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.
maintenance interruptions in the field. 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.
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
VOLUME 51 ISSUE 9 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
12 6 8 10
Learn the latest from each of the major seed suppliers
CALENDAR
NEW PRODUCTS Latest and greatest
OFF THE TOP News, people and updates
16
19 20 2025 SUGARBEET SEED REPORT
FROM THE ASGA Sugar: Past, Present And Future
21
BUYER’S GUIDE
Planting Equipment
FROM THE AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE In Thanks To The American Sugar Producer
FROM THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION
Bringing Ag To The Classroom And The Classroom To Ag: Louisiana Educators Visit Minnesota Sugarbeet Farm
Field-proven Solutions™
defoliators are your solution!
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.
CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 5-6
IDAHO ASSOCIATION OF PLANT PROTECTION ANNUAL MEETING Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, ID Millerresearch.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, CA www.wgannualmeeting.com
DECEMBER 4-5
U OF I SNAKE RIVER SUGARBEET CONFERENCE
Boise Centre Boise, ID Angel Jackson, amjackson@uidaho.edu
DECEMBER 8-11
IRRIGATION SHOW AND EDUCATION WEEK
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center New Orleans, LA www.irrigation.org
DECEMBER 9-11
GREAT LAKES FRUIT, VEGETABLE AND FARM MARKET EXPO
DeVos Place Convention Center Grand Rapids, MI www.glexpo.com
JANUARY 9-14
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION Anaheim, CA Annualconvention.fb.org
JANUARY 27-28
WESTERN IDAHO AG EXPO Canyon County Fairgrounds Caldwell, ID https://idahoagshows.com
JANUARY 25-27
AMERICAN SUGARBEET GROWERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort Indian Wells, CA www.americansugarbeet.org
FEBRUARY 10-12
WORLD AG EXPO
International Agri-Center Tulare, CA www.worldagexpo.com
FEBRUARY 18-19
INTERNATIONAL SUGARBEET AND DRY BEAN EXPO Alerus Center Grand Forks, ND www.sugarbeetinstitute.com
FEBRUARY 22-25
INTERNATIONAL SWEETENER COLLOQUIUM
Omni Orlando Resort ChampionsGate, FL www.idfa.org/events
JULY 31-AUGUST 5
INTERNATIONAL SWEETENER SYMPOSIUM
The Hythe Vail Vail, CO www.sugaralliance.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 IT DIRECTOR Chuck Harris
CONTROLLER Clayton Ward PRESIDENT Jason 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 Printed in Idaho Falls, Idaho by Falls Printing rob.erickson@fallsprinting.com
HARRIS PUBLISHING, INC. 190 1st Street Idaho Falls ID 83401 (208) 524-7000 FOUNDER Darryl W. Harris
NEW PRODUCTS
REINKE ANNOUNCES U.S. AND CANADA AVAILABILITY OF E3: FIRST PRECISION SERIES OF CENTER PIVOT SYSTEMS
Reinke Manufacturing announced the commercial release of E3, the first precision series of center pivot systems, now available to growers in the United States and Canada.
First unveiled in 2024, the patented E3 system is designed to deliver unmatched water application accuracy and performance across diverse field conditions. By ensuring consistent and efficient distribution, E3 provides tremendous value to growers, helping to maximize yield potential while conserving water and reducing operating costs.
E3 is the first precision series of spans and end booms with uniform coupler spacing in 30- and 60-inch intervals to achieve uniform water application the entire length of the system. It exceeds USDA Center Pivot Evaluation and Design (CPED) water uniformity benchmarks and includes a suite of advancements that improve stability, reliability and efficiency across terrains:
• Precision system configurations: spans from 80 to 220 feet in 20-foot increments (including the in-demand 175 feet) and inverted truss end booms from 10 to 110 feet.
• ReinLock anti-racking truss system: engineered for superior strength and consistent span crown in challenging field conditions.
• Exclusive Reinke V-ring seals: maintain flow without reduction for powerfully precise watering.
• Single-leg tower design: minimizes crop loss as the system moves through fields.
• Durability features: maintenance-free bearings, corrosion-resistant coatings and grease-free operation.
• ESAC technology: Electronic Swing Arm Corners for full-field irrigation coverage.
To make the system instantly recognizable in the field, every E3 pivot carries a distinct blue end sign. More than a visual marker, it symbolizes Reinke’s commitment to innovation. It sets E3 apart as the first precision series of center pivots, giving growers and dealers a clear, trusted indicator of advanced irrigation technology.
For more information, visit www.Reinke.com.
FENDT LAUNCHES 1000 VARIO GEN4 TRACTOR, ALL-NEW OPTIMUM PLANTER
AGCO has announced the launch of the Fendtâ 1000 Vario Gen4 tractor and the Fendt Optimumä planter.
The Fendt 1000 Series has long been recognized for delivering tremendous productivity and versatility in high-horsepower applications. That legacy continues with the introduction of the Fendt 1000 Vario Gen4. With new, bold styling, this next generation features a modern, commanding look that stands out in the field. New optional interior comforts include foot pegs, an added coolbox and cabin dust extraction for an improved operator experience.
The updated line will be available in four models – 1040, 1044, 1048 and 1052 – ranging from 426 horsepower up
to 550 horsepower for the most demanding tillage, heavy-duty seeding and transport work. All new models come standard with the latest 12.4L MAN engine, which includes the Fendt iD lowspeed concept for increased torque at lower rpms, and DynamicPerformance for optimized horsepower delivery and improved efficiency.
