Fall 2003 root of the LEVERAGING OUR CO-OP STRUCTURE BUSINESS
By Mark Flegenheimer, and the knowledge of the risks and costs of not starting President and CEO in a timely fashion, we should have plenty of beets to slice in September. As our second crop under grower Joint marketing. Utilizing the Capper-Volstead ownership begins to mature, we con- exemption that allows cooperatives to jointly market, tinue to adapt, adjust and most impor- we have entered into a partnership with the three Red tantly realize efficiencies of our new River Valley Co-ops (Minn-Dak, Southern Minnesota cooperative structure. It continues to be a learning and American Crystal) to market our pulp and experience for the management, employees and molasses. Michigan Sugar Company and those co-ops growers alike. The Co-op structure, however, very now co-own Midwest Agri-Commodities, which markets clearly proves the old adage is true, “People have been all of the by-products of its four owners. In total, known to achieve more as a result of working with Midwest Agri-Commodities globally markets over 1.5 others than against them.” million tons of beet pulp, beet molasses and raffinates, Let me cite a couple of examples of how we have annually giving us substantial clout in the marketplace. utilized our new structure to our (growers and company) These are just two small examples of how we have advantage: leveraged our new ownership structure. As a coopera- Early delivery. We have put together a new, tive, we are working together with a common interest. enhanced early delivery program. We have also shared Since you, the growers, own the company, all financial critical operating data with our grower-owners on the benefits ultimately accrue to you. These benefits may be risks and costs of running campaign too late into the in the form of increased share value and/or increased spring, or stated another way, not starting early beet payments. We will continue to seek out and enough in the fall. See the article in this issue, by leverage the advantages of our new co-op structure Robert Braem entitled Early Delivery Enhanced—An which will make your company, Michigan Sugar Important Success Strategy, that examines those very Company, strong and viable for many, many years. issues. With the new early delivery program in place Have a safe and bountiful harvest.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Root of the Business ...... 2 Cover Story—Research Update ...... 18 2003 Crop Update ...... 3 Lime ...... 26 The Sweetener Industry ...... 4 Growers in the News ...... 28, 29 Pressed Beet Pulp ...... 6 4H Day ...... 30 Early Delivery Enhanced ...... 8 Michigan Sugar and WNEM TV-5 ...... 30 Getting Your Trucks Dumped Faster ...... 10 Michigan Sugar Scholarship Awards ...... 31 BeetCast ...... 12 Co-op Financials ...... 32 Review of Factory Inter-Campaign ...... 14 Community Window ...... 34 Meet the Factory Managers ...... 16
ABOUT THE COVER The Michigan Sugar Co. research and agricultural departments work closely with researchers from universities, government and private industry. Here Steve Poindexter from Sugarbeet Advancement and Corey Guza from Michigan Sugar Co. are observing test plots at the Saginaw Valley Bean and Beet Research Farm.
2 P IONEER NEWSBEET 2003 GREAT START, GREAT WEATHER, CROP UPDATE GREAT GROWING
by Robert Braem, Vice President of stands ever recorded. Cool temperatures in May and Agriculture early June slowed early growth, but row closure was achieved near the normal time. The 2003 sugarbeet crop got off Growers used new information and methods to to a great start and has continued micro-rate spray sugarbeets this spring. Research has growing very well through the mid- indicated post-spraying based on growing degree season. As of this writing, our crop days (GDD) improves timeliness and ultimately weed has progressed steadily without any significant set- control. Many of those growers tracking GDD applied backs or periods of slow growth. Traveling through- their first spray more timely and got very good weed out the area, I am hard pressed to find fields that control. Because of the cool temperatures in May, don’t look great. Many growers and staff believe this growers spread their timing between applications crop looks as good now as any they have ever seen. when they saw GDD were accumulating slowly. Planting began during the first week of April, but Growers achieved cost savings from the reduced progressed very slowly up to April 15. Previously wet number of applications and less sugarbeet