By SANDRA HANSEN
Ag Editor

Considering a spring of hail, freezing temperatures and wind that destroyed several thousand acres and caused several thousand more to be replanted, the 2008 sugar beet crop in western Nebraska is in very good shape. Root sample testing done this past week show an increase to 23 tons per acre, with 17 percent sugar content.

"We've had amazing results," said Jerry Darnell, agriculture manager for Western Sugar Cooperative in the Nebraska Panhandle and eastern Wyoming. "We had an eight ton increase between the second and third samples (Aug. - and Aug. 25). I think Roundup Ready has definitely shown its benefits."

According to Darnell, the Roundup Ready beet crop is healthier, due in large part, to the elimination of spraying the plants three times with herbicide in order to control weeds.

"It's real positive," Darnell said. "The crop looks good, and sugar prices are increasing. I think the future looks bright for the industry."

While the crop and the future are looking good, Darnell cautioned producers to watch for powdery mildew, a disease that reduces production by attacking the leaves of the sugar beet plants. If growers have questions or concerns about their crop, they should contact their agriculturist.

Darnell and his staff conducted grower meetings last week at Scottsbluff, Bayard and Alliance to update harvest information. The limited early harvest will begin Sept. 29, and regular harvest will begin Oct. 6.

Two receiving stations have been closed. East Alliance growers will deliver their beets to the Ginn station, and growers in the Roach receiving station area will deliver their beets to the Torrington, Wyo., factory yard.