sactions.

Crop Insurance

We are now in the process of col-lecting data for replant costs nation-wide. Current coverage for replantsis woefully inadequate, and we areworking closely with USDA on get-ting the best data available toupdate those costs so better cover-age for replants may be in place forthe 2011 crop.

Dietary Issues

There are a host of ongoingissues surrounding America’s diet —everything from updating dietaryguidelines to what products may beadvertised to children under 17years of age. The obesity epidemic,particularly among our youth, is thetop priority for First Lady MichelleObama and the focus of the congres-sional spouses. Better diets andmore exercise are the basic thrust oftheir focus. This clearly has manyimplications for sweeteners, and weare working with our customers tonavigate our way through theseissues. �

State

CaliforniaColoradoIdahoMichiganMinnesotaMontanaNebraskaNorth DakotaOregonWashington**Wyoming

U.S. Total

2008

26.033.8

131.0137.0440.031.745.2

208.06.71.6

29.7

1,090.7

2009

25.135.1

164.0138.0463.038.453.0

225.010.6

—31.0

1,183.2

2010*

25.029.8

169.0147.0445.042.446.0

227.011.0

—32.0

1,174.2

2010/2009Percent100851031079611087101104—103

99

* Forecast as of March 2010.** Sugarbeet production estimates for Washington were discontinued as of 2009.

– – – – – 1,000 Acres – – – – –

Planted Sugarbeet Area, By State & U.S., 2008-10

10 THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010

30 Years Ago Excerpts from the April-May 1980 Issue of

The Sugarbeet Grower

Migrant Workers Estimated at 6,000 — “This yearan estimated 6,000 migrant workers will be needed byAmerican Crystal Sugar Company plants for sugarbeetthinning and hoeing operations.

“According to Richard Fitzsimons, executive directorof the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association,the number of migrant workers has dropped in recentyears. In 1977 an estimated 9,153 migrants came to thevalley for employment. In 1978 the number dropped to7,015, and fell again in 1979 to 6,750.

“Although the number has been decreasing,Fitzsimons expects migrant workers will continue tocome because many growers need migrant help for fieldoperations. ‘We will be able to grow beets in a few yearswithout migrant labor. However, I think we will alwayssee some in the valley,’ he commented.

“While many growers still prefer toemploy migrants, particularly forweeding operations, some grow-ers are planting ‘no-labor’ beets.These growers are using spacedplanting, mechanical thinning andherbicide, Fitzsimons explained.

“Jose Balderas, executive direc-tor of the North Dakota Migrantcouncil, estimates 1,200 to 1,600families will come to North Dakotathis year for work. The majority offamilies, mainly from Texas, Califor-nia and Florida, will go to the RedRiver Valley, and some to the WillistonBasin in western North Dakota. . . .

“Growers have set minimums forthinning and hoeing operations, withthe first operation set at $30 per acreand the second operation at $19.50. Thetotal becomes $49.50 per acre, with manyfarmers paying above those rates.”

High-Speed Cultivator Designed for Sugarbeets— “The past two summers have produced an unusualsight moving through Ralph Larson’s sugarbeet fieldsnear East Grand Forks, Minnesota.

“While a traditional tractor towing a row-crop cultiva-tor straight and true down the rows of young beets is farfrom uncommon, Larson’s cultivator provides the observ-er with a surprise. His cultivator is seen ‘bee-lining’ itthrough the field, and Larson doesn’t even have hishands on the tractor steering wheel, but is instead turnedaround to see how the cultivator is cultivating.

“For two seasons now, Larson has been working withClair Conn, a distributor of Brillion at Redwood Falls,Minnesota, to test out a new precision cultivator designedfor sugarbeets. At first cultivation, it hugs the row close,cultivating at 2-1/2” on each side of the rows of seedlingsugarbeets.

“A special guidance system is what makes this a preci-sion, high-speed cultivator.

