Michigan sugar campaign finishes early

By Nicole Heslip | Brownfield Ag News

A spokesperson for the Michigan Sugar Company reports sugar content remained high during the 2017 season despite challenging growing conditions.

Rob Clark tells Brownfield the co-op harvested 7,000 fewer acres which was tied to marketing decisions and Mother Nature.  “Mother Nature gave us a lot of rain and then no rain.  In the end it impacted the total tonnage for us in a negative way.”

He says while production declined more than 20 percent from the year before, the company was able to keep pace with the previous year’s sugar production because of high quality beets. This year Michigan Sugar has increased planted acres to 2016 levels.

Clark says processing investments will also help keep pace with increasing production.  “Last year we invested more than $20 million dollars into our four facilities in Bay City, Caro, Croswell and Sebewaing and this year is no expectation.  We’re planning to invest another $17.1 million.”  He says the co-op has some of the oldest beet factories in the nation and it’s important to invest in their upkeep.

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April 11, 2018 at 08:43AM