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‘Serving The Nation’s Sugarbeet Community Since 1963’ Volume 51 Number 3 March 2012

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Sugar Publications 4601 16th Ave. N. Fargo, ND 58102 Phone: (701) 476-2111 Fax: (701) 476-2182 E-Mail: sugar@forumprinting.com Web Site: www.sugarpub.com

Page 4

— Feature Articles — ASGA Annual Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Photos and commentary from February Orlando event

Publisher: Sugar Publications General Manager & Editor: Don Lilleboe

Flight Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Comments from ASGA’s outgoing president, Russ Mauch

Advertising Manager: Heidi Wieland (701) 476-2003

Succeeding in Difficult Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Graphics: Forum Communications Printing

Strip-Till Transition Going Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

The Sugarbeet Grower is published six times annually (January, February, March, April/May, July/August, November/December) by Sugar Publications, a division of Forum Communications Printing. North American sugarbeet producers receive the magazine on a complimentary basis. Annual subscription rates are $12.00 domestic and $18.00 for foreign subscribers. Advertising in The Sugarbeet Grower does not necessarily imply endorsement of a particular product or service by the publisher.

In-Furrow ‘Pop-Up’ Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

New President Kelly Erickson’s blueprint for ASGA in 2012

For Idaho growers Doug and Melanie Carlquist

Southern Minnesota research findings

— Regular Pages — Dateline: Washington . . . . . . . . . . 12 Protecting sugar policy; 2012 farm bill 30 Years Ago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Excerpts from our March 1982 issue

Visit Our Website! Updated & Expanded!

Write Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

www.sugarpub.com

Around the Industry . . . . . . . . . . . 22

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

On The Road Again . . .

— Front Cover — Kelly Erickson of Hallock, Minn., who farms near the adjacent community of Kennedy, is the new president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association. See article on page 10. Photo: Don Lilleboe

Who, what & where it’s happening

— Report from Orlando —

isney World’s fantasy land may have provided the backdrop, but the very real world of national politics, trade and the sugar program set the tone as American Sugarbeet Growers Association members gathered for their 2012 annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. About 400 growers, spouses and affiliated industry traveled to Orlando for this year’s meeting on February 9-11, with representation from all U.S. (and Canadian) growing regions. Pictured on these pages are several of the speakers who addressed the 2012 meeting audience. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), chair of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, also spoke to the group live via phone, while Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, did so in a prerecorded message. This year also marks a special milestone for ASGA’s two initial staff members. Both Luther Markwart, executive vice president, and Ruthann Geib, vice president, joined the organization 30 years ago, in 1982, upon its formation.

Meeting Photos: Don Lilleboe

ASGA Annual Mtg. Highlights Right: David Wasserman serves as house editor of the Cook Political Report, a Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan publication that provides analysis of presidential, U.S. Senate, House and gubernatorial races for its subscribers. Wasserman started off the ASGA meeting with reference to three main trends that have contributed to the nation’s current political climate. First, he said, there has been a “self-sorting” of the electorate, i.e., Americans are tending to live closer to those who think alike politically. Second, there has been a rise in numbers of independent voters. And third, voting patterns now break down along cultural lines more than they did in past election cycles. Looking at the 2012 presidential race, Wasserman said that “Republicans want a referendum-type election” (on President Obama), while “Democrats want it to be about ‘choice’ ” (between Obama and whomever becomes the Republican nominee). Key to the election’s outcome, he added, will be the direction in which the economy is trending as of

mid-October. Wasserman rated the election as a “tossup” as of February. Wasserman also spoke to the very low popularity of Congress. He projected that the U.S. House will still have a Republican majority following the 2012 election. The Senate, while less clear, is “leaning” toward the likelihood of a Republican majority, he suggested.

Left: Jim Wiesemeyer, senior vice president of Informa Economics, is a familiar face to ASGA members, having spoken at several annual meetings. The longtime Washington, D.C.-based ag analyst and editor provided an overview of national politics, international finances and, of course, the 2012 farm bill. “We are going to go through some high-anxiety times after November 2,” he stated — primarily due to inadequate leadership at all levels. Domestically, the leading issues are deficits, debt and stagnation, Wiesemeyer said. In Europe, it’s about sovereign debt, defaults and “who pays.” China must focus on inflation and monetary tightening, while the Mideast continues to struggle with geopolitical challenges and energy.

Addressing U.S. agriculture, Wiesemeyer noted that net cash farm income is projected at $110 billion for 2011 — a 19% increase over the record set the prior year. Ag performance is expected to stay strong for years to come. That’s good; but it simultaneously means many lawmakers (especially urban) question the need for the continuation of direct payments. Wiesemeyer also foresees more pressure on crop insurance. Still, he points out, production agriculture accounts for just 0.0025% of the federal budget. So it obviously cannot be balanced on the “back of ag.” But, Wiesemeyer added, “You are the lowhanging fruit right now. More commodities need your ‘no-cost’ moniker,” he told the assembled sugarbeet growers.

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

Photos: Don Lilleboe

Above: Craig Ruffalo, vice president of Oakland, Calif.-based McKeanyFlavell, focused on Mexico in his report on the changing dynamics of the North American sweetener market. Mexico was the source for roughly half of 2010/11 U.S. sugar imports, he noted. The 900,000 tons of refined sugar represented by imports from Mexico are about equivalent to the annual capacity of one U.S. refinery. Logistically, Mexican sugar currently competes most effectively with U.S. sugar in Florida, followed by Texas, Illinois (metro Chicago), the Mid-Atlantic and then California. As of calendar 2010, sugar (sucrose) accounted for 75% of Mexico’s sweetener consumption, compared to 58% in the United States. High fructose corn syrup accounted for the other 25% and 42%, respectively. “We’re a net-importing country,” Ruffalo pointed out. “We need (Mexican) sugar.” But, he noted, U.S. food and beverage companies do still have a low comfort level when it comes to sourcing Mexican sugar, for three main reasons: packaging constraints, logistical complications and financing arrangements.

Right: Dan Colacicco, director of the Dairy and Sweetener Analysis Group at USDA’s Farm Service Agency, delivered an overview of how his group administers the domestic side of the U.S. sugar program. It’s an intricate balancing act, he emphasized, since the group must address the needs of several constituencies: not only sugar producers, but also processors, food manufacturers, trading partners (foreign suppliers) — and consumers. The main objective is to provide a safety net for producers while simultaneously ensuring an adequate supply of sugar for the marketplace. “How do we make the sugar program work?” Colacicco asked. The answer, he said, is to make it (1) effective, (2) balanced, (3) “no cost,” (4) fair and as simple as possible, and (5) transparent and as predictable as possible. The operational objectives of the FSA group are to run the program to avoid costs and to provide “adequate supply,” i.e., reasonable ending stocks. “We generally don’t run the program on the basis of price,” he added, “and we don’t run the proRight: British sugarbeet producer William Martin is currently president of the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers (WABCG). “Today is a good time to be a sugar farmer,” Martin stated in reference to recent years’ price trends. Along with providing an overview of global production, consumption and trade, he discussed the “what and why” of the European Union’s sharp drop in sugar export levels and processing capacity under the 2006 EU Sugar Reform. That reform — developed in part in response to a WTO decision that went against the EU — has cut EU sugar production by about 30%. “Quotas need to be maintained at least until 2020 to further improve European sugarbeet productivity,” Martin said. Left: Owen Wagner, senior economistNorth America with LMC International, summarized ﬁndings of a 2011-released study on the economic impact of the U.S. sugar industry. The study found the total annual economic impact to be nearly $19.5 billion. Of that, the beet sugar sector accounted for $10.6 billion; raw cane sugar for $5.4 billion; and cane sugar reﬁning/marketing for $3.5 billion. Biggest impacts from sugar, by state, were in Louisiana ($3.5 billion), Minnesota ($3.4 billion) and Florida ($3.3 billion). The LMC study found that the sugar industry accounted for more than 142,000 jobs, full-time equivalent. Nearly 100,000 of them were in the beet sugar sector, of which almost 73,000 were

