Good year for sugar beets

Despite record heat and drought, it looks like 2021 will be a fairly good year for sugar beet growers in Idaho. According to Brad Griff, the Executive Director of the Idaho Sugar Beet Growers Association, the crop is on track for a good year with two months to go before harvest.

"We're on pace for a decent year. We won't know final numbers until the end of harvest, but our growers are expecting another good year.”

 

Griff acknowledged this year’s crop has taken more water than usual with some growers speeding up watering cycles to ensure beets and the soil remain moist.

"That's been a little bit of a challenge. But if there's one thing to know about farmers, it's that they are experts at dealing with and overcoming challenges.”

 

Griff says while the additional heat has served as an obstacle, he said it has not been detrimental to the crop.