Equipped for the future, the 1000 Gen4 Series can be optionally unlocked from the factory for PTx OutRun grain cart and tillage automation solutions. OutRun, a pioneering automation system, delivers autonomous operation to increase efficiency, reduce operator fatigue and ensure crops can be harvested on time.
Alongside the Gen4 launch, Fendt
is debuting its first stack-fold planting system, the Fendt Optimum planter. Designed to bring planting precision, capacity and flexibility to operations with stack-fold planters, the Optimum combines transport efficiency with the advanced agronomic features farmers have come to expect from Fendt’s Momentum line.
With four separate hinge points and standard wing downforce, the Optimum’s stack-fold toolbar automatically flexes to ensure optimal ground contact and uniform depth across uneven or rolling terrain. An optional vertical contouring hitch moves the planter up and down, tilting it forward and back, allowing the toolbar to follow the topography to provide accurate seed placement and even emergence.
The Optimum can be outfitted with row unit seed hoppers or a 55-bushel center fill station, giving farmers the flexibility to choose what works best for their operation. Additionally, Optimum features Precision Planting technology, including a 20|20 display, vSet, vDrive, DeltaForce, SpeedTube, Reveal residue managers and FurrowForce for highly accurate seed placement and superior emergence.
For more information, visit www.fendt.com/us/
SUB-SOIL RIPPER/ZONE BUILDER
The H&S sub-soil ripper features a unique shank design that allows the unit to reset hydraulically, as well as a 28-inch coulter for striking the ground prepositioned in front of the shank.
The heavy-duty frame is built to withstand the force of tillage depths over 18 inches deep. Eliminating compaction in the field is vital in maximizing growth in sugarbeets, allowing the roots to continue downward. H&S offers a variety of models to fit a farm’s specific needs ranging from 5 shank-mounted up to 9 shank pull-type as well as a 7 shank.
For more information, visit www.hsmfgco.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
Specializing In Beet Harvester & Defoliating
KWS SEEDS HELPS BRING FARMING TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH FIELD FEST
Field days have long served as a cornerstone of agricultural education and community building, but a new wave of public-focused events is helping bridge the gap between consumers and the farms that feed them.
With growing interest in health, sustainability and food origins, organizations like KWS Seeds are stepping up to sponsor events that invite the public into the field — literally. These experiences offer handson learning about crops, harvesting and the economic and environmental impact of agriculture, helping demystify farming for a broader audience.
One standout example is Field Fest, hosted by the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and presented by KWS Seeds. Held at the Farm at the Arb, the event drew nearly 1,800 attendees and featured interactive activities like sugarbeet harvesting, baking demonstrations and educational exhibits.
More than 500 families participated in the sugarbeet activity alone, digging in the dirt to harvest their own beets and competing to find the largest one. KWS representatives engaged families in the field, offering insights into sugarbeet production and sustainability. The event highlighted lesser-known specialty crops and gave participants a chance to connect with agriculture in a tangible,
memorable way.
As a global leader in plant breeding and seed innovation, KWS sees public field days as a vital opportunity to connect with consumers and support agricultural literacy. With the U.S. head-
quarters in Bloomington, Minn., and a strong presence in the sugarbeet seed industry, the company hosts similar events nationwide.
For more information, visit www.kws.com.
NEW TESSENDERLO KERLEY PLANT BRINGS INNOVATION, OPPORTUNITY TO DEFIANCE, OHIO
Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its newest liquid fertilizer production facility in Defiance, Ohio — a major milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture across North America.
Strategically located on a 50-acre site, the state-of-the-art facility will produce essential crop nutrients including Thio-Sul, KTS and K-Row 23, supporting farmers and growers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The facility strengthens cross-border access to high-quality fertilizers and reinforces Tessenderlo Kerley’s dedication to environmentally responsible farming. The Defiance facility is equipped with
advanced production and distribution capabilities, ensuring efficient delivery through Tessenderlo Kerley’s trusted network. It also brings new jobs and economic growth to the region.
This achievement was made possible by the generosity and foresight of the Plummer family, whose dedication to Defiance helped pave the way for
the industrial park where the facility now stands.
With full-scale operations now underway, Tessenderlo Kerley looks forward to growing alongside the Defiance community — building a stronger, more sustainable future for agriculture.
For more information, visit Tessenderlo Group. n
• 25" coulters on 9" spacing with constant flow hydraulics provide excellent residue sizing
• Double K® points on 18" narrow spacing deliver maximum subsoil fracture
• Reverse tandem disc conditoner allows for uniform pass-to-pass performance
• No daily grease maintenance on coulter gangs, rear disc conditioner, and 24/7® reel
• NEW Smart Soil Technology ® option puts you in complete control from the cab 10'6" - 19'6" working widths
ACH SEEDS LEADING SEED INNOVATION, BUILT TO
GROW WITH YOU
At ACH Seeds, we are proud to produce the sugarbeet varieties that keep your operations growing. From the field to your bottom line, we recognize that your productivity and profitability are at the heart of every decision you make.
That is why our breeding, sales and marketing teams devote an entire decade to developing innovative seed varieties tailored to meet the evolving needs of growers like you. By investing in long-term research and development, we ensure every variety not only sustains but enhances your success — season after season.