injury. In soil conditions improved and 20% of the crop went another year, if temperatures are higher and GDD in during that next week. The last eight days of April accumulate quickly, growers who monitor GDD will were ideal, allowing growers to plant 96% of their be alerted and can spray more timely to control fast crop by May 1. The remaining acreage was planted growing weeds. The outcome of all weed control between rain showers within a two-week period. efforts this year is a clean and healthy sugarbeet crop. Growers planted 127,000 acres, including 2000 acres Growers between Caro and Saginaw are testing a of authorized overplants. new Cercospora leafspot spray model called Spring weather conditions were ideal for plant BeetCast (an article explaining the details is included emergence and early growth. Growers have increased in this issue). BeetCast has been tested by Sugarbeet their seeding rate and reduced secondary tillage in Advancement for the last two years. Adapted from an effort to improve plant population and sugarbeet use in tomatoes, it monitors temperature and leaf quality. The result this year is the highest established wetness to predict the right conditions for Cercospora leafspot to develop. The system model PIONEER NEWSBEET software calculates Disease Severity Values (DSV) FALL 2003 • VOLUME 17, NO. 2 for each day beginning in mid-May. Results are NEWSBEET TECHNICAL ADVISORS: posted on the website www.michiganbeets.com for Managing Editor: Robert Braem, Vice President—Agriculture growers, agribusiness and agricultural staff to follow. Editor: William Gough, Agricultural Manager—Carrollton Early research indicates better control is achieved Technical: Corey Guza, Chief Agronomist Assistant Editor: Julie Perry, Executive Assistant—Administration when growers begin spraying at 55 DSV, which is Advertising: Sherri Adams, Executive Assistant—Agriculture often before the first spots can be found on leaves. PIONEER NEWSBEET PUBLISHED BY Growers then apply subsequent sprays between 35 MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY and 55 DSV, depending on how aggressively they try Agricultural Office, P.O. Box 107, Caro, MI 48723 to control the disease. COMMUNICATIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: Research plots and grower fields are being Editor, Pioneer Newsbeet, P.O. Box 107, Caro, MI 48723 sprayed this year using BeetCast. Some excellent Email: [email protected] data and testimonials will be available later this year PIONEER NEWSBEET is published by Michigan Sugar Company in Saginaw, Michigan. It is prepared for grower members of Michigan Sugar Company, from and after harvest results are in. BeetCast will be information obtained from sources which the Company believes to be reliable. another important tool growers can utilize to improve However, the Company cannot guarantee or assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or be responsible for the results obtained. Mention or sugarbeet quality and enhance profits. Michigan illustrations of a special technique, specific equipment or products does not constitute endorsement by the Company. Reprinting or quoting articles appearing continued on page 17 in Pioneer Newsbeet is granted with the exception of those items credited to outside sources.
FALL 2003 3 THE SWEETENER INDUSTRY HOW IT IS REPRESENTED
By Dick Leach, sugar cane, or corn pays a share of commodity industry in the U.S. Director of the cost of the different associa- To comprehend the size and Community and tions needed to defend the industry structure of the industry’s repre- Government and provide the public and law- sentation on political matters in Relations makers with the true facts about Washington, D.C., see the chart on the importance of our industry to the following page. Most folks who the health of our people and the In addition to the American grow sugarbeets and corn, or work economy of our country. Sugar Alliance (ASA), which han- in the caloric sweetener industry, I am not a registered lobbyist, dles political matters, we are rep- as I do, don’t give a lot of but I have represented Michigan’s resented by the Sugar Association thought about how the industry agriculture in Washington, D.C., on consumption related issues is represented in Washington and for many years and the sugarbeet and on agronomic and processing elsewhere. We should, however, industry since 1996. The sugar matters by BSDF (Beet Sugar because each grower of sugarbeets, industry is the most well organized Development Foundation).
