Issuu

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

SERVING THE NATIONAL SUGARBEET INDUSTRY

2026 SUGARBEET SEED REPORT PAGE 12

Buyers’ Guide:

Planting Equipment PAGE 16

DOMINATOR® 4857

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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

BREEDING CONFIDENCE www.betaseed.com

WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 3

VOLUME 52 ISSUE 9 — NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

FEATURES

SUGARBEET SEED 12 2026 REPORT

Here’s what’s new from the sugarbeet seed producers.

DEPARTMENTS

6 8 NEW PRODUCTS 10 OFF THE TOP CALENDAR

Latest and greatest

News, people and updates

4 SUGAR PRODUCER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

BUYERS’ GUIDE Planting Equipment

FROM THE ASGA

FROM THE AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE

FROM THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION

Hitting the Ground Running

Tracking Bitter Developments in Foreign Sugar Subsidies

Without Real Sugar, Would There Be Cranberry Sauce?

Field-proven Solutions™

Attention SugAr Beet growerS!

Get a $10,000 credit! 1. Visit your Amity Technology dealer 2. Make your best deal on the already discounted

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amitytech.com WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 5

CALENDAR DECEMBER 2

U OF I SNAKE RIVER SUGARBEET CONFERENCE Canyon Crest Event Center Twin Falls, ID Albert Adjesiwor aadjesiwor@uidaho.edu

DECEMBER 7-10

IRRIGATION SHOW AND EDUCATION WEEK Las Vegas, NV irrigation.org

JANUARY 8-13, 2027

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION CONVENTION Charlotte, NC annualconvention.fb.org

JANUARY 13-14, 2027

INTERNATIONAL SUGARBEET & DRY BEAN EXPO www.isdbexpo.com

JANUARY 26-27, 2027

WESTERN IDAHO AG EXPO The Center at the Canyon County Fair Caldwell, ID idahoagshows.com

JANUARY 26-28, 2027

COLORADO FARM SHOW Island Grove Regional Park Greeley, CO www.coloradofarmshow.com

JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 2, 2027 AMERICAN SUGARBEET GROWERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETINg Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa Huntington Beach, CA https://americansugarbeet.org/

FEBRUARY 9-11, 2027

PUBLISHER Jason Harris EDITOR Lane Lindstrom

lane@sugarproducer.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Rob Erickson

rob.erickson@sugarproducer.com CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Chuck Harris DESIGNERS

Laci Thompson

WORLD AG EXPO International Agri-Center Tulare, CA www.worldagexpo.com

IT DIRECTOR Chuck Harris

FEBRUARY 17-18, 2027

TREASURER Clayton Ward

INTERNATIONAL CROP EXPo Alerus Center Grand Forks, ND www.cropexpo.com

FEBRUARY 22-25, 2027

44TH BIENNIAL ASSBT MEETING Austin, TX assbt.org

FEBRUARY 24-27, 2027

INTERNATIONAL SWEETENER COLLOQUIUM La Quinta, CA www.idfa.org/events

JULY 30-AUGUST 4, 2027

INTERNATIONAL SWEETENER SYMPOSIUM The Coeur d’Alene Resort Coeur d’Alene, ID sugaralliance.org

CONTROLLER Clayton Ward PRESIDENT Jason Harris VICE PRESIDENT Chuck Harris

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. 2026, Harris Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Publisher not responsible for content of submitted materials. Back copies or subscriptions: (208) 524-7000

AMERICAN SUGARBEET GROWERS ASSOCIATION (202) 833-2398 www.americansugarbeet.org U.S. BEET SUGAR ASSOCIATION (202) 296-4820 AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE (703) 351-5055 | www.sugaralliance.org BEET SUGAR DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (303) 832-4460 SUGAR ASSOCIATION, INC. (202) 785-1122 | www.sugar.org

HARRIS PUBLISHING, INC. 190 1ST Street Idaho Falls, ID 83401 (208) 524-7000 FOUNDER Darryl W. Harris

Printed in Idaho Falls, Idaho by Falls Printing rob.erickson@fallsprinting.com

6 SUGAR PRODUCER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Primary Tillage

Durable, Long-Lasting and Productive Farm Equipment

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Bred for your ground. Built for what comes next. The pile keeps score. The season you just finished is the one trial that settles the argument. Genetic diversity gives you more ways to match protection and recoverable sugar to your acres. Generations Strong starts with the seed decision. Talk with your Hilleshög Agent before placing your 2027 order.

Hilleshog-US.com Ask your Agent for the 2027 Seed Guide

WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 7

NEW PRODUCTS OTR DELIVERS MORE FLAT-FREE OPTIONS WITH NEW SOLIDBOSS SMOOTH SKID-LOADER TIRE ASSEMBLY SIZE OTR Engineered Solutions has expanded its popular SolidBoss smooth skid-loader tire lineup with the introduction of a new 31x10-20 (1016.5) size, providing customers with another flat-free solution engineered for demanding hard-surface applications. The new tire assembly extends the reach of the SolidBoss family, giving equipment owners and fleet managers a durable, low-maintenance tire option for skid steers operating in some of

THE LATEST AND GREATEST FROM THE SUGARBEET INDUSTRY

the harshest environments, including demolition sites, recycling facilities, scrap yards, waste handling operations, and other applications where tire damage and downtime can significantly impact productivity. SolidBoss smooth tire assemblies are specifically designed for maximum durability on abrasive surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. Unlike traditional pneumatic tires, the semi-pneumatic SolidBoss design eliminates flats while incorporating cushioning apertures that help absorb shock and deliver a smoother, more comfortable ride. In addition to its flat-free construction, the SolidBoss smooth tire features proprietary rubber compounds engineered to resist chunking, tearing, and slicing damage

