CHOOSE THE SEED PARTNER WHO SHARES YOUR PRIORITIES.
Like you, we never settle. As a result, there’s more sugar — better sugar — in every seed we sell. For more than a century, we’ve put innovation to work in the service of growers who plant Crystal Brand Sugarbeet Seed. With unique hybrids and varieties developed for exactly where you grow, you can be confident your success is always our top priority, this season and for seasons to come.
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VOLUME 51 ISSUE 7 - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025
SWEETCRETE: ISU RESEARCHERS LOOKING TO TAKE INNOVATIVE CONCRETE BLEND FROM LAB TO THE FIELD
Idaho State University researchers are looking to use sugarbeet byproduct precipitated calcium carbonate to create cement.
DEPARTMENTS
6 8 10
Harvesting And Spreading Sugar Knowledge For National Real Sugar Day FEATURES
19
CALENDAR
NEW PRODUCTS
Latest and greatest
OFF THE TOP
News, people and updates
FROM THE ASGA
Sugar Under Pressure From Several Directions
15
BUYER’S GUIDE
Tillage Equipment
20
FROM THE AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE
The 2025 United States Sugar Market Supply And Outlook
22
FROM THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION
CALENDAR
AUGUST 1-6
INTERNATIONAL SWEETENER SYMPOSIUM
Grand Traverse Resort Traverse City, MI www.sugaralliance.org
AUGUST 3-6
SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION SOCIETY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa, CA www.swcs.org/events
AUGUST 4-6
AGRONOMY CONFERENCE & EXPO
JW Marriott Hotel Indianapolis, IN tfi.org
AUGUST 13-14
IDAHO IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION SUMMER MEETING
Twin Falls, ID Idahoirrigationequipmentassociation.org
AUGUST 20-21
MIDWEST AG INDUSTRIES EXPOSITION (MAGIE)
McLean County Fairgrounds Bloomington, IL www.ifca.com/MAGIE
AUGUST 26-28
FARM PROGRESS SHOW
Decatur, IL www.farmprogressshow.com
SEPTEMBER 9-11
HUSKER HARVEST DAYS
Grand Island, NE huskerharvestdays.com
NOVEMBER 9-11
BIG IRON FARM SHOW
Red River Valley Fairgrounds West Fargo, ND www.bigironfarmshow.com
NOVEMBER 9-12
WESTERN GROWERS
ANNUAL MEETING Hotel Del Coronado Coronado, California
NOVEMBER 19-21
MONTANA AGRITOURISM CONFERENCE
Montana State University Bozeman, MT www.montanaagritourism.com/events-2-1
DECEMBER 8-11
IRRIGATION SHOW
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center New Orleans, LA irrigation.org
JANUARY 9-14, 2026
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION Anaheim, CA fb.org
JANUARY 25-27, 2026
AMERICAN SUGARBEET GROWERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort Indian Wells, CA www.americansugarbeet.org
PUBLISHER Jason Harris
EDITOR Lane Lindstrom lane@sugarproducer.com
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Rob Erickson rob.erickson@sugarproducer.com
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Chuck Harris
PRODUCTION STAFF Lavon Horne
DIRECTOR Chuck Harris
CONTROLLER Clayton Ward
Jason Harris
PRESIDENT Chuck Harris
PRESIDENT Ryan Harris
Clayton Ward
Basic subscription rates are: U.S., 1 year-$20, nine issues; Canada/International 1 year, $90 U.S., nine issues. All subscriptions are U.S. funds only. Limited back issues available for $10 U.S. each.
Sugar Producer Magazine is published nine times yearly. 2025, Harris Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Publisher not responsible for content of submitted materials.
Back copies or subscriptions: (208) 524-7000
AMERICAN SUGARBEET GROWERS ASSOCIATION (202) 833-2398 www.americansugarbeet.org
U.S. BEET SUGAR ASSOCIATION (202) 296-4820
AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE (703) 351-5055 | www.sugaralliance.org
BEET SUGAR DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (303) 832-4460
SUGAR ASSOCIATION, INC. (202) 785-1122 | www.sugar.org
HARRIS PUBLISHING, INC. 190 1st Street Idaho Falls ID 83401 (208) 524-7000 FOUNDER Darryl W. Harris
Printed in Idaho Falls, Idaho by Falls Printing rob.erickson@fallsprinting.com
NEW PRODUCTS
BKT TIRES
FOR UTILITY TRACTORS — RELIABLE PERFORMANCE FOR FARMS SEEKING SIMPLICITY, VERSATILITY, PRODUCTIVITY
In the agricultural scene, utility tractors, also known as “wildcard” tractors, remain one of the most in-demand and strategic solutions for small- to medium-sized farms. Ranging in power from 70 to 130 horsepower, these vehicles are designed to efficiently tackle a wide range of tasks — from small open-field to light transport operations, as well as front loader handling and usage in confined environments such as barns, vineyards, and orchards.
Among BKT’s top-in-the-range patterns in this category, there are AGRIMAX RT 765, AGRIMAX RT 855, and AGRIMAX RT 65: three tires designed to meet all major operating needs.
UTILITY TRACTORS—THE ESSENCE OF AGRICULTURAL MULTIFUNCTIONALITY
Compact, easy-to-handle, and low in operating costs, utility tractors are an invaluable asset in day-to-day farm management. A key aspect of utility tractors is fuel efficiency.
Indeed, advanced engines and thoughtful design enable these tractors to deliver high performance alongside low fuel consumption. These features, in addition to their adaptability to various types of terrain without compromising traction, make them essential for small to medium-sized farms or as wildcard tractors for contractors.