American Sugar Alliance
The ASA is a national coalition of sugar cane, sugarbeet and • Florida has two organizations; the Sugar Cane Growers corn farmers, processors, suppliers, workers and others dedicated Cooperative of Florida and the Florida Sugar Cane League. They to preserving a strong domestic sweetener industry and it is the represent cane growers and mill operators in Florida and are umbrella organization for the industry. The ASA and its member active in all aspects of the cane sugar and sweetener industry. associations work to assure that farmers and workers in the U.S. •The Louisiana sugar cane industry is organized through the sweetener industry survive in a world of heavily subsidized American Sugar Cane League. Its main focus is on research, sugar. The ASA provides economic data and gives testimony legislation, product promotion, education and public rela- on behalf of the industry whenever and wherever needed. tions. The League represents both Louisiana cane growers The ASA is located in the Washington, D.C., area and is supported and cane processors in matters on the federal level. The by its member associations. League is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana. BEET SUGAR •Texas has one cane sugar mill, owned and operated by the Beet sugar is produced in 12 states and accounts for over Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc. half of the domestic sugar production. The beet sugar sector is represented by the American Sugarbeet Growers Association • Hawaii has only two commercial cane sugar companies (ASGA) and the U.S. Beet Sugar Association (U.S. Beet), both left; Gay & Robinson and Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar located in Washington, D.C. Company. These companies both grow and process cane sugar and are members of the ASA. •The ASGA is made up of local grower associations and grower cooperatives. The ASGA has a very active political action committee. Luther Markwart, ASGA’s Executive Vice CORN President, works closely with congressional agricultural In 2002, U.S. growers produced corn in 48 states, accounting staff and with the USDA regarding the sugar program. for more than 9 billion bushels. • U.S. Beet is comprised of sugarbeet processors and it •The National Corn Growers Association is a federation of represents them in the collection and distribution of state organizations, corn boards, councils, and commissions authentic information concerning our industry. It promotes developing and implementing programs and policies on a the honorable, economical, efficient, and useful conduct of state and national level to protect and advance the corn the beet sugar industry and represents them in government producers interests. activities. U.S. Beet and ASGA work closely together on • Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is the largest producer of numerous issues. high fructose corn syrup and is also a member of the ASA as a processor. CANE SUGAR Cane sugar is produced in four states; Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Hawaii.
4 P IONEER NEWSBEET American Sugar Alliance Executive Committee Members
Beet Sugar Cane Sugar Corn
12 States FloridaLouisiana Texas Hawaii 48 States
American Sugar Cane Rio Grande Archer National U.S. Beet Florida American Gay and Hawaiian Sugarbeet Growers Valley Sugar Daniels Corn Sugar Sugar Cane Sugar Cane Robinson, Commercial Growers Cooperative Growers, Midland Growers Association League League Inc. & Sugar Co. Association of Florida Inc. Company Association
Sugar Association BSDF
An organization of great value to the sugar industry is the The Beet Sugar Development Foundation’s (BSDF) Sugar Association, Inc. (SAI), located in Washington, D.C. membership consists of beet sugar processing companies and SAI’s purpose is to promote good public relations, promote sugarbeet seed-related companies. They state in their mission sugar as a pure and natural sweetener with only 15 calories statement that they are “dedicated to the advancement of per teaspoon, provide scientific data regarding all aspects of sugarbeet production and beet sugar processing through sugar, and defend sugar against false advertising and the science-based research and leading educational programs.” distribution of misinformation. BSDF works closely with the USDA and land grant universities The Sugar Association is currently working on the negative in the continual development of improved seed varieties and perception that obesity is caused by too much sugar in today’s scientific advancements in beet sugar production. The BSDF diet, misleading food labels and stopping efforts to regulate is located in Denver, Colorado. what we eat.
SUMMARY When we look at the at the U.S. (WTO) negotiations. All of these years to build relationships with sweetener industry as a whole, the problems will pass and our domes- the congressional agricultural staff. question is asked, do we really tic sugar industry will survive. Why? Each beet sugar state does the need all these organizations and The industry’s organizations are same. We want our friends of the associations? The answer is a made up of growers and proces- sugar industry to know us and resounding yes. For whatever sors—real people with real fami- know about our industry. reason, the sweetener industry, lies and real businesses. They are You should now have a better particularly sugar, is the most mis- people who believe in what they understanding of the sweetener understood and brutally challenged do. When we need representation industry’s representative organiza- industry in the U.S. At this time, the in Washington, D.C., we don’t hire tions. After working in the sugar ASA and its members are dealing anyone from another company; industry, I have seen the real value with those who continue to chal- we go ourselves. When we get of being well organized. If we are lenge the Farm Bill, the Mexican there, we are organized and know to survive—and I really believe that sugar import dispute, the Bush what we are talking about. Tom we will—we need to continue Administration’s Free Trade Zimmer, Richard Maurer, Jim working together and telling our Agreements, including the negoti- Ruhlman, and I have been going great truth…Sugar is pure and ation of our tariff-rate quota system, to Washington, D.C., at least once natural with only 15 calories and World Trade Organization each year for the past several per teaspoon.
