The 3600 Series Pulvi-Mulcher from Brillion features wider working widths, increased trash clearance and reduced downtime in the field. The series is available in 21’, 25’, 30’ and 36’ working widths. The 30’ model weighs 80% more than the popular WL360 for more clod crushing power. The 36’ unit is the widest PulviMulcher offered by Brillion.
the
The design includes three rows of two-piece edge bent s-tines on overall 6” spacing. 25” of under frame clearance improves trash flow through the machine. A leveling harrow in front of the rear roller helps level ridges left by the shanks.
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FEATURES
ASGA ANNUAL MEETING:
FINDING THE SUN IN THE STORM CLOUDS
There were a lot of frank discussions that took place at the annual ASGA meeting but attendees were reminded of all the good there is in the sugar industry and there is plenty to look forward to.
BUYER’S GUIDE
Fertilizers
DEPARTMENTS
CALENDAR
NEW PRODUCTS
Latest and greatest
OFF THE TOP
News, people and updates
14 6 8 12 24 20 30 26
FROM THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION
Food Connects Us: Food, Culture And National Nutrition Month
CAES SCIENTISTS
DISCOVER HOW CYST NEMATODES ATTACK CROPS
University of Georgia researchers are learning how nematodes attack sugarbeets and with that information hope to figure out a way to disrupt this pest’s feeding on beets
28
FROM THE AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE
Taking Our Sweet Stories To Capitol Hill
FROM THE ASGA
The Fast And Furious
Cover: This larger than life sugarbeet is made entirely of Legos and was on display at the 2025 ASGA annual meeting.
MARCH 2-4
COMMODITY CLASSIC
Colorado Convention Center Denver, CO www.commodityclassic.com
MARCH 12
LOGAN FARM EQUIPMENT/ TRI STEEL MFG. OPEN HOUSE 4977 Eastside Drive, Rexburg, ID www.tristeelmfg.com
MARCH 19-20
INTERNATIONAL SUGARBEET INSTITUTE Fargodome Fargo, ND www.sugarbeetinstitute.com
MARCH 30-APRIL 1 SNAXPO Orange County Convention Center Orlando, TX www.snaxpo.com
MAY 12-15
FOOD SAFETY CONFERENCE
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, IL www.food-safety.com
JUNE 3 AND 5 12TH ANNUAL AG WORLD GOLF CLASSIC
June 3 – Canyon Lake Golf Course, Kennewick, WA June 5 – The Links at Moses Pointe, Moses Lake, WA www.agworldgolf.com
AUGUST 1-6
INTERNATIONAL SWEETENER SYMPOSIUM
Grand Traverse Resort Traverse City, MI www.sugaralliance.org
AUGUST 26-28
FARM PROGRESS SHOW Decatur, IL www.farmprogressshow.com
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
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
Field-proven Solutions™
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Amity Technology 50 Series Defoliators are engineered to match harvester speed with the ability to properly defoliate at 5 mph vs. 3mph with traditional defoliators. 50 Series Defoliators are field-proven to deliver high-quality, properly defoliated sugar beets.
How does it work?
The shrouded, combination steel front drum removes and finely sizes foliage and distributes it evenly between the rows. Combined with a 10-pin second drum and height- adjustable third drum, 50 Series Defoliators are capable of matching harvester speed, taking advantage of the natural crop canopy in both heat and frost conditions.
NEW PRODUCTS
RIVULIS LAUNCHES D4000: A BREAKTHROUGH IN DRIP IRRIGATION FOR CHALLENGING TERRAIN
Rivulis has released its groundbreaking D4000 PC drip irrigation system. This revolutionary thin-wall pressure-compensated drip line is designed to make drip irrigation possible on land previously inaccessible for drip irrigation, allowing growers to maximize their productivity and profitability.
The D4000 PC, equipped with advanced pressure-compensation technology, ensures uniform water distribution across varying landscapes, including hilly terrain with slopes. Unlike traditional non-pc thin-wall drip systems, which are restricted due to the lack of pressure compensation, the D4000 PC paves the way for precision irrigation on longer flat terrains and even sloped terrains, transforming agricultural practices and expanding farming possibilities.
The D4000 PC is designed specifically for high-value vegetable crops, establishing a new standard in drip irrigation. Key features include:
Revolutionary Design: The D4000 PC’s pressure-compensated system delivers consistent flow rates, optimizing water use and ensuring crops receive the precise water and fertilizer needed for
optimal growth.
Maximized Land Use: Growers can transform previously unusable land into productive fields, enhancing output and profitability while maintaining sustainable farming practices.
Efficiency: With the ability to extend lateral runs by up to 25 percent and to reduce the diameter of the tubing, the D4000 PC minimizes material and labor costs, making field management simpler and more economical.
Sustainable Solution: Constructed from fully recyclable materials, the D4000 PC aligns with global trends toward environmentally responsible farming practices, ensuring that growers can maintain their commitment to sustainability.
GAME-CHANGING PERFORMANCE IN CHALLENGING TERRAINS
The D4000 PC’s design allows it to overcome the limitations of traditional irrigation systems, providing significant advantages for growers facing the toughest field challenges. Its innovative pressure compensation technology enables uniform irrigation even on slopes,
ensuring efficient water and fertilizer use and healthier crops.
Extensive field trials demonstrate the D4000 PC’s exceptional performance, maintaining consistent flow rates under varying pressure conditions. For example, in a tomato field test, the system showed no decline in efficiency, delivering uniform water distribution even when there was a significant pressure increase. It is designed for flexibility, with customizable dripper spacing and flow rates of 0.16gph and 0.23gph, making it suitable for various crops and soil types. This versatility ensures that growers can tailor the system to meet specific irrigation needs, maximizing efficiency and yield.
For more information, visit www.rivulis.com.
JOHN DEERE BRINGS ENHANCED MACHINE CONNECTIVITY TO RURAL FARMS WITH THE RELEASE OF JDLINK BOOST
John Deere announced the release of JDLink Boost, a satellite connectivity solution to ensure customers continue seamless work in fields with little to no cellular coverage.
The new JDLink Boost option supports the partnership, announced a year ago, between John Deere and Starlink by SpaceX network, providing farmers who face rural connectivity challenges with the opportunity to fully leverage precision agriculture technologies.
UNLOCKED TECHNOLOGIES ENABLE SOLUTIONS
JDLink Boost will especially benefit farmers when they are operating in fields where cellular coverage is limited or unreliable. A secure and faster connection in the field provides farmers real-time access to their machine and agronomic data. Improved connectivity allows for timely decision-making regarding irrigation, fertilization, pest control and harvesting. Precision ag technologies that benefit from improved connectivity include:
• In-Field Data Sharing: Data sharing in real time can optimize resource use, leading to more efficient application processes and reduced waste.
• AutoPath: Automating the creation of paths based on field boundaries can reduce setup time for more
efficient field work.
• Remote Monitoring & Alerts: Identifying issues of inefficiencies as they occur helps ensure equipment is running at optimal levels.