Ergonomics and driving comfort are other hallmarks of these tractors, especially when it comes to operating cycles, where handling is a vital element for this kind of machinery.
At the same time, endurance is also essential, especially when they have to cope with difficult terrain and demanding operating conditions, such as in tillage operations of small- to medium-sized farms, e.g., plowing, tilling and weeding, which require powerful traction and good grip even on loose soil, or else in transport and material handling operations that often require the use of a front loader attachment, as well as in barns and other delicate farm environments, where compactness
and precision maneuvering are essential to perform tasks such as hay, manure, or equipment transport in tight spaces.
BKT’S RESPONSE: TIRES DESIGNED FOR EVERY JOB
To best support all these operations, BKT has developed solutions that meet the specific needs of utility tractors. These tires stand out for high levels of traction and stability, featuring a tread pattern that ensures grip even in unfavorable ground conditions, while advanced compounds provide excellent wear resistance and reliability over time.
This results in an extended life cycle, reduced maintenance costs, and lasting high performance even on abrasive surfaces or in combined usage. Another distinctive feature is a comfortable ride, made possible by reinforced structures and technical solutions for vibration absorption, which improve driving quality and reduce operator fatigue.
For more information, visit www.bkt-tires.com
FARMERS SEEK EFFICIENCY AS NEW HEADER TECHNOLOGY HITS
Farmers know better than anyone the pressures of working with razor-thin margins. Rising input costs, fluctuating commodity prices and increasing demands on time and labor are real challenges that make every decision critical. To help address these issues, Bish Enterprises is introducing its innovative Dual-Bed Pickup Header, a new solution designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs during harvest.
The Bish Dual-Bed Header is the only product on the U.S. market featuring two independent pickup beds. It allows farmers to harvest two windrows at once, reducing time in the field, fuel consumption and equipment wear. This breakthrough technology helps farmers maximize productivity while minimizing costs, all while maintaining the quality of their crops.
The header is compatible with a variety of crops, including grass seed, legumes, pulses, oilseeds and cereals, making it versatile for farmers managing mixed rotations or larger acreages. For no-till or conservation tillage systems, it also reduces unnecessary soil compaction
while maximizing harvest efficiency.
Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Farmers report that harvesting two windrows per pass is yielding smoother operations and significant savings in time and fuel.
In testing done on a field size of 800 acres, farmers using the Dual-Bed Pickup
Header saved between 790 and 1,053 gallons of fuel compared to a traditional single-bed header. When fuel and maintenance costs were factored in, total operational savings ranged from $33,580 to $42,140.
For more information, visit
OFF THE TOP
KWS SEEDS BREAKS GROUND ON RESEARCH FACILITY TO BRING NEW INNOVATIONS TO SUGARBEET GROWERS AND INDUSTRY
KWS Seeds launched construction on what will be its most advanced greenhouse research facility in North America, dedicated to improving the performance, profitability and sustainability of sugarbeet farming and the industry into the future.
“This project is breaking new ground into the future of sugarbeet research and seed development and marks another milestone in our commitment to the sugarbeet industry and innovation that spans more than 160 years,” said Breanne Stowell, senior station manager with KWS Seeds, at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This forward-looking facility will set a new standard by utilizing ultramodern technology. It will play a large part in the development of improved varieties and finding agronomic solutions for the challenges that sugarbeet producers face in their crop production. For producers, they will see the benefits of more sustainable, resilient and productive agriculture on their farms.
“For example, we’ll be able to repli-
cate conditions needed for seed development with the innovative vernalization chambers. By pulling up a dashboard, we’ll be able to regulate temperature and humidity to precise set points, reduce light pollution at night, and improve direct sunlight for the plants in four separate zones. Through these innovative technologies, our researchers will be able to control a range of climate conditions for precise and efficient seed R&D — all while reducing energy use and our carbon footprint.”
The facility will expand the operations at the KWS Seeds breeding and research station in Kimberly, Idaho, with the construction of two greenhouse facilities. One of the greenhouse facilities will be committed to seedling production for sugarbeet trialing and the other focused on research to improve control of plant disease.
KWS Seeds is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies, with headquarters in Einbeck, Germany. It is the sugarbeet seed industry’s leading innova-
tive researcher in North America, with operations based in Bloomington, Minn. The sugarbeet seed varieties are marketed through ACH Seeds and Betaseed seed companies. The company is working with Ceres Greenhouse Solutions based in Boulder, Colo., to design the technologically advanced facility and install the high-tech equipment and systems. Ceres is also managing the construction project, working with the general contractor, Starr Corporation in Twin Falls, Idaho.
“A key focus of the project is achieving precision climate control for both seedling production and testing,” said Chris Uhlig, CEO with Ceres. “To achieve that, the facility incorporates several innovative design elements that set it apart as a futuristic example of seed research.”
Proprietary heat pump systems and energy curtains designed for maximum energy efficiency are among the innovative design elements. “Another unique feature is the facility will utilize the Ceres SunSense automation system, which
uses advanced algorithms and sensors to maintain optimal growing conditions by controlling greenhouse systems based on real-time environmental data,” said Uhlig.
The future-of-the-industry technologies, design and automation developed by Ceres will advance KWS Seeds’ research and development goals for sugarbeets, said Margaret Rekoske, lead breeder for the U.S. with KWS Seeds. “Our company’s innovative and comprehensive research program is based on our strong, world class germplasm and this new state-of-the-art facility will help us optimize our research efforts,” said Rekoske. “We will be able to enhance the seed production process, bringing next generation hybrids to the market with more precision, better disease tolerance and improved crop yields, and that all leads to greater economic gains for the growers and industry.”