FALL 2003 5 PRESSED BEET PULP AN ANIMAL FEEDING OPTION
Michigan Sugar Company annually produces about 120,000 tons of beet pulp pellets which have a mois- ture content of 10%–12%. The pulp is sold for animal feed in countries throughout the world where there is a deficit feed production, such as Japan and Europe. During the past couple of years, demand for “pressed pulp” (75% maximum moisture) has increased significantly. Dairy and beef cattle feeders near our production facilities have found success adding pressed pulp to their feed rations. Also, nutritionist con- sultants have seen increased milk production in lactating cows that are fed beet pulp. Even though demand for pressed pulp has increased, Michigan Sugar Company has the capacity to produce more if demand were to further increase. Production of pressed pulp causes less wear and tear on our factories and decreases our depen- dence on the volatile price of fuel. If you feed cattle, we encourage you to try some pressed pulp in your feed rations this year. Guaranteed Analysis (Wet Basis) Crude Protein Minimum 1.33% Crude Fat Minimum 0.04% Crude Fiber Maximum 3.83% Moisture Maximum 75.00% N-Free Extract Minimum 8.67% Ash 1.50% Composed of sugarbeet residue after extraction of sugar.
HOW TO PURCHASE PRESSED PULP: • Contact Mary Smith (989-799-7300, ext. 3521) to place orders and determine the pickup location. Orders for specific tonnage must be placed two days prior to delivery to ensure availability. • Loading will normally be scheduled during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. Specific loading hours for each factory can be determined when ordering. • Payment will be due 15 days following an invoice and Michigan Sugar Company will not continue delivery if payments are late. All trucks will be weighed at the factory to determine volume sold.
6 P IONEER NEWSBEET Providing You The Best Value Dow AgroSciences LLC, a subsidary of The Dow Chemical Company, is a company committed to providing for our customers' needs through innovative technology, proven formulations, superior service and value-added products. We are dedicated to providing quality products such as STINGER* herbicide, LORSBAN* insecticides, and DITHANE* DF RAINSHIELD fungicide to the Michigan sugarbeet grower. Dow AgroSciences is passionate about agriculture and is continuously investing in research and development to help bring new and better technology to the market. Your support of Dow AgroSciences products helps develop the tools for tomorrow.
Always read and follow label directions. Lorsban-4E is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. 1-800-258-3033 www.dowagro.com/usag * Trademark of Dow AgroSciences, LLC
Expanding Line of Independent Post Patent Sugarbeet Herbicides! ETHO SC Benefits For years sugar beet herbicides have escalated in price, until AgValue, Inc. 1) Safe to the sugarbeet seedling entered the ethofumesate market with ETHO SC. Through growers support 2) Widest weed spectrum of ETHO SC, AgValue has invested to offer Michigan sugarbeet growers 3) Longest residual additional post patent sugar beet herbicides. 4) Postemerge or Preemerge •May of 2003 AgValue introduced CLOPYR AG •For 2004 AgValue will introduce desmedipham and phenmedipham. CLOPYR AG Benefits All of the AgValue formulations meet or 1) Enhances tank mix partners exceed the branded product in quality and have been tested by Michigan 2) Safe to the sugarbeet seedling Sugar and universities. When our future products are registered please ask for AgValue branded products. Independently owned, sourced and Please visit us on the web @ priced to bring you value www.agvalue.net or contact Henry Steinberger by email - [email protected] Thank you for your support. Toll Free 1-866-511-3171 or 701-269-9037 EARLY DELIVERY ENHANCED— AN IMPORTANT SUCCESS STRATEGY
By Robert Braem, beets delivered from October 10 sugar are lost. Cossette sugar, a Vice President of through October 13. measure of sugar content entering Agriculture A grower’s early delivery sugar the factory, drops significantly when content will be adjusted up to comparing averages from October Early delivery is 97.25% of their receiving station’s to February (Figure 1). In the worst an important average for all beets delivered case, beets stored too long cannot period of harvest after the early delivery period. This be processed efficiently because of which has a significant effect on change was made last December increased impurity levels associated the success of our cooperative. by the Board to protect growers with storage rot. Slice rate in the By initiating a fast, early start we who deliver to a station where factory drops off as campaign is ensure there is sugar available for large volumes are delivered early. extended into February (Figure 2), customers and we can effectively The cost of early delivery pre- driving up per ton processing costs manage the ending date of cam- miums deducted from the beet and lengthening the slicing period paign to reduce storage risks and check (50%) will now be charged even more. increase profits. only against tons delivered after the The amount of sugar