Our ACH Seeds varieties are designed to arm you against local pest and disease pressures to help maximize your sugar content and tonnage at harvest. Varieties are bred specifically for each unique growing region and have the required background tolerance traits required to thrive in all areas.
Our Diamond Plated Seed treatment series provides additional protection against seedling diseases and other pests. The seed treatment offerings are specific to each region and are designed to protect the true genetic potential of the varieties.
At ACH Seeds, our commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to provide you with the best possible varieties, ensuring your continued growth and success in the field. Our five regional sales managers, 26 independent sales agents and three plant breeders were in many of your fields this past year listening and learning. This common ground approach has always been an integral part of our success to serve our customers better.
For the 2026 crop year, we will be offering up to 13 new varieties pending sugar company approval(s), along with strong supplies of our field-proven varieties that will help growers
produce more sugar. With 40 varieties available throughout the nation, we have a unique variety available to be planted on any acre.
We are dedicated to supplying superior varieties along with strong customer service to help you thrive in your fields and are equally committed to supporting your local communities through the Homegrown Giving program.
Rural communities form the backbone of American agriculture — and when they thrive, the entire industry grows stronger. This year, ACH Seeds’ Homegrown Giving program awarded $60,000 to organizations whose projects will strengthen the very communities where sugarbeet growers live and work.
Now in its fourth year, the Homegrown Giving program supports community-led initiatives that address the needs identified by local residents, from agricultural education and youth leadership to food access and rural infrastructure. In 2025, six organizations across ACH Seeds’ growing regions received $10,000 each to expand their reach and deepen their community impact.
By investing in our local communities, ACH Seeds continues to invest in the people, projects and communities that sustain rural America — helping communities remain strong, resilient and prepared for the future.
ACH Seeds is committed to the mutual success of its customers and communities, recognizing their futures are closely connected. The investments made today, both in agriculture and community support, are intended to create lasting positive impacts for future generations.
For more information, www.achseeds.com.
SESVANDERHAVE TAILORED SUGARBEET SOLUTIONS FOR U.S. GROWERS
SESVanderHave delivers competitive sugarbeet varieties that perform across regions and conditions. Globally, the company develops and supplies hybrids for diverse markets, but in the U.S. SESVanderHave’s focus centers on regional needs. Through targeted research and development, the company identifies and breeds in key traits to address local challenges like disease pressure, soil variability and yield demands.
Growers can rely on stable genetics backed by proprietary trials, official variety tests (OVTs), strip trials and real-world data. This overview highlights opportunities in each U.S. market.
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA BEET
SUGAR COOPERATIVE (SMBSC)
SMBSC growers deal with intense disease pressure from Rhizomania, Cercospora, Rhizoctonia and Aphanomyces — especially Cercospora in recent years. SESVanderHave is ramping up regional research to stack multiple tolerance sources into hybrids that stand strong all season.
• SV863: A reliable performer since 2017, it handles escalating disease loads with dual Rhizomania sources and multi-layered Cercospora tolerance. Add solid Aphanomyces and Rhizoctonia resistance, and it forms a proven foundation for success.
• Overall, SV varieties shine in SMBSC official trials, adapting well to local conditions and delivering consistent results across scenarios.
AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY (ACSC)
In the Red River Valley, disease severity shifts by field, but challenges like Rhizomania, Cercospora, Root Aphid, Rhizoctonia and Aphanomyces persist. SESVanderHave sifts through proprietary trials, grower strips, OVTs and disease nurseries to pinpoint hybrids that match specific setups.
• SX1815: Tops revenue per acre with a balanced disease profile, strong Cercospora Leaf Spot (CLS) tolerance and adaptability to varied soils.
• SX1835: Excels in Rhizoctonia, Root Aphid and Fusarium resistance while holding above-average revenue per acre.
• SV231: A dependable all-rounder with balanced yield, sugar and disease package — performs especially well in early harvest.
• Coming in 2026 (pending approval): SV345 and SV347, blending next-level yield and quality.
SESVanderHave’s hybrids address Red River Valley challenges with reliability.
AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY
Idaho and eastern Oregon growers have faced rising disease pressure lately, including Rhizomania, Rhizoctonia, Cercospora, Aphanomyces and Curly Top. SESVanderHave’s hybrids pair robust disease tolerance with solid yield and
• SV099N: A steady performer with high yield, great sugar and resistance to Rhizomania, Rhizoctonia, Aphanomyces, Cercospora, nematodes, Root Aphid and more.
• SV101N: Early-season option with excellent emergence, plus tolerance to Root Aphid, nematodes and Rhizomania.
• SV123N and SV036N: Step up Cercospora tolerance alongside competitive yield and sugar.
• SV3526N: Leads 3-year recoverable sugar per acre data — stable across sites.
• SX3584: Non-nematode hybrid with balanced performance for all soil types.
• Pending 2026 approval: SV142N and SV144N, pushing sugar per ton and yield further.
SV genetics offer diverse options to meet Amalgamated’s demands head-on.
WESTERN SUGAR NORTH
Western Sugar North’s rigorous screening process approves only top hybrids and SESVanderHave contributes nematode-focused options that handle Root Aphid, Cercospora, Fusarium and Aphanomyces.