“Guide markers on the beet planter open up a pair ofguide furrows in which the tractor’s front tires steer thetractor and cultivator through the field at first cultiva-tion. Heavy guide coulters and markers on the cultivatorreopen the guide furrows for successive cultivations. Theguide markers, or stingers, are mounted by a specialclamp on the rear of the backbone on as many gangs asdesired. Four guide markers and two guide wheel assem-blies are standard on this new Brillion BRP-1222 twelve-row unit. . . .

“ ‘The important aspect of the Brillion,’ says Larson,‘is the parallel linkage unit. It keeps the backbone of thecultivator straight. It is made heavy and in such a waythat there is no existing wobble.’ . . .

“Larson could only cultivate at 4.5 to5 mph with his previous cultivator, espe-cially at first cultivation when beets aresmall. But with the precision cultivator,his minimum speed is 4.5, and at lastcultivation he runs 7 mph or better.”

‘Fuel Beet’ Has Good Potential— “Sugarbeet breeders Devon L.Doney and J. Clair Theurer ofUSDA’s Science and EducationAdministration AgriculturalResearch, Logan, Utah, are in theprocess of developing hybrid sugar-beets for the specific use of makingalcohol fuel.

“In comparison to otherplantings considered for produc-tion of alcohol fuel in the U.S.,sugarbeets have the greatestpotential. Presently, the easiest

and cheapest means of producing alco-hol fuel from organic material is to extract it from

the fermentable sugars that make up 40 to 50 percent ofa sugarbeet plant. Because of this potential, the hybridsugarbeet has earned the name ‘fuel beet.’ . . .

“With current conditions, sugarbeets represent apotential production of 400 to 500 gallons of alcohol fuelper acre at a net cost of $1.51 per gallon. While these fig-ures do not make the fuel beet appear economical at thistime, they do indicate that such production is withinearly striking range. . . .

“Before fuel beets can make any type of impact on theenergy crisis, improvement is necessary in all aspects ofproduction of alcohol fuel from sugarbeets. The need fora new type of beet capable of yielding more fermentablesugars per acre than any present variety is mandatory.

“Doney and Theurer are confident that their fuel beetwill provide the necessary improvements. ‘We think itshould be easier to develop a beet for fuel than for sug-ars,’ says Doney. ‘In breeding for a fuel beet we’ll be aim-ing at increasing sugar quantity in the beet without hav-ing to worry about the quality factors that affect sugarcrystallization.’ ” �

THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010 11

Auction Fever!You know that spring is close at hand;

The yard has turned to slop.The winter projects all completeAre stacked up in the shop.

Spring fever hits and we resistBut all to no avail.

The only sure-fire antidote:Attend an auction sale.

To justify an auction tripAround my house is tough.

My wife is thoroughly convincedI have way too much stuff.

“But dear,” I say in my best way,“Attending auctions ain’t a vice.

I only go this time of yearTo check out a fair price.”

“I have no purchases in mind.I only want to see,

If that John Deere dealer late last fallGot the best of me.”

She looks me right between the eyes;She has known me for too long.

She’s sure I have no self-control;I’ve seldom proved her wrong.

So I dig out my auction clothes,And load the pickup truck.

Put on my favorite beet seed hat,The one that brings me luck.

I come to meet the neighbors,Have a donut and a Coke.

To talk about the weather And hear the latest joke.

Just to stand and hear the chantIs somehow very nice.

But I’m curious about the sale,I listen for the price.

Then it overcomes me,Though it’s not something I need.

They’re about to sell it way too cheap;I buy it out of greed.

Now it seems I’m on a roll,There is not a way to stop.

Soon I own things for the house,The cottage and the shop.

I see my banker watching me.That shuts down my rapid pace,

And makes me think of going home,And the questions I will face.

I can justify the nuts and bolts,But not the pictures of old actors.

It’s for the best that I got stoppedBefore they sold the tractors.

Now I had better load my stuff,It’s getting pretty late.

To be an auction junkieSomehow seems my fate. �

David Kragnes farms near Felton, Minn.He is a former chairman of AmericanCrystal Sugar Co., and currently serveson the board of directors of CoBank.