recovered The Board of Directors approved early delivery period. Early tons will in the factory (pack) drops off later changes in the Grower Agreement receive premiums and no charges. in the campaign due to lower for the 2003 crop to increase early Overall factory efficiency is cossette sugar from storage losses. delivery premiums and ensure that greatly improved when campaign Figure 3 shows a significant dif- growers are fairly compensated for starts early and finishes in mid- ference in pack from October when potential reductions in yield and February. Sugarbeets in the pile beet storage length is short com- sugar. The tonnage incentive has are alive and utilizing their sugar pared to February when beet stor- been improved by adding $0.50 reserves to stay alive every day in age extends more than 120 days. per ton to each early delivery storage. The agricultural depart- A campaign ending near mid- period. This incentive begins with ment manages beet piling and February is a compromise between beets delivered on or before re-haul to the factory to minimize adequate throughput to cover costs September 23 at $5.80 per ton this loss, but it is only a matter of and having a highly efficient factory and ends with $1.30 per ton for time before significant amounts of operation. Our data indicates, if a
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2
Cossette Sugar Daily Slice Five-Year Averages Five-Year Averages
16.4 17,000
October October
15.5 13,000 February February
14.6 9000
8 P IONEER NEWSBEET large crop is grown, starting earlier FIGURE 3 improves factory efficiency, reduces storage risk and increases profits for all members. The only way to Sugar Pack accomplish an early start is for Five-Year Averages growers in all factory areas to 270 harvest a small percentage of their October acreage throughout the early delivery period. Changes made to the early delivery premium will 235 February compensate growers for potential losses in yield and/or sugar content when harvesting early. 200 The agricultural staff looks forward to unloading your trucks during early delivery and getting our factories off to an early, fast start.
ACH Seeds District Market Manager
Andy Bernia 877-769-0195
CrystalR sugarbeet seed is the emerging force in Michigan. Top-performing varieties like R CrystalR 963 are proving to growers all over the region that Crystal varieties are a force to be reckoned with. If high sugar per acre is important to your operation, look no further. Experience the Emerging Force.
FALL 2003 9 GETTING YOUR TRUCKS DUMPED FASTER TRUCK/TRAILER TAILGATES, CHUTES, FLAPS AND HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
By Dennis Montei, TAILGATES–Make sure tailgates between the rear axle duals when Agricultural open easily, without sticking, dumping. (See photo #2) Manager, when loaded. On trucks with low TAILGATE CHUTES–Chutes Sebewaing District frame heights (such as a tandem, extend the bed of your truck into tri or quad axle) and tall tailgates, the piler’s cross-conveyer and will Attention to relocating the hinge point of the help keep the beets from falling small details on tailgate is often the preferred out of the conveyor. Actually, your trucks and method. This will also keep the these chutes should also have semi-trailers will provide significant tailgate from catching the piler’s sides on them to stop beet benefits when unloading your spillage from occurring between sugarbeets. Beet spillage at the Helpful information the top of the cross-conveyer and piling grounds cost big dollars due to keep in mind: the hinge point of the tailgate. to lost time. In Sebewaing, we • Piler cross-conveyer truck opening (See photo #3) handle up to 2,500 trucks per day, height (steel): 32" BED LINERS–Bed liners help and if each truck causes lost • Piler cross-conveyer truck opening the beets slide out at a much dumping time of just two minutes, height (rubber flap): Varies from lower dumping angle. This also 30–42" we will lose 5,000 minutes of reduces the chance of a truck or dumping each day. At an average • Cross-conveyer drag chain height: 14" trailer tipping over. Boxing in the of four tons per minute, per piler truck box “dog house” will help dumping capacity, we would lose cross-conveyer chain when the keep the dirt from building up 20,000 tons (dumped) per day, box is raised to its full dumping around the “dog house” and and that is only in Sebewaing. height. (See photo #1) holding in the last few beets. Please, take the time to review FLAPS–Installing a wide, rubber HYDRAULIC SYSTEM–Thumb the following list of important flap across the entire rear of the Truck wrote an article a few years items prior to beet harvest to truck or trailer is another very ago on installing a hydraulic system ensure a fast, efficient and safe helpful item to consider. This bypass.This modification allows unloading experience. keeps the beets from falling out the truck box to lower much more
Above (Photo #1): By moving the hinge point (as above) your tailgate will swing up and away from the cross-conveyor belt. Above right (Photo #2): Rubber flaps seal off the axle area to prevent beet spillage.
