Idaho Leads Nation In Sugarbeet Plantings

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says flooding in Minnesota and North Dakota's Red River Valley is putting a damper on any sugarbeet field work.

"Sugar beet planting nationally, 18% complete by May 1, far behind the five year average of 47%.  Even further behind last year's number when drought was overtaking the region and the national circuit beat acreage was 76% planted."

Rippey added, roughly 1% of acres intended for sugarbeets have been planted in Minnesota; the five-year average 38%. Meanwhile, so far no planting has taken place in North Dakota where the five-year average for this time of year is 30%. So, where's the planting taking place? Out here in the west.

"Idaho, at 88%, and Michigan, at 16% planted on the sugar beets, account for virtually all of the planted acreage to this point."

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