“We will expand our disease trialing efforts to identify and select disease resistance traits to develop new disease-resistant hybrids, focusing on Curly Top and Rhizoctonia diseases as well as advancing our herbicide tolerant programs,” said Rekoske.
The KWS Seeds breeding research station in Idaho is one of five breeding research stations in the United States. The 230-acre research site in Idaho is dedicated to trait and hybrid development for irrigated markets in the Western U.S. and around the world. KWS expanded its research capabilities at Kimberly in 2019 with investments that featured a new seed processing facility and other new buildings to increase plant research capabilities in breeding. The new greenhouse project is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.
For more information, visit www.kws.com. n
Richmond Ultimate Defoliator Unit
Highest Quality Defoliating
Increased Productivity Per Hour
• Increased Ground Speed
• Decreased PTO RPM Speed
• Increase flexibility in difficult defoliatin conditions
• Minimal Damage To Beet
• Available for all defoliator models
• Available in 4, 6 and the new 8 bar unit
• Available in 12” (6 flail), 14” (7 flail), 16” (8 flail) depending on row width
• Balanced unit for minimized vibration
• 50% thicker flail mounting bracket
• Hardened 3/4” diameter flail rod for the best wearability in the industry
• Designed to eliminate side to side flail movement
• Eliminates the need for steel units allowing for increased adjustability of front & middle drum.
• Available in Standard Duty & Heavy Duty high quality flails.
• Units can be installed 1 drum at a time
• Easily shipped UPS or Freight in US & Canada - Visa accepted
Richmond Brothers Fabrication
ISU RESEARCHERS LOOKING TO TAKE INNOVATIVE CONCRETE BLEND FROM LAB TO THE FIELD
A team of researchers spanning the fields of civil engineering, materials science and chemistry at Idaho State University is taking the next steps in optimizing a mix of concrete that’s sweeter to the environment.
Led by principal investigator Tadesse Wakjira, a researcher in the civil and environmental engineering department at ISU and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, the project will see Wakjira and his colleagues at ISU, along with industry partners, expand on the results of a study published in 2023. The 2023 report detailed the findings of ISU researcher and former masters student Kabiraj Phuyal, led by Mustafa Mashal, professor of civil engineering, where they developed an innovative blend of concrete that swapped some of the cement for precipitated calcium
carbonate (PCC), a waste product of turning sugarbeets into refined sugar, and included upcycled concrete aggregate–pieces of previously used concrete – from demolished concrete structures.
They’ll first look to improve the concrete blend – dubbed Sweetcrete – by testing the feasibility of replacing the fresh, drinkable water in the mix with treated municipal, agricultural and industrial wastewater.
“In Idaho, wastewater isn’t just waste; it’s an opportunity,” said Wakjira. “We plan to utilize wastewater in concrete because it conserves freshwater, reduces costs for local businesses and converts an environmental challenge into a market-ready solution.”
Mashal emphasized that the wastewater will have to be treated before it can be used in the Sweetcrete. He said,
Sweetcrete is the name of a mix of cement being studied by Idaho State University researchers which will use a waste byproduct from refining sugar from sugarbeets.
“There are already methodologies for treating wastewater. Our focus will be on investigating the suitability of the treated wastewater in Sweetcrete from different sources.” As mentioned, the sources could be municipal, industrial and agricultural wastewater. “We are planning to look for various sources and options and analyze the treated wastewater suitability in Sweetcrete,” he said.
USING AI TO OPTIMIZE CONCRETE MIX
Next, they’ll use artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to optimize
the concrete mix for practical applications, cost efficiency, and strength.
“Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help us quickly find the best concrete recipes, faster and more accurately than traditional trial-and-error methods,” explained Wakjria.
“These technologies scan through thousands of possible combinations in seconds, saving time and money.”
For the third part of the project, they plan to take the product out of ISU labs and into field testing with the help of industry partners such as the Idaho Transportation Department, Amalgamated Sugar Company, Oldcastle Infrastructure and Colliers Portneuf Valley.
“With rising infrastructure costs and the supply of cement being harder to come by, the Idaho Transportation Department is looking for new prod-
ucts to use to provide taxpayers and the traveling public with the best infrastructure possible,” said Zak Johnson, engineering manager with ITD.
AMALGAMATED SUGAR PART OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT
The precipitated calcium carbonate for the Sweetcrete will be sourced from Amalgamated Sugar Company.
Amalgamated Sugar Company processes over seven million tons of sugarbeets by its grower-owners, producing more than 500,000 tons of precipitated calcium carbonate each year, according to the company.
PCC is a very fine, white powder made from limestone, which is a key ingredient in producing sugar. PCC is created by mixing water, carbon dioxide and a special form of lime.
Idaho State University researchers are working on a project that uses a blend of concrete that swapped some of the cement for precipitated calcium carbonate, a waste product from sugarbeets being refined into sugar.
“Amalgamated Sugar actively seeks commercial uses for PCC in lieu of disposing of it as waste,” said Brian Roberson, director of feed products.
“Success of this project could transform an agricultural byproduct currently treated as a liability and create an opportunity.”
When asked about what percentage of the cement mixture could/would be PCC, Mashal said, “From the data so far, we have noticed that PCC can replace up to 30 percent of cement
in concrete. We will be investigating if some simple post processing on PCC can increase this percentage in a cost-effective manner.”
Oldcastle Infrastructure is one of the precast concrete partners collaborating on the project. Precast concrete components are cast off-site in controlled environments and transported to the construction site for final assembly. Oldcastle plans to help researchers by identifying potential precast test applications for precast Sweetcrete.
“We are very excited to provide support to ISU,” said Troy Banks, regional engineering manager with Oldcastle Infrastructure. “This research with ISU is fully aligned with our long-term goals.”
