Sidney Sugars Growing Region

The Sidney Sugars growing region consists of sugarbeets grown in eastern Montana and western North Dakota.

Contacting Us

In this growing region, Crystal® brand sugarbeet seed is distributed exclusively through local independent sales agents. Sales agents are your contacts for purchasing Crystal® brand sugarbeet seed. They have information regarding variety traits, availability, seed treatments, 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 manager for this growing region is Dave Braaten, National Market Manager, who lives in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Prior to joining ACH Seeds, Dave worked as an agriculturist for American Crystal Sugar Company and as a crop consultant. Dave is anxious to share his knowledge and many years of sugarbeet experience. He can be reached at 877-769-0196 or dbraaten@achseeds.com.

Primary Sugarbeet Diseases and Pests Affecting Sugarbeet Production

1. Aphanomyces - This disease is most often a problem at the seedling stage when wet and warm conditions are present. It also can attack more mature plants later in the growing season under similar conditions. Tachigaren® is a fungicide available as a seed treatment for the seedling disease and is available as a seed treatment on specific Gemcoat® varieties. On-farm trials, where Tachigaren is used for seedling Aphanomyces, also demonstrate the ability to keep plants healthy and more likely to fight off late season Aphanomyces. Although not required for variety approval, many Crystal brand varieties offer good to excellent tolerance.
2. Cercospora - This disease normally appears in late July and continues through early September. Varietal tolerance is a major crop management tool and a significant level of tolerance is required by the approval systems. Some Gemcoat® varieties offer tolerance much higher than the minimal levels required for approval. Fungicides are available as a means of control.
3. 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, some Crystal brand varieties offer tolerance to this disease and planting tolerant varieties is recommended.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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 Sidney Sugars Growing Areas.

Our new-generation varieties have been among the top performers in sugar company Official Variety Trials as well as on-farm trials. Varieties offered for the 2006 growing season provide growers increased disease tolerance, pest resistance and very good recoverable sugar per acre.

Varieties

Crystal 927

• Top choice among Sidney Sugars growers in 2006!
• An “adapted” variety that combines sugar and tons
• Consistent top performer in recoverable sugar per acre and sugar per ton
• Good Aphanomyces and Fusarium tolerance
• Very good Cercospora tolerance
• Strong emergence with excellent stand establishment
• Consistency with disease tolerance!

Crystal 928

• Excellent sugar per acre
• Ranked #1 in 2005 Sidney Sugars' Official Variety Trials – 1 yr test results.
• Good tolerance to Fusarium
• Moderate Aphanomyces tolerance
• Strong Cercospora tolerance
• Excellent emergence and stands

Crystal R390

• A rhizomania tolerant variety that performs equally well under diseased and non-diseased growing conditions.
• Field proven in 2005 as a test market variety
• Strong performer in recoverable sugar and revenue per acre
• Complete package with yield, quality and disease tolerance.
• Very good Fusarium tolerance
• Good Aphanomyces tolerance
• Excellent Cercospora rating in test results
• Full market approval for 2006

Crystal R322

• Marketed and field proven in Western Sugar Cooperative areas of Montana and Wyoming
• Exhibits very strong emergence and establishes a stand early
• Moderate curly top and root aphid tolerance
• Strong rhizomania tolerance
• Very good tolerance to Fusarium
• A strong performer with great RSA
• Available to growers in the Pleasant Valley and Powder River production areas\
• Specialty market approval for 2006

Contacting Us

National Market Manager

Dave Braaten dbraaten@achseeds.com
877-769-0196

Sales Agents

Jeff Bieber jbieber@achseeds.com