LOCUS AGRICULTURE’S UNPAC TACKLES SOIL COMPACTION TO SUPPORT STRONGER CROP PERFORMANCE Locus Agriculture is expanding the use of Unpac, its glycolipid-based soil conditioner, across row and specialty crop production systems where soil compaction and restricted water movement can limit root development and crop performance. Soil compaction is a widespread production challenge. A USDA Economic Research Service analysis found that growers identified soil compaction as a resource concern on 22 percent of surveyed wheat, soybean, oat and cotton fields. Dense, compacted soils can restrict root development and limit a crop’s ability to access available water and nutrients. Unpac uses fermentation-derived glycolipid technology to reduce surface tension, helping water penetrate and spread more effectively through the soil profile and create more favorable conditions for root development. Third-party laboratory testing for Unpac demonstrated reduced soil density across a range of moisture levels in agricultural soils collected from California’s Central Coast and Central Valley. Testing also found improved water penetration through both soil types compared with untreated water. Crop Applications Demonstrate Versatility Unpac is being incorporated into production programs across a range of cropping systems, including specialty crops where soil structure and root-zone conditions can have a significant impact on crop development and ultimately, yields. In potato production, Unpac can be applied in-furrow as part of a crop program to help create a looser growing medium as roots and tubers develop. Locus field experience with programs combining Unpac and its microbial technology has shown yield 8 SUGAR PRODUCER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

commonly encountered in severe-duty environments. The result is longer service life, reduced maintenance costs, and increased machine uptime. For more information, visit www.otrwheel.com.

increases ranging from 10-15 percent. California strawberry growers are also incorporating Unpac into production systems to address soil compaction associated with raised-bed construction. Applied through drip irrigation beneath plastic-covered beds, Unpac helps improve root-zone conditions. Locus agronomists have observed looser soil conditions that allow strawberry roots to penetrate more effectively. A Different Approach To Soil Compaction Unpac is designed to address compaction through soil-water interactions rather than mechanical disturbance. At a field application rate of approximately 4 fluid ounces per acre, the product reduces surface tension, helping water spread laterally and penetrate more effectively through the soil. By improving water movement into soil micropores, Unpac helps create root-zone conditions that support root penetration and access to available water and nutrients, while fitting into existing crop-management programs. Expanding Glycolipid Technology In Agriculture Unpac represents one agricultural application of Locus FS’s fermentation-derived glycolipid technology. While Locus Agriculture’s microbial products work through biological activity, glycolipid-based products such as Unpac use functional molecules produced through fermentation to address physical and chemical challenges within crop-production systems. Locus Agriculture is continuing to expand its cropperformance portfolio across biologicals, inoculants, foliar products, soil solutions and adjuvants. The company is applying its microbial and fermentation-derived technologies to develop products that address root development, nutrient efficiency, soil and water management, and spray performance throughout the crop-production cycle. For more information, visit https://locusfs.com/unpac-soilconditioner-soil-compaction/.

AIGEN LAUNCHES ELEMENT GEN 2 X4, THE ONLY SCALABLE MECHANICAL ALTERNATIVE TO CHEMICAL WEED CONTROL Aigen, the company building autonomous, solar-powered robots for agriculture, announced Element Gen 2 X4. With more onboard capability, the company’s newest robot removes weeds at a cost similar to what many farmers already spend on chemical herbicides, while offering growers plant-level data and field-level analytics. Element Gen2 X4 is already deployed with Fortune 500 companies for weed control, data collection and analytics. Element Beats Weeds That Defeat The Alternatives Chemical herbicides are banned in organic farming, while conventional farmers are battling 275 herbicideresistant weed species worldwide. Laser weed control is limited to only between rows to avoid striking the crop, and becomes less effective as weeds get larger.

Element removes weeds at the root mechanically, in the row and between rows, even up to 12 inches foliage diameter. Precision Of A Hand Crew At The Scale And Cost Of A Sprayer Element Gen 2 X4 is currently costcompetitive with organic herbicide programs, as well as the more expensive conventional chemistries, and in areas where repeat chemical applications during the growing season are necessary. Aigen is on track to compete on cost with conventional herbicides in the near future. More Capability, Same Solar Power Upgrading to four independently operating arms was a critical technical breakthrough for Aigen and Element, enabling each robot to cover more rows more effectively. Aigen’s custom edge AI identifies every plant and directs all four arms to only the weeds, in real time, as the robot moves. Two- and three-arm (X2, X3) configurations remain available. Every robot runs entirely on solar, with a solar-charged battery backup, and works as part of a coordinated fleet. No driver, no fuel, no charging infrastructure. Element Gen 2 X4 records weed

density going into a field and removal coming out, giving growers a plant-level record of what was there and what was removed on every pass. Aigen has built more than 100 robots and logged more than 15,000 autonomous hours in the field across multiple generations. Element is designed for 10,000 active operating hours or 8 years, and carries a two-year bumper-tobumper warranty. For more information, visit aigen.io.

2026 KAWASAKI RIDGE, RIDGE CREW SIDE-BY-SIDES Kawasaki RIDGE side-by-sides deliver premium solutions for hardworking people who need dependable performance, versatility and exceptional comfort on the move. Full-cab versions with HVAC highlight everything that sets the RIDGE apart, offering true all-season comfort. The Kawasaki-built 999cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine delivers precise, powerful performance. Whether you’re transporting friends and family to a special getaway, working your property or conquering trails, the RIDGE offers seamless power delivery and responsive acceleration. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the engine ensures a smooth, confident ride for the driver and engaging comfort for everyone onboard—so the fun starts the moment you hit the trail. With or without their signature full cab, RIDGE and RIDGE CREW models project an automotive-like refinement that sets them apart from typical utility or recreation side-by-sides. The moment you sink into the thoughtfully designed ergonomic seat, the care Kawasaki engineers put into achieving top-tier comfort and quality becomes clear. Whatever the task, time spent in a RIDGE makes you eager for the workday ahead. Created with comfort in mind, the RIDGE chassis delivers a stable, composed feel – enhanced by long-travel suspension

and high ground clearance – designed to minimize the effect of rough terrain in the cabin. The in-line 4-cylinder engine’s smooth operation adds to the premium ride comfort, making even long workdays feel effortless. Spacious cabins create an open, inviting feel from the moment you step inside. Two-door models seat up to three passengers side by side, while the RIDGE CREW four-door versions offer room for up to six. Flip-up seats and generous storage options provide versatile solutions for transporting cargo. For more information, visit kawasaki.com/en-us/. WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 9