• Connected Support: Customers and dealers can better collaborate for faster response times to any issues with solutions like Expert Alerts, Service ADVISOR Remote, and Remote Display Access.
• See & Spray: Real-time transmission of agronomic and machine data from sensors and cameras mounted on the sprayer, enabling immediate analysis and response.
• Harvest Automation: Integration of various sensors and automated systems that control combines, ensuring crops are harvested efficiently without missing any areas.
For more information, visit deere.com.
The Kawasaki RIDGE side-by-side lineup raised the bar in 2024, offering a design with automotive-inspired finishes paired with the flexibility to transport both passengers and cargo across challenging landscapes.
First launched with the three-passenger RIDGE, the 2025 lineup now features the all-new RIDGE® CREW HVAC, which includes rear seating to accommodate up to six people. These new models expand their versatility, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks or fun outings with family and friends. The RIDGE CREW provides top-notch comfort and performance for any outdoor adventure.
The RIDGE CREW is built to handle tasks with ease, featuring a fully-enclosed cab with HVAC, spacious seating, and thoughtful amenities like contoured bench seats, generous legroom, multiple cup holders, and USB ports. The new insulated roof and UV/IR-treated windshield enhances comfort by reducing heat and glare.
Whether navigating a rugged job site or a scenic trail, the long-travel suspension absorbs bumps effortlessly, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride while you focus on getting the job done.
At the heart of the RIDGE CREW is Kawasaki’s 999cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line 4-cylinder engine,
delivering instant, smooth and linear power. Paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission), the powertrain offers intuitive throttle response, providing seamless control whether accelerating or cruising. This setup makes transporting passengers and cargo a breeze, combining performance with ease of use.
Built tough, the RIDGE CREW boasts a 1,000-lb. cargo capacity and can tow up to 2,500 lbs., backed by its hightorque, high-power engine. Whether you’re tackling demanding work tasks, exploring trails with friends, or anything in between, the RIDGE CREW delivers outstanding performance with plenty of room to spare, making every trip comfortable and capable.
• Long-Travel Double Wishbone Suspension and High Ground Clearance
• 27-inch Tires with 14-inch Aluminum Wheels
• All-LED Exterior Lighting includ-
ing Accent Lights
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Power Mode Selection
• On-the-Fly Electrically Selectable 4WD and Rear Differential Lock
• 1,000-lb. Capacity Tilting Cargo Bed with Detachable Tailgate
• 7-inch Full-color TFT Instrumentation
• Adjustable Driver Seat
• Automotive-Inspired Fit & Finish Exterior and Interior
• Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS*
• Kawasaki STRONG Three-year Limited Warranty
Kawasaki RIDGE CREW HVAC
Color: Candy Persimmon Red
MSRP: $30,999
Availability: February 2025
Kawasaki RIDGE CREW HVAC Camo
Color: TRUETIMBER STRATA
MSRP: $31,799
Availability: February 2025
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.
For more information, visit www.kawasaki.com/en-us/.
BKT TIRES DRIVE THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE: CUTTING EDGE AND PROGRESS IN FOUR NEW SOLUTIONS
BKT launched four new solutions designed and engineered to meet the increasingly complex needs of modern agriculture. Efficiency and productivity were the driving force behind the careful research and development process of the new BKT tires, which were created to significantly improve agricultural operations.
Along with BKT’s flagship products three new tires further extend the AGRIMAX range, starting from AGRIMAX PROCROP, designed to optimize performance in the field, particularly spraying activities and operations in row crops, as well as having good grip on asphalt in road transfers. Key features of this new product include the innovative VF technology, which enables farm machinery to carry heavier loads at reduced inflation pressure, and a wide footprint, which reduces soil compaction by ensuring an even weight distribution on the tire, to the benefit of crops.
The driving experience with AGRIMAX PROCROP is both comfortable and safe, thanks to the centrally closed tread and strong sidewalls providing high lateral stability. The open shoulder design provides superior traction on a variety of surfaces, as well as top self-cleaning capabilities from any soil residue.
Next is AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, an innovative tire likewise designed for open field spraying operations and row crops, but also ideal for tractor use in orchards and vineyards. This pattern
differs from its predecessor by means of its steel belt, an increased tread depth, and a narrower lug width, resulting in a more open and higher tread pattern for exceptional handling on the road.
One of AGRIMAX SPARGO SB’s main advantages is its ability to reach speeds of up to 65 km/h, providing greater operational efficiency for end users.
For more complex operations with combine harvester operations supporting significant workloads, BKT’s third new addition to the AGRIMAX tire range is the AGRIMAX PROHARVEST, a highly professional, cutting-edge solution that combines productivity and soil protection, in line with the company’s strong focus on sustainability. Durability is one of its main features resulting from the special compound and a reinforced polyester casing with three-layer steel belts. Thanks to its open shoulder design, AGRIMAX PROHARVEST stands for optimal traction even on rough or wet terrain, as well as for excellent self-cleaning properties. The
outstanding performance in the field is complemented by excellent handling on the road, making this tire ideal for mixed use.
BKT’s unstoppable spirit of innovation has led to the development of a fourth tire, part of the RIDEMAX range and designed for the approaching arrival of the winter season; indeed, it features a natural rubber compound specifically formulated to withstand low temperatures and to extend its life cycle. The Indian multinational introduced RIDEMAX FROST featuring excellent flexibility and elasticity even at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius, plus optimal grip and traction in transportation and road maintenance operations on snowy or icy surfaces. The tread pattern is designed to improve grip and reduce the sliding risk. RIDEMAX FROST also proves to be resistant to cuts and tears, as well as comfortable and safe to drive, becoming synonymous with efficiency.
For more information, visit www.bkt-tires.com.
NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS INTRODUCES N-FINITY TO THE U.S. CROP MARKET
Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. announces the launch of N-FINITY, an innovative nitrogen management solution that combines three modes of action that aims to increase the efficiency and availability of nitrogen for improved plant health and crop yields.
New to the Loveland Products shelf, N-FINITY leverages advanced biological technology to optimize nitrogen availability, assisting crops’ ability to receive the essential nutrients required for optimal growth and yield.
N-FINITY’s proprietary science is designed to improve nitrogen use efficiency in comparison to current marketplace offerings by:
1. Enhancing the soil’s ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
2. Recruiting nitrogen-fixing bacteria into the root zone.
3. Facilitating the liberation of nitrogen from soil organic pools.
N-FINITY has the potential to more efficiently manage plant available nitrogen and support farming practices by
enhancing the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers traditionally used to boost annual crop productivity.
N-FINITY will be available for purchase through Nutrien Ag Solutions retail locations in spring of 2025.
For more information, visit lovelandproducts.com/n-finity. n
The Rolling Harrow® soil conditioner has been creating smooth, one-pass seedbeds with consistent soil density for more than 30 years. The time-tested design saves you time and money during the planting rush when partnered with your high-speed tillage tool, field cultivator or disc. Choose from a 16”- or 12.5”-diameter double basket or a basket with a trailing drum to fit your needs.
