Sugarbeet Output Up On Month

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/07 - SNS -- Sugarbeet production is forecast at 30.4 million tons, 1% above the September forecast but 11% below last year's production of 34.1 million tons, according to the latest USDA crop estimates.

Growers expect to harvest 1.24 million acres, unchanged from September but down 5% from last year. The yield is forecast at 24.5 tons per acre, up 0.3 ton from last month but down 1.6 tons from the 2006 record high yield. Yields are at or below last year's level in Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Harvested acreage is forecast to be the lowest since 2001. Although yield is down from last year's record high, it will be the second highest, if realized. On September 30, harvest was 15% complete in the four major producing States, 2 points ahead of normal. Harvest was progressing at the normal pace in the Red River Valley but was ahead of schedule in Idaho and Michigan.

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