OFF THE TOP

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE SUGARBEET INDUSTRY

AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SUGARBEET PROCESSING IN EAST GRAND FORKS American Crystal Sugar Company is marking 100 years of sugarbeet processing at its East Grand Forks factory. On this date in 1926, the factory initiated its first sugarbeet processing campaign for the American Beet Sugar Company. The company’s rich sugarbeet history began with 10,000 acres harvested and average yields of 7.6 tons per acre. Last year’s record crop averaged yields of 33.7 tons per acre. The first loads of sugarbeets for this season were delivered in August, marking the start of the factory’s 100th processing campaign. “With 500 employees, this factory sliced 1,100 tons per day and produced a total of 20 million pounds of sugar with the first harvest in 1926,” stated Zach Olson, factory manager at the East Grand Forks location. Olson reflected on a century of factory expansions and modernizations, and said, “The original structure is unrecognizable. Now, we have 350 employees, we can slice more than 10,000 tons a day and every day we can produce 3 million pounds of sugar.” Eight years after opening, the company changed its name to American Crystal Sugar Company. Later, in 1973, its growers purchased the company and turned it into one of the country’s first grower-owned cooperatives, giving

Zach Olson shares a look back with the factory’s “wall of history” as the East Grand Forks location recognizes its 100year anniversary of sugarbeet processing in the Red River Valley.

themselves a direct stake in its success. “Reaching 100 years in East Grand Forks is an accomplishment we can all take pride in,” said Tom Astrup, president and CEO of American Crystal Sugar Company. “Generations of growers and employees made this factory what it is. Our job is to continue to build on what they started.” Advances in sugarbeet varieties, farming practices, equipment, processing technology and storage have changed how growers and employees grow, harvest, store and process the crop. American Crystal is now the largest beet sugar producer in the United States.

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY: ACH SEEDS ANNOUNCES 2026 HOMEGROWN GIVING AWARD RECIPIENTS 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 fifth year, the Homegrown Giving program supports community-led initiatives that address the needs identified by residents, from agricultural education and 10 SUGAR PRODUCER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

youth leadership to food access and rural infrastructure. In 2026, six organizations across ACH Seeds’ growing regions received $10,000 each to expand their reach and deepen their community impact. “Our Homegrown Giving program is rooted in the belief that strong communities grow from the ground up, led by the people and organizations who know their hometown best,” said Andy Finkral, ACH Seeds Crystal Brand Sales Leader. “Each grant is more than funding; it’s an opportunity to cultivate lasting impact where it matters most. Homegrown Giving is about coming alongside these organizations to help those ideas grow.” This year’s award recipients are putting the funds to work in remarkable ways: • The Mini Sota Agriculture Children’s Museum, Benson, Minnesota, features fun interactive exhibits on soil health, farm safety, food production and agricultural careers. This vibrant museum was transformed from a vacant downtown pharmacy into a destination for families, educators, and agricultural organizations across Minnesota. • Union FFA Chapter, Union, Oregon, is expanding their “Gather and Grow” initiative by equipping their mobile cargo trailer, which serves livestock auctions, educational programs, community meals and agricultural events across the region. • Perry FFA Chapter, Perry, Michigan, is launching their hunter safety program to reach grades 7-12 through their agriscience program. This curriculum focuses on responsible outdoor recreation, wildlife conservation and deer population management to better understand the connection between natural resources and agriculture. • Friends of the Riverton FFA Chapter, Riverton, Wyoming, is strengthening programs that connect students with agriculture and service, such as the annual “Rake and Run” event, where students assist elderly and homebound residents with yard clean up and snow removal. The FFA chapter will also purchase new agriculture literary materials for their district initiatives. • The Children’s Discovery Center, Breckenridge, Minnesota, is introducing a new center that is focused on play-based learning for younger children with a dedicated STEM lab that is designed to engage older youth through science, technology, engineering and math experiences. • The Mitchell Morrill Ministerial Association, Mitchell, Nebraska, offers a vital food pantry and a student backpack program managed by volunteers from five local churches. Unlike traditional food pantries, MMMA offers a dedicated phone line to connect individuals directly with volunteers who can ensure food delivery. Since its launch in 2022, Homegrown Giving has awarded $200,000 to local initiatives, supporting more than 30 community projects across U.S. sugarbeet-growing regions. 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. To learn more about the Homegrown Giving program or to nominate an organization for next year’s awards, visit achseeds.com.

MICHIGAN SUGAR TO DISCONTINUE LIQUID SUGAR PRODUCTION AT TOLEDO FACILITY Michigan Sugar recently announced its decision to stop production of liquid sugar at its Toledo facility. The Toledo facility will, however, continue to use the location as a warehouse. Here is the official statement from Michigan Sugar: “Following a review of Michigan Sugar Company’s supply chain operations, the decision was made to discontinue liquid sugar production at the Toledo, Ohio, facility and consolidate liquid sugar production at its Caro, Michigan factory. “The Toledo facility will continue operating as a warehouse. This path best supports supply chain optimization, supporting the cooperative’s long-term success. Michigan Sugar remains committed to providing a reliable supply of high-quality products for our valued customers while strengthening its operations for the future.”

COMPREHENSIVE NORTH DAKOTA SOIL AND FERTILIZER RESOURCE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE “The North Dakota Soil and Fertilizer Resource” includes information about North Dakota soils, soil fertility, production systems and agronomic challenges. A former North Dakota State University Extension specialist and professor may have retired, but he hasn’t stopped sharing his knowledge of soil with the state. Two years after his retirement from NDSU Extension, Dave Franzen has compiled more than five decades of soil fertility expertise into his book, “The North Dakota Soil and Fertilizer Resource.” “The North Dakota Soil and Fertilizer Resource” is an online-only publication for agronomists, farmers, scientists and industry professionals covering the soils of North Dakota, soil fertility, production systems and agronomic challenges. “This online book will be an invaluable resource for North Dakotans, covering nearly every topic relating to management and fertility of our soils,” says Brady Goettl, NDSU Extension soil science specialist. The publication, an NDSU Extension resource, is available at ag.ndsu.edu/NDsoilresource. This resource guides the grower and their crop consultants in adopting new practices and changes in fertilizer rates and input choices. No-till and no-till-like soil management reduce dependence on some fertilizer rates and reduce the impact of drought on crop yield compared to a tillage-intensive system in North Dakota. Crop growers now have the ability, through GPS and automatic equipment controllers, to test management operations and inputs in their own fields. More information on soil management from NDSU Extension is available at ndsu.ag/soil-26. WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 11

2026 SUGARBEET SEED REPORT HIL2520, pending Amalgamated approval, is the nonnematode option for acres without cyst nematode pressure. It posted 105 percent of benchmarks for sugar per ton and pairs excellent powdery mildew and Rhizomania tolerance with a smooth, low-tare root.