WriteField By David Kragnes

12 THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010

For more info.www.newlineproducts.comOr call (800) 542-4645

A Minnesota Company with Over25 Years of Service

Buy in Bulk and SAVE $$$“Crop Friendly”

Soybean Oil Based.

on farm delivery

available.

CROP OIL

“Helps Your ChemicalsStick, Spread & Penetrate”

“Reduces Drift & Evaporation”

— Advertisers —We offer you comprehensivecoverage among growers in every North American sugarbeet production area!

For Details, Contact:Heidi Wieland(701) 476-2003

hwieland@forumprinting.com

Upcoming 2010 Issues:July/August

November/December

The fungicide you’ve always wanted is finally within reach.

©2009 Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., P.O. Box 18300, Greensboro, NC 27419. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using this product. Inspire XT is not registered for use or sale in all states. Please check with your state or local regulatory agency before buying or using this product. Inspire® XT is a trademark and the Syngenta logo is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368). www.farmassist.com MW 1TNV8021-A 2/09

There’s no better partner for your sugarbeet disease management program than Inspire® XT fungicide. Trusted the world over, Inspire XT is proven to deliver long-lasting control of Cercospora leaf spot, powdery mildew and other damaging diseases. And as part of your overall spray program, Inspire XT can help sustain fungicide effectiveness and manage resistance. Top of the class.

Art Director: Jeff TressiderCopywriter: Mark AndersenPhotographer/Illustrator: Curtis JohnsonPrint Production: Sandra StishSeparator: GLS CompaniesRetoucher: GianiniArt Buyer: Lisa CrawfordAccount Manager: Cindy Mulcahy/Michelle ThyenProject Manager: Rhonda Battina/Heather McQueenEKG: Charles Tetreault/Jodi Annis

Syngenta HORTInspire-XT SugarbeetMag., Pg. 4/C Bld.BL: 9" X 11.5"TR: 7.75" X 10.5"LV: 7" X 10"Martin/Williams Job No: 1TNV8021-ALASER IS 100%

Growers, agriculturalists andresearchers are acutely aware of

the performance of different sugarbeet

varieties in their areas. All growingregions have seed committees andunbiased testing programs that evalu-ate and report upon the yield perform-ance, quality and disease resistance ofentered commercial varieties. Thosecoded trial results play a large role inmany growers’ seed selection decisions.

This primer is intended as an intro-duction to sugarbeets from a breedingstandpoint. Topics include the historyof the crop, the genetics of breedingand agronomic characters, and the

potential impact of new technologies. Breeding new varieties is a time-

consuming effort — often taking inexcess of 10 years before germplasmwith new characters is available togrowers in the form of new varieties.

History of the Crop

Sugarbeet, one of the newer cropsof significant economic importance, isa product of the Industrial Revolutionin Europe. During the latter half ofthe 18th century, sucrose was discov-ered in the roots of red and white beetsused for animal fodder. Subsequently,beets with higher sugar levels wereselectively bred, measures for the cul-tivation of beets for sugar weredescribed, an extraction process wasdeveloped, and the first European sug-arbeet factories were constructed.

Sugarbeet is classified as Beta vul-garis, which includes fodder beet, redbeet, Swiss chard and a variety of wildforms found along European andMediterranean coastlines. They areknown as subspecies maritima types.

Most Beta vulgaris types arediploid with 18 chromosomes in eachcell (though some sugarbeet varietiesare triploids). There are few or no bar-riers to cross fertilization among thesetypes. The maritima types have con-tributed some of the most valuable dis-ease resistances, including resistanceto Cercospora leafspot and the rhizo-mania virus — and have the potentialto contribute a great deal more.

The majority of sugarbeet varietiesgrown today trace back to the earlyselections performed during the late18th and early 19th centuries. Theyprobably originated from fodder beetsgrown in Poland from a type known asWhite Silesian. At that time, fodderand red beets were grown for animalfeed and human consumption, a prac-tice dating back to the Middle Ages.

