Modest Gain in Sugarbeet Final

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/06 - SNS -- Sugarbeet production is estimated at 27.7 million tons, 1% above the November 1 forecast but 8% below last year's production, according to the USDA's final crop production report for 2005.

Growers in the 12 sugarbeet-producing States harvested 1.24 million acres, 5% less than last year's 1.31 million acre. Yield is estimated at 22.3 tons per acre, 0.3 ton above November but 0.7 ton below the 2004 yield.

Nationwide, planted and harvested acreage decreased for the third consecutive year, to their lowest levels since 1987 and 1986, respectively. Harvested acreage was down from 2004 in all States, except Colorado and Wyoming, with increases of 800 and 300 acres, respectively.

Idaho growers harvested 25,000 fewer acres than last year, while Michigan's harvested area is down 15,000 acres. In Minnesota, soggy field conditions at harvest time resulted in an unusually high abandonment.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here