HILLESHÖG SEED Bred For Your Ground. Built For What Comes Next. Your 2027 sugarbeet season starts long before the planter rolls. It starts with choosing genetics for the pressures your fields face — root aphids, foliar and root diseases and whatever the weather delivers — while keeping recoverable sugar at harvest in focus. Hilleshög’s 2027 lineup gives growers more ways to make that decision with confidence. Hilleshög has been breeding sugarbeets since 1907. Today, as part of United Beet Seeds, it draws on the combined expertise of Groupe Florimond Desprez and DLF, with four root-crop brands and research at the United Beet Innovation Centre in Tienen, Belgium. For growers, that research translates into a wider choice of genetics, targeted disease-tolerance packages and more ways to match a hybrid to the ground it will grow in. That’s Generations Strong at work.

Genetic Diversity Is A Field-Level Advantage

Yield is only part of a seed decision. Across its regional portfolios, Hilleshög offers varieties with tolerance to Cercospora, including newer strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses; protection against Alternaria and powdery mildew; Rhizoctonia and Aphanomyces tolerance; options for sugarbeet cyst nematode, root aphid, root maggot, curly top, Fusarium and Rhizomania pressure; and smooth-rooted, low-tare hybrids with harvest quality in mind. The right combination depends on your market and your fields.

Amalgamated Sugar: Seven Options, Different Strengths

Five nematode-tolerant Hilleshög varieties have fullmarket status in Idaho: HIL2355NT, HIL2356NT, HIL2357NT, HIL2415NT and HIL2416NT. HIL2415NT and HIL2416NT each averaged 108 percent of benchmarks for recoverable sugar per acre over three years of Amalgamated official variety trials (OVTs). HIL2415NT also posted 105 percent of benchmarks for recoverable sugar per ton; HIL2416NT adds excellent nematode and root aphid tolerance. HIL2356NT offers very good tolerance to Cercospora, Rhizoctonia, Rhizomania and Aphanomyces, along with powdery mildew protection and stable nematode tolerance. HIL2355NT ranked fifth overall at the 2024 Paul OVT and offers excellent emergence and low tare on heavy ground. HIL2357NT posted 105 percent of benchmarks for recoverable sugar per ton in the 2024 OVT, with purity above 94 percent and a smooth, low-tare root. Two additional entries are in test market or approval stages. Test market HIL2492NT reached 108 percent of benchmarks overall for recoverable sugar per acre, with high purity, low tare and a small crown that defoliates easily.

12 SUGAR PRODUCER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

American Crystal: Hold Your Ground Against Rhizoctonia

Heavy Red River Valley soils put root disease tolerance to the test and root aphid pressure adds another consideration. In the 2025 American Crystal OVTs, Rhizoctonia-special HIL2480 posted the No. 1 Rhizoctonia score of 3.37; its two-year score was 3.7. It combines balanced yield and sugar with excellent tolerance to root aphid, Cercospora, Alternaria and Aphanomyces. HIL2493, also a Rhizoctoniaspecial variety, has delivered above-average revenue per acre over two years of ACSC data, excellent tons per acre under reduced-nitrogen conditions and excellent emergence in difficult conditions. Two established options bring different strengths. HIL2389 combines above-average revenue per acre and stable yield across six years of trials with a very good Aphanomyces, Cercospora and Rhizoctonia package, plus good tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses. HIL2479 is well suited to early harvest, with an excellent two-year Rhizoctonia score of 3.8, good revenue per ton on two years of ACSC data and top root maggot genetics in United Beet Seeds trials. Two newcomers remain pending approval for 2027. HIL2532 offers excellent Rhizoctonia and Aphanomyces tolerance, along with excellent tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses, very good root aphid tolerance and a small, easily defoliated crown. HIL2533 combines outstanding yield potential and excellent emergence with excellent Rhizoctonia tolerance, very good Fusarium tolerance (4.3), and good tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses. A 2026 on-farm strip trial offers another useful data point. At Mahar Farms in Hamilton, North Dakota, four Hilleshög varieties were planted side-by-side May 7 and harvested September 23. HIL2493 led the strip at 30.9 tons per acre and 17.31 percent sugar, returning $2,037 per acre — a $531-per-acre advantage over HIL2389. As with any singlesite strip trial, growers can weigh those results alongside replicated OVT data.

Michigan Sugar: Get More From Every Ton

In Michigan, root aphids, leaf diseases, root diseases and storage conditions all affect performance in the field and after harvest. Hilleshög’s 2027 Michigan portfolio includes established hybrids, second-year trial entries and varieties still in the approval process. HIL2332NT is a Michigan workhorse, combining an excellent disease-tolerance package and root aphid tolerance with good yield potential and above-average sugar. HIL2471NT ranked first for Rhizoctonia tolerance in the 2024 OVT and brings excellent Alternaria and Cercospora

tolerance and very high purity. HIL2425NT pairs excellent Alternaria and Cercospora tolerance with above-average revenue in the 2024 nematode OVT. HIL2511NT, in its second year of trials, offers excellent nematode tolerance, very good Cercospora and Rhizoctonia tolerance and a balanced package for root aphid, Aphanomyces, Fusarium and Rhizomania pressure. Also in its second year, HIL2512NT offers very good Cercospora and root aphid tolerance and yielded 105 percent of the trial mean in the 2024 OVT. Three new nematode-tolerant hybrids are pending approval for 2027. HIL2582NT posted the top Rhizoctonia tolerance in the 2024 OVT and offers excellent Alternaria and Cercospora tolerance. HIL2584NT brings excellent nematode tolerance and very good Cercospora and Rhizoctonia tolerance. HIL2585NT pairs industry-leading Cercospora tolerance with strong root aphid tolerance. Confirm approval status with your local Hilleshög agent before ordering.

over three years, excellent quality, and low loss to molasses.