• SV1782N: Balances nematode resistance, Root Aphid tolerance and moderate protection against Cercospora, Fusarium and Aphanomyces.
• SV1794N: Nematode variety with good sugar per ton and a full disease package, including Root Aphid.
• SV1735N (new for 2024): Stands out with excellent Root Aphid/nematode tolerance, low molasses loss, high quality and moderate Cercospora/Fusarium resistance.
These varieties meet the high standards Western North growers expect.
WYOMING SUGAR
SESVanderHave advances nematode genetics for Wyoming with hybrids that stack Cercospora tolerance and maintain yield/sugar stability. New 2026 entries add layers of protection against Root Maggot, Alternaria, Verticillium and Fusarium.
• SV3338N and SV3345N: Next-gen nematode products combining multiple traits for season-long durability.
LANTIC SUGAR
Lantic growers benefit from hybrids tuned for Rhizoctonia and Rhizomania, with yield/sugar balance and extras like Root Aphid protection and moderate Root Maggot tolerance.
• SV592: Strong on Rhizoctonia and Rhizomania, with proven stability across sites. Two-year OVT data shows 101.6 percent extractable sugar per acre and 101.1 percent extractable sugar per ton.
For more information, visit sesvanderhave.com.
HILLESHÖG SEED
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE: HILLESHÖG
SEED’S 2026 SUGARBEET OFFERINGS
The 2025 growing season was a tough year for many growers. Leaf spot disease pressure was high, and some fields just didn’t finish as strong as they should have. That’s why, as you plan for 2026, it’s the right time to rethink your seed strategy.
Hilleshög Seed offers more than yield and profitability — we bring resilience. By diversifying with Hilleshög genetics, you reduce the concentrated risk of relying on a single seed supplier and give your operation the stability it needs when disease and pressure hit hard. That’s what we mean when we say Generations Strong.
BUILD STRENGTH THROUGH DIVERSITY
Healthy, high-performing fields don’t happen by chance — they come from genetics that can handle whatever the season brings. Hilleshög’s 2026 varieties are designed with:
• Multi-source Cercospora tolerance plus protection against other leaf diseases like Alternaria.
• Excellent resistance to Rhizoctonia and Aphanomyces.
• Strong defenses against Root Aphids, Root Maggot, Curly Top and Fusarium.
With Hilleshög, you have more options, more protection and more confidence in your fields — season after season.
AMALGAMATED SUGAR: TOP PERFORMERS FOR MAXIMUM PROFITABILITY
HIL2356NT and HIL2357NT continue to set the bar with excellent yields and balanced disease packages. New additions HIL2415NT and HIL2416NT are already showing even greater potential in both yield and disease defense. Coming this fall, watch for HIL2491NT and HIL2492NT — two strong newcomers that combine high yield with outstanding disease tolerance, giving growers more tools to spread risk and strengthen profitability.
AMERICAN CRYSTAL: READY FOR 2026
Disease pressure across the Red River Valley demands strong genetics — and Hilleshög delivers. New varieties HIL2493 and HIL2494 (pending OVT approvals) bring excellent tolerance to Rhizoctonia, Aphanomyces, Fusarium, and Root Aphids. Proven performers HIL2389, HIL2479, HIL2480 and Maribo 717 round out a lineup designed to help growers diversify and defend their acres.
For the Maribo brand we will have MA 717 available for 2026. This is a hybrid that shines in high yield environment and has been a consistently heavy beet with good sugar over the years. MA 717 is a longstanding variety that keeps proving itself year after year. With Hilleshög, you have more options to manage risk and protect your yields.
LANTIC SUGAR: LOOK FOR HIL2469 IN 2026
Trusted varieties like HM9328 and HIL2207 continue to shine in Alberta, delivering unmatched consistency year after year. In 2026, growers will gain another powerful option: HIL2469. This hybrid has topped yield trials for the past two years while offering improved sugar content, giving Alberta grow-
ers a high-performing new tool for profitability and resilience.
MICHIGAN SUGAR: MAXIMIZE RECOVERABLE SUGAR WITH HILLESHÖG
Michigan growers know the story — another season of heavy disease pressure from Cercospora and Alternaria to Root Aphid and Root Rot. The difference comes from the genetics you plant.
Hilleshög varieties are built to stand strong under stress, helping you protect yield and sugar recovery acre after acre. By diversifying your seed strategy with Hilleshög, you reduce concentrated risk and give your farm the best chance for a healthier, more profitable crop.
New for 2026, HIL2516NT joins a proven lineup that includes HIL2332NT, HIL2361, HIL2425NT, HIL2471NT and SX2296 — all raising the bar for disease tolerance, standability and sugar quality in Michigan.
MINN-DAK: BACK TO TRADITIONAL VARIETIES IN 2026
After a season filled with leaf disease challenges, many growers saw traditional varieties prove their worth. HIL2325 stood tall under heavy Cercospora pressure in 2025, thanks to multiple sources of tolerance bred into its genetics. With its strong disease performance and reliable results, this variety has earned grower confidence heading into 2026.
SMBSC: COMMERCIALLY
APPROVED VARIETIES YOU CAN TRUST
In the SMBSC market, HIL2395 continues to shine with excellent scores against Cercospora leaf spot and a full disease package to protect against root diseases. Strip trial and commercial performance in 2025 confirmed its strength, proving that HIL2395 is a variety growers can count on for both yield and stability.