gram to avoid shortages, since shortages only result from the unexpected.” Finally, “we run the program to avoid high-tier imports.” Ending stocks levels are the focal point in determining the level of supply that provides “balance,” Colacicco noted.

“sugarbeet ﬁeld” jobs and about 26,700 were “sugarbeet factory” jobs. Wages paid by the sugar industry in crop year 2009/10 were estimated at $4.2 billion. Wagner also discussed another LMC study that looked at the U.S. sugar industry’s competitiveness on a global basis. The U.S. was the 20th lowest-cost producer in 2010/11 among 95 countries and regions studied. But U.S. sugarbeet producers were the lowest cost among 35 countries/regions studied (many of which are developed countries). A combination of gains in efﬁciency, access to relatively low-cost energy and strengthening currencies of global competitors has pushed U.S. costs of production more than 10% below the world average.

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

Above: Jeff Harrison of Combest, Sell & Associates spoke on the outlook for passage of the 2012 farm bill. “All the ‘aggies’ have to come together,” he observed, emphasizing that commodity groups need to unify on farm policy, work to create positive press and step up their political involvement. Harrison paid tribute to the ASGA’s extensive efforts to educate members of Congress and their staffs on the beneﬁts of the sugar program, and he reiterated the importance of the program’s no-cost component. “What all the farm groups need is a ‘spoonful of sugar,’ ” he quipped.

Above: The ASGA leadership team for 2012 includes, left to right: Luther Markwart, executive vice president; Kelly Erickson (Hallock, Minn.), president; John Snyder (Worland, Wyo.), vice president; and Don Steinbeisser, Jr. (Sidney, Mont.), treasurer. Retiring ASGA directors honored at this year’s annual meeting included David Bergh (Mountain Home, Idaho), Neil Widner (Stephen, Minn.) and Steve Enestvedt (Sacred Heart, Minn.). New ASGA directors are Jim Schroder (Crook, Colo.) and Shane Strecker (Bighorn, Mont.). Also recognized at the ASGA meeting were two industry leaders who passed away during 2011: sugar analyst Peter Buzzanell and Minnesota grower Dale Kuehl.

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Flight Report

tell our story and ask for members’ support. Our next key objective was to maintain production of Roundup Ready® sugarbeets. This technology is critical to the survival of our industry. Even before we took flight with this technology in 2008, opponents of biotechnology threatened to shoot us down. Well, with typical courage and determination, the growers in this industry took flight — and we have endured anti-aircraft fire, surface-to-air-missiles, dog fights and kamikaze missions by our opponents. They have thrown everything they can against us. Our legal issues have been before five judges, in four lawsuits, in three courts, on two coasts over one little tiny seed. But when the call went out to comment on draft environmental assessments and draft environmental impact statements, our industry leaders and growers stood tall and did what was asked of them, with Barney, N.D., grower Russ Mauch completed his two-year term as president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Associa- dedication and perseverance. When we said that growers would have to produce tion during the group’s February annual meeting. Prior to Roundup Ready sugarbeets within strict conditions under a turning over the president’s gavel to Kelly Erickson, Mauch partial deregulation — and with the eyes of the world upon us summarized the challenges and accomplishments of the past — you and your growers performed as the champions that two years. Provided here are excerpts from his talk. you are. That requires every grower to take his mission seriously and successfully complete it. The agricultural biotech industry salutes you for what you have accomplished. s a private pilot, I often think of life’s tasks and opportuOur third key focus has been on addressing various crop nities as an imaginary flight where the pilot is confident about his knowledge and skills, has a reliable airplane, a clear insurance issues. Each year, we have called on RMA to adjust their price election. And they have done so, providing milflight plan, has successful takeoffs, great experiences, occalions of dollars of additional coverage that is desperately sional turbulence — and, if all goes well, a smooth landing. A needed by those who lose their crops. We worked to permaconfident pilot never wears a parachute, and you should not nently remove staged coverage from our policies, and we have fly with one who does. a pilot for field piles (clamps) in southern Minnesota and So two years ago, when I took the controls of the ASGA as Michigan. your pilot, I talked about our imaginary flight that we would Our fourth key focus has been on trade issues. We are still be taking over the next two years. Well, today is yesterday’s dealing with the transition of a common North American future, so I would like now to close my flight plan. sugar market that joins the U.S. and Mexico markets as one. The ASGA board and everyone in this room who are the We thank Ray VanDriessche of Michigan for his dedicated leaders of this great industry have a lot to be proud of bework on these issues on behalf of the growers for the past 11 cause of our united and dedicated commitment to make years. There are new trade agreements that always threaten things better for our growers. our industry, and we must work hard to keep those threats to Our number-one objective two years ago was to make sure a minimum. the current sugar policy operated as it was imagined and inIn closing, I have been honored to lead this group during tended. While there has been great turbulence from some of this very challenging and successful two-year period. Thanks our customers over the strengthening of the sugar market, to all of you for your hard work and efforts that have brought growers finally have sustained returns that have helped adthe good results that the sugarbeet industry has witnessed. dress debt — both on our farms and in our cooperatives. The I have complete confidence in your board and its new leaders stronger market has given hope and excitement once again to to shepherd the ASGA and everyone, especially to our the entire U.S. sugar industry younger producers. If we are Below: Outgoing ASGA President Russ Mauch (right) receives to produce a high-quality a plaque of appreciation from his successor, Kelly Erickson, as through the challenges ahead. product, store it and deliver the group’s 2012 annual meeting draws to a close. Before I turn over the conit when and where our custrols to Kelly, I would like to tomers want it, we then need thank ASGA board members a respectable return for the and our staff for their vote of huge risk and investment our confidence in me, as well as growers take in producing it. the Minn-Dak Board of DirecWe must always promote tor for their support. I am a and defend our policy. As proud dirt farmer, not a politihearings began on the 2012 cian or public speaker. I could farm bill, we made it clear to not have done this job without members of Congress that we the help of all of you: the staff, have a policy that works for my family, my partner, Rick our producers, and one that Bladow, and most importantly, creates 142,000 jobs and genmy wife, Mary. erates nearly $20 billion in Thank you all for giving economic activity. The policy me this great honor and expedoes it all at no cost to the rience of being the American American taxpayer. We have Sugarbeet Growers Associamade hundreds of grower vistion president for these past its to Capitol Hill offices to two years. ❖