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OFF THE TOP
T-L IRRIGATION CO. CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF IRRIGATION INNOVATION
On January 1, Hastings, Neb., based T-L Irrigation Co. celebrated not just a new year, but their 70th year of supplying innovative, reliable irrigation solutions to farmers the world over.
Reaching their platinum anniversary is a testament to the will for and dedication to excellence first modeled by company founder LeRoy Thom.
“Persistence was one of many things my dad was great at and insisted upon. When we were working on a prototype it was never if it was going to work, it was when it was going to work,” says David Thom, president of family-owned and operated T-L Irrigation Co.
Throughout the decades, T-L Irrigation has helped their farming customers adopt increasingly efficient and effective irrigation technologies. Starting as a supplier of irrigation equipment, they took their first step into manufacturing with the purchase of an aluminum pipe tube mill to make pipe for gravity irrigation.
In 1969 came the first T-L Irrigation
pivot—a novel hydrostatic drive-powered pivot in a marketplace flooded by water, hydraulic and electric-drive systems. The straightforward and effective technology continues to be the cornerstone of the extensive T-L product lineup.
A reputation for quality and durability helped T-L Irrigation emerge as an industry leader during the pivot manufacturing boom of the 1970s and 1980s.
At one point, there were more than 70 pivot manufacturers in the United States, Thom says. T-L Irrigation is one of just four remaining manufacturers.
“We know what looks good on an engineer’s drawing board may not look so good in the mud 20 years from now. As a result, we’re never quick to release a product. We prioritize making sure our products run for a long time and are made right for the market,” Thom says.
Every piece of equipment from tires to telemetry is tested extensively on Thom
family farms and must rise to their standards before being offered to farmers. Reliable, easy-to-repair products that performed consistently in the field helped bolster an ever-increasing customer base over the years. Thom recalls it being very exciting when they started selling pivots across the state line into Colorado. Now the family’s pivots are at work in 87 countries on six continents.
“We’re a family business and our customers run family businesses. I’ve always enjoyed designing new products that can help our customers be more profitable now and into the future,” Thom says.
Thom and his brother, Jim, operate T-L Irrigation along with multiple other family members. They’re proud to see the next generation embracing the same passion for the industry and their customers.
For more information, visit www.tlirr.com.
(l to r) Chase Crawford, Dave Thom, Jim Thom, John Thom and Chris Thom.
BRANDT INCREASES PRODUCT MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY
BRANDT has added a senior executive to launch a global product management function. Brian Deverman, most recently with Bayer CropScience, will join the BRANDT marketing team as global senior product director to design, launch and build the new capability.
“We’re thrilled to have Brian join us,” said Karl Barnhart, EVP and chief marketing officer. “Brian will bring focus, leadership and – most importantly –strategic thinking to this new function. He’s been a long-time friend of the company and we couldn’t be more pleased to finally have him on Team BRANDT.”
The product management function will be based in Springfield, IL, but will have a global mandate.
“We’re looking at product management to sit at the intersection of marketing, sales and discovery and innovation.
Brian’s role will be to bring these teams together to rationalize our product portfolio, position our products in unique spaces and help create consistent product stories,” explained Barnhart.
Deverman joins BRANDT after a diverse career that includes three stints at Bayer/Monsanto spanning ten years. Most recently, he was VP, Global Business Development and Licensing lead. In that role, he managed a large portfolio of initiatives and was responsible for leading account relationships in new and novel biofuel feedstocks for low carbon fuel alternatives. Deverman has also worked at the marketing agency Osborn Barr Paramore and the seed company Dupont Pioneer, among others.
Alex Lovdahl, BRANDT marketing director, Insights & Analytics, will immediately join the product management
Brian Deverman team. Lovdahl has built a powerful suite of analytic tools to provide much-needed visibility across the organization and put BRANDT’s high value agronomic solutions into the competitive context.
For more information, visit www.brandt.co
THORNTON RECEIVES GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARD AT ASGA ANNUAL MEETING
Among the many presentations and other events going on at this year’s American Sugarbeet Growers Association annual meeting, held this year in San Diego, was the awarding of the Sugar Producer Magazine Grower of the Year.
Layne Thornton, along with his wife Lori, was on hand to receive the annual award, which is given to one grower from across the U.S. sugarbeet growing areas. ASGA President Neil Rockstad made the presentation.
Neil Rockstad (l) presents the Sugar Producer Magazine Grower of the Year award to Kuna, Idaho, grower Layne Thornton at the annual ASGA meeting.
TESSENDERLO KERLEY ACQUIRES TIGER-SUL PRODUCTS
Tessenderlo Kerley has announced that it has acquired Tiger-Sul Products, a North American-focused provider of sulfur-based fertilizer products, from Platte River Equity.
The acquisition strengthens Tessenderlo Kerley’s specialty fertilizer portfolio
as Tessenderlo Kerley looks to provide a better crop yield, more control for farmers, and a healthier planet for everyone. Tiger-Sul will continue to operate under its brand names.
“We’re excited to welcome Tiger-Sul to the Tessenderlo Kerley team, and we
look forward to our ability to offer our customers Tiger-Sul’s complementary crop nutrition and soil enhancement products,” said Russell Sides, executive vice president of Tessenderlo Kerley.
For more information, visit www.tkinet.com and www.tigersul.com
12TH ANNUAL AG WORLD GOLF CLASSIC REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Ag World has announced that registrations and sponsorships are now open for the 2025 Ag World Golf Classic.
The company thanks its generous sponsors and participants who have supported the event over the years.
This year’s event schedule is:
• Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Canyon Lake Golf Course, Kennewick, WA
• Thursday, June 5, 2025 - The Links at Moses Pointe, Moses Lake, WA
Food and beverages will be provided at both events.
Ag World will continue to honor Warren Henninger’s legacy by forwarding the proceeds of these events to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest.
For more information, visit www.agworldgolf.com. n
ASGA ANNUAL MEETING FINDING THE SUN IN THE STORM CLOUDS
BY LANE LINDSTROM
Nothing like a new presidential administration to throw things, including all things agriculture, into chaos, creating more questions than answers – at least thus far. At the time of this year’s American Sugarbeet Grower Association annual meeting, tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China were just some of the big news coming out of Washington, DC.
On the other coast in San Diego, a number of speakers at the ASGA meeting were trying to figure out what much of it means, most of the time on the fly, and sometimes before, during and after their presentations to the more than 350 in attendance at this year’s two-day event.
The two days of presentations weren’t so much doom and gloom as they were “hey, this is what we’re up against and we need to stay engaged in the process to ensure the sugar industry doesn’t get caught off guard.”
Speakers covered a range of topics from economic trends to trade to emerging technology (robotics/AI) to politics to pest management to even more politics.
That variety of topics prompted Kimberly Nesci, director of the USDA’s Office of Pest Management Policy to say at the beginning of her remarks, “I love the … breadth of issues discussed during the meeting from science to trade to labor to politics.”