Along with ITD, researchers are working with Colliers Portneuf Valley to identify other potential projects to test the Sweetcrete formulation.
“It is ever so more important, now more than ever before, to meet the demands of the end user of our developments,” said Don Zebe, partner at Colliers Portneuf Valley. “The end users of these developments want to ensure that the facilities they are occupying will contribute to reducing construction costs and rents.”
GETTING PROJECT INTO THE FIELD
The researchers, who have been working on this project since mid 2022, are aiming to get to the “into field testing” part within a year, Mashal said. He explained, “We are hoping to identify a
project and pilot Sweetcrete in a project within the next 12 months. The project does not have to be complex and large. We would like to start small, such as a sidewalk, and then add complexity as we obtain more data on Sweetcrete from the lab testing and learn from field applications.”
In the fourth part of the research, the team will create a user-friendly software tool that enables engineers, contractors, and other decision-makers on a construction project to easily obtain a project-specific mix of Sweetcrete.
“When we combine AI with multi-objective optimization algorithms — tools that let us balance cost, strength, durability, and environmental impact at the same time — we get concrete that’s perfectly suited to each project,” said Wakjira. “This means better, cheaper concrete that’s ready for commercial use, helping Idaho build stronger roads, safer buildings and a healthier economy.”
Funding for the project is being provided by a $550,000 grant from the Idaho State Board of Education’s Higher Education Research Council and its Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission program. The IGEM program provides “seed funding for strengthening Idaho’s future by strategically investing in the development of expertise, products, and services which result in state economic growth.” Co-principal investigators on the project are Mustafa Mashal, Kavita Sharma, James Mahar, Jared Cantrell, Mahesh Acha-
rya, and Kunal Mondal from Idaho State University.
“We take pride in applied research that will benefit Idaho and result in economic development. Sweetcrete is a great example of our research efforts at Idaho State University in collaboration with our industry champions,” said Mustafa.
Mashal, professor of civil engineering and lead inventor of Sweetcrete, said, “I have full confidence that Dr. Tadesse Wakjira and the research team will deliver a practical solution here that will benefit ISU research, industry and Idahoans for many years to come.”
“This research will generate valuable intellectual property that will result in new revenue streams for both higher education and agriculture,” said Marty Blair, vice president for research and economic development. “This transfer will result in the development of new products and techniques that will lead to higher-paying jobs and will build a strong economic foundation for Idaho.”
“Ultimately, this project aims to position Idaho as a leader in low-carbon, resource-efficient construction by leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, incorporating wastewater and agricultural byproducts into concrete production, diverting significant waste from landfills, and strengthening the state’s economic resilience,” said Wakjira. n
For more information on ISU’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, visit isu.edu/cee
TILLAGE EQUIPMENT BUYERS’ GUIDE
2500 CHISEL PLOW
The Wil-Rich 2500 Chisel Plow is an excellent fall tillage tool for mixing soil and breaking up shallow compaction layers. The deep frame utilizes four ranks to improve the flow of heavy residue from today’s higher-yielding crops. It has an extremely heavy-duty design that maintains tillage depth, even in the toughest soil conditions, and is one of the strongest tillage implements on the market.
The 2500 Series is available in 12- or 15-inch shank spacing and with trip pressure options of 650 or 1,000 lbs., providing the flexibility to adapt to different soil conditions. Select sizes are also available with either a level lift or floating hitch to fit the needs of different operations. A reinforced steel frame ensures durability in the toughest environments, while the compact transport design allows for easy maneuvering between fields.
The chisel plow can be equipped with the 3- or 4-bar coil tine harrow to level the soil profile. Five adjustments for tooth angle allow the user to set the harrow’s
aggressiveness according to ground conditions and the amount of residue on the soil surface.
Wil-Rich (800) 688-3300
www.vaderstad.com
3130 HIGH CLEARANCE CULTIVATOR
Designed with market understanding and field tested know-how, the 3130 is versatile, featuring a higher clearance tool bar and a variety of gang configurations designed for use in corn, cotton, vegetables or sugarbeets. It has a close-coupled gang design, putting the working tools forward under the tool bar for maximum control. And the single sweep design reduces plugging in high residue conditions.
Six-row through 36-row units are available, although custom sizes are also available upon request.
Alloway
(701) 356-4983
www.allowayag.com
VRT RENEGADE
Summers Manufacturing has added the new VRT Renegade tillage tool to its Variable Rate Tillage product line. Featuring iControl Implement Control technology, the VRT Renegade allows operators to adjust tillage performance on the go, using a cab-mounted iPad as the controller. The product gives farmers unprecedented control of tillage results, allowing the VRT Renegade to virtually replace many other vertical tillage, high-speed disks and conventional tillage implements.
The VRT Renegade features a variety of implement adjustments that can be made during operation for quickly adapting to changing field conditions. The adjustments are made in the cab with the simple touch of a button using an iPad, which connects wirelessly to the iControl computer
mounted on the implement.
With this system, operators can adjust the angle of the front and rear disk blades independently from 0 to 19 degrees, seamlessly switching from light to aggressive tillage and anywhere in between. In addition to the blade angle, operators can adjust the hitch control to transfer more weight to the front or rear of the implement, or set the implement hitch to float mode. Operators can also
use an iPad to set the tillage depth, gauge wheels, wing down pressure and rolling basket down pressure on the VRT Renegade. Presets can be saved and named to quickly recall previous implement settings.
