Fractional Drop in Sugarbeet Area

WASHINGTON - Jun 30/10 - SNS -- Area planted to sugarbeets for the 2010 crop year is estimated at 1.18 million acres, down fractionally from the previous year, according to seeded area estimates released by the USDA today.

Harvested area is forecast at 1.15 million acres, down slightly from 2009. Planted area decreased from the previous year in six of the ten estimating States. In Minnesota, the largest sugarbeet-producing State, growers planted 13,000 fewer acres than in 2009.

Planted area increased in Idaho, Michigan, Montana, and North Dakota, with the largest increase evident in Idaho, where growers planted 9,000 more acres than last year.

By April 11, planting was underway in Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota, the four largest sugarbeet-producing States, with 17% of the Nation's crop in the ground, well ahead of the normal pace. Abnormally mild winter temperatures in Michigan promoted an early start to spring sugarbeet planting for the State.

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