Intermountain South

The Intermountain South sugarbeet growing region consists of acreage grown for Western Sugar Cooperative in Torrington, Wyoming, western Nebraska and across northeastern Colorado.

Contacting Us

In this growing region, Crystal® brand sugarbeet seed is distributed exclusively through local independent sales agents. Sales agents are your contacts when purchasing Crystal® brand sugarbeet seed. They have information regarding variety traits, availability, seed treatments, seed processing options, and pricing in each growing area. These ACH Seeds sales agents are qualified and trained to help you with seed buying decisions, so please take advantage of their knowledge, expertise, and season-long service! Sales Agents contact list

The ACH Seeds Sales Coordinator for this growing region is John Dillman, Jr. John lives in Gering, Nebraska and has worked in the sugarbeet industry for many years. John is anxious to share his knowledge and experience to assist you and your sugarbeet operation. He can be contacted by calling 308-632-4320 or by e-mail at jdillman@achseeds.com.

Primary Sugarbeet Diseases and Pests Affecting Sugarbeet Production

1. Rhizoctonia – This fungal root disease has become a significant disease in some markets and is most common when soils are moist and air temperatures are 77 to 93 degrees. Some of the factors causing Rhizoctonia are crop stress, too much or too little irrigation, root damage, soil in contact with petioles and in the crown area, short rotations, and soil compaction. To combat the effects of this disease, crop rotation, minimizing cultivation and variety resistance are the best control methods against the development of this disease.
2. Rhizomania – This virus is transmitted by a fungus that thrives in wet soil. Symptoms of rhizomania can show up as yellow areas within a sugarbeet field. Within infected areas, stands are usually erect and leaves may have narrow blades and a bright, yellow color. Affected roots have tufting or bearded growth on the lateral roots or in severe cases on the main tap root. When sliced open with a knife, roots have darkened or straw color vascular rings. Planting tolerant varieties is recommended.
3. Cercospora - This disease normally appears in late July and continues through early September. Variety tolerance is a major crop management tool and a significant level of tolerance is required by the approval systems. Some varieties offer tolerance much higher than the minimal levels required for approval. Fungicides are available as a means of control.
4. Root aphid - This pest has periodically been a concern in this growing area for many years. It is most prevalent in late summer when the area experiences hot, dry conditions. Currently, variety resistance is the only available control measure. No economic thresholds have been established for sugarbeet root aphid. However, studies in several market regions indicate that even light to moderate infestations (less than 10%) can cause yield reductions. Sugar content and purity are most likely to be affected.
5. Fusarium - Fusarium is a root disease caused by a fungus present in the soil. This disease has been reported in the western areas of the United States, India, and some European countries. Crop rotation is frequently recommended. Additionally, many Crystal brand varieties offer tolerance to this disease and planting tolerant varieties is recommended for control.
   

Please refer to the "Compendium of Beet Diseases and Insects" for additional information about sugarbeet pests and diseases.

Crystal® Brand Sugarbeet Seed Varieties offered in the Intermountain South Growing Areas

Our new-generation varieties are among the top-performing varieties in coded Official Variety Trials as well as on-farm trials. Current varieties provide growers with increased disease tolerance, pest resistance, and very good recoverable sugar per acre.

Varieties

Crystal RR561 - NEW Roundup Ready®

• Moderate to high Fusarium tolerance
• Low to moderate Cercospora tolerance
• Moderate tolerance to root aphid and Aphanomyces

Crystal R322

• Moderate to high curly top tolerance
• Moderate Cercospora, Aphanomyces and Fusarium tolerance
• Moderate root aphid tolerance
• High rhizomania tolerance

Crystal R400

• Combines high rhizomania with moderate to high Rhizoctonia tolerance
• Moderate tolerance to Fusarium and Aphanomyces
• Moderate root aphid tolerance with moderate to high Cercospora tolerance
• A balanced variety offering a good balance between sugar and tons and low SLM

Crystal R482

• Combines high Rhizoctonia and rhizomania tolerance
• Moderate root aphid, Fusarium and Aphanomyces tolerance
• Moderate Cercospora tolerance
• A high tonnage-type variety offering good sugar

Contacting Us

Intermountain South Area Coordinator

John Dillman jdillman@achseeds.com
888-746-4238

ACH Seeds Sales Agents

Colorado

David Blach dblach@achseeds.com
Ronald Blach rblach@achseeds.com
Mike Burdette mburdette@achseeds.com
Ed Croissant ecroissant@achseeds.com
Melvin Howell mhowell@achseeds.com
Mark Spaur mspaur@achseeds.com
Aaron Worley aworley@achseeds.com

Nebraska

Mark Keller mkeller@achseeds.com
Kent Mauser kmauser@achseeds.com
Vern Meyer Jr. vmeyer@achseeds.com
Charles Specht cspecht@achseeds.com

Torrington, WY

Dan Melcher dmelcher@achseeds.com