Outgoing ASGA President Reflects Upon Past Two Years

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

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Succeeding in Difficult Times New ASGA President Kelly Erickson Offers Blueprint For Association’s Path in 2012 & Beyond Hallock, Minn., grower Kelly Erickson took the reins as president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association during ASGA’s annual meeting in early February. In his first address to the group as president, he introduced himself, discussed the challenges ahead, and offered a road map on how ASGA can successfully meet those challenges. Here are his remarks.

hank you for this great opportunity to lead one of the finest agricultural organizations in our country. I want to thank the ASGA Board of Directors for their unanimous vote for my election. I want to thank the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association for their many years of support. Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Karen, in advance for the time I will spend on the business of this organization. This position comes with the great responsibility of guiding our industry through the many challenges we face going forward. As growers, you need to

leave this place knowing the answers to four basic questions. First, who am I? I have been growing beets, along with wheat and soybeans, for 36 years. I farmed with my father from 1976 until he retired, and am now farming with my son, Scott, who is the fifth-generation Erickson on our farm. Scott and I raise 800 acres of sugarbeets. I have been married to my wife, Karen, for 34 years. We have three children: Scott; Sarah, who is a lawyer in St. Paul, Minn.; and Mary Beth, who is attending physical therapist school in Duluth, Minn. I belong to the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association and served

We must have unity at home within our co-ops, within the beet industry, between the beet and cane sugar sectors, and in our work with other commodity groups and farm organizations.

as its president for four years. I also am a member of the Minnesota Wheat Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. Second, where we are as an industry? As of this moment, we are doing well. We have Roundup Ready® sugarbeets, the markets are strong, we have pretty good risk management tools, and no pending trade agreement presents an imminent threat to our industry. Third, what challenges and uncertainties do we face in the year ahead? The dictionary defines uncertainty as “the lack of knowledge about an outcome or a result.” You already know most of the major issues where great uncertainties lie. We constantly face challenges in each of the branches of government. In the legislative branch, we have the 2012 elections, a farm bill and threats to our policy through an agricultural appropriation bill. In the executive branch, there is the management of current sugar policy, the resolution of issues with Mexico in the North American market, and the negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In the judicial branch, we continue to deal with the Roundup Ready litigation. Fourth, how do we meet those challenges? How do we lead in a landscape littered in uncertain and turbulent times? How do we succeed in an increasingly hostile economic and political environment? It is no secret that political incivility and polarization have produced a dysfunctional Congress. We have a federal debt that is crippling our nation, and addressing it will dictate the scope and spending of future policies across the government, including agriculture. We have a domestic economy and global economies that are struggling to climb out of these difficult times. ow does our industry weave itself through this gauntlet of formidable challenges? I have 10 fundamental principles for succeeding in these times. You may view them as somewhere between the Ten Commandments and David Letterman’s Top 10 list. • First, we must have unity. We learned long ago from President Lincoln that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” We must have unity at home within our cooperatives, within the beet industry, between the beet and cane sugar sectors, and in our work with other commodity groups and farm organizations. “No one can defeat us unless we first defeat ourselves.” — Dwight Eisenhower “In unity there is strength, and we

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

are strong only as long as each unit in our organization functions with precision.” — Tilden The unified sugar industry is legendary and the keystone of our success. We must and will stand together. We will continue our strong relationships with other commodity groups. • Second, we must have vision. How do we keep what we have and/or improve upon it? Your grower leaders have great clarity in that vision and will continue to pursue it. • Third, we must have commitment. The ASGA Board of Directors just spent several days in meetings, and I must tell you that your grower leaders are committed to achieving success in a number of areas. That means making personal sacrifices of time and effort to achieve our objectives for our growers. • Fourth, we need focus. Figure out what is important, make it a priority — and remove the multitude of distractions that inundate us. Keep your focus laser sharp. • Fifth, we need talent and expertise. Last October, I had the fortunate opportunity to see all of the sugar industry reps and our industry consultants work on the 2012 American Sugar Alliance annual strategic plan that covers all aspects of the challenges we face. We have a tremendous pool of talent, with great expertise and decades of experience. I slept very well that night, knowing how well our industry is able to address any issue before us. • Sixth, we need preparation. It is often said that success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. We are prepared for any battle that presents itself. • Seventh, we need courage. If we can find a better way to do things, we cannot be afraid to bring ideas forward. After all, if you are going to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat. • Eighth, we need persistence. Do not give up. The sugar industry does not give up — ever. That is our reputation. Remember, it isn’t about getting knocked down; everyone gets knocked down once in a while. It’s getting back up that counts. • Ninth, we must communicate. We have to tell the story of our industry and our policy every day to decision makers and the media. This is why our political action committees are so incredibly important. They allow our growers and our talented staff to constantly tell our good story to new members of Congress and staff. • Tenth, we must have humility. I, as your president, come to you as a humble servant. The Scriptures tell us

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

that in order to be a great leader, you must be a servant to the people you

lead. While we may deal with big egos outside our organization, they do not dwell within our organization. So, stay unified . . . have vision . . . be committed . . . stay focused . . . increase your expertise . . . be prepared . . . have courage . . . never give up . . . talk to people . . . and be humble. If we do all of these things individually and collectively, our future is bright. I have the greatest confidence in who we are and where we are headed. It is a great time to be in the beet sugar business, and together we will maintain and build upon our success. ❖

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Dateline: Washington rower leaders are making hundreds of visits on Capitol Hill in late February and March to tell your story about the need for a strong domestic sugar policy. This is a huge effort on their part, and they deserve the blessings and appreciation from all of our growers. They will knock on lots of doors and talk to hundreds of people. Because of your strong support for your political action committees, they will visit with many members of Congress at numerous political fundraisers. Thank you for the PAC support that helps them, and us, communicate your message directly to the legislators. There are many challenges before us and very aggressive opponents who are threatening our sugar policy. There currently are two bills in the House and two in the Senate that would essentially do away with our sugar policy. This legislation is being driven by industrial users who want the market to be habitually oversupplied to drive down their cost and your income. The message to legislators will be very simple and clear. What our customers want is a reliable supply of high-quality sugar that meets their unique specifications, stored at our cost in the producer’s warehouse facilities, delivered when and where they want it — and at the lowest possible price. In order to meet those needs, they need a geographically dispersed industry, multiple supply sources and multiple competitors who battle in the marketplace over the opportunity to take care of the user’s needs. But the industrial sugar users want the low prices they had before this farm bill. All they have to do is look back at history to see that from 1985 through today, low prices have caused the closure of 53 beet and cane factories, mills and refineries. Only 48 beet and cane processing facilities remain. Along with consolidation, the industry has transitioned to be the last owners of the factories.