WESTERN SUGAR: IMPRESSIVE NEW VARIETIES FOR 2026
Hilleshög’s presence in the Western Sugar region is growing strong. Varieties HM9617NT, HIL2334NT, and HIL2407NT all bring impressive tolerance to Cercospora and Rhizoctonia, ensuring resilience under pressure. With these genetics, Western Sugar growers have reliable options to diversify, defend, and deliver in 2026 and beyond.
STRENGTHEN EVERY ACRE WITH HILLESHÖG
At Hilleshög, we know every season brings new pressures — and relying on a single seed supplier only increases your risk. That’s why our sugarbeet hybrids are built on genetic diversification, giving you stronger disease tolerance, proven yield potential, and the resilience to handle whatever the year delivers.
With Hilleshög, you’re not just planting seed — you’re planting confidence. From recoverable sugar to standability under pressure, our hybrids are designed to help you protect profits and secure your farm’s future.
For more information, visit Hilleshog-US.com.
BETASEED NEXT-GEN BREEDING
FOR NEXT-GEN CONFIDENCE
There’s a science to breeding confidence.
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 10 years. It’s the only way to ensure the hybrid your Betaseed representative recommends has the best traits to manage disease and drive yields on your farm.
Our hybrids are developed with research-driven solutions combined with our local breeding expertise to produce the highest performing, most consistent seeds in the industry. Each variety undergoes rigorous research, breeding and testing over multiple seasons to make sure it has what it takes to thrive on your farm.
A decade of research and development is behind every seed you plant:
• YEARS 1-3 NEW LINE CREATION: Breeding begins with hand crossing, the development of a parent with genetics for increased productivity, and selfings, the first step in seed multiplication.
• YEARS 4-6 EARLY GENERATION TRIALS: The testing and selection process includes the production of test hybrids for early-generation decisions as well as the production of potential candidates for official variety trials (OVTs).
• YEAR 7 HYBRID PRODUCTION: Year seven is the development of Betaseed’s pre-basic and basic seed. This is when the seed is planted to grow parents for commercial varieties.
• YEARS 8-10 OVT TESTING: Commercial seed is grown, processed and OVT-tested to meet customer demand.
• YEAR 10 SEED DELIVERY: Your seeds are delivered and planted with the right variety for your farm with confidence.
Learn more about the 10-year timeline behind your sugarbeet seed:
THE RIGHT TRAITS
Betaseed will continue its leadership and commitment in our industry into 2026 with plans to market 51 hybrids across all markets, pending approvals. Through its “farm first” approach, Betaseed sugarbeet seed is planted on more North American farms than any other seed brand, with specific disease tolerant packages unique to your region.
THE RIGHT TREATMENTS
Our sugarbeet seeds are specially treated to give them an extra layer of protection from seedling pests and diseases. In addition, the right treatment provides a wider window of opportunity for pesticide applications. From strong, multiple disease tolerant packages, to the BetaShield seed treatments, our growers can be confident that the Betaseed hybrids they plant are from people who care about their success. Contact your sales rep or Betaseed.com for the specific treatments offered in your area.
THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Betaseed’s research and breeding team provides growers with the best possible sugarbeet genetics. Today, Betaseed has a sales force in North America of 45 dedicated individuals with hundreds of combined years of experience and in-field knowledge across different growing conditions and practices — from grower to grower, field to field and region to region.
THE RIGHT RESULTS
Betaseed’s commitment to science-driven breeding and local expertise equips sugarbeet growers with the tools they need to maximize yield potential and profitability. Our unique approach and decade-long dedication to research and development ensure that every Betaseed product is designed to help growers succeed.
Its innovative people, plant breeding, seed technology and mission to develop the best performing seed products are the foundation of Betaseed. With our seasoned team and a “farm first” approach, we will continue in our relentless pursuit of excellence and forward-thinking strategies bringing next-gen breeding for next-gen confidence.
Scan QR Code To Get To Get More Information About Betaseed, Regional Varieties And Important Videos
For more information, visit www.betaseed.com n
PLANTING EQUIPMENT BUYERS’ GUIDE
KINZE 5700 FRONT FOLD PLANTER
The 5700 front fold planter, available in 36R22, and 24R22 configurations, is equipped with the advanced 5000 Series electric drive row unit to match the unique demands of high productivity sugarbeet planting. Outfitted with front-mounted tires, the 5700 is the high-flotation solution for high-productivity, narrow-row, electric drive planting with large seed and fertilizer payloads.
Blue Drive is a Kinze-designed electric drive system that is simple, reliable and accurate, giving you confidence during the planting season. The industry-exclusive design is used throughout the planter and delivers enhanced section control and accurate seed placement, ensuring maximized profitability. All Blue Drive planters come with a 2-year warranty.
DOMINATOR 4857
Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. (319) 668-1300 www.kinze.com/5700-planter
The new KUHN Krause Dominator 4857 boasts product features designed to provide optimal compaction removal and residue handling while reducing maintenance time. The double rank subsoil shanks mounted on narrow 18-inch spacing deliver maximum subsoil fracture. The new reverse-tandem rear disc conditioner produces consistent soil leveling and residue incorporation for passto-pass uniformity, while the soil conditioning reel provides final clod sizing along with seedbed soil firming.