Of course, we don’t have room to cover all the topics/ presentations made at the ASGA meeting so we are highlighting three speakers: Bob Cassidy, Dr. Courtney Gaine
and Luther Markwart.
We also asked Elizabeth Fusick of the American Sugar Alliance to summarize her presentation on grower communications. See the attached sidebar.
Here are some of the highlights from the three we are focusing on.
Bob Cassidy, Partner, Cassidy, Levy, Kent (CLK)
“We are in, I won’t say chaotic, but we are in uncertain times and we’ve got to use our heads to stay cool and try and work our way through all this because I can see ways we come out of this entirely in one piece and I can see ways we come out of this in great difficulty.”
That was Cassidy’s assessment of the turbulent times the sugar industry could be in for. CLK represents a coalition of domestic beet and cane interests, specifically when it comes to trade and imports. He definitely has a handle on the sugar industry when it comes to trade policy.
He continued, “So you’re going to have to be listening to a lot of stuff that sounds obscure but it is important.” But, he assured the annual meeting attendees, “You have a very good team in Washington, an excellent team.”
It will take an all-hands-on-deck effort to be successful, he said. “And you’re all going to have to work together, not only the beet growers, the beet processors, the cane millers,
the cane refiners; everybody is going to have to be thinking through this and decide what direction to be going.”
Cassidy dedicated a good portion of his remarks to the duty suspension agreement and sugar tariff rate quotas. He said, “The duty suspension agreement was negotiated in 2014 and hasn’t changed since then and that raises a lot of questions about whether something might be done about that” with the new Administration.
Regarding the sugar tariff rate quotas, Cassidy commented, “The tariff rate quota is the heart of sugar imports. And the integrity of the quota is essential, that is to say you can’t have it leaking, you can’t have people getting into the country without going through the quota the way they’re supposed to or without a Tier 2 rating.
“There’s a lot of incentive for people to try and do that. If you’re out there watching the world price of sugar, sugar on the world market, virtually every country that grows sugar subsidizes it and many countries grow more than they need. The excess goes into the world market where prices would allow anyone to undercut the cost of production in the U.S..
“If you can find a way to get it into the U.S. market and sell it at U.S. prices you can do very well,” he said, referring to other countries attempting to do just that.
“And that’s why people constantly explore the possibility of circumventing the quotas,” he said. “It’s going on all the time.”
He then referred to a case in the 1990s where a company called Heartland out of Canada put sugar in molasses, sent it to the U.S., extracted the sugar and then shipped the molasses back, thus circumventing sugar tariffs and quotas. He said there is a more recent case also involving molasses coming out of Canada. That situation is currently under investigation with CLK keeping a close eye on it. In that situation he said it would help in the U.S. had better testing and that maybe some new regulations will be needed to close import loopholes.
Dr. Courtney Gaine, CEO, Sugar Association
Gaine reminded the ASGA attendees what the purpose of the Sugar Association is. “We are the scientific arm of the U.S. industry. Our mission is to really instill confidence in the role sugar plays in a balanced diet.”
With that she shared events surrounding sugar this past year and what 2025 might look like for the industry, again pointing out there are still many unknowns with the new Administration and how it might handle some processes already in the works.
Referring back to 2024, Gaine described to the group new USDA updates to the school meal standards and how they affect sugar. (See Figure 1) As you can see, the new rule limits added sugars to less than 10 percent of calories per week. As to the last bullet, she said. “What was interesting to us was that there is no restriction on the use of low and no calorie sweetners, including any artificial sweetners in school meals.”
The use of low and no calorie sweeteners and how they don’t appear to be regulated at all compared to sugar in any dietary guidelines that have recently come out was a point Gaine drove home again and again during her presentation.
As proof of this non-inclusion, Gaine then talked about the FDA’s updated definition of “Healthy.” (See Figure 2)
Of this she said, “The new definition, which took seven
years of rule making – that shows how long these things take – does reflect the ‘new science’ they (FDA) said. You can’t fortify your way to healthy, you have to include a serving of a real food group, like a whole grain, dairy, vegetables, fruit or protein.”
Further, she said, some of the restrictions for added sugar are pretty stringent, pointing to the dairy category, which is limited to less than 2.5 grams of sugar per serving. “So there is no flavored yogurt that would even make this cut,” she said. “However, you can have a lot of artificial sweetners. So if you have sucralose in your yogurt that is now healthy. But don’t have more than 2.5 grams of added sugar.”
She then pointed out, “I should say this is going to apply to probably less than 2 percent of foods in a grocery store right now that will meet this criteria for healthy.”
When the new healthy definition was released, the Sugar Association tested consumers to determine how they felt about low and no calorie sweeteners being glossed over as “healthy.” (See Figure 3) As you can see, 75 percent of those surveyed said they believe food items with artificial sweeteners should not be labeled as “healthy.”
“Why I’m showing you this is I feel the one thing we might have on our side as we move forward is consumers,” she said.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Gaine then touched on the FDA’s proposal for a nutrition info box label be put on foods with again, no mention of low or no calorie sweetners anywhere.
“We’re certainly watching this and I would imagine some form of this is going to be there moving forward,” she said. She also explained the Sugar Association’s position on the nutrition info box.
It states, “The Sugar Association supports transparency, but this draft label offers only the illusion of transparency –it entirely leaves out total calories and the use of industrial additives like artificial sweeteners. In fact, by singling out added sugars, FDA is once again knowingly incentivizing proliferation of artificial sweeteners that hide behind chemical names Americans do not recognize - including in food for children.
“We support the goal of limiting added sugars to less than 10 percent of total calories, but this should not be achieved by misleading consumers or manipulating the food supply with more additives. Most Americans prefer to avoid low- and no-calorie sweeteners in food, and health organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about their widespread use. At some point, some agency needs to acknowledge that we don’t have a good grasp on how pervasive these sweeteners have become in our food supply, unbeknownst to most Americans.”
After touching on the topics of Ultra Processed Foods (UPF) and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, Gaine turned to what the future might hold as the Sugar Association continues to work on these and other issues.
She said, “So despite all these policy challenges and all the tweets, staying true to what we know, which is people want to know where sugar comes from and how much they can eat, is going to be even more important because this world we’re in is filled with so many sensational headlines.”
She continued, “First thing we have is a lot of great science and facts on our side.” (see Figure 4) In showing Figure 4, she pointed out that despite a decrease in daily added sugars consumption, the obesity rate continues to rise, which leads you to believe the problem with America’s obesity issue can’t be laid at the feet of sugar.
“Now they are hard to get into the dialogue right now but when it comes to policy making certainly the data and facts are on our side,” she said.
“I’m optimistic. I really am,” she said. “I believe there is going to be some opportunity coming back around to real foods.”
Looking ahead, Gaine said the Sugar Association, along with its partners, is focusing on addressing numerous messages, including:
• Sugar(s) are ingredients in UPF and still perceived to be drivers of obesity.
