08.30.18: Minn-Dak Crop Update with Mike Metzger

News and Notes from Minn-Dak Research Agronomist, Mike Metzger

The growing season for Minn-Dak is coming along very well. Our staff took our second round of yield samples last week and turns out we have 26.6 tons out there right now. Sugar content is just shy of 15%, which is actually pretty good for us. The purity is the highest we’ve had in a couple decades for the August sample.

All that put together, the staff’s estimate is 31.1 tons/acre.

Cercospora Leaf Spot:
Cercospora is okay right now. Most guys have four to five applications on. The program is holding very well. Yes, you can find Cercospora out in the field, but it’s not anywhere near economic threshold. We are feeling very good about that.

Pre-Harvest:
With slicing going into July, we have delayed our pre-harvest until the latter part of September. Around September 17-18 is when we are looking at putting our first beets on the ground. Stockpile harvest is set to begin at or around October 1.

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