Maintenance-free features are incorporated throughout the Dominator 4857, reducing the required daily lubrication service time, placing you in the field sooner and increasing operator productivity. Working widths range from 10-foot-6 to 19-foot-6 and models are available with 7, 9, 11 or 13 shanks.
LITTLE DIKER
The Little Diker is a versatile conservation tool that creates small pockets or dams which prevent wind and water erosion in row crops or flat planting. It can be mounted to most row crop planters, such as the JD Max or Monosem vacuum planters, as well as tograin drills and cultivators. The Little Diker has been shown to improve stand, emergence and yield in sugarbeets, corn, beans and wheat/small grains crops. A simple mechanical design mounts between planter units on row spacings as narrow as 20 inches. Built in Boise, ID, by American Craftsman, the Little Diker will provide a substantial return on every grower’s investment.
Desert Sunset Ag
(208) 339-1855
www.littlediker.com
Kuhn North America (608) 897-2131
www.kuhn-usa.com
VALOTERRA
With its 56-volt architecture, 100 percent electric power supply and new meter, ValoTerra optimizes planting performance with electricity. The 56V architecture guarantees the multiplicity of motors thanks to a power generator capable of supplying almost 7.2KW. This capacity opens the possibility of Ultra Precision Agriculture. The new 56V system supports intelligence at the heart of the meter.
Combining profitability with the quality of emergence? Coupled together with a sharp pinch point angle and the largest double-disc openers on the market at 17.75 inches in diameter, ValoTerra ensures increased ground penetration and limited soil disturbance. The core of the planter has been redesigned for ease and speed of adjustments. It now takes less than one minute per row to change from one crop to another.
ValoTerra includes variable rate, curve compensation, row-by-row shutoff, and much more.
The new control software allows intuitive and real-time control of planted seeds. In addition, the new Monosem Plus app allows the operator to make calibrations to each row unit at the touch of a finger via smartphone, directly next to the planter.
SECTION CONTROL FOR AIR SEED CARTS
Section control is available for new orders of Amity’s 3800 and 5250 air carts, providing growers with the ability to greatly reduce overlap in seed and fertilizer application. Designed to maximize benefits while simplifying use, Amity section control offers four sections and can meter up to three dry products. It supports both single and double chutes, and provides the capability to deliver all three products to the same opener. It also features turn compensation for improved rate control.
The Amity system utilizes electric drives and individual meters for on/off control, as well as speed control, in contrast to hydraulic drive systems with on/off gates that are generally slower and can cause excess material to dump into the system when opened. This is a particularly significant advantage with small and higher-priced seeds.
Section control retrofits for existing Amity air carts in the field will also be available in the near future.
TEMPO HIGH-SPEED PLANTER
The Väderstad Tempo is a high-speed planter focused on creating outstanding emergence by providing exact seed spacing and consistent seed depth. It offers unmatched precision with small-seeded crops like sugarbeets, even at high speeds up to 10 miles per hour. An optional small seeds kit aids in planting these crops with added stop wheels and specialized closing wheels to maintain consistent seed placement at shallow depths.
To achieve a superior level of precision, the Tempo line features Väderstad’s exclusive PowerShoot technology, which uses positive air pressure to guide the seed from the meter down to the soil. This practical, effective method of ensuring exact seed placement at high speeds eliminates the maintenance concerns of extra motors, belts or brushes to accomplish the same outcome.
The Tempo planter takes modern technology to the field. The row units have individual electric drives, and the modern iPad-based control system, Väderstad E-Control, wirelessly connects to the planter, enabling full access to its functions
RAPTOR STRIP TILLAGE TOOL
With less surface soil disturbance, strip tillage retains organic material, reduces erosion and conserves fuel by tilling only the strip that is planted into. The Unverferth Raptor strip-tillage tool was built for professional growers looking to take advantage of the benefits that strip tillage can provide. Pull-type models feature a front-folding toolbar and vertical-folding row units for narrow transport and compact storage. When applying fertilizer, the optional dry or liquid fertilizer systems are integrated into the rear of the machine for the best row unit visibility and easy filling.
532-3121
www.monosem-inc.com
Amity Technology (701) 232-4199 www.amitytech.com
and data in real-time. With a touch of a button, operators are able to alter the seed rate, monitor planting performance and more. Additionally, the user-friendly E-Control makes calibration and settings adjustments quick and easy. Its list of features includes automatic singulation, curve compensation, as well as active hydraulic row unit downforce.
688-3300
CULTI-DIKER
The Culti-Diker forms water-retaining pockets to increase water retention and prevent wind erosion, thus improving crop stand and yield. It is a medium-duty water conservation tool designed to be mounted directly onto row crop planters, cultivators, grain drills and various toolbars. The Culti-Diker saves growers time and money by eliminating multiple field passes, thus making the capital investment more cost effective. It is a proven water conservation tool that increases yield and quality when used in sugarbeets, corn, beans, potatoes and grains. The Culti-Diker line is available in several different models — ST, NX and MAX — to meet any operation’s specific needs. n
Ag-Vantage, Inc. (208) 670-1041 www.ag-vantage.com
LUTHER MARKWART
| EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Keeping the pressure on to safeguard sugar Sugar: Past, Present And Future FROM THE ASGA
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on our victories, the unfinished business and the challenges that lie ahead.
As 2024 ended, we strongly advocated for disaster relief and economic assistance. In the end, our industry along with others helped ensure $20.8 billion for disaster assistance and $10 billion for economic assistance, in what became the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program in 2025.