Summers Manufacturing (800) 732-4392
www.summersmfg.com
RAPTOR STRIP-TILL TOOL MAKES LANDING
Unverferth Mfg. offers the Raptor strip-tillage tool. The Raptor strip-till tool features TerrainPro row units with independent depth control to optimally follow soil terrain for creating the ideal seedbed in six stages:
1. The leading swivel coulter with 20-inch blade features 1,500 lbs. of down pressure to cut through the heaviest residue.
2. The free-floating row cleaners with curved finger design help clear residue from the strip.
3. The centrally mounted crowfoot-style wheel maintains row unit depth independently from row to row.
4. The tillage shank precisely tills the soil from 4 to 12 inches deep to manage root zone hardpan. Models are available with auto-reset or shear-bolt protected shanks.
5. 18-inch notched concave closing coulters are mounted on each side of the shank to keep the soil in the strip. Closing coulters also feature tool-free adjustable spring down pressure and angle adjustment for fine-tuning the seedbed.
6. Trailing, self-cleaning crowfoot-style conditioning wheels with tool-free down pressure adjustability break up clods and condition the strip. Other conditioning options are available.
KUHN KRAUSE GLADIATOR 1210
Kuhn North America offers its ST-PRO II strip-till row unit with features aimed at improving the performance and user comfort of the industry-leading Kuhn Krause Gladiator.
The new ST-PRO II row units feature a simplified method of adjusting coulter alignment when correcting machine tracking issues. With just two bolts, the coulter spindle can be set to one of three positions: one degree left, one degree right or zero degrees (straight ahead). In this way, the coulters are used to steer the machine and keep it running directly behind the tractor.
Units equipped with Montag dry fertilizer systems benefit from a new row-unit-frame design, which routes the air exhaust and fertilizer dust down the back of the shank and is blown down into the soil for added nutrient retention and decreased equipment corrosion.
The ST-PRO II is equipped with a new chain mounting system, which allows the end links to pivot and so evens up wear across the length of the chain, extending service life.
The Strik’R conditioning reel maintains a good berm and actively crushes clods while shedding soil to create a
3630 SERIES PULVI-MULCHERS
Raptor strip-till tools are available in pull-type 12- or 16-row models with 30-inch spacings or 3-pt. mounted units in 68- or 12-row models with 30-, 36- or 38-inch row spacings. Liquid or dry fertilizer placement is also available.
Unverferth Manufacturing Company (419) 532-3121 www.unverferth.com
uniform seedbed without plugging. Working depth range is 6 to 12 inches, adjustable in 1-inch increments. Dry, liquid or anhydrous fertilizer can be placed in the strip with the ability to mix and match any two products.
Kuhn North America (608) 897-2131 www.kuhn-usa.com
Landoll Corporation features the Brillion Farm Equipment’s 3630 Series Pulvi-Mulchers. Wider working widths, increased trash clearance and reduced downtime were the design parameters used to develop two new models in the series, available in 30-foot and 36-foot, 6-inch working widths.
The new 36-6 model is 20 percent wider than Brillion’s current 30-foot WL Pulvi-Mulcher and is the widest and heaviest Pulvi-Mulcher ever produced in the company’s history. The new 30-foot model is 80 percent heavier than previous models, providing more clod-crushing power.
A minimum of 24 inches between shank rows and three
rows of heavy-duty S-tine shanks featuring 25 inches of under-frame clearance result in improved trash flow. To ensure a smooth finish, a leveling bar is located in front of the rear roller to help level ridges left by the shanks. Large, 8-inch roller axles eliminate the traditional center bearing, improve reliability and reduce downtime.
The Next Gen Till an’ Bedder has been completely redesigned based off of grower feedback. Starting at the bottom, the company has built in the capability to use 20- or 22-inch ductile Schmeiser rings.
Moving up, the machine now has a double-plated roller head for additional strength with a massive 2-11/16-inch shaft that is held up with TILLXTREME sealed Trunnion Bearings. The frame has been redesigned so that the unit ships more than 80 percent assembled. The front-to-rear leveling system coupled with two rows of S-tines in front and behind the transport tires allows gauging in the toughest conditions without leaving tire tracks. Hydraulic s-tines and leveling bar are included with depth indicators standard. Wing pivots have been upgraded to 2-inch pins. The optional HD Trail Hitch has a built-in manifold for hydraulic remote extensions.
ROLLAHARROW, PACKERS, LANDPLANES
For nearly 30 years, Parma Company has been manufacturing heavy-duty rolling harrow, packers and landplanes to help prepare and establish the best quality seed bed. The Parma Rollaharrows and Packers come in various sizes ranging from 12 to 24 feet in a rigid frame and from 20 to 40 feet folding models. Landplanes are available in up to 30-foot widths.
The 4-Bar Rollaharrow comes standard with four rows of heavy-duty S-Tines properly spaced to allow optimum tillage without trash buildup and plugging. Other features include a hydraulically controlled leveling bar to smooth and level the soil behind the S-Tines. The “loose fit” style front and rear packer rollers are available in various sizes and ring composites. Also available are crowfoot rollers and solid welded pipe rollers all mounted on large 2 3/16-inch shafts
JOKER RT
and heavy-duty triple lipped sealed bearings. The well-used grain drill hitch option lets the savings-conscious grower better utilize fuel and time with one pass tillage and planting.
Horsch Joker RT high-speed discs include 20-inch notched blades that are mounted at a 17-degree angle for optimum soil engagement and residue/soil mixing. Rubber torsion arms help protect the blades against damage from foreign objects, and oil-filled bearings provide long life with zero maintenance. Manual or electronic depth control is available for maintaining precise, consistent tillage depth throughout the field. Additionally, an integrated RollFlex finishing system optimizes soil consolidation and field finish to produce excellent planting conditions and promote rapid emergence of seed.