Because of high risk and low returns, it has driven third-party factory owners out of our business, forcing growers to buy the companies — not out of want, but out of necessity. Further industry consolidation is not in the industrial or end-consumer’s interest. It is a threat to the food security of our nation. Sugar users will argue that the current policy is an outdated system of command and control government, and they will raise all of the old tired arguments we have heard for years. The fact of the matter is that we have the best story to tell in agriculture: • We have run a no-cost sugar policy for the past 11 years, and it is scheduled to be no-cost for the next 10 years. • 142,000 jobs are related to our industry. • We pump almost $20 billion into the economy. • Our policy is a proper response to the unfair foreign trade practices of dumping surplus sugar on the world market at prices below anyone’s cost of production. • The beet sugar industry is one of the lowest-cost sugar producers in the world; yet we can’t survive against unfair foreign trade practices. If all federal policies were as fiscally responsible and effective as U.S. sugar policy, we would have huge budget surpluses instead of staggering deficits and debt. • Our policy works, and it should be left alone.

If all federal policies were as ﬁscally responsible and effective as U.S. sugar policy, we would have huge budget surpluses instead of staggering deﬁcits and debt.

By Luther Markwart Executive Vice President American Sugarbeet Growers Assn. he path of the 2012 farm bill is still very uncertain. With major structural changes coming in the policies of other crops, uncertainty of the funding for those policies, alignment with the agriculture community, politics/elections and the lack of time to consider a farm bill this year, a one-year extension of current policy is certainly in the mix. The next critical policy decision by the Obama Administration is whether additional imports will be allowed after April 1. Individual companies will be providing their input to USDA so it can make accurate decisions. It should also be noted that if we have an early spring, we could see larger crops in 2012, given the lack of snowfall in many areas. If that occurs, more sugar from the crop going into the ground this year would be processed in late August and September, which would add supplies to the current marketing year.

ASGA Annual Meeting — We had a fantastic annual meeting this year in Orlando, with great speakers on a number of topics key to our industry’s future. Next year we will be meeting in beautiful San Diego from February 3-5 to once again learn about issues impacting our future. New ASGA Leadership — Many thanks to former President Russ Mauch (Minn-Dak) for two great years (the maximum term) of excellent leadership. He served the nation’s beet growers well and was an outstanding representative for your interests. The gavel has now been passed to Kelly Erickson (Red River Valley/ American Crystal); Vice President John Snyder (Washakie Beet Growers/Wyoming Sugar); and Treasurer Don Steinbeisser Jr. (MontanaDakota Beet Growers/Sidney Sugars). These gentlemen are seasoned and proven industry leaders who are prepared to take on the challenges that lie ahead. ❖

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

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Midwest Growers Report on Insecticide, Fungicide Use Insecticide Use - 2011 Upper Midwest sugarbeet growers reported on their 2011 insecticide use in sugarbeet acreage by completing the annual pesticide use survey conducted by the NDSU Extension Service. Survey respondents on insecticide usage patterns accounted for 136,959 acres in Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. That represents about 20% of the beet acreage in the Red River Valley and southern Minnesota as of 2011. Counter 15G, Counter 20G, Lorsban 15G and Mustang are primarily used as planting time treatments, whereas Lorsban 4E, Lorsban Advanced and Asana are mostly applied postemergence. Poncho Beta and Cruiser are used as seed treatments at planting. In 2011, Poncho Beta was used on 25% of reported acres, compared to 36% in 2010 and 29% in 2009, the first year Poncho Beta was commercially available. Counter products (15G and 20G formulations) and Lorsban 15G

were used on 29% and 4% of reported acres, respectively, in 2011. Counter 15G and Lorsban 15G were applied to 19% and 2% of reported acreage, respectively, in 2010, and 19 and 6%, respectively, in 2009. Lorsban 4E was applied to 4% of sugarbeet acres in 2007, 2% in 2008, 4% in 2009, 10% in 2010 and 7% in 2011. Mustang was used on 23% of reported acreage in 2007, 31% in 2008, 10% in 2009, 14% in 2010 and 18% in 2011. Averaged across all insecticides and counties, 89% of survey respondents’ acreage was treated in 2011, compared to 90% in 2010, 71% in 2009, 92% in 2008, 80% in 2007, 83% in 2006 and 79% in 2005. Satisfaction with sugarbeet root maggot control insecticides generally was good, with 97% of respondents evaluating control as good or excellent. Performance of insecticides for control of other insect pests was rated as good

or excellent by 94% of respondents. Cutworms, lygus bugs, wireworms, springtails and white grubs were identified as insect pests other than beet root maggot that were targeted for control in areas treated with insecticides in 2011. Cutworms were the most common non-maggot insect pest problem. Survey data on granule placement methods used by growers in 2011 indicated that modified in-furrow application was the most commonly used placement method, and band application was the second most common delivery method for all granular insecticides reported. A surprisingly high number (57%) of growers reported using modified in-furrow placement for Lorsban 15G applications. This is concerning because modified in-furrow placement of Lorsban 15G is not recommended by NDSU due to the likelihood of seedling injury, stunting and associated yield reductions compared to other placement methods. Postemergence broadcast applications were the most common placement method when averaged across all liquid insecticides reported. Mustang was the only insecticide reported as being applied in-furrow, while Lorsban 4E was the only insecticide reported as being applied post in a band.

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THE SUGARBEET GROWER (Upper Midwest) March 2012

Fungicide Use - 2011 Survey responses pertaining to control of Cercospora leafspot encompassed the same acreage — 136,959 — as for insecticide use. Total acreage treated was 259% (accounting for multiple applications) when averaged across all counties. Headline, Super/Agri Tin, Inspire XT and Proline were the most commonly used fungicides in 2011, being applied to 88%, 46%, 45% and 43% of the acres, respectively. The number of fungicide applications for Cercospora control in 2011 ranged from zero to six per respondent. The average number of applications was 2.6. Averaged over fungicides and counties, 78% of the acreage treated was sprayed with a ground unit, while 22% was treated via aerial application. Cercospora control in 2011 was judged as either excellent or good by 94% of survey respondents. Fifty survey responses indicated making an in-furrow fungicide application to control Rhizoctonia root and crown rot last year, with nearly threefourths using Headline and the remainder, Quadris. A foliar application for Rhizoctonia was reported in 111 responses. Quadris was used by 77%, Proline by 18% and Headline by 5%. ❖

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THE SUGARBEET GROWER (Upper Midwest) March 2012

