Sugar Beet Harvest Off To Slow Start Due To Warm Temperatures

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Min-Dak Farmers Cooperative in Wahpeton, North Dakota has been delaying its harvest campaign due to the warm temperatures, but they believe that with their wait they will be receiving a good crop.

“Storage is kind of our number one priority and with that being said we just can’t pile in the warm temperatures. So, we’re looking for a window where the temperatures fit within the parameters that we deem reasonable for piling beets if that makes sense,” said Paul Moffet, Agriculturist at Min-Dak.

Moffet says they estimate they will be starting their harvesting campaign this weekend. Compared to their next-door neighbors in Moorhead, American Crystal Sugar started their campaign on Thursday.

Joe Hastings the General Agronomist from American Crystal Sugar said,

“Sugar beet harvest is 45% complete, which includes the pre-pile harvest. Overall, the harvest is going very well, thanks to dry weather, but warmer than normal daytime temperatures are still a concern.”

Trucks have been pulling in and out of the factory in Moorhead. Clay County Sheriff, Mark Empting wants to remind drivers to be extra cautious.

“With that comes a lot more … beet truck traffic on the road. So essentially people need to pay attention. If there’s going to be more traffic out on the road big trucks are going to be full of beets. Just pay attention to what’s going on, don’t use your cellphone, make sure you’re obeying the speed limit, make sure you are wearing your seatbelt. Things of that nature,” said Mark Empting, Clay County Sheriff.