01/28/09 Sugar beet outlook

Sugar beet outlook very sweet. I'm David Sparks. Back with that story in a minute. What a difference a year can make. At this time last year the corn market looked more favorable than other commodities like sugar beets. But now the tables have turned. Jerry Darnell - Western Sugar Area Agriculture Manager - says sugar prices are on an upward trend. "A year ago, bulk sugar was selling for $24.50 a hundred weight, now we're seeing sugar sold at $38 a hundred weight. We feel we're going to make a record sugar beet payment this year on the sugar beet crop that was just produced and that price looks like it's going to continue on for the next year or so." The higher sugar prices are attracting many Western growers back to beets. In 2009 - Darnell is predicting the Western Sugar Cooperative sugar beet crop to surpass 26 tons per acre - breaking the previous record of 24 tons. And if sugar beet growers are looking for signs, how about this. A President with a sweet tooth!! Just weeks before his election, Barack Obama sent the U.S. sugar industry a letter pledging his support of a vibrant domestic sugar sector. And I quote: "I recognize the hard work and contributions you make as America's sugar growers. I believe we should reward your hard work with policies that will keep your industry and your communities strong." Overall, right now, the future looks great for Idaho's sugar beet growers.