Beets Hit by Cercospora Yield Biocontrol Bonanza Montana State University Plant Pathologist Barry Jacobsen & Colleagues Develop Biological Control Agent WIth Global Implications here is a vial of little blue pellets in Barry Jacobsen’s lab. Its contents, a bacterium taken from a few healthy leaves in a northeast Montana sugarbeet field overrun with disease, could save farmers globally millions of dollars each year. Since Jacobsen isolated it in 1994 during a catastrophic Cercospora leafspot outbreak near Sidney, the bacterium — Bacillus mycoides isolate J, or BmJ — has shown impressive abilities. It has proven effective in fighting a variety of plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses. BmJ is a biological control agent, as opposed to an industrial chemical used as a pesticide. “I’d always been looking to develop a viable biological control product that would be beneficial to people growing a range of crops,” says Jacobsen, a professor of plant sciences and plant pathology at Montana State University, Bozeman. “And I always considered that if I could do that, my career would have meant something.” After years of academic research, an initial U.S. patent process and licensing to Missoula-based start-up Montana Microbial Products, Inc., BmJ was recently sublicensed to Certis USA, a top manufacturer of biopesticides worldwide. Based in Columbia, Md., Certis plans to market its BmJbased products around the globe. “We think it will be an important tool in the farmer/ grower’s toolbox,” says Certis CEO Jow-Lih Su. “Biological disease control that works with systemic acquired resistance represents an area of the market that we are very interested in, and we think the trends there are really very good.” Jacobsen agrees that there has been a push for ways to control plant diseases using fewer industrial chemicals in agriculture. The lack of a biological approach to a particular fungal pathogen — Cercospora leafspot — was the reason Jacobsen found himself in that Sidney sugarbeet field in 1994, where the crop had been largely wiped out due to the disease. Despite spending millions on aerial applications of fungi-

Barry Jacobsen holds a sample of the biocontrol agent BmJ.

THE SUGARBEET GROWER (Upper Midwest) March 2012

cides, Sidney area farmers at that time were still losing substantial yield. To their dismay, beet growers had found Cercospora leafspot infections showing the first signs of resistance to then-current fungicides. Jacobsen knew that resistance was likely to grow. A new solution was needed. Jacobsen and fellow researchers had a hunch the solution lay in the very fields so broadly attacked by the leafspot fungus. Though the disease had caused much damage, there were still some healthy plants in the field. Something about those plants helped them fend off the disease. What was it? The researchers isolated more than 300 bacteria found on the healthy leaves, looking for one that was special. Jacobsen found it in Bacillus mycoides isolate J (the “J” marked its place in the team’s A-B-C list of different bacteria). BmJ did something amazing. It turned on one particular gene — called the NPR1 gene — that is found in most plants. When the NPR1 gene is turned on, it sets in motion a whole range of defenses for the plant, a process referred to as induced resistance. “Within five minutes of that bacillus spore being on the plant leaf, the plant knows it’s there, and it starts its defense reactions,” Jacobsen explains. “It reacts by producing hydrogen peroxide and some other things, and this thickens cell walls and makes it more difficult for a pathogen to infect. Within a day, it starts to produce enzymes that attack fungi and bacteria. And it’s very effective on viruses as well; but so far we don't understand how that happens.” Since the plant exhibits no physical signs that BmJ has permeated its outer tissue, the question of how an immune response gets triggered is mysterious. Sprinkle almost any amount of BmJ on any location on a plant and a signal is

sent, activating the NPR1 gene throughout the entire plant. “For any plant that has this NPR1 gene, this bacillus is going to turn it on, and we should get some level of disease control,” Jacobsen observes. ina Zidack, director of the MSU Potato Lab, says BmJ offers a new chapter in biological control because it covers such a variety of crops and diseases, in particular viruses. Zidack was a postdoctoral researcher when she joined the BmJ team shortly after its discovery. She is listed on MSU’s patent as a co-inventor of BmJ, along with Jacobsen and former doctoral student Rebecca Bargabus-Larson. “The ability for potato growers to have another tool in limiting the spread and also the increase of viruses in their crops is really important,” Zidack, states. “This really is a tool that doesn't exist in the marketplace today.” While the technology is unlikely to be a magic bullet that will eliminate the use of chemical agents, it should have a broad impact for commercial farmers. When used in an integrated approach with other disease-fighting measures, Jacobsen says BmJ should provide protection that is “very stable and predictable.” The Montana plant pathologist adds that farmers growing potatoes, sugarbeets and even wheat could use BmJ in an integrated disease control program that would save money with reduced use of fungicides and other pesticides. BmJ is also likely to find a niche with small farmers and home gardeners, according to Jacobsen. “It really does have unique implications because it’s naturally occurring, it’s never been genetically modified, and it should be labeled as available for organic gardeners,” he says. — Sepp Jannotta See complete article at www.montana.edu/cpa/news. ❖

THE SUGARBEET GROWER (Upper Midwest) March 2012

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February WASDE U Report Summary

SDA’s February WASDE (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates) report projected a fiscal 2011/12 U.S. sugar supply of just over 12.3 million short tons, raw value. While that’s up slightly from the Janu-

ary projection, it’s still about 735,000 tons less than the 2010/11 estimate. The February figure encompasses a beginning stocks level of 1.47 million tons, domestic beet and cane sugar production (combined) of 8.0 million tons and imports (including from Mexico) of 2.85 million tons. On the domestic production side, beet sugar accounts for 4.53 million tons of the projected supply, and cane for 3.48 million tons. Florida’s cane sugar production was increased by 130,000 tons from the January level, based on processor revised projections. The 2011/12 sugar import projection was reduced by 44,000 tons from January, as a 219,000-ton decrease from Mexico more than offset a 100,000-ton increase in re-export imports and a 75,000-ton increase attributed to correc ted import data from U.S. Customs. The 814,000 tons currently forecast for imports from Mexico is about the same as the amount brought into the U.S. from that country during the 2009/10 fiscal year. For 2010/11, imports from Mexico topped 1.7 million tons, raw value. The stocks-to-use ratio for 2011/12 is presently at 7.7%. That compares with 12.7% in 2010/11. ❖

THE SUGARBEET GROWER (Upper Midwest) March 2012

30 Years Ago

Excerpts from the March 1982 Issue of The Sugarbeet Grower

profile should be filled with water to a depth of 64 inches, and the available soil water should be equivalent to at least 8 inches. During dry years, it may be advantageous to apply a light irrigation about 1 month after the water cutoff,’ he adds. ‘Also, the soil should be wet enough at harvest to prevent roots from breaking.’ ”

USDA Geneticist Stresses Importance of Developing Crops Resistant to Certain Herbicides — “ ‘If scientists could develop crops that are resistant to certain herbicides, more complete weed control, increased yields, and reduced consumer prices for food would result,’ says USDA plant geneticist Garry A. Smith. . . . “Smith found in a 2-year study that 15 lines of sugarbeets were not equally injured by herbicides. There appears to be a genetic difference in some varieties that gives them more protection from the harmful effects of herbicides. Other researchers have reported similar responses in corn, sorghum, flax, barley, wheat, sugarcane, cabbage, soybeans, and potatoes. “ ‘We might be able to identify the nature of this resistance present in some beets and cross these plants with commercially valuable varieties so that the resulting offspring will be more resistant,’ says Smith, with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, Colo. “Smith checked 15 sugarbeet populations: five inbred lines, five first generation hybrids, and five commercial varieties. Both preand postemergence herbicides affected the population groups, with inbreds being the most affected and commercial varieties the least.”