Generations Strong Starts With The Seed Decision

Field conditions and disease pressures vary from farm to farm. Genetic diversity gives you more ways to match protection, recoverable sugar and harvest performance to those differences. Review regional trial ratings, consider the history of your own acres and talk with your Hilleshög agent before placing your 2027 order. For more information, visit Hilleshog-US.com.

SESVANDERHAVE

Minn-Dak: Proven Consistency, New Protection

Eight years of trials have made HIL2325 a dependable choice for the southern Red River Valley. It offers good sugar per ton under difficult conditions, a balanced yield and disease-tolerance package, good early-harvest sugar and the lowest tare in the 2025 commercial OVT, aided by a smooth root. New in 2026, HIL2547 offers excellent Rhizoctonia and Rhizomania tolerance, excellent tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses, easy defoliation, good purity and low tare. Southern Minnesota: Six Years Of Evidence For Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative growers, HIL2395 remains a commercially approved option backed by six years of trials. This higher-yielding hybrid delivers good sugar per acre, good tolerance to current Cercospora strains and excellent tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses. Its other strengths include balanced root disease protection, good purity, low tare and easy defoliation. HIL2395 has been a standout variety in cooperative strip trials and has held up well against persistent leaf disease pressure.

Western Sugar: Match Nematode Protection To The Region

In Western Sugar North, HIL2434NT ranked second for recoverable sugar per acre at Huntley in 2025 and fourth for sugar per acre across three years of trial data, with aboveaverage performance. It combines excellent root aphid and nematode tolerance with moderate curly top, Fusarium and Aphanomyces tolerance, low sugar loss to molasses and very good quality. In Western Sugar South, HIL2407NT led recoverable sugar per acre at Mead in 2025 under nematode pressure, with very good yield at Mitchell and Alliance and excellent root aphid and nematode tolerance. HIL2561NT, pending approval, could add a stable option with excellent Rhizoctonia tolerance, very good root aphid protection, and an easy-defoliating, low-tare root.

Lantic: Five Choices For Alberta

For Alberta growers, the 2027 Hilleshög selection offers established performers and a newer quality leader. HIL9221RR and HM9328RR have shown stable field performance since 2014. HIL9221RR posted the lowest tare in the 2025 OVT, along with very good vigor, uniform emergence and the lowest Hilleshög seed cost per acre. HIL2207 combines an above-average disease package with excellent crown height and defoliation scores, while HIL2352, approved in 2023, offers a balanced mix of yield, sugar and disease tolerance. Fully approved HIL2469 stands out for sugar quality, with 102.9 percent extractable sugar per acre

Global Research. Local Proof. Breeding research spans continents. Seed still has to prove itself close to home. How will this hybrid perform in your soil, against your disease pressures and through your growing season? SESVanderHave’s 2027 lineup puts global genetics to that local test, with varieties selected for regional growing conditions and evaluated in the official variety trials growers use to compare performance. Headquartered in Tienen, Belgium, with U.S. operations in Fargo, North Dakota, SESVanderHave works across seed development, production and delivery. Research at the United Beet Innovation Centre supports varieties selected for the challenges of individual growing regions. For growers, that research translates into targeted choices — from emergence and root disease tolerance to recoverable sugar and harvest quality.

American Crystal: Rhizoctonia Protection With A Sugar Payoff

SESVanderHave’s six-variety American Crystal portfolio includes four approved entries and two pending approval, with options focused on root disease tolerance, emergence and sugar performance. Two approved Rhizoctonia-special entries lead. SV 231 pairs excellent Rhizoctonia tolerance with good Fusarium, Aphanomyces and Cercospora tolerance, very good emergence and vigor, and above-average revenue per acre. SV 345 posted revenue per acre at 105 percent of the average and combines that performance with excellent Rhizoctonia tolerance, strong vigor, good tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses and a small crown that defoliates easily. SV 347, pending approval, offers good recoverable sugar per ton and Rhizoctonia tolerance, balanced disease protection, low loss to molasses and very good root aphid tolerance. Also pending, SV 251 recorded 104 percent of average revenue per acre in the 2025 OVT, with good to very good recoverable sugar per ton, excellent tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses and a small, easily defoliated crown. Two Seedex varieties complete the lineup. SX 1835, also Rhizoctonia-special, brings excellent Rhizoctonia tolerance, very good root aphid and Fusarium tolerance, high yield potential and excellent emergence and early vigor. SX 1815 is the high-sugar choice, with excellent purity and revenue per acre and strong root aphid tolerance on both parents. An Aphanomyces-specialty variety, it also offers good Rhizoctonia tolerance.

WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 13

Amalgamated Sugar: Nematode Tolerance Across The Lineup

In Idaho, all nine SESVanderHave varieties listed for Amalgamated Sugar carry nematode tolerance; six have full-market approval. SV 183N, with nine years in trials, led recoverable sugar per acre at Liberty and American Falls and ranked second at Jerome and Paul, reaching 113.5 percent of checks. It also offers a good curly top, Rhizomania, root aphid, powdery mildew and Aphanomyces package with low tare. SV 099N ranked first in the Amalgamated Nematode Nursery and second at Nampa at 114 percent of checks, with excellent emergence at every OVT location and top-ten performance across five years for recoverable sugar per acre, sugar per ton and emergence. SV 101N led Liberty at 116 percent of checks and placed second at Fruitland at 113 percent, making it a high-vigor option for early harvest. SV 123N stands out for very good Cercospora tolerance alongside strong nematode, powdery mildew, Aphanomyces, and Rhizomania tolerance. It posted 110 percent of checks for recoverable sugar per acre in 2024, fifth among experimental entries. SV 3526N led recoverable sugar per acre at Rupert at 119 percent of checks and ranked first on two-year (2023-24) and three-year averages, with 106 percent of checks for sugar per ton. SV 036N offers very low tare on heavy soils and very good Cercospora protection. It ranked fourth for recoverable sugar per acre in 2023 at 112 percent of checks and No. 1 at the 2024 Paul and Rupert OVTs. Three more entries are in test-market or pendingapproval stages for 2027. Test-market SV 144N reached 115 percent of checks at Paul and 111 percent of checks for sugar per acre, with a smooth, low-tare root and excellent powdery mildew and Rhizomania tolerance. SV 052N and SV 053N remain pending approval. SV 052N posted 113 percent of checks for recoverable sugar per acre at Nampa and 105 percent of benchmarks for sugar per ton, with very low tare, above-average tons per acre and a balanced disease package.