• But real sugar is also a versatile ingredient, including when used at home.
• Sugar should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• It comes from plants grown by people and is “real,” unlike alternatives.
• When sugar comes out of foods, other things (i.e., calories and additives) go in.
• Sweetener transparency is important.
• So few people, including Congress, know the facts.
4
Luther Markwart, Executive Vice President And CEO, American Sugarbeet Growers Association
Markwart touched on a variety of topics from headwinds the sugar industry faces to the financial state of the U.S.
“Simply, it is what it is and we’re going to have to figure out how to navigate through it,” he said of the new Administration and unknowns facing the industry.
Markwart spent a good part of his presentation on the federal debt and annual deficits. Of the federal debt he said, “This is what’s going to drive so much of what happens in the next few years and particularly this year.”
5
6
He showed two slides, “Federal Debt Held by the Public, 1900 to 2053” (see Figure 5) and another illustrating massiveness of the federal debt (see Figure 6). Figure 6 is quite telling, as Markwart pointed out.
“That’s a snapshot of what your country looks like on an individual family basis,” he said. “That is unsustainable.”
Markwart then moved on to government spending on various programs. (see Figure 7) “Let’s see where the spending is. What are the biggest pieces of that pie? Health 28 percent. Social Security; we can’t touch that. Defense/homeland security, oh we don’t want to touch that. If you can’t touch all those things, look what’s left. There’s not much left in the budget
Figure
Figure
Figure
to touch. So you’re going to have to go in and you’re going to have to structure and touch things that people don’t want touched. This is going to hurt.”
Next, Markwart explained that during the Covid pandemic the need for domestic supplies of critical goods became very apparent.
“As we were going through Covid, the U.S. industry of critical infrastructure workers were broken down into 16 different infrastructures of which one is agriculture. The sugar industry is strategic because we’re in 68 percent of the foods that we’re eating and we’re a major importer.
“So that makes it very clear to decision makers and policy makers that this industry is exceptional, it’s unique, it’s different and it’s strategic.”
Markwart finished his remarks with a decidedly upbeat message, quoting President Abraham Lincoln as well as a scripture from the Old Testament: Psalm 46:10, which says “Be still and know I am God …”
Markwart then said, “He’s with us, He’s got our back.
We’re going to be fine but we’ve got a lot of work to do. But you know what? The people in this room and the people in leadership are going to make it happen and that’s where we get our strength from; that’s where we get our endurance from and that’s why we’re going to make this industry strong and successful as we go into the future.” n
ASGA RECOGNIZES RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS, INSTALLS 7 NEW MEMBERS
As a part of this year’s 2025 American Sugarbeet Growers Association annual meeting, retiring board members were recognized and the new incoming board members were installed.
ASGA President Neil Rockstad (l) presents retiring board member Chad Westrom with a plaque recognizing his years of service to the association.
Michigan grower and retiring ASGA board member Richard Gerstenberger (r) is recognized by ASGA President Neil Rockstad for his many years of service as a board member.
Retiring ASGA Board of Director members are:
• Joel Gasper – Crookston, MN
• Richard Gerstenberger – Snover, MI
• Chad Westrom – Elbow Lake, MN
• Kody Youree – Twin Falls, ID
• Blaine Hulet – Murphy, ID
New board members include:
• Jacob Briscoe - Grand View, ID
• Jared Giles- Hansen, ID
• Michael Houghtaling – MI
• Jared Kovar- East Grand Forks, MN
• James Nelson – Moorhead, MN
• Jeff Olson – Wahpeton, ND
• Brett Swartz – Ballantine, MT n
RiteYield
The RiteYield system adds convenience and accuracy by automatically collecting data for all the various fields, varieties and test plots.
f Measures yields once per second
f Fits most harvesters
f Optional Tilt Sensor for greater accuracy
f GPS receiver connectivity
f User friendly
THREE QUICK WAYS TO SHARE YOUR SWEET STORY ONLINE
BY ELIZABETH FUSICK, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE
When it comes to talking about the way government policies affect our farms, sugarbeet growers are some of our greatest advocates.
Sharing your personal stories is an important part of the work that we do at the American Sugar Alliance (www.sugaralliance.org). You help us define sugar not just as a commodity or a provision in the Farm Bill, but as people who live, work, farm and raise their families in our rural communities. You show everyday Americans your immense pride in what you do and help educate consumers who have a growing curiosity about where their food comes from.
So, while sugarbeet and sugarcane growers from across the country will be in Washington, DC, this month (check out Dr. Rob Johansson’s column on page 28 for more information on the important work they are doing), here are three simple ways you can help us tell your sweet stories all year long. Don’t forget to tag the American Sugar Alliance in your content on Facebook, Instagram, and X so that we can share it with our audiences.
1. Post a picture with your family. Our industry is made up of multi-generational farm families. We need a strong U.S. sugar policy to keep these family farming legacies alive. Post a photo with another generation and share what you learned from those who came before you – or what you hope to pass along.
Something as simple as snapping a photo of you and your family and then posting it on social media offers a human touch to the sugar industry and resonates with those making sugar policy.
There are several ways to help spread the good word about the sugar industry. Social media is one of the more important ways these days as more and more people get their news and other information from multiple social media channels.
2. Film a video during #Plant2025. As you head into the field to plant the next sugarbeet crop, grab a quick video showing what you are doing or explaining how something works. It doesn’t need to be long! Instagram Reels, for example, cannot be longer than three minutes, and something less than 90 seconds is probably just right.
3. Share your struggles, too. We know things don’t always go right, and it’s important that we share those moments as well. After all, that’s why we have a farm safety net! Be authentic in sharing your story – even if that means filming a quick video as you prepare to fix a broken part or explaining how weather can affect your planting plans.
Social media plays an important role in elevating the stories of our farmers and educating Capitol Hill on the benefits of sugar policy – especially as more and more young adults turn to social media as a primary news source.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not interested in creating your own social media content. You can still help the American Sugar Alliance expand our reach by liking and sharing sugar content.
You are essential to helping us define the U.S. sugar industry and securing legislative support for a new and strengthened Farm Bill! n
BUYER’S GUIDE
FERTILIZERS & GROWTH PROMOTERS
PANTEGO
Locus Agricultural Solution’s (Locus AG’s) Pantego product line showcases the industry’s only free-living yeast soil amendment. This phosphate solubilizing yeast not only increases the availability of phosphate, but also supports extensive root growth, which is important for root vegetables such as potatoes and sugarbeets. The agronomic benefit is two-fold: increased nutrient availability and a larger root system to transport nutrients and water to the plant tissue. Through extensive research at contract research organizations (CROs) across the country, Locus AG products are proven to increase yield and ROI in 11 crops.
Locus Agricultural Solutions www.locusag.com
ZEBA SOIL CONDITIONER
Zeba is an innovation that helps plants produce more by holding water and nutrients in the root zone and releasing them to plants throughout the growing season. Zeba is a natural, starch-based water absorbent. It absorbs up to 400 times its weight in water, forming hydrogels around the roots in the rhizosphere.