Subsoil Nitrogen — A Curse or a Blessing? / Crystal Ag Notes — “Does it pay to test for subsoil N? Yes, it does! Nearly 60 percent of the total harvested acres in the [Red River] Valley are high-nitrate-low-quality beets. If we’re going to put high-nitrate beets in REVERSE, we’re going to have to look DEEPER to find the solution to the quality problem. If you are not presently soil testing to 4 feet, consider it if: “1. Your sugar content is consistently below the Red River Valley average. “2. Your sugar loss to molasses is 2.20 percent or more. “3. Your nitrate grade of beets at harvest (shown on the beet delivery statement) is consistently 5.0 or more. “These are the telltale signs! The nitrate grade is a reliable indicator because the nitrates in the beet had to come from the nitrates in the soil.”

Ag News / Study on Irrigation Volume — “It’s been suspected for quite a while now that many crops are over-irrigated, a costly luxury at a time when water for irrigation is becoming limited and expensive. An ARS soil scientist has proven that sugarbeets are routinely over-irrigated, and his findings hold bright implications for a beleaguered U.S. sugarbeet industry. “John N. Carter at ARS’s Snake River Conservation Research Center, Kimberly, Idaho, working with Del J. Traveller, an agronomist with the Amalgamated Sugar Co., Twin Falls, Idaho, has demonstrated that very little if any sucrose yield is lost when sugarbeet irrigations are discontinued after August 1 — about 3 months early — providing that the soil profile is filled with water when irrigation is cut off. . . . “In their 2-year study to learn the effects of mid- to late-season water stress on sugarbeet growth and yield, Carter and Traveller grew sugarbeets under normal irrigation until August 1, and then limited water on some of their test plots. Periodically during each growing season, they measured sucrose concentration, sucrose yield, plant nitrogen uptake, and leaf growth. After harvest at the end of October, the researchers measured total sucrose production. “ ‘Sucrose production was scarcely affected, even when we used only 70 percent of the total irrigation water normally applied [during] a growing season’ says Carter. “ ‘Before discontinuing irrigation,’ he says, ‘the soil

Severe Outbreak of Cercospora Disease Likely for 1982 in the Red River Valley — “Red River Valley beet growers attending three area seminars on 1982 plans got a sobering warning from Allan Cattanach, extension sugarbeet specialist. “A severe outbreak of Cercospora, a fungus disease, is likely in the Red River Valley this year. The disease, which attacks the foliage of the beet, hit hard in the Renville, Minnesota, district in 1981. ‘Cercospora cost growers with the Southern Minnesota Sugar Cooperative from $100 to $110 an acre last year,’ Cattanach said. ‘In our own area, some growers suffered a $50 an acre loss.’ “He said the disease, which thrives in warm, wet weather, cost from two to three tons per acre in southern Minnesota fields, with a 1 to 1.5 percent sugar loss and up to 3 percent in some fields. No grower escaped. . . . “About one-half of the seed used in the industry is not resistant to the disease . . . “ ‘Practice variety rotation and extend the rotations over a time period,’ Cattanach advised. ‘Don’t plant fields adjacent to infected fields. Return tare dirt to infected fields only. Deeper primary tillage can remove or bury the inoculum.’ “He said resistant varieties have less yield potential, so he suggested that growers plant a moderately resistant variety with a good spray plan, striking a balance between high yield and cost of production. ‘A July 1-10 date is one to consider for your spray plan,’ he added.” ❖

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

The voice that gives instructions Has no malice and no scorn. But I couldnâ€™t hear it Oâ€™er the honking of that horn.

Write Field

It seems the guy behind us Has a slightly different thought, Just which part of this highway The tax he paid has bought. The voice comes on and tells me The next turn we will need. I settle in the center lane At the posted speed.

By David Kragnes

On The Road Again Peggy and I attended the ASGA annual meeting in Orlando in February. Driving there isnâ€™t much like driving back home in Felton.

â€œTurn left in seven hundred feet,â€? The voice says from the dash. Then we must quickly think about Which pedal we should mash.

We did a little traveling, We bought a GPS. Old-fashioned maps arenâ€™t good enough, At least thatâ€™s what I guess.

To jump in front or sneak behind The car thatâ€™s in our way, Thereâ€™s room between those two big trucks; I think weâ€™ll be OK.

Instead of ink and paper, Itâ€™s electrons from the air, That tell us to turn right or left To get us over there.

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I really thought the number In the white sign on the post Told the drivers on the road The speed that is the most. But on this road, at this time, There seems a natural flow. I see a car back in my mirror, Then round me it will go. The passing drivers frown at me As if they want to say, â€œYou have no business being here Upon this road today.â€? And while itâ€™s fun to travel And â€™round this country roam, I start to wish that I could press The icon thatâ€™s marked Home.

David Kragnes farms near Felton, Minn. He is a former chairman of American Crystal Sugar Company and currently serves on the board of directors of CoBank.

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We’re firmly rooted in sugarbeets. After all, we’ve been a part of your industry for more than 100 years, beginning with Syngenta’s Hilleshög brand sugarbeet seed. Syngenta continues to roll out innovative products, like Inspire® XT fungicide and CruiserMaxx® Sugarbeets insecticide/fungicide seed treatment combination. These are just a few more ways we are working to bring you more vigorous stands and higher beet yields. Our products, along with our local crop experts, field representatives and industry support, demonstrate a commitment to your healthy growth—today and in the future.

©2012 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow all bag tag and label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products. The instructions contain important conditions of sale, including limitations of warranty and remedy. All products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local extension service before buying or using Syngenta products. CruiserMaxx Sugarbeets is a treater-applied combination of separately registered products containing Cruiser 5FS insecticide and three fungicides: Apron XL, Maxim 4FS and Dynasty. Apron XL®, CruiserMaxx®, Dynasty®, Inspire®, Maxim®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368). www.FarmAssist.com MW 18DC2007-P1 1/12

Photos: Don Lilleboe

Strip-Till Transition Going Well Satisfactory Crop Residue Management Is a Key for the Carlquists of Southern Idaho oug and Melanie Carlquist were among a sizable contingent of Idaho sugarbeet producers who attended a strip-till seminar and field demonstration hosted by Amalgamated Sugar Company back in the summer of 2008. And, like a number of those attending, they were impressed enough with the perceived

Above: Doug Carlquist with his 12-row 22-inch Strip Cat unit. benefits of the production system that they purchased a new strip-till unit for deployment in their upcoming row crop fields. Now, more than three years later,

some of the shine is definitely off the strip-till star in Idaho. Quite a few of those who tried strip till have since gone back to their previous tillage and seedbed preparation regimens. The most common reason why, it appears, was frustration with residue management in the high-yielding, highresidue-volume small grain and corn fields of southern Idaho. That was particularly true in 22-inch rows versus wider spacings. The Carlquists, who farm near Eden in Jerome County, have stuck with the strip-till game plan, however. Now entering their fourth year of producing sugarbeets and other row crops under strip till, they’ve found that their original objectives — saving time and reducing fuel consumption — have been borne out. And, they’ve been able to satisfactorily manage the previous crop’s residue. The unit purchased by the Carlquists in the fall of 2008 was a 12-row, 22-inch Strip Cat, manufactured by Twin Diamond Industries out of Nebraska. “We were intrigued by its offset design and the ability, we thought, for the trash to flow a little more smoothly,” Doug recounts. Still, the transition wasn’t without some challenges for their new Strip Cat. “We had a field of corn in which we wanted to strip till beans,” he recalls. “Strip tilling into heavy corn stubble on 22-inch rows was a nightmare, given the amount of residue you have to push through that small an area.” The experience prompted a call to Twin Diamond, whose owner, Dean Carstens, came out to the Carlquist farm. “The Strip Cat originally came with the hilling disk as a curved disk,”