Michigan Sugar: Sugar Quality Meets Disease Defense

For Michigan growers managing nematode pressure, SX 2296N has eight years of trial history. Its results include above-average recoverable white sugar per ton in the 2025 OVT, excellent revenue per acre on 2023-24 data, and a second-place finish for sugar per ton at the Terwillegar SBA trial. Its disease-tolerance package covers Rhizoctonia, Aphanomyces, Alternaria, root aphid and nematodes. SX 2295 offers a balanced combination of yield, sugar and disease tolerance, with above-average recoverable white sugar per ton, excellent Aphanomyces and Rhizoctonia tolerance, very high purity and good root aphid protection.

Western Sugar North: Two Ways To Protect Recoverable Sugar

SV 1794N ranked first for recoverable sugar per acre at Huntley in 2025. It combines above-average sugar per acre and sugar per ton with root aphid and nematode tolerance, low loss to molasses, very good quality and moderate Fusarium, Aphanomyces, curly top and Cercospora tolerance. SV 1735N ranked among the top five on threeyear OVT data, pairing excellent root aphid and nematode tolerance with above-average sugar per ton, low molasses loss and very good Aphanomyces, curly top and Rhizomania tolerance.

Wyoming Sugar: Two Test-Market Prospects

Two test-market varieties bring strong Cercospora tolerance and distinct yield and disease-tolerance packages to Wyoming for 2027. SV 3341N features CercoTech

14 SUGAR PRODUCER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Cercospora tolerance and ranked second overall for revenue per acre in the 2024 OVT, with high yield potential, good Rhizoctonia and curly top tolerance and excellent Rhizomania, Aphanomyces and Alternaria tolerance. Nematode-tolerant SV 3345N posted 102.2 percent for sugar per ton in the 2024 OVT, with very good Rhizoctonia, curly top and root aphid tolerance plus balanced Rhizomania, Aphanomyces and Alternaria protection.

Southern Minnesota: Two Hybrids Under Review

Both SESVanderHave entries for Southern Minnesota remain in the approval process. SV 852 offers good tolerance to Cercospora, Aphanomyces, Rhizoctonia, Alternaria and Rhizomania; good sugar per ton under difficult conditions; tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses; and a small, easy-defoliating crown. SV 863, pending seed committee approval after 11 years in trials, offers dependable sugar per ton under disease pressure, very good Rhizoctonia, Alternaria and Rhizomania tolerance, and good tolerance to newer Cercospora strains that can overcome traditional varietal defenses.

Lantic: An Alberta Option With Quality In Mind

Fully approved SV 592 offers Alberta growers aboveaverage extractable sugar on three-year data: 100.4 percent extractable sugar per acre and 100.6 percent per ton. It combines high purity and low molasses loss with a good Rhizomania, root aphid, Alternaria and root maggot package.

Put Global Research To Work On Your Acres

Put the research to work where it counts. Compare official regional trial results with your field history, soil conditions and harvest priorities. Then work with your SESVanderHave independent sales rep to select the best fit for your 2027 acres. For availability and approval updates, call customer service at (701) 412-3472. For more information, visit sesvanderhave.com/us.

ACH SEEDS Leading Seed Innovation, Built To Grow With You At ACH Seeds, the company is proud to produce the sugarbeet varieties that keep your operations growing. From the field to your bottom line, ACH Seeds recognizes that your productivity and profitability are at the heart of every decision you make. That is why ACH Seeds’ 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, the company ensures every variety not only sustains but enhances your success -- season after season. 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. ACH Seeds’ 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, the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation drives it to provide you with the best possible varieties, ensuring your continued growth and success in the field. ACH Seeds’ 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 the company’s success to serve our customers better. For the 2027 crop year, ACH Seeds will be offering up to 10 new varieties pending sugar company approval(s), along with strong supplies for its field-proven varieties that will help growers produce more sugar. With 37 varieties available throughout the nation, ACH Seeds has a unique variety available to be planted on any acre. It is 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 fifth 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 2026, 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, visit www.achseeds.com.

BETASEED More Built Into Every Seed Betaseed is using advances in science to optimize the potential of every seed you plant. The company’s stateof-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. Betaseed hybrids are developed with research-driven solutions combined with its 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 2027 with plans to market 49 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

Betaseed 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, the company’s 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. Betaseed’s 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 its seasoned team and a “farm first” approach, Betaseed 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

WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 15

BUYERS’ GUIDE

PLANTING EQUIPMENT Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.

(319) 668-1300 https://www.kinze.com/5700-planter

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.

Kuhn North America (608) 897-2131 https://www.kuhn-usa.com/

Ag-Vantage, Inc. (208) 670-1041 www.ag-vantage.com

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 mediumduty 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.

DOMINATOR 4857 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 pass-to-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.

16 SUGAR PRODUCER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Monosem, Inc.

(913) 438-1700 www.monosem-inc.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-byrow 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.

Desert Sunset Ag (208) 339-1855 www.littlediker.com

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.

Amity Technology (701) 232-4199 www.amitytech.com

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.

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Richmond Ultimate Defoliator Unit

Highest Quality Defoliating Increased Productivity Per Hour

Unverferth

(419) 532-3121 www.unverferth.com

8 Bar System

• 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

RAPTOR STRIP TILLAGE TOOL

Richmond Brothers Fabrication Specializing In Beet Harvester & Defoliating Parts

989-453-7097

4667-5RichmondBrothers13s.indd 1

TIGER 6 s

Save time imize profit and max

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.