Zeba’s activity in the soil reduces irrigation inconsistencies, increases water and nutrient availability, improves overall soil conditioning properties, supports soil microbes, and ultimately results in reduced plant stress
UPL
North America
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POLYSULPHATE FERTILIZER KORRECT
Polysulfate is a natural fit for highquality potatoes. Lowchloride Polysulfate is a sulfur-based source of soluble potassium, magnesium and calcium. Its unique release rate supplies balanced nutrients on demand to ensure a healthier and more productive crop.
• Balanced nutrients – Featuring a blend of K and Mg, plus a season-long source of Ca for improved potato quality.
• Natural soil amendment – Calcium sulfate helps improve nutrient efficiency, soil structure, root development, water infiltration and seed emergence.
• Prolonged nutrient release – Reduced risk of early season sulfur and potassium loss through leaching.
• Safe – Low chloride, very low salinity index, neutral pH, no limiting effect.
Korrect is a highly available mild form of potassium which is particularly well suited for foliar feeding for all types of crops and may be soil applied. Since the pH is 7.3 and the salt index is 26, there is little danger of burn to plant leaves and foliage. Korrect is a clear, true solution with no particulate matter, which mixes readily in water. The natural organic carrier enhances its receptivity by plants. This product contains no chlorides or ammonium (NH4) forms of nitrogen.
Vitol stimulates the natural production of gibberellins within the plant for vegetative development and fruit sizing. It increases the energy output of the plant, which helps move it smoothly through its growth stages. It also improves plant recovery from environmental stresses during peak crop demand periods. When soil applied, Vitol acts as a root stimulant, elongating root growth that is critical in taproot crops.
Huma Gro Max Pak is a liquid micronutrient formulation containing a carbon-complexed, highly stable source of many important micronutrients. Max Pak is leaf-friendly, saltbuffered, and formulated with Micro Carbon Technology to ensure maximum uptake and translocation of nutrients.
Huma https://huma.us/
Huma https://huma.us/
WOLF TRAX DDP micronutrients are specially formulated to simplify nutrient management, boost crop performance and maximize farmers’ fertilizer investment. Uniquely designed to evenly coat every granule in a dry fertilizer blend through the patented EvenCoat Technology, WOLF TRAX delivers highly available nutrition through better distribution in the field when compared to traditional granular micronutrients, resulting in more granules per square foot compared to other nutrient sources. Growers can have confidence that their crops are receiving the right amount of micronutrients close to growing roots during the critical growth stages to improve micronutrient use efficiency, address deficiencies and promote crop performance.
Levesol works to unlock nutrients in the soil, allowing nutrients to become more available, and mobilizing within the plant for season-long activity. Levesol is powered by CHS’s patented ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate, designed to significantly enhance nutrient availability when applied with liquid starter fertilizers, taking in-furrow applications to a whole new level.
The concentration of Levesol’s patented ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate is so strong and pure that it also makes other micronutrients in the soil soluble for update. It boosts availability of phosphorus, zinc and other key micronutrients in the plant. Enhanced nutrient availability increases early growth, overall plant health and, ultimately, yield. Levesol can be blended with most primary, secondary or micronutrients as well as crop protection products.
CHS Agronomy www.chsagronomy.com
SOIL TRIGGRR
& FOLIAR TRIGGRR
Soil TRIGGRR and Foliar TRIGGRR are liquid plant growth regulators containing natural plant extracts. They provide plants with the energy boost they need by increasing photosynthesis, which leads to enhanced nutrient and water uptake and a stronger root system. Soil TRIGGRR and Foliar TRIGGRR work in combination with Westbridge’s Organic BioLink Nutritional Program to promote good root development, improve seedling
SLYCE CA8%
SLYCE Ca8% is derived from calcium nitrate and humic acid. These primary components act to greatly increase soil-available fertility, especially when applied after granular fertilizers, by reacting with those materials to release their components for a faster and more efficient effect. SLYCE increases the organic matter of soil and improves soil structure; accordingly, it promotes the buffering power and nutrient capacity of soil.
SLYCE Ca8% also helps regulate pH of soil. The humus in it helps stabilize nitrogen storage and free up phosphorus and micronutrients to make them more easily available to plants. It makes more beneficial fungi and increases soil fertility and permeability.
LEVESOL ZN
Levesol Zn is a zinc solution chelated with ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate. Levesol Zn is designed to significantly enhance the nutrient availability when applied with liquid starter fertilizers, leveling up in-furrow applications.
It increases the length of time zinc is available to the plant while simultaneously boosting the availability of zinc, phosphorus and other micronutrients already present in the soil. The enhanced nutrient availability increases speed of emergence, overall plant health and, ultimately, yield.
Levesol Zn can be blended with most primary, secondary or micronutrients as well as crop protection products. It acts as a compatibility aid, improving the longevity of compatibility with a wider range of starter fertilizer options. Program, can improve potato grade and increase yield.
vigor, and control tuber size and uniformity. The program enhances starter and pre-plant fertilizer efficiency and increases tuber specific gravity. Enhanced fertilizer efficiency may lengthen the growing season and increase starch deposition.
When applied at key times during the growing cycle, Soil TRIGGRR and Foliar TRIGGRR, along with the Organic BioLink Nutritional Program, can improve potato grade and increase yield.
Plant-available phosphorus is important for producing a healthy crop. Pro-Germinator, through proprietary manufacturing technology, contains both ortho-phosphate and carbonprotected polymer phosphate to provide both readily available and controlled-release phosphorus with minimal danger of tie-up in the soil. This controlled release of nutrients provides needed nutrients at planting and throughout the growing season. Pro-Germinator is used primarily for the application of phosphorus but also includes nitrogen, potassium and micronutrients for maximum performance.
AgroLiquid www.agroliquid.com
KALIBRATE
Potassium is required for nutrient movement in the plant, is essential for the makeup of over 40 different enzymes, and is involved in more than 60 different enzyme systems in plants. Potassium is also important in the formation of sugars and starches in plants. Kalibrate is a highly efficient carbon-chelated liquid potassium that, when applied at planting or sidedress, is taken up from the soil along the length of young, fibrous roots. Potassium is transported in all directions among plant organs in response to metabolic demand. Kalibrate also contains 6 percent sulfur.
AgroLiquid www.agroliquid.com n
CAES SCIENTISTS DISCOVER HOW CYST NEMATODES ATTACK CROPS
BY GARY GOETTLING, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
People love the taste of sugarbeets’ primary byproduct: white sugar. Soilborne cyst nematodes — parasitic, microscopic worms — enjoy the root vegetable, too, but as their sole food source. It’s an obstinate, expensive problem for farmers that researchers at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) are working to solve.
In a study partly funded by the National Science Foundation and published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, plant nematologist Melissa Mitchum and researcher Xunliang Liu have made a significant discovery toward understanding how cyst nematodes co-opt a sugarbeet’s vascular system for their own benefit. Their efforts pave the way toward a novel approach to combating infection.
