Sugarbeet Output Down 6%

WASHINGTON - Jan 11/08 - SNS -- Sugarbeet production for 2007 is estimated 31.9 million tons, 6% below the 2006 estimate but 1% above the November forecast, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) final crop report for 2007.

Estimated yield, at 25.6 tons per acre, is 0.5 ton lower than last year's record high yield and 0.2 ton below November. Growers harvested 1.25 million acres, 4% below last year. Area planted, at 1.27 million acres, is 7% below the 2006 estimate.

Growers in Colorado, Idaho, and Washington saw record high yields in 2007 with yields up from last year in all States except Minnesota, Montana, and North Dakota. Production in all States except Washington decreased from 2006. The lower production resulted from fewer acres being planted and harvested except in Minnesota and North Dakota where lower yields caused the decline in production from last year.

Sugarbeet planting started out with delays, except in Idaho, where on April 15, producers were 21 points ahead of the normal planting pace. As the season progressed, planting in North Dakota advanced rapidly and was ahead of normal by the end of April. However, planting progress in Michigan and Minnesota continued to lag behind the normal pace. Harvest was underway in all States by September 23, and was progressing slightly ahead of the normal pace. By November 4, ninety-five% of the acreage was harvested, 3 points ahead of last year and slightly ahead of the normal pace.

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