04/07/22 Mohamed Khan

SPEAKERS

Bruce Sundeen, Mohamed Khan

Bruce Sundeen 00:00

This is the sugarbeet report, bringing you the latest information from NDSU throughout the sugarbeet growing season. Today we're kicking off the sugarbeet growing season with Mohamed Khan, extension sugarbeet, specialist at NDSU and the University of Minnesota. Welcome Mohamed. It is April. It is spring, and it's about time to be fully prepared for the sugarbeet season. What message do you have for sugarbeet producers,

Mohamed Khan 00:25

North Dakota and Minnesota producers are responsible for producing 56% of the total US sugarbeet crop to make sure we have an adequate supply of sugar for our fellow Americans. The outlook for sugar on the world market based on geopolitical situation is that there will be a tight market. It is expected that Brazil may use more of their keen production for ethanol. It is not known how the calamity in Ukraine will impact its sugar production and how sanctions will impact sugar export from Russia.

Bruce Sundeen 01:00

We've had dry weather especially in western North Dakota, are the sugarbeet production areas impacted by dry weather.

Mohamed Khan 01:08

You're correct. We have about 37% of North Dakota still on the drought. Fortunately, growers of sugarbeet in western North Dakota have access to irrigation. Otter sugarbeet production areas, including eastern North Dakota, the Red River Valley and southern Minnesota have had more moisture and will be ready for planting in April. Of course, we are expecting May June rains to help us get our water table up for all our producers.

Bruce Sundeen 01:39

What's your take on weather Mohamed Do you think it will help our crop producers

Mohamed Khan 01:43

As an eternal optimist, I hope for some much needed rainfall, especially in our dry western areas. Average Daily soil temperature at the foreign soil depth reached into the mid 30s in mid March, but then dip to the low 30s last week. I hope we do get some rains before planting and regular rainfall during the season. Should the dry weather continue. I will encourage sugarbeet producers to plant into a stale seed bed to conserve moisture and take steps early for weed control to prevent weeds from competing for moisture. It may be useful to increase seeding rate to ensure one has a good population that is required to have a bountiful sugarbeet crop. Stay safe and have a bumper and sweet 2022 sugarbeet crop.

Bruce Sundeen 02:33

Thanks Mohamed. Our guest this week has been Mohamed Khan extension sugarbeet specialist at NDSU and the University of Minnesota. This is the sugarbeet report, bringing you the latest information from NDSU throughout the sugarbeet growing season