Väderstad

(800) 688-3300 www.vaderstad.com 2/3/22 8:47 AM

Award-winning

TEMPO HIGH-SPEED PLANTER

BIG

BEAR

30, 40 & 45 ton capacity

MAUS 6 SERVICE Michigan Mike 1-810-705-0297 Idaho Kent 1-208-280-0079 Nebraska Johannes 1-810-837-2415 Minnesota Hunter 1-810-537-2416 Ontario, Canada John 519-339-6015

Check with us on used machines available

ROPA Tiger harvesters ROPA Maus cleaner-loaders and Big Bear carts

North America www.ropanorthamerica.com ∙ info@ropanorthamerica.com 184929-5RopaNorthAmerica13s.indd SUGAR PRODUCER 1| NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

9/13/24 2:21 PM

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 smallseeded 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. For more information, visit www. vaderstad.com/us-en

AMERICAN SUGARBEET GROWERS ASSOCIATION By Zack Clark, CEO and Executive Vice President

Hitting The Ground Running Sugar industry tackling issues on multiple fronts As Luther shared in his final column last month, the role of CEO at ASGA has changed for the first time in 44 years.

I’m honored to serve as the association’s new CEO and executive vice president. But before diving in, I must express my gratitude to the ASGA board of directors for its vote of confidence. The assembled talent and combined accomplishments of ASGA’s board are impressive to say the least; that they’ve placed their trust in me to lead this important association is a responsibility I’ve accepted with the utmost seriousness and appreciation. In addition to my appreciation for ASGA’s board of directors, I must also thank Luther Markwart, not only for his decades of work on behalf of the industry, but for the countless hours he spent with me explaining the intricacies of every sugar issue so that I could be a better lobbyist for the industry and a sound leader today. His leadership in Washington, his unfailing integrity and his absolute commitment to growers is something very unique in this town. To be able to learn from someone like Luther is a chance that few professionals in Washington get. Introductions are probably the best way to begin my tenure with this column. After that, we’ll fall into a more familiar groove based on Washington updates. By way of background, I do not come from a farm family. Working in the Senate and the House was the first meaningful interaction I had with farmers and agriculture. Though at that time, I quickly felt a bond

I’m confident that our industry has the right people in place to take advantage of the progress we make each day on your behalf.

with growers as we worked toward shared public policy goals. I might not have come from a farm, but I’ve long understood the value and reward of hard work and accomplishing something tangible. It was my regular meetings with farmers that compelled me to join the ranks of agriculture when I left Capitol Hill. Representing growers in Washington, even before coming to ASGA seven years ago, is something I’ve long viewed as a privilege and found very rewarding. Over time, I hope to know sugarbeet growers as well as Luther does, as tall an order as that is to accomplish. The last seven years have afforded me many opportunities to travel to different growing regions and meet our members. I look forward to doing more of that in the coming years. If you see a mildly lost-looking urbanite wandering around your beet field or one of your local meetings, it might just be me. Come say, “Hi.” I’d very much like to get to know you. Until then, I want you to know how invested I am in this industry and how motivated I am to chase solutions that benefit your farm and your coop. I fully recognize the significant pain brought on by today’s harsh economic conditions. After all, our industry has the benefit of being exceedingly close to its members. It makes policy wins that much sweeter. Conversely, we feel the pain that much more acutely. But know that this closeness creates daily motivation that compels me, and many of our DC-based sugarbeet colleagues, forward on your behalf. Results are hard to come by in Washington, and always too slow, but showing up each and every day creates progress and progress, in the right hands, eventually turns into results. I’m confident that our industry has the right people in place to take advantage of the progress we make each day on your behalf. In recent months, we’ve done just that. I expect that there will be very tangible progress on big ticket items after the elections which, in the end, will benefit you in a very direct way in the coming years. WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 19

AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE By Rob Johansson, Director of Economics & Policy Analysis

Tracking Bitter Developments In Foreign Sugar Subsidies U.S. tariffs do little to slow foreign subsidized sugar flowing into America If you’ve worked in sugar for any amount of time, you know well how rampant subsidization and government interventions distort the global sugar market.

A significant part of our job at the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) is educating those less familiar with sugar about how those foreign subsidies harm our farmers here at home. To that end, ASA recently promoted two reports underscoring how an unlevel global playing field puts American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers at a disadvantage. The first is a report that compiles sugar market interventions documented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Every year, USDA puts together thousands of reports, published as part of the Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), including annual reports that detail the many ways foreign governments are intervening in their domestic sugar markets. The second is an update to a crucial 2019 Texas Tech University report on foreign sugar subsidies. That report covers 29 foreign countries, accounting for more than 86 percent of global sugar production and 87 percent of exports.     Some key takeaways from the Texas Tech report include: • The average value of direct foreign sugar subsidies has nearly doubled from $770 million in 2005 to nearly $1.4 billion in 2024. That does not include the “substantial government assistance” to the energy sector in the form of ethanol or biofuel programs, which also can act as a price support to foreign sugar industries. • There are active ethanol or biofuel blending mandates in nine countries. The ethanol program in Brazil is “by far the largest driver of domestic sugar prices.” • Every single documented country uses import tariffs and quotas. • The government plays a heavy hand in setting sugar prices in China, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Zimbabwe.

Our family farmers and manufacturing workers cannot fairly compete in a global market that rewards overproduction and leads to the dumping of surplus sugar. 20 SUGAR PRODUCER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

• In the case of at least seven countries, the government owns most or some of the sugar industry or affiliated enterprises. Even though America is the third largest importer of sugar in the world, the U.S. does not allow unfettered access to its sugar market. Instead, existing trade deals allow 41 countries to export specific amounts of sugar to the U.S. at low or no tariffs. Raw or refined sugar that comes in above those pre-determined amounts is subject to additional tariffs (called “tier-2” or “over-quota” tariffs), which were initially designed in the early 1990s to prevent subsidized foreign sugar from being sold at rock-bottom prices that would drive our own sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers out of business. Those over-quota tariffs have not changed in 26 years and do not reflect any of the inflationary pressures that have affected sugarbeet and sugarcane producers and sugar processors since 2000. Nor have they kept pace with foreign countries’ increasing support for their sugar industries while they continue to dump sugar well below the global cost of production. Our family farmers and manufacturing workers cannot fairly compete in a global market that rewards overproduction and leads to the dumping of surplus sugar. We are working with policymakers to modernize U.S. trade policies so that American family farmers can compete on a re-leveled playing field. You can find both of these reports and more information at SugarAlliance.org.

THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION Courtney Gaine, PhD, RD, President & CEO

Without Real Sugar, Would There Be Cranberry Sauce? Sugar ups the taste factor of cranberries

Whether spooned from a cherished family heirloom bowl or sliced into neat rounds with the can’s ridges proudly intact, cranberry sauce is a classic at holiday gatherings.

Behind this beloved dish sits American history, food science and an interesting labeling regulation. Through it all, one ingredient carries this tart berry from the bog to the holiday table: real sugar.

A NATIVE BERRY MEETS THE TABLE Cranberries are one of North America’s few major native fruits (1). Native Americans harvested them for food and fabric dye long before European settlers arrived and quickly adopted the fruit. In 1796, Amelia Simmons published American Cookery, featuring recipes pairing cranberry sauce with roast turkey, a pairing that has endured for more than two centuries. Because cranberries ripen in the fall, fresh cranberry sauce began as a short-lived seasonal treat. As documented by Smithsonian Magazine (2), lawyer-turned-grower Marcus Urann began canning cranberry sauce in 1912 to sell the berries beyond the fall harvest. He later co-founded Ocean Spray.

WHY CRANBERRIES NEED REAL SUGAR This native berry is not an easy one to love at first bite. Fresh cranberries are extremely tart, highly acidic and have little naturally present sugars. In fact, cranberries are nearly as acidic as lemons, with a similar pH of around 2.3 to 2.5. Real sugar softens the sharp acidity so the berry’s flavor can shine through. In cranberry sauce, real sugar also helps the sauce set. When cranberries’ natural pectin meets sugar and acid, the mixture forms a gel, allowing jellied cranberry sauce to hold its shape while lending a glossy shine. Without real sugar, cranberry sauce would taste sour and would not set. SMALL BERRY, BIG BENEFITS Cranberries deserve their place on the plate. Along with fiber and vitamin C, they are packed with antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, compounds well-researched for their support of urinary tract health. Real sugar makes the benefits of cranberries more palatable. Few people would eat a bowl of raw, unsweetened cranberries, but add a little real sugar and they become something people want to reach for, like cranberry juice, dried cranberries and cranberry sauce. WWW.SUGARPRODUCER.COM 21

READING BETWEEN THE LABEL LINES Here is a label puzzle. Pour eight ounces of 100 percent grape juice and you get about 35 grams of total sugars, with zero listed as added sugars. Pour the same amount of sweetened cranberry juice, and you get about 25 grams of total sugars, nearly all of them listed as added. holiday staple. Cranberry and sugar growers have more in common than providing for a holiday table. Ocean Spray, the largest cranberry company, is a grower-owned cooperative. In both cases, farm families pooled their efforts to bring what they grow to kitchens across the country. When you reach for a second spoonful, here’s to the growers who bring real food to our tables. Happy Thanksgiving from our Sugar Family to yours!

Figure 1. Ocean Spray cranberry juice Nutrition Facts Label (3)

Figure 2. Welch’s 100% Concord grape juice Nutrition Facts Label (4).

The cranberry juice has significantly less total sugars, yet its label looks worse to consumers. That’s because grapes are naturally sweet, while tart cranberries need some help from real sugar. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges this. Under its 2019 labeling guidance (5, 6), sweetened cranberry juice and dried cranberries must still list added sugars along with the percent Daily Value (DV) from added sugars. However, manufacturers can also use a symbol (“†”) right after the added sugars percent DV that directs consumers to a statement outside the Nutrition Facts label. That statement explains that sugars were added to improve the palatability of naturally tart cranberries. AN ENDURING TRADITION MADE POSSIBLE BY FARM FAMILIES From cranberry bogs in Wisconsin (the nation’s top producer) and Massachusetts to sugarbeet and sugarcane fields across the U.S., American farm families supply the simple ingredients behind this sauce that has become a

SOURCES 1. Frank L. Caruso, Peter R. Bristow, and Peter V. Oudemans. “Cranberries: The Most Intriguing Native North American Fruit.” Plant Health Progress, October 2000. https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/apsnetfeatures/Pages/ Cranberries.aspx 2. Smithsonian Magazine. “This Man Made the First Canned Cranberry Sauce.” November 27, 2013. https://www. smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/this-man-made-the-firstcanned-cranberry-sauce-180947862/ 3. Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. “Cranberry Juice Cocktail (64 fl oz).” Product packaging image. Accessed October 6, 2026. https://www.oceanspray.com/products/cranberry-juicecocktail-64-oz 4. Fairway Market/Wakefern Food Corp. “Welch’s Concord 100% Grape (64 fl oz).” Product packaging image. Accessed October 6, 2026. https://www.fairwaymarket.com/sm/planning/ rsid/4000/product/welchs-concord-100-grape-juice-64-fl-ozid-00041800207503 5. Food and Drug Administration. “Guidance for Industry: Declaration of Added Sugars on Honey, Maple Syrup, Other Single-Ingredient Sugars and Syrups, and Certain Cranberry Products.” June 2019. https://www.fda.gov/media/127928/ download 6. Food and Drug Administration. “Nutrition Facts Labels Examples for Certain Cranberry Products” (factsheet). June 2019. https://www.fda.gov/media/127968/download

PULLER RINGS FOR SUGARBEET HARVESTERS

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PROVE YOUR GROUND Research crosses oceans; proof stops at your fence line. Don’t stake your acres on a narrow lineup. SESVanderHave delivers varieties selected for your region and tested in the official trials you trust. Adding SESVanderHave to your fields broadens your defense. Because global research only counts when it proves out on your ground. Ask your SESVanderHave Independent Sales Rep for the 2027 Seed Guide.

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CHOOSE THE SEED PARTNER WHO SHARES YOUR PRIORITIES. Like you, we never settle. As a result, there’s more 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.

GOOD THINGS COME FROM COMMON GROUND. ™ Crystal brand is a registered trademark of American Crystal Sugar Company and is used with permission.

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