“Cyst nematodes are crop specific and, in addition to sugarbeets, attack the roots of corn, tobacco, soybeans and most other high-value crops,” noted Mitchum, a professor of plant
nematology in the Department of Plant Pathology and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics. The cyst nematode specific to sugarbeets is Heterodera schachtii. “But they all attack crops in a similar way and the soybean cyst nematode alone accounts for more than $1 billion in estimated agricultural losses in the U.S. annually.”
DECODING THE PARASITIC MECHANISM
With normal root function disrupted by the diversion of nutrients from the plant and into the nematode, host plants’ growth is stunted, their leaves become wilted and discolored, and crop yield is reduced significantly. The worms don’t kill the plant, however, because it’s their only food source.
“They’re so good at what they do,” said Mitchum, “and they’re so hard to combat because they have exploited all the important development-related signaling pathways that the host uses.”
Conventional eradication efforts
A juvenile (top) and female (bottom) cyst nematode have induced a feeding cell in a plant root to withdraw nutrients. The blue indicates the activation of the ATHB8 gene at the periphery of the feeding cell by the nematode, shown as N. Photo by Xunliang Liu
include rotation to non-host crops and planting nematode-resistant crop varieties.
Rather than use actual sugarbeets, CAES scientists conducted their research with a non-crop model vulnerable to sugarbeet cyst nematodes, a flowering weed called Arabidopsis that’s commonly used in plant pathology. It is ideal for studies because it is a small plant with a comparatively small genome, is inexpensive, and grows easily and quickly.
“We can translate the discoveries we make with Arabidopsis to sugarbeets and crops that are attacked by other types of cyst nematodes,” Mitchum explained. “Much like the
CAES plant nematologist Melissa Mitchum and researcher Xunliang Liu have made a significant discovery toward understanding how cyst nematodes co-opt a sugarbeet’s vascular system for their own benefit. The cysts caused by the parasite are visible on the bearded roots of this sugarbeet.
Photo by Mactode Publications, Bugwood.org
way a mouse model is used to learn about human diseases.”
Focusing on the role of a suite of regulatory factors responsible for plant growth and development called HD ZIP IIIs, researchers found that the nematode peptide turns these genes on when the plant’s peptide normally wouldn’t, triggering the process in which normal root cells are converted into a highly developed feeding site.
“Our research suggests that cyst nematodes tap into the core of a plant’s vascular development program for their parasitic success,” said Liu, a research associate in the Mitchum Lab. “Such a discovery could help us to identify new targets for crop engineering to combat nematode diseases.”
ENGINEERING CROPS TO HALT NEMATODE INFECTIONS
The next step, according to Mitchum, would be to bio-engineer sugarbeets or other crop plants to resist the initial plant-root infection.
“We demonstrated that if the bio-communication signals are blocked, then the nematode is stopped,” she said. “It can’t establish a feeding site and complete its life cycle, which takes 25 to 30 days.”
“The interaction between members of two different kingdoms, especially at the molecular level, where the animal parasite evolved to produce peptides that look and act like plant peptides, is fascinating,” Mitchum added. “You just can’t make this stuff up!” n
FOR SUGARBEETS
By Courtney Gaine, R.D., Ph.D., President & CEO
Food Connects Us: Food, Culture And National Nutrition Month
Reshaping people’s views of food FROM THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION
Food is often at the center of connection. Food connects us to our cultures, our communities, our families and our friends. Whether celebrating a significant milestone with a special meal or catching up over coffee and pastry with a friend, food often marks an occasion and makes time together more memorable.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes the significance of food in connection with the theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month: Food Connects Us. Initiated in 1973, National Nutrition Month invites us to consider the food choices we make and develop healthy habits for our overall well-being.
Sharing a meal is an opportunity to learn about its preparation, including who made it and where the ingredients were sourced.
This year’s National Nutrition Month weekly messages include ways to consider the food that connects us by exploring the connection with food and culture and reminders to consider where our food comes from.
THE CULTURE CONNECTION
Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro, a dietitian, diabetes educator and cofounder and director at Eat Well Exchange, has made the food and culture connection the focus of her career. “Food is often a significant part of our identity; there is a person or a
story behind the foods we enjoy.”
Through her work with the Exchange, she teaches communities how to eat healthy based on their cultural foods through nutrition education. “There is often a disconnect between cultural foods and health,” said Westbrooks-Figaro. “The cultural-focused nutrition training the Exchange offers to healthcare professionals and culinary programs that include both culinary and health education are two of their efforts to empower communities with the knowledge that cultural foods ARE healthy.
“For example, soul food tastes amazing but people don’t think of it as ‘healthy.’ They forget that vegetables
and beans are at the core of these dishes. We reshape people’s thinking about these cultural foods and teach them how they can maintain the flavor experience with maybe a few small changes to the recipe.”
CONNECTION TO ROOTS
Knowledge alone isn’t enough if you don’t have access to food. Eat Well Exchange also works to make food more accessible in the communities they work. Through the free farmers markets they organize, they are providing access and education about the produce, giving the individuals a chance to try a new food or recipe and consider where their food comes from. Westbrooks-Figaro was one of
the dietitians who joined the Sugar Association in Bay City, Michigan, on the 2024 Real Sugar Farm to Table Tour and got to see firsthand where real sugar comes from. She said knowing where your food comes from changes the way you think about food and gives you a different appreciation for the people involved in getting it to the grocery store and your table. “Knowing the generations involved and the work required increases the respect and gratitude for the food you have.”
BALANCE AND CONNECTION
Westbrooks-Figaro’s work to help communities unlearn the myths about cultural foods and relearn that they can be part of a healthy diet reminds us about the importance of balance. “People often think that ‘healthy’ means taking things out, but that doesn’t have to be the case.”
Taking a balanced approach to eating and physical activity, making room for indulgences and avoiding anything in excess are keys to a healthy lifestyle. Sugar has a place in a balanced diet by adding flavor and functions that help people enjoy a wide variety of foods, including cultural foods.
We hope you include your favorite cultural foods and traditions in this month’s menu and enjoy a meal with
family and friends with gratitude for those who grow and prepare the food on your table. n
99”
• High capacity grabroll bed & elevators for larger yields.
• Adjustable grabrolls quickly clean and convey beets to elevators.
• No bearing hangers under the grabroll bed – eliminates trash collection.
• Spring cushioned grabrolls – drive ends and center hanger.
• Simple compact frame for quicker turnaround times.
• 4 Floatation tires for wide stability, no need for extra stabilizing cylinders.
BY ROB JOHANSSON, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMICS & POLICY ANALYSIS
Taking Our Sweet Stories To Capitol Hill FROM THE ASA
Growers are the best story tellers
Every March, sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers descend on Capitol Hill for what are termed “fly-in” meetings. Over the course of a two-week period, roughly 80 farmers meet with the offices of more than 300 members of Congress, as well as new leaders in the Administration.