Benefits of the Joker RT include aggressive crop residue management through superior sizing and mixing of the soil and residue, as well as consolidation of the soil profile for accelerated residue decomposition. An ideal seedbed is also created by maintaining precise tillage depth, providing thorough soil tilth, and consolidating the soil. Other applications of the Joker RT include fertilizer/ manure incorporation, pre-emergent herbicide incorporation, field conditioning, cover crop management and specialty
LEMKEN CULTIVATOR
The Karat 10 three-beam cultivator is now entering the market in extensive mounted and semi-mounted versions. The tines are arranged symmetrically around the tensile axis, making the machine extremely low-draught and avoiding side draft. This is particularly important when using the cultivator with track guidance systems. At the same time, it ensures intensive mixing.
The tine arrangement is just one of the core areas that Lemken has improved even further in its Karat cultivator, which has been incredibly successful for many years.
crop applications. This multi-purpose tillage tool provides excellent performance in both primary and secondary tillage operations. It is a clever alternative to vertical tillage, field cultivators, soil finishers and tandem disc harrows.
• The wing shares for shallow cultivation have been widened. Alternately, narrow shares can be used for deep cultivation. All shares are optionally available in carbide.
• DeltaCut shares can be used for ultrashallow cultivation. The standard quickchange system allows the shares to be changed quickly and easily for working depths of up to 30 cm.
• Centrally adjustable leveling tines ensure even leveling. Specially shaped leveling discs, which provide good working results on heavy soils, are optionally available.
• Also newly available are boundary discs and tines that can be folded up mechanically or hydraulically.
• Drawbars in a range of types and lengths open up even more versatile applications in professional crop production and allow it to be used with tractors with twin tires.
The cultivator can be equipped optionally with a hydraulically adjustable leading disc section. This ensures that large volumes of organic matter can be incorporated even better into the soil. The discs, which are individually suspended on leaf springs, chop organic matter and break up coarse soil clumps so that the machine can mix soil intensively and work without clogging.
Lemken
(208) 715-0088
www.lemken.com n
LUTHER
Sugar Under Pressure From Several Directions FROM THE ASGA
Some successes but still cause for
The first half of 2025 has been one of the most turbulent times in recent history, driven by dramatic and ever-changing decisions by the Trump Administration and significant legislative policy changes in a hyper partisan congress.
The second half of the year is expected to be no different. You cannot make progress on hard issues without change, and you cannot have dramatic change without political conflict.
Of great concern for growers has been the price collapse of the sugar market and the impact on grower payments across all cooperatives.
You cannot make progress on hard issues without change, and you cannot have dramatic change without political conflict.
There are three major causes of the problem. When USDA decides how much sugar the market needs, demand estimates are not always reflective of what is occurring in the market. USDA relies on historical consumption trends that seem to be diverging from present day consumption patterns. Projecting beet and cane yields in July, based on history and trends, is very difficult. The crop can change a lot between July and October. Last year we had a larger crop across the country than what USDA projected. Overestimating demand and underestimating supply lead to too many imports. In addition, when world market prices are depressed, high tier imported sugar enters the market. The USDA has almost no control over high tier sugar. These three elements are a “perfect storm” for a depressed market.
concern
We’ve strongly pressed USDA to address these issues going into the 2026 marketing year that begins in October of this year. This would make a significant improvement for the 2026 crop to be marketed in FY 2027.
The key provisions for increasing the sugar safety net in farm policy have been included in the reconciliation package, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by the President on July 4.
The beet loan rate increased from 25.38 to 32.77 (increase of 7.39 cents = 29.11 percent increase). The ratio between cane and beet loan rate increased from 1.2851 to 1.3655. If sugar were to be forfeited due to depressed prices, the sugar storage rates for refined sugar would increase from 10 cents to 34 cents per/cwt/month (increase of 240.0 percent). Also included in the bill was beet allotment modernization that will allow beets to maximize our side of the production equation.
Additionally, there was a Tariff Rate Quota shortfall update that would simply reallocate TRQ earlier in the year away from non-shippers to those that send every year. This tremendous success was a result of a great deal of work over several years.
However, there is more work to be done. There will be various elements of the Farm Bill including sugar provisions that were not included in the reconciliation bill that will need to be considered this fall in what is being referred to as Farm Bill 2.0 or the “Skinny Farm Bill.” Such items include the Feedstock Flexibility Program, used to remove forfeited sugar from food-use channels, the inclusion of a provision defining our domestic industry as “strategic,” and additional authority to ensure the development of sugarbeet revenue insurance.
With respect to trade negotiations that occurred earlier in the summer, some agreements will be concluded by the July 9 deadline and others are still being negotiated. Countries that are making progress towards the end goal are likely to get a reprieve from additional duties. Sugar is not expected to play any role in these negotiations. We remain cautiously optimistic that our antidumping and countervailing duty suspension agreements with Mexico will be continued for another five years. A tremendous amount of time has been spent by most agriculture organizations on addressing claims and sources made in the Make American Healthy Again initial report issued in late May. Clearly everyone wants to make America healthier again, but doing so must be based on legitimate “gold standard” science and not “junk science” as many health professionals have labeled it. Again, a good deal of education has taken place over the summer and we shall see what the final report produces.
With all the uncertainties brought by the Administration’s funding cuts and reductions in the federal workforce, impacts are being felt on USDA’s research programs. Scientists and support staff have been fired, and in some cases rehired, and access to research dollars that support university collaborations has been restricted and delayed. Over the coming months we will start to see how much sugarbeet research has been lost or postponed.