Leafy beets (similar in use totoday’s Swiss chard types) were grownin the gardens of Babylon and ancientEgypt, and were the ancestors of allcultivated beets. During their earlyhistory, hybridization with wild beetsundoubtedly occurred naturally. Newtypes were probably selected from theprogeny of those inadvertent outcross-es. But while a great deal of geneticvariation exists within Beta vulgaris,the germplasm base of sugarbeet isrelatively narrow.

Mitch McGrath is research geneticistwith the USDA-ARS Sugarbeet & BeanResearch Unit, Michigan State University,East Lansing. This article is based onone appearing in the 2009 Research Trial Results booklet published byMichigan Sugarbeet REACH (Research& Education Advisory Council).

By Mitch McGrath

A Primer: Sugarbeet Breeding & Genetics

Left: Beet seedlings in ‘conetainers’await vernalization for rapid-cycleseed production.

Pho

to: M

itch McG

rath

14 THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010

For more info call 519-786-3025 www. ropanorthamerica.com or e-mail: info@ropanorthamerica.com

euro-Maus euro-Tiger

Breeding Sugarbeet

Sugarbeet is biennial. Vegetativegrowth during the first year is gearedtoward bulking storage reserves (main-ly sucrose in the roots) for the follow-ing year’s reproductive growth. Sugarbeets behave as a perennial ifflowering is not induced. Induction offlowering occurs after a period of cooltemperatures and long nights — aprocess known as vernalization.Vernalization, can which occur at anytime during the plant’s growth, can beproblematic for growers who planttheir crop too early, leading to plants“bolting” in the field, accompanied inturn by a loss of sucrose yield.

In practice, beets harvested fromselection plots are placed in a 4°C(40°F) cooler for 12 to 16 weeks toeffect vernalization. Flowering com-mences within five weeks after remov-ing the plants from vernalization.

In most commercial U.S. seed pro-duction — which takes place almostexclusively in the coastal valleys ofwestern Oregon — seeds are fieldplanted in late summer, and plantsvernalize in the field during winterwith little risk of freezing (although itcan happen). Flowering, seedset andseed harvest are complete by August ofthe next year in the field. In thegreenhouse, it is possible to obtainseed for testing the year following fieldselection of mother roots.

Beets, which are wind pollinated,have perfect flowers. A complex self-incompatibility system serves to limitpollen germination and growth when itlands on its own flower; but there area number of exceptions that allow forself-fertilization. These exceptions(e.g., pseudo-self-fertility, genetic self-fertility) are often used for breedingpurposes. In all cases, commercialseed is obtained in isolation plots sepa-rated by at least one mile from oneanother to prevent excessive pollencontamination from other varieties.

Beet seed is unusual from a botani-cal standpoint. The seed that is plant-ed is actually the entire flower, whichdevelops into a woody fruit. Duringseed processing, that fruit is polished,graded and, in today’s world, primedand coated. Priming occurs whenseeds are imbibed and then driedbefore the radicle emerges. Within thefruit or seedball, one (monogerm) tofive (multigerm) seeds will arise fromthe fusion of separate flowers borne inthe leaf axils.

All commercial beet seed used indeveloped countries is monogerm.Monogermity is a single-gene charac-

ter expressed by the seed parent.Multigerms are used as pollinators forhybrids due to their generally bettervigor and ease of mass selection (fordisease resistance in particular).

The monogerm character is one ofthe few recessive genes common inbreeding programs. Two other reces-sive genes are required that result inCMS (cytoplasmic male sterility) in asterile cytoplasm.

Incorporating these three genes isone of the bottlenecks in developingbetter seed parents for hybrid vari-eties. Prior to the development ofCMS and maintainer lines 50 yearsago, commercial varieties were open-

pollinated and multigerm.Hybrids are made using a system

of cytoplasmic male sterility. In thissystem, normal pollen development isdisrupted by an unknown mechanismassociated with a defect in the mito-chondria (the energy-producingmachinery of the cell). Mitochondriaare inherited maternally; and in thiscase, only the seed parent will containa sterile cytoplasm.