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

Doug relates. “Dean recommended we go to a straight coulter. We did, loosened up some of the tension — and it worked as slick as a whistle.” They also ran a double-spring auto reset tripper system for rocks. The Carlquists’ approach to residue management has three basic components when following small grains, as they typically do with sugarbeets. First, they bale off much of the straw and sell it to area dairies. Secondly, they run a heavy McFarland harrow across the field a couple times to help spread the remaining loose residue. And third, “as soon as we feel we have a majority of the volunteers germinated and emerging, we’ll go in with a Roundup application so it doesn’t get too ‘soddy.’ “We seem to have been able to control the residue problem that way.” oil erosion prevention is a primary motive for many strip-till producers. The Carlquists say that factor wasn’t at the top of their own list, however. “Some parts of the Snake River Valley have a great deal of wind erosion at certain times of the year,” Doug concurs, “but we don’t particularly have that problem. We do have some rolling hills, though, so strip till does help us there.” The Carlquist farm soils are generally silt loam, “with a few floating rocks — and rocks don’t blow,” he quips. The Carlquists started out performing their strip-till pass in the spring; but in 2010, they did so in the fall for the first time. “When spring (2011) came, we were a little concerned about the kind of seedbed we’d have,” Doug says. “We had a lot of moisture (in 2010), and we do have somewhat of problem with building a big enough berm with the strip-till unit. So our rows were depressed a bit. But we

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

Doug & Melanie Carlquist were able to get the row cleaners down there and clean things off — and it worked out quite well.” A downside to a fall strip-till operation is the heavy rowcrop harvest workload. “But if you can fit it in, the fall pass has its benefits,” Doug believes — a primary one being the ability to get into the field a bit earlier in the spring, which is a priority with sugarbeets. The Carlquist beet fertility program starts with a broadcast application of sulfur and the recommended potash prior to the strip-till pass. “Then we’ll put down roughly 70 units of N and 35-40 units of P with the strip-till unit,” Doug explains. “After the beets come up, we’ll look at what

‘The fervor that was created a few years ago has died down; but for us it’s been a good thing.’ kind of stand we have and our anticipated yield; then top-dress with a dry formula nitrogen to whatever yield goal we have. “Some people put everything down when they’re strip tilling,” he adds. “But I’m not a fan of that because you don’t know at that point what kind of stand you’ll end up with. If you put down nitrogen for a crop of 30-35 tons and you end up with a poor stand and get only 20, you’ve wasted money, and the quality of your beets will be lower.” The Carlquists say their crop irrigation needs have been slightly less under strip till, “because especially early in the year, you have that interrow stubble that helps hold the moisture.” Germination and emergence is also a little stronger compared to their conventional tillage experience, they believe. “Some people, when strip tilling, have gone in and cultivated afterward. We have not done that,” Melanie notes. They do run an AerWay® Row Crop System unit through the field shortly before row closure to aid water retention — especially on their hillier ground. s they enter their fourth year of sugarbeet production under strip till, Doug and Melanie Carlquist are comfortable with that decision they made back in latter 2008. “We’re encouraged by strip till,” Doug affirms. “The fervor that was created a few years ago has died down; but for us, it’s been a good thing.” “It’s still a ‘work in progress,’ ” Melanie adds. “Nothing is set in concrete. But we’re going to keep at it.” — Don Lilleboe ❖

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

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In-Furrow ‘Pop-Up’ Products Four Years of Southern Minnesota Testing By Mark Bredehoeft* pplication of an in-furrow 10-34-0 starter fertilizer at planting is generally considered to be a paying proposition in the Red River Valley and southern Minnesota sugarbeet areas. Often-cited benefits include increased early season vigor, improved crop stress tolerance, a typical boost in final recoverable sugar per acre, and optimal use of applied phosphorus inputs. A four-year research project in the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Coop-

Monopill SE

erative district looked at potential benefits derived by adding various “pop-up” products to a 10-34-0 starter fertilizer. The tests — carried out at three locations in 2008 (Wood Lake, Clara City and Hector) two in 2009 (Clara City and Hector), two in 2010 (Bird Island and Maynard) and at one location in 2011 (Cosmos) — evaluated various products to determine whether any of them would, alone or in combination with 10-34-0, further boost productivity.

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Three products were tested all four years: • Soygreen®, a dry water soluble powder 6% Iron ORTHO-ORTHO EDDHA chelate. • Man-Gro DF, a highly concentrated water-soluble manganese powder designed for foliar application. It is designed to combat glyphosate-induced manganese deficiency. • Boron, applied using Tetra-Bor 10, a product that contains 10% boron as well as some macronutrients. Another product was tested three years (2009-11): Redline™, which contains many nutrients required for plant growth, as well as the same technology used in Soygreen. (A 3.0-gal application of Redline provides 1.0 lb of Soygreen.) EB Mix®, a product containing a blend of nitrogen, sulfur, boron, iron, manganese and zinc, was tested in 2010 2011 along with the above products. The 2011 test included all of the above products, plus: • Riser®, which is 7-17-3 with micronutrients and ACA® technology. • Radiate®, which contains two different plant growth regulators. • Nachurs 6-24-6. ecause of the one- and two-year nature of some products’ testing, those product results are not reported here. Table 1 shows three-year combined results (2009-11), while Table 2 presents the four-year results (2008-11). The combined data from 2009 through 2011 show all those treatments

* Mark Bredehoeft is research agronomist with Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, Renville.

