2016 Colorado Sugar Beet Update
e: Colorado Sugar Beet growers had a great start this year with good soil moisture for planting. As the region as seen some spotty severe weather, about 60 acres have been abandoned due to hail so so far this year, according to Colorado Sugar beet Growers Association President, David Black of Yuma. The Western Sugar Cooperative in Fort Morgan has taken one sample with the second sample to be taken any day now. The sugar beet samples test for weight and sugar content and then will give farmers a better indication as to when early harvest will begin. The first samples were above average in weight and sugar content. In addition, Blach cited that some diseases are showing up, such as anastomosis and Rhizoc. These are popping up due to wet growing conditions. Early harvest is typically in September and regular harvest follows October.