For CMS to be expressed, two genespresent in the cell’s nucleus must berecessive. If either of those genes isdominant or the cytoplasm is normal,the plant will be pollen-fertile.

Generally, male-sterile CMS linesare maintained by crossing with a sim-ilar genotype with a normal cytoplasm.These are known as maintainer or O-type lines. For each CMS, there needsto be a corresponding O-type line.

In hybrid beet seed production,monogerm CMS pollen-sterile seedparents are interplanted with fertilemonogerm or multigerm pollen donors.Seed is harvested exclusively from theCMS line. Because the monogermtrait is expressed by the seed parent,all hybrid seed will be monogerm.

Seed parents must possess at leastfour characteristics to be useful:monogerm, CMS, lacking two nuclearrestorer genes, and have an O-typemaintainer line.

A great deal of effort and expense isexpended in identifying suitable seedparent lines. Coupled with therequirements for high sucrose andhigh tonnage yields, perhaps the mostdifficult phase of sugarbeet breeding isproducing good seed parent lines. If

Above: Unopened sugarbeet flowersfrom multigerm (left) and monogerm(right) seed stalks.

THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010 15

Pho

to: J

ohin

Ker

n /

Cry

stal

Bee

t S

eed

disease resistance needs to be homozy-gous (i.e., two copies of the gene) in thehybrid, such traits also need to beincorporated in the seed parent.

Genetics of AgronomicCharacters in Sugarbeet

Sugarbeet breeding for agronomiccharacters has relied mainly on massselection. This strategy works well fortraits that are easily scored and rela-tively insensitive to environmentalfluctuations.

A variation on this theme — recur-rent selection — has been practiced tosome extent. With this method, selec-tions are made and crossed with acommon parent. The progeny are eval-uated, and the best-performing fami-lies or lines are identified. Those seedparents whose progeny showed highperformance are then intercrossed andadvanced to another round of selection.Frequently, progeny testing occurswith a promising pollinator crossedwith a series of CMS tester lines.

Performance is measured in vari-ous ways. Agronomic characters suchas sucrose percent and yield are meas-ured at the end of the growing season.Disease nurseries are employed toevaluate performance under diseasepressure. Visual evaluations for thenumber of crowns and sprangled roots,relative vigor, color, shape and rootsmoothness are sometimes performed.

In general, the breeding data typi-cally collected in many breeding pro-grams have been insufficient for exam-ining the genetics of agronomic traits.Unfortunately, the available informa-tion is often dated or inadequate. So are-examination of these questions with

the more-precise methodologies avail-able today should be a high priority.

Here’s a brief summary of the num-ber of genes controlling a trait, as wellas their proposed mode of gene action:

• Sucrose — Percent sucrose inbeets ranges from 4-6% in some wildspecies and up to 20% or more in elitesugarbeet germplasm. Vegetable beets(red beet and Swiss chard) are general-ly intermediate in sucrose concentra-tion, commonly between 6-10%.

Increasing the percent sucrose insugarbeet from “intermediate” to“high” levels probably occurred withinthe first 50 years of sugarbeet breed-ing. The inheritance of sucrose con-centration is highly heritable andamenable to mass selection. Amongcrosses of sugarbeets and other types,it was inferred that three or four genescontrol sucrose concentration.

• Yield — Yield, expressed eitheras weight of the beet or per-unit area,is an unpredictable trait. Both highand low yielders can be retrieved fromthe progeny of either low-yielding orhigh-yielding beets, indicating non-additive gene action. In practice, high-yielding hybrids must be determinedvia trial and error by crossing seedparents with many prospective pollenparents to determining a parent’s com-bining ability. That is a laborious and

expensive task.• Disease Resistance — Disease

resistance in beets is generally domi-nant in its expression, due to thenature of the breeding system and thereliance on mass selection as a breed-ing tool. Many resistances are con-trolled by dominant genes at morethan one locus. For example, toleranceto the most prevalent type ofCercospora leafspot is controlled by atleast five independent genes.Similarly, tolerance to Rhizoctonia rootrot is controlled by two or more genes.

