Terry Henne (WSGW, Saginaw, MI) reports the sugar beet harvest in Michigan is approaching record yields. “So far, processing has been going without a hitch. Tonnage of harvested beets on average has been running more than 29 tons, which has never happened in 100+ years,” Terry said. The early harvest in Michigan generated more than 30% harvested acres. Harvest began August 20, the earliest ever in the 100-year Michigan sugar beet history. Weather was very favorable with only a few warmer-than-desirable days to slow harvest. By conclusion of the expected 5 million+ ton season, tons per acre exceeded 31.5 tons, which is a record. With a record wheat yield, near record soybean yield, above average dry bean harvest, and corn harvest that was as good as ever, Terry said, “Michigan farmers had a very good year.” Record yields helped offset low commodity prices.This is the 40th year of farm broadcasting for Terry on WSGW, and he will be attending his 40th consecutive NAFB Convention in Kansas City this month.