Hold the date: The 2026 ASGA annual meeting will be held in Palm Springs, California, Jan. 26-28. Visit our website on November 1 for more details and registration. n
BY ROB JOHANSSON, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMICS & POLICY ANALYSIS
MICHAEL DELIBERTO, LSU KAREN DELONG, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE
The 2025 United States Sugar Market Supply And Outlook FROM THE ASA
Figuring
out
what all the numbers mean
Every month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) releases a World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report with estimates of supply and demand for several major crops and livestock categories, including sugar.
The June 12, 2025, report provided the first update to USDA’s 2025/26 fiscal year (FY) estimate of U.S. sugar production. U.S. domestic sugar production, which consists of sugar extracted from both sugarbeets and sugarcane, is estimated at 9.254 million short tons raw value (STRV) for the 2025/26 FY (USDA WASDE, 2025).
Domestic beet sugar production is estimated at 5.150 million STRV, or 56 percent of total domestic production, and domestic cane sugar production is estimated at 4.104 million STRV, or 44 percent of total domestic production.
Those numbers reflect recent data on good spring planting for sugarbeets
1. U.S. Sugarbeet Planting Progress
Earlier development of that sugarbeet crop for the 2025/26 season is reflected in above average levels of the state crops being rated as being in good or excellent condition (Figures 2-5).
Similarly, the sugarcane crop development in Louisiana shows improving crop ratings for this time of year. The percentage of the Louisiana
Figure 2. Percentage of Colorado (CO) Beet Crop Rated as Excellent or Good
Figure 3. Percentage of Idaho (ID) Beet Crop Rated as Excellent or Good
Figure 4. Percentage of Minnesota (MN) Beet Crop Rated as Excellent or Good
sugarcane crop that is rated good or excellent was falling closer to the bottom of the five-year range but has rebounded quickly over the past several weeks (Figure 6). However, summer is the critical period for both crops in terms of putting on sugar content.
The estimated FY 2025/26
Figure 5. Percentage of North Dakota (ND) Beet Crop Rated as Excellent or Good
Figure 6. Percentage of Louisiana (LA) Cane Crop Rated as Excellent or Good
domestic sugar production (9.254 million STRV) represents a 37,000 STRV reduction from last year’s total domestic production of 9.291 million STRV. The 2025/26 FY has an estimated slight increase in cane sugar production that is offset by a decrease in beet sugar production, ultimately resulting in the slight year-over-year decrease in overall domestic sugar production.
Beet sugar production is estimated at 5.150 million STRV, a 155,000 STRV decrease (2.9 percent) from the year prior. U.S. 2025/26 sugarbeet planted area (1.104 million acres) is based on the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) (2025) March Prospective Plantings report. The harvested area (1.086 million acres) is derived using a 10-
Figure
year average of harvested-to-planted ratio. The sugarbeet shrink (6.76 percent) and recovery rate (14.78 percent) are both projected, based on a 10-year national average.
Sugarcane is now produced in only two states: Florida and Louisiana. Cane sugar output is forecast at 4.104 million STRV, up 128,000 STRV (3.2 percent) from the year prior. Louisiana’s output is projected at 2.088 million STRV, reflecting six consecutive years of increase, and four years of surpassing Florida.
Sugarcane acres in Louisiana have been increasing due to the attractiveness of sugar compared to other alternative crops, availability of custom harvest groups, and acreage expansion northward in the central region of the state.
Florida’s cane sugar production is projected at 2.016 million STRV (USDA WASDE, 2025).
Total domestic use of sugar is predicted to be 12.330 million STRV which includes estimated domestic sugar production of 9.254 million STRV and U.S. sugar imports of 2.474 million STRV (USDA WASDE, 2025).
The overall use of sugar in the U.S. has flattened over the past two years. There are several possible reasons for flat demand, including higher food prices at the grocery store charged by food companies, higher levels of inventories held post-Covid, and low consumer sentiment. The lower
consumer sentiment (tracked by the University of Michigan) shows that
Figure 7. U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index
consumers are more pessimistic about the economy than any time since the pandemic and, prior to that, the 1980s (Figure 7).
Like many other agricultural sectors, the sugar sector has faced challenges. Namely, the tightening of operating margins due to rising costs of production (Deliberto and DeLong, 2024a) and flat or falling prices (Deliberto, DeLong, and Fischer, 2024b). This is most evident in the recent closures of sugar processing facilities in several states. Since 2000, roughly 40 percent of U.S. sugar mills, refineries, and sugarbeet factories have closed (i.e., 29 closures with 42 remaining open) (American Sugar Alliance, 2025; Louisiana Sugarcane Industry, 2025; Fischer, Outlaw, Raulston, and Herbst, 2022) (Figure 8).
New tariffs have boosted the costs of buying needed inputs for farms and factories. And recently, U.S.
Figure 8. U.S. Sugar Facility
Closures since 2000
wholesale prices for beet and cane sugar have been falling. Large sugar exporters, like Brazil and India, that subsidize their sugar sectors, have been pumping out more surplus sugar to the world market, dropping prices below the cost of production for most of the world’s sugar producers.
Rising costs of producing sugarbeets and sugarcane and processing them into sugar has further squeezed operating margins. Looking ahead to the next growing season, farmers and the employees that work in sugar processing facilities are optimistic that a new fiveyear Farm Bill will strengthen the farm safety net and keep out more highly subsidized world sugar. We all hope that growing conditions will be favorable for sugarbeets and sugarcane.