From these numbers it is clear thatbreeding for Rhizoctonia toleranceshould be easier than breeding forCercospora — and in practice, thisdoes appear to be the case.

For other major diseases, however,the pattern of inheritance is not asclear. Exceptions include that of: (1)rhizomania resistance, where a singledominant gene is being widely used(e.g., the “Holly” gene, also known asRz1), and (2) a single gene for resist-ance to the beet cyst nematode.

With the exception of Rhizoctoniatolerance, each of these resistances’origin can be traced back to wild beetsor other species. Resistance to otherdiseases (sometimes near-immunity)has been identified among the wildspecies. It is not clear whether theseresistances are the same or differentfrom the ones currently in use.

A great deal of effort is expendedby public breeding programs such asUSDA-ARS to identify and incorporatenew sources of disease resistance intocommercial-ready sugarbeet parentsthrough germplasm enhancement.Enhanced germplasm is released tocommercial seed companies for reselec-tion and hybrid development. �

Production • Processing & Refining • Marketing

Research • Associations • Government

Plus: Sugar Industries of Mexico & Canada / U.S. Corn Sweetener Sector

2009/2

010 U

.S. S

ugar In

dustry D

irecto

ry

2009/2

010 U

.S. S

ugar In

dustry D

irecto

ry

Now Available

!

The 2009/10

U.S. Sugar Industry DirectoryBy far the most comprehensive ‘who’s

who’ of U.S. sugar, this 156-page 8-1/2 x 11” publication includes:

• Address, phone, fax, email, website & key personnel for hundreds ofsugar-related commercial firms.

• Key personnel & production basicsfor all U.S. sugarbeet factories, sugar-cane mills & cane sugar refineries.

• Overview of Mexican & Canadiansugar & U.S. corn wet-milling sector.

• Listings of local, state, regional,national & international sugar groups.

• USDA & state university sugarbeet &sugarcane researchers.

• Commentary & statistics (current &historic) on the U.S. sugar sector — plusa color map of U.S. beet & cane areas.

Individual Copy Price: $49.50Price includes postage & handling on U.S. & Canadian orders; add $10 for airmail postage to other countries; U.S. funds. Visa & Mastercard accepted. Quantity discounts available.

Lilleboe Communications Ltd.P.O. Box 2684Fargo, ND 58108-2684 USA

Phone: 701-238-2393Email: lillcomm@yahoo.com

16 THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010

With the exception of Rhizoctonia tolerance, the resistance for major sugarbeet diseases can be traced back to wildbeets or other species.

Narrow Tires & Axles.Less Damage to Your Crop.

Apache High-Clearance Sprayersfor Sugarbeet Applications

Designed to accomodate 22” sugar-beet rows, Apache sprayers are built with narrow tires set on 88” centers, with the combination of dual tires on the rear. Combine this with Apache’s dependable mechanical drive and smooth hydraulic suspension, and you’ve got the perfect sugarbeet sprayer.

“The lightweight Apache is the perfect self-propelled sprayerfor the sugarbeet custom applicator and farmer.”

Fillbrandt’s Bigg Dogg Agg, Felton, MN

Call today 1-866-362-2472 oremail tellmemore@apachesprayer.com to receive a FREE DVD of customertestimonials and the Apache in action.

Paul PetersonET North Central Regional Manager

Cell: 701-261-6920

Janson Equipment9676 Saginaw St.Reese, MI 48757

989-868-4118

Park River Implement701 Park St. W.

Park River, ND 58270701-284-6316

Janson Equipment7581 E Monroe Rd.

Breckenridge, MI 48615989-842-3141

Central Sales3976 Hwy 281

Jamestown, ND 58401701-252-7030

Janson Equipment799 Island Hwy.

Charlotte, MI 48813517-543-0070

Central Sales151 Langer Ave. S.