Grower leaders over the decades have given their time and talent to make this organization a success. We salute them for their dedication.
We achieved a substantial increase in our loan rate that better reflects our costs and renewed, and in some cases increased, important tax provisions as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Taken together, these are a huge benefit to our industry. We also successfully beat back challenges to OBBBA like Draconian payment limits on programs that would have been very
harmful to our industry.
Keeping with Congress, but turning to unfinished business, there are significant hurdles to completing the Farm Bill. While much of our sugar program work was completed in OBBBA, there are still a lot of programs that must be reauthorized in a Farm Bill. Funding the government has also lurched from stopgap to stopgap; today Congress must still provide a longer funding horizon. As they do that, our industry is well positioned to realize strong federal beet research funding and federal funding for testing of imported sucrose to protect the integrity of our domestic market.
On the administrative side, this past year our industry successfully advocated to reduce the volume of sugar that comes into the U.S. under the specialty sugar quota. It was being used to bring in world price sugar, that, while specialty in name, was competing with conventional sugar. The administration will only allow the minimum volume to come in for the year. We are grateful for this action.
RFK Jr.’s MAHA report was tempered over time, thanks in part to a strong education effort by sugar and the rest of the agriculture industry. While it noted concerns over sugar consumption, it put aside wild accusations and unfounded science. The same was true for pesticides. USDA Secretary Rollins and EPA Administrator Zeldin have taken charge of this issue, as it should be. We still face many challenges ensuring that decision makers understand the role of sugar in the diet and respond appropriately and scientifically.
Our antidumping and countervailing duty suspension agreements with
Mexico were extended for another five years which will bring stability to the sugar imports from Mexico. Additionally, we’ve worked to help the Administration crack down on unfair Brazilian trade practices. The beet sugar industry is pressing to add higher import tariffs to Brazil that will begin to address this problem in what is called a 301 investigation.
The reorganization of USDA in Washington may shed thousands of employees and disperse many of them to five different locations. ASGA is working closely with USDA leadership to protect and strengthen the sugarbeet research programs so that they remain focused on finding new solutions to address your urgent needs.
As we look toward the horizon, we continue to work for additional economic assistance as a bridge to get better Farm Bill benefits and the hopes of President Trump’s promise to open up export markets for our surplus commodities.
On October 31, ASGA celebrated its 50th anniversary. This effort was to unite growers from across the nation to address common problems and the federal policies that impact them. Grower leaders over the decades have given their time and talent to make this organization a success. We salute them for their dedication.
We will be celebrating our 50year anniversary at our 2026 annual meeting in Palm Springs, CA, January 26-28 at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas. Come and enjoy the program and mingle with growers from across the nation. For the full program, hotel reservations, and meeting registration, please visit americansugarbeet.org. n
BY ROB JOHANSSON, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMICS & POLICY ANALYSIS
Highlighting 10 recent things affecting the industry In Thanks To The American Sugar Producer FROM THE ASA
The sugarbeet harvest has wound down (although the sugarcane harvest and the beet factory campaigns will continue for several more months) and the holidays are upon us. This is a time to give thanks for the bounty given to us by American farmers, including sugar producers.
It is critical to maintain a strong and resilient domestic supply of sugar to feed our families, supply American food manufacturing companies and support our urban and rural communities.
We will continue to pursue policy solutions that put America’s farmers and workers first.
There is no doubt that this has been a challenging year for the farm economy. That is why you, your government relations teams on Capitol Hill and the American Sugar Alliance have been working hard to secure policy changes and highlight the benefits of our industry. Your advocacy has been essential. As I wrote in my March column and as I am sure you all appreciate, it remains critically important that policymakers meet our farmers face-to-face and hear how sugar policy works to support their operations. As we count down to a new year, let’s review 10 major things about sugar and agricultural production that happened this year:
• Congress passed much needed provisions to strengthen U.S. sugar policy as part of the reconciliation
package in July. This included the first meaningful update to sugar loan rates in more than 40 years. Growing the food we eat has become significantly more expensive, and these provisions better reflect those cost increases.
• The legislation also delivered on the promise to make crop insurance more accessible and affordable through important improvements to area-based crop insurance programs (such as SCO, ECO and HIP-WI). Beginning farmers and ranchers will also receive substantially increased premium support during their first decade of farming operations, making crop insurance more affordable for the next generation of American agricultural producers.
• The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) unanimously voted and the U.S. Department of Commerce affirmed to maintain the Suspension Agreements on sugar imported from Mexico for another five years to ensure our producers do not once again experience material injury due to dumped and subsidized Mexican sugar.
• Our growers continue to improve efficiencies in the field, and August estimates for the 2024/2025 sugarbeet and sugarcane crop topped 9.30 million short tons raw value. Over the past 10 years, sugarbeet growers have increased their yields per acre by 22 percent on average.
• Congress secured funding to ensure that products exported to our country follow our trade laws and are actually the stated products. Our industry depends on enforcement of our trade laws.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made the decision to not add to duty-free access for specialty sugar,
above the minimum amounts required by our trade agreements in 2025/26. That decision will prevent those foreign imports from undercutting American sugar production.