(This article was adapted from the Southern Ag Today publication on June 2025 – https:// southernagtoday.org/2025/05/28/ the-2025-sugar-market-domesticsupply-and-outlook/) n
References
American Sugar Alliance. (2025). Sugar’s Coast-to-Coast Reach. Retrieved from: https://sugaralliance.org/us-sugar/ sugars-coast-to-coast-reach Deliberto, M., and K.L. DeLong. (2024a). “Examining Sugarcane and Sugarbeet Production Costs.” Southern Ag Today. Retrieved from: https://southernagtoday.org/2023/12/11/examining-sugarcane-and-sugarbeet-production-costs/ Deliberto, M., K.L. DeLong, and B. Fischer. (2024b). “Analyzing World and U.S. Sugar Price Dynamics.” https:// southernagtoday.org/2024/05/20/analyzing-world-and-u-s-sugar-price-dynamics/ Fischer, B.L., J.L. Outlaw, J.M. Raulston, and B.K. Herbst. (2022). “Economic Impact of the U.S. Sugar Industry.” Retrieved from: https://sugaralliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sugar-Report.pdf Food Business News. (2024). Retrieved from: https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/25615-last-sugar-cane-growerin-texas-to-close
Louisiana Sugarcane Industry. Production Data 1984-2023. Retrieved from: https://amscl.wpenginepowered. com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Production-Data-1984-to-2023.jpg
University of Michigan. 2025. “Surveys of Consumers,” data available online at https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/.
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). (2025). Retrieved from: https://usda.library.cornell.edu/ concern/publications/x633f100h
USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. (2025). Retrieved from: https://www.usda.gov/aboutusda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/commodity-markets/wasde-report.
By Courtney Gaine, R.D., Ph.D., President & CEO
Harvesting And Spreading Sugar Knowledge For National Real Sugar Day Getting the word out is key FROM THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION
With harvest season fast approaching, that means it’s also almost time for the fourth annual National Real Sugar Day on October 14.
What is National Real Sugar Day all about? It is a day to celebrate real sugar and what makes it such a special and important ingredient in our lives. But it is also a day of celebrating YOU - the dedicated and hardworking sugarbeet (and sugarcane) growers, factory employees, suppliers and everyone else who brings Americans the gold standard of sweetness – real sugar.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Real Sugar. Deep Roots,” which will allow the Sugar Association and everyone in the sugar community to shine a spotlight on this vital ingredient’s history, impact, and benefits from farms to every family’s food favorites. We’ll be producing a variety of content that invites Americans to get to know how real sugar is rooted in nature, grown on family farms across America and plays an important role in communities, family favorites and balanced diets.
While every day - and certainly every National Real Sugar Day - is an important opportunity to educate about real sugar, the urgent need to do so is more critical now than ever. No doubt you’ve noticed that consumers are increasingly being bombarded with extreme views and recommendations about what they should eat or drink. The fact is that even policy makers, let alone everyday citizens, often have no idea where real sugar comes from and the key role it plays in balanced, healthy diets.
Unfortunately, misinformation about real sugar has real, serious consequences for farmers and for American families. That’s why it’s so
vital that we share facts about real sugar, scientific evidence about its role in diets, and promote real transparency for consumers about their food choices.
This National Real Sugar Day, we hope you’ll join us in spreading the word. For example, many people don’t know that:
• Real sugar is rooted in nature, not in a lab. It comes only from sugarcane and sugarbeets, which are simply processed to result in sugar crystals.
• Real sugar is grown on farms across America, from coast to coast and border to border.
• Real sugar is an essential ingredient in sweet treats and other foods as a flavor balancer or enhancer, for its natural preservative properties, and more.
• Real sugar has been safely consumed for millennia and is irreplaceable as a single ingredient.
• It’s generally not possible to remove
real sugar from food without adding one or more other ingredients - often industrial additives like artificial sweeteners that consumers prefer to avoid.
• Added sugars intake is currently at its lowest level in 40 years and near the lowest level ever recorded (11 percent in 1909).
• Reduced sugar products can have more calories than their original co unterparts, and companies are not required to transparently label the purpose or quantity of industrial additives used to reduce sugar. Ensuring that Americans and policy makers understand the facts is key for developing evidence-based, effective nutrition policies that focus on ensuring people’s diets stay within calorie limits and include enough of the nutrients we need. For example, keeping added sugars intake to less than 10 percent of total calories per day is a reasonable
goal and leaves room for a little real sugar to help make foods like yogurt and whole grains tasty and for people to choose a sweet treat in moderation.
The good news is that in recent polling commissioned by the Sugar Association, consumers seem ready to support balanced approaches to real sugar. For example, more than 9 in 10 Americans who support the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement somewhat or strongly agree real sugar has a place in balanced diets. Nearly the same number think real sugar plays an important role in our food supply and fits well into the MAHA movement.
Nearly 9 in 10 MAHA supporters somewhat or strongly agree: Real sugar made from sugar beets and sugar cane plays an important role in our food supply. And as a natural preservative with many functions in food, it fits well into the “Make America Healthy Again” movement to decrease the amount of industrial additives in our food supply.
perfect seedbed with the
Many Americans, not just MAHA supporters, are mindful of their added sugars intake, yet most prefer to avoid industrial additives like artificial sweeteners but have trouble identifying these by just their chemical names (the only thing currently required on food labels).
This makes National Real Sugar Day a great time to celebrate real sugar, the people who grow it, and the food it makes possible. The Sugar Association couldn’t be prouder to lead the charge, but we can’t do it alone. Your knowledge about real sugar is invaluable, and now is the time to harvest it and plant new seeds for the future. Need a conversation starter? Wearing real sugar apparel is an easy way to start a conversation and share your knowledge. Get yours at realsugarswag.com.
You can find more about National Real Sugar Day at sugar.org/realsugarday/, including facts, resources, and information about how to get involved. n
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