VIDEO: Beet harvest under way as factories open
The first sugar beet of the season suggests yields and sugar content remain a challenge for many growers as lifting commenced – although recent sunshine has perked up crops.
Beet destined for Newark was coming off the field at 50t/ha in Lincolnshire on Tuesday (18 September). Progress was bumpy and slower than usual on soils hardened by two weeks of dry weather following a wet summer.
“Considering the year, we’re quite pleased with the yield,” said Peter Gilbert, who farms at Walcott Fen. A test dig two weeks ago showed a 16% sugar content but a sunny fortnight since meant levels were likely to be higher, he told Farmers Weekly.
Having been drilled in near-perfect conditions, some beet has caught up after standing still for a month or more this spring. But a repeat of last year’s bumper harvest is unlikely, said Richard Robinson, research manager with sugar beet breeder SES Vanderhave.
“Samples suggest yields are probably a bit above average but sugar content is a bit below,” said Mr Robinson. “Overall it is similar to the five-year average – which will be a bit below last year but better than two years ago.”
Three of British Sugar’s four factories, at Bury St Edmunds, Newark and Wissington, were due to start processing on Thursday (20 September). The fourth, at Cantley, is due to open on 25 September.
British Sugar agriculture director Colm McKay said: “The campaign start dates have been chosen to strike a balance between the crop benefiting from recently improved weather conditions and deliveries to our customers.”