• The Trump Administration is dedicated to creating fair trade relationships for American agriculture and food manufacturing. As a consequence of current reciprocal tariffs, the ceiling on sugar prices has gone up. We continued to build awareness of the threat of foreign subsidies, including the more than $17.6 billion in subsidies bestowed by India upon its sugar crop growers.
• USDA also implemented a safeguard trigger during the 2024/25 marketing year on a limited source of imported sugar-containing products –for the first time ever highlighting the use of all our trade tools to help level the playing field.
• Both sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers hosted USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on their farms and in their factories, showing the Secretary firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into every field and every pound of American-made sugar.
• The sugar industry continues to support the Trump Administration’s goal of ensuring gold standard science is the basis for all policies and helping move Americans toward more balanced diets, which over a hundred years of evidence demonstrates that there is room for moderate amounts of real sugar.
We will continue to pursue policy solutions that put America’s farmers and workers first, because without you, we would not have a strong and sustainable domestic sugar industry. n
By Courtney Gaine, R.D., Ph.D., President & CEO
Bringing Ag To The Classroom And The Classroom To Ag: Louisiana Educators Visit Minnesota Sugarbeet Farm FROM THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION
Getting educators in the field
Educators have long been a primary audience for the Sugar Association, given their vital role in getting facts in the hands of the next generation.
As a STEM-accredited organization, the Sugar Association is able to provide credible lesson plans, videos and classroom tools for teaching about where real sugar comes from, its important role in the science of food, and how sugar fits in a balanced diet.
Together with our members, we share these resources year round in our communities and nationwide. While we utilize e-marketing and social media to reach educators, nothing replaces the direct connection you get from meeting educators at conferences and talking about real sugar, face to face.
NATIONAL AG IN THE CLASSROOM
One of our favorite partner organizations at both the state and national levels is the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization. As a network of educators and agriculturalists, their goal is to increase agriculture literacy among future generations.
Supported by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, state-level ag in the classroom activities include field trips and guest speakers, as well as providing ag-themed lessons that support core subjects and more.
In June, the Sugar Association, along with representatives from Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative and Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, attended the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization’s annual conference in Minneapolis. While the Sugar Association displayed lesson
plans and classroom resources, Nancy Wulfekuhle, communications manager at Minn-Dak, brought a model of a sugarbeet and co-products of sugar production for attendees to explore.
Bailee Schiefelbein, communications manager at Southern Minn and a firsttime attendee, was impressed at how engaged the attendees were, noting
that, “They were all so grateful for the resources we provided. Being able to show them the various types of sugars and co-products of production was really valuable.”
MAKING FRIENDS AND TAKING THE CLASSROOM TO THE FARM
Margaret Budde, a retired Louisiana
teacher and current Ag in the Classroom volunteer, would take her second graders every year for 20 years on a field trip to a sugarcane field and mill but had never seen the other real sugar crop: sugarbeets. When she and her daughter Cindy Perret, a school administrator who serves on the state committee for Ag in the Classroom, decided to attend the national conference, they reached out to the Sugar Association to see if there was a possibility of visiting a sugarbeet farm while in Minnesota.
With the help of the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, Brian Ryberg rolled out the red carpet and hosted the two eager teachers for a tour at Ryberg Farms in Buffalo Lake. Margaret and Cindy were fascinated that the same real sugar can come from these two very different plants, a tropical grass and a root vegetable.
Cindy shared, “In Louisiana, the sugarcane was taller than my Bronco when I boarded my flight for Minneapolis. The sugarbeets poked just 12 inches above the ground when the plane touched down. Yet, sugar is the final product.”
Margaret noted the differences in
farming techniques and equipment between the two crops. “The equipment is so different! And huge compared to the equipment in the fields around us.” She laughed as she remembered Brian mentioning the lifter as he described the beet harvest. “Lifter? What’s a lifter? Ha! There is a whole different language!”
Despite the obvious differences, the teachers noticed similarities in the process and in the overall goal. “The beets go in the hopper, then the wagon and the trucks, similar to cane – billets into the hopper and then the wagon. And of course the fact that once sugar is removed from the plant, it is the same.”
These farmers in different parts of the country have the same goal in mind: provide a safe product to consumers.
REAL SUGAR CONNECTION
Margaret has been around sugarcane farming her entire life. Her father was a farm machinery mechanic and her father-in-law’s family has property in sugar and her papa used to farm sugarcane. “I remember PawPaw talking about driving from the fields to the sugar mill,” Cindy shared. “He would have LOVED to see the sugarbeet operation. I
don’t think we would have had a chance to ask a question!”
Both Margaret and Cindy live in rural areas where the schools are surrounded by farmland, mostly sugarcane but also other row crops. When they go into the classrooms to do ag literacy, they aim to make the kids aware of what is around them and help them understand how the food system works.
“We all enjoy foods that have sugar in them. We want them to understand that someone had to plant the seed or the stalk that resulted in the sugar in the foods they enjoy,” said Margaret. With their newfound knowledge of sugarbeets, Margaret and Cindy are excited to put together a presentation for next year’s National Ag in the Classroom conference so that others can explore the similarities and differences between growing sugar beets and sugar cane.
Real sugar comes only from sugarbeets and sugarcane and seeing it first hand is an incredible teaching tool. We are thankful for the educators who share our real sugar story. While not everyone can take a visit to the farm, they can watch this virtual farm tour covering the farm to table process for both sugarbeets and sugarcane. n
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.