The sugar industry has been hosting fly-in meetings for many years. Our farmers are known throughout Washington, DC, as being highly efficient and effective at delivering our messages. It’s critically important that policymakers meet our farmers face-toface and hear directly from sugarbeet and sugarcane families how sugar policy works. These on-the-ground stories highlight both the challenges and successes of our farm families.
Most importantly, they made sure members of Congress knew that the Farm Bill isn’t just about policy provisions – it’s about family farming legacies.
One success is certainly the recent forecast for record sugar production in the United States. More than 5.3 million tons of beet sugar and more than 4.1 million tons of cane sugar are expected to be produced this year. On the other hand, the fact that prices are not keeping up with costs is a significant challenge. That is one compelling reason why our farmers are urging Congress to strengthen the safety net for sugar in the next Farm Bill.
It’s one thing to read about these successes and challenges in a newsletter or on a fact sheet. It’s quite another to sit across from a farmer and hear in his own words how policy decisions
in Washington, DC, affect farms and communities across 12 beet states and four cane states where sugar crops are grown and/or processed.
Simply put, there are many new policymakers who do not have a good idea of why sugar policy is so important to a vibrant and thriving American sugar industry. The 119th Congress has nine new Senators and 63 new Representatives – not to mention all the returning members of Congress who have still not yet voted on a Farm Bill.
These new members in Congress will take votes on a range of issues from the Farm Bill to labor policies to new trade policies, all of which could affect our farms and factories directly. That is why it is so critical that these fly-in meetings take place every year.
Thankfully, we have strong allies in congressional leadership, with many key leaders hailing from sugarbeet or sugarcane production or refining states. Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota is from a sugarbeet-growing state and the entire House Majority Leadership (Speaker Mike Johnson, LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA) and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN)) come from sugarcrop growing states. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies from New York both hail from a sugarrefining state.
We are also grateful to see Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota take the reins as Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture Committee and Congresswoman Angie Craig (also from Minnesota) as Ranking Member on the House Agriculture Committee. Both understand directly the incredible economic benefits of the sugar industry, totaling more than $23 billion each year in economic activity and more than 151,000 jobs.
Amy Klobuchar - Minnesota
John Thune - South Dakota
Mike Johnson - Louisiana
It is our hope that these leaders will help forge a path forward for a new five-year Farm Bill. Last Congress, we made significant progress with a bill put forward by Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee GT Thompson, which strengthened sugar policy and garnered support from both the American Sugar Alliance and organizations representing sugar users. While that bill passed the House Agriculture Committee with bipartisan support, it ultimately did not become law.
Senator John Boozman from Arkansas will take over as the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee this Congress. The Farm Bill that he released last year also mirrored the positive sugar provisions from the House bill that passed committee.
We are also working together with the new Cabinet Secretaries and appointees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and look forward to providing an update on that critical work in this column next month. While all of this bodes well for sugar producers in the new Congress, we are certainly not resting on our laurels.
Our farmers did a great job carrying our messages to Congress during this year’s fly-in meetings. They highlighted how sugar policy ensures we can continue stocking made-in-America sugar on grocery store shelves and supplying our food companies. Most importantly, they made sure members of Congress know that the Farm Bill isn’t just about policy provisions – it’s about family farming legacies.
If you know a sugarbeet grower who participated in the recent fly-in meetings, be sure to ask them how things went and to thank them for telling their stories. n
Richmond Ultimate Defoliator Unit
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• 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
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Richmond Brothers Fabrication
Tom Emmer - Minnesota
LUTHER
The Fast And Furious FROM THE ASGA
Keeping beets fresh on Congress’ mind
The Trump Administration and Republican Congress hit the ground running on day one of being seated and sworn in. As predicted, the new President signed 26 executive orders only hours after taking the oath of office to make good on his campaign promises and show the people that he is prepared to take hard and controversial actions very quickly.
Cabinet nominees are being considered and confirmed by the Senate to get the President’s team in place. Typically, Senators will give the President the team he wants unless there are significant concerns about the candidates, and as you have seen there have been some controversial picks. The team chosen to fill the spots at USDA seem to be very good. We are waiting to see how the Administration will address nutritional and pesticide issues.
House and Senate Republican leadership is working very close together and know they need to move quickly on extending the tax provisions passed in 2017 and significantly cut spending. They hope much of the heavy lifting can be completed before late April or Memorial Day at the latest. It will be done through a budget reconciliation process because that only requires 51 votes in the Senate instead of a 60 vote threshold to avoid the filibuster.
Republicans need to show voters they can govern, fix problems that were highlighted in the last election, and keep the hard decisions as far away from the 2026 mid-term elections as possible. The House Republicans know that they must be united in order to succeed. We are monitoring all these events to protect policies important to beet growers.
In my message to grower leaders at our annual meeting, there are five key things to be ready for:
1) Lots of drama.
2) Attempts to make big changes, including size and efficiency across government.
3) Changes will come quickly.
4) The President’s proposals will challenge authority under the constitution, the Congress and the courts.
5) Lots of turbulence where both threats and opportunities exist for agriculture and sugar in particular.
We must be prepared to manage and engage on multiple issues, all at the same time.
Farm Bill: The full court press continues by ag groups to get a Farm Bill done as soon as possible. On February, 5, ASGA Vice President and Legislative Committee Chairman, Tim Deal (Minn-Dak), testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee along with other commodity and farm organizations urging the committee to pass a Farm Bill swiftly.
With production costs increasing more than 30 percent since the last Farm Bill, additional increases in support levels are essential. At the end of February, ASGA President Neil Rockstad will be presenting the same message at the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Sweeteners session. We must drive this message to policy makers whenever and wherever we can.
Our annual fly-in will also drive this point home to more than 300
congressional office visits the last week of February and first week of March. When legislators hear the requests directly from the farmers, it really leaves an impression on them, and no one does it better than your beet grower leaders. Thank them for the great work that they do.
Endangered Species:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to list monarch butterflies as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in an effort to protect the eastern and western monarch from on-going population declines. This proposal has many implications for agriculture including expanding monarch and pollinator habitat throughout the lower 48 states and potential new restrictions on pesticide use. A public comment period ends on March 12, and a final decision on listing is expected by the end of the year. We are continuing to advocate for sugarbeet growers’ interests on this topic.
An ASGA internship is being offered this year. We would like a college-aged student from a sugarbeet family who would like to experience a fast-paced summer working on sugar policy issues. It is a tremendous experience to work in Washington with sugar professionals. Please visit our website at americansugarbeet.org for applications and details. Applications must be received by March 30. n
Innovation is transforming sugarbeet farming. At Betaseed, we’re using advances in science to optimize the potential of every seed you plant. Our state-of-the-art breeding and testing process takes up to ten years. It’s the only way to ensure the hybrid your Betaseed rep recommends has the best traits to manage disease and drive yields for this region, and your farm. It’s what we call next-gen breeding for next-gen confidence. Learn more at betaseed.com