Casselton, ND 58012701-347-4432

Pioneer West61055 McDonald LaneLaGrande, OR 97850

541-663-9375

27th International SweetenerSymposium is July 30-Aug. 4

The 27th International SweetenerSymposium is scheduled for July 30 toAugust 4 at the Vail MarriottMountain Resort & Spa in Vail, Colo.The event is sponsored by theAmerican Sugar Alliance.

Individual speakers and panels willaddress several “hot topics,” includingthe global financial situation, integra-tion of the U.S. and Mexican sugarmarkets, current world and domesticsugar supply and demand, and the sta-tus of international trade issues.

Traditionally, about 400 peopleattend the symposium to hear aboutsignificant and timely issues affectingthe industry and to network with theirsweetener industry colleagues. Theschedule allows free time every after-noon to enhance industry relations.

For details on the InternationalSweetener Symposium, visit theAmerican Sugar Alliance website —www.sugaralliance.org — or call theASA at (703) 351-5055.

Bayer CropScience Donates toASGA Internship, Scholarships

For the seventh consecutive year,Bayer CropScience has donated $2,000to industry internships and scholarshipprograms in the names of six sugarbeetgrowers. The growers were selectedfrom a drawing sponsored by BayerCropScience during the AmericanSugarbeet Growers Association (ASGA)annual meeting in Charleston, S.C., inearly February. The winning growershad the opportunity to choose whichindustry organization they would liketo show their support to through thedonations made by Bayer CropScience.Each winner also received a GarminNuvi® 205 GPS unit, courtesy ofPoncho® Beta seed treatment.

The winning sugarbeet growerswere Doug Etten, Dalton, Minn.;Marilyn Horsch, Aberdeen, Idaho;Jayson Keller, Mitchell, Neb.; PerryMeuleman, Rupert, Idaho; Cleo Miller,Nampa, Idaho, and Shawn Strecker,Bighorn, Mont.

Etten, Horsch and Meuleman

requested that $1,000 go to the ASGABill Cleavinger Internship Program.This program is named in honor of thelate Texas grower who served theindustry for more than 30 years on var-ious sugarbeet grower boards and as apresident of ASGA.

Bayer CropScience donated the fol-lowing amounts to the listed coopera-tive or association’s scholarship fund:$500 on behalf of Jayson Keller toWestern Sugar Cooperative;$250 on behalf of Cleo Miller to theNyssa-Nampa Beet GrowersAssociation; and $250 on behalf ofShawn Strecker to the MountainStates Beet Growers Association.

“Honoring U.S. sugarbeet producersat the ASGA annual meeting is a privi-lege every year,” stated KerryGrossweiler, Bayer CropScience prod-uct manager for seed treatments. “ThisBayer CropScience donation serves toassist the next generation of leaders inthe sugarbeet industry.”

Bayer CropScience also is commit-ted, Grossweiler added, to bringingnext-generation technology to beetgrowers, as the company continues todedicate resources in research anddevelopment to significant innovationsin the pipeline for the sugarbeet indus-try. The most recent product introduc-tion specific to sugarbeets from BayerCropScience was Poncho Beta seed-applied insecticide in 2009.

“We are proud to maintain our long-term partnership with sugarbeet grow-ers,” Grossweiler said, “through a port-folio of crop protection offerings, as wellas through our involvement with andsupport of ASGA.” �

Around The IndustrySugarbeet Institute Draws 2,700 to Grand Forks

Nearly 2,700 sugarbeet growers and affiliated industry personnel attended the 48thInternational Sugarbeet Institute, held on March 17 and 18 in Grand Forks, N.D.The 2011 ISBI is scheduled for March 16 and 17 at the Fargodome in Fargo, N.D.

Below: Three of the ASGA drawing win-ners are shown here with Bill Striegel (atright), Poncho Beta product developmentmanager with Bayer CropScience. Theyare, left to right: Jayson Keller of Mitchell,Neb.; Cleo Miller, Nampa, Idaho; andShawn Strecker, Bighorn, Mont.

18 THE SUGARBEET GROWER April/May 2010

http://www.betaseed.com