Sugar Beet Factories Open

Last week saw the beginning of the 2016/17 sugar beet campaign. With sugar beet being a valuable break crop in the eastern region, the question is what will this year’s harvest bring?

Reduced planting area and test digs revealed a later maturing crop which has in turn led to a slightly later than normal opening date, and an estimated 14 week campaign. It is hoped that this will give the crop the opportunity to grow to its best potential and maximise yields available.

So where will this year’s crop yield? Wet weather in the spring delayed plantings, this was followed by a dry summer season with a reduced number of sunlight hours. As a crop which relies heavily on rainwater for its growth, I think it’s is fair to say we are expecting to see an average yielding crop this year.