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Table 1. Soygreen & Redline Comparison for Pop-Up Fertilizer & Effects on Sugarbeet Quality & Revenue, Combined 2009-11 Product

Timing

All are Soygreen Soygreen at-planting, +10-34-0 in-furrow Redline Redline Untreated 10-34-0

Rate 1 lb 1 lb +3 gal 2 gal 3 gal — 3 gal

LSD (0.05)

Tons/Ac % Sugar Purity

Lbs Ext. Rev. as % Suc./Ac of Means 97.05 7,176

27.0

15.87

90.57

29.1 28.8 28.4 24.1 27.2

15.96 15.85 16.07 15.97 15.93

90.98 90.77 90.94 90.70 90.38

7,877 7,669 7,689 6,441 7,261

107.25 104.40 107.35 86.24 97.71

2.0

517

10.06

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Table 2. Soygreen & 10-34-0 Comparison for Pop-Up Fertilizer & Effects on Sugarbeet Quality & Revenue, Combined 2008-11 Product

Timing

Rate

Tons/Ac % Sugar Purity

All are — Untreated at-planting, 3 gal 10-34-0 in-furrow 1.81 gal Boron 45 lbs Broadcast P 3 lbs ManGro DF 1 lb Soygreen

25.3 26.6 26.2 25.5 27.0 27.3

16.13 16.01 16.08 16.23 16.09 16.18

91.13 91.04 91.05 91.26 91.23 91.01

LSD (0.05)

2.5

0.32

0.47

to be statistically significant when compared to the untreated plot. Using any of those in-furrow treatments should increase production. Redline and Soygreen + 10-34-0 produced a revenue percent of mean that was greater than standard 10-34-0. The data covering 2008 through 2011 (Table 2) indicate no significant difference among that group of in-fur-

Lbs Ext. Rev. as % Suc./Ac of Means 95.22 6,919 99.84 7,250 98.68 7,158 97.94 7,047 102.96 7,416 104.44 7,512 638

11.98

row products. There was a trend, however, for Soygreen at 1.0 lb/ac and ManGro at 3.0 lbs/ac to be beneficial. Overall, the four years of product tests showed that the inclusion of popup fertilizer was beneficial to sugarbeet production — and, the combination of Soygreen and pop-up fertilizer significantly increased production. Future work should include investi-

It’s the 50th

International Sugarbeet Institute March 14 & 15 Alerus Center • Grand Forks, N.D. 100,000+ Sq. Feet of Exhibits • 125 Companies $4,500,000 in Products & Equipment on Display Get Updated on the Latest in Beet Production! — Doors Open at 9:00 a.m. Both Days — THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

The leader in sugarbeet stock brokerage since 1994. This information does not constitute an offer to buy nor a solicitation to sell. The products offered (1) are not FDIC insured, (2) are not deposits or other obligations of a bank or guaranteed by a bank and (3) involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. Alerus Securities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alerus Financial. Member FINRA & SIPC

gation of in-furrow products with a “holistic” nutrient approach. The interest in a holistic approach is a result of research that has demonstrated the advantages of fertilizer products applied individually or in a package. Such research should evaluate methods, rates and timing of application in order to provide the most benefit. ❖

— Our Speakers — Wednesday Afternoon — ‘NAFTA Sugar Markets: Status & Outlook’ Owen Wagner LMC International

Thursday Morning — ‘Weather & Climate Trends & Patterns, 2012’ Leon Osborne Meridian Environmental Technology

Around The Industry 29th International Sweetener Symposium Set for Aug. 3-8 The 29th International Sweetener Symposium, hosted by the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), is scheduled for August 3-8 at the Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Traditionally, about 400 people attend the International Sweetener Symposium to hear about timely issues of significance affecting the sweetener industry, and to interact with industry colleagues. “Attendance at this year’s symposium is a must for all industry stakeholders, given the critical state of play of sugar policy with the pending renewal of the farm bill,” according to ASA. “Will we have a completed farm bill by August, or will it still be a workin-progress?” Other 2012 symposium program topics will include U.S. and world market supply-demand outlooks, and the effect of multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements on world

sugar policies and U.S. commodity programs. The acclaimed Coeur d’Alene Resort is located in scenic northern Idaho, about 30 miles east of Spokane, Wash., and 100 miles south of the Canadian border. The world-class resort is perched on the shores of spectacular Lake Coeur d’Alene, flanked by the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains. For more details on the 2012 International Sweetener Symposium, visit ASA’s website: www.sugaralliance.org.

New Book — Beta maritima: The Origin of Beets — Available Beta maritima: The Origin of Beets is the title of a book recently published by Springer Science+Business Media. Authored by Enrico Biancardi, Leonard (Lee) Panella and Robert Lewellen, the book focuses on the Beta maritima (sea beet) species, which has provided the genetic foundation for cultivated sugarbeet’s resistance to many diseases and pests. Sugarbeet cultivation as it exists

today would, in fact, be impossible in many countries without the recovery of traits preserved in the wild germplasm. The new 293-page book includes 126 illustrations, most in color. Sections cover Beta maritima history and current importance; range of distribution; morphology, physiology and ecology; taxonomy; uses; source of useful traits; cultivated offspring; and the future of germplasm conservation, transgene diffusion and source of new traits. Enrico Biancardi is a retired Italian sugarbeet geneticist who continues to collaborate with scientists in several beet-producing countries. Lee Panella is geneticist and research leader of the USDA-ARS sugarbeet group at Fort Collins, Colo. Robert Lewellen was sugarbeet research geneticist with USDAARS at Salinas, Calif., from 1966 until his retirement in 2008. For more information on Beta maritima: The Origin of Beets, including ordering details, visit the Springer website — www.springer.com — and search Beta maritima. ❖

Another World Record Sugarbeet Crop in California

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Another world-record sugarbeet crop was harvested in the Imperial Valley of California this past year. Ben Abatti, Jr., of Baja Farms, Holtville, was honored at the 2012 annual meeting of the California Beet Growers Association for his 70-acre ﬁeld that averaged 78.71 tons per acre with 15.89% sugar, for a gross sugar of 25,014 pounds per acre. That beat the previous record, set in 2010, by nearly 500 pounds. Baja’s record-setting ﬁeld was planted to Betaseed variety 4521R. Abatti is pictured above with his family upon receiving the award for this achievement.

Heidi Wieland (701) 476-2003 hwieland@forumprinting.com

THE SUGARBEET GROWER March 2012

Feeling good about recycling is another benefit. Through the program efforts of ACRC Member Companies and Affiliates, over 92,000,000 pounds of HDPE plastic containers have been collected by ACRC Contractors since 1992 and recycled into useful products. ACRC Contractors accept triple rinsed high-density polyethylene containers in all sizes, up to 55 gallon drums.

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To get started, contact your ACRC Contractor for collection schedules and locations CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MO, MN, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI, WY Tri-Rinse Inc. St. Louis, MO Mike Kamrath 314-647-8338 mkamrath@tririnse.com

AL, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NM, NC, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV USAg Recycling Inc. Waller, TX Sam Gibson 800-654-3145; 936-372-5428 samg@usagrecycling.com

AZ, CA Interstate Ag Plastics Buttonwillow, CA Brad Bittleston 661-764-9614 bbittle@gmail.com

ID, OR, WA Northwest Ag Plastics, Inc. Moxee, WA Steven George 509-457-3850 steve@nwagplastics.com

AR MKC Plastics Paragould, AR Larry Cupp 870-239-3013 larrycup@grnco.net

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ACRC MEMBER COMPANIES Amvac Chemical Corp. Arysta LifeScience BASF Bayer CropScience Becker Underwood Certis USA Cheminova, Inc. Chemtura Corp. Dow AgroSciences

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The ACRC is a non-profit organization comprised of 24 member companies and 7 affiliates whose purpose is to promote and support the collection and recycling of properly rinsed high density polyethylene (HDPE) crop protection product containers.

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