10 P IONEER NEWSBEET MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY OFFERS
rapidly and gets your truck under the dirt belt faster to receive LIME your tare dirt. This can save time between trucks. Thumb Truck FOR AGRICULTURAL USE says that box lowering time can be cut by as much as 50%. If your hydraulic cylinder has an extra port, you can plumb into We have calcitic lime available right now, both ports to improve truck box lowering time. Another restriction and it can be yours! point can be eliminated by either removing the hydraulic hose quick coupler or replacing it with a much larger one. Also check Lime is great for agricultural soils because: your hydraulic tank breather to make sure it is large enough to • It neutralizes acidic soils, increasing soil pH handle the job. This filter should be a 10 micron filter. Other • Increases microbiological activity; accelerating decomposition suggestions include of crop residue checking to make sure your hydraulic cylinder is • Improves legume growth staging correctly and chang- • Improves stand, root growth, and sugar content of sugarbeets ing your hydraulic oil to a Give your crops the extra edge to increase yield potential. lighter weight oil (5W instead of 10W). For more information and to arrange your pick up time, CALL your Appropriate nearest Michigan Sugar Company sugar processing facility during business hours.* Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. changes to your trucks will increase We’ll even load it for you! your harvest truck Caro (989) 673-7560 Croswell (810) 679-3740 turnaround time, Carrollton (989) 752-1032 Sebewaing (989) 883-3201 and that means This offer is available from your friends at Michigan Sugar Company, time and money producers of Pioneer Sugar. Locally grown. Locally owned. for you and your company. Thank * Truckers/users of lime must comply with DEQ/MI Department of Agriculture you for taking the regulations. A brief outline of the applicable regulations are as follows: •Truckers: the same regulations for hauling quarry lime apply. You may need to time and effort to take steps to prevent blowing of dust from the truck. implement some of • Users: the nutrient loading should be accounted for in your fertilizing program. these ideas. The sugarbeet lime contains: Nitrogen 5.5 pounds per ton, Phosphorus 1.0 pound per ton, Potassium 0.36 pounds per ton, Calcium 570 pounds per ton
(80% as CaCO3 or limestone, Organic content 8%, Moisture content 10%–15%, and Micro nutrients typical background levels Application should be conducted to not impact any water. A more detailed discussion can be found in the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Nutrient Utilization as approved by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture at the following internet address: http://www.michigan.gov/mda/0,1607,7-125- 1567_1599_1605-70361--,00.html
Right (Photo #3): Side plates will help prevent beets from spilling out over the top of the cross-conveyor.
FALL 2003 BEETCAST: A WEATHER-TIMED FUNGICIDE PROGRAM CONTROLLING CERCOSPORA LEAFSPOT IN SUGARBEETS IN MICHIGAN
Dr. Ron Pitblado, The photosynthetic rate of the Ridgetown affected canopies significantly College University decreases with a consequent loss of Guelph, in beet dry matter. Both root yield Ontario Weather and sugar content are reduced, Network (OWN) the former twice as much as the latter, and the processing quality decreases as well because of an Growers ask, “When should I increase in the content of potas- start, how often should I spray and sium (K) and sodium (Na). when should I stop?” Growers are and have been These are questions that are aware of the consequence of lower being answered using the latest in yields; however, they are much more weather technology coupled with aware, now that they are owners a new understanding of disease of a cooperative, of the significance development. of even the smallest loss in sugar Cercospora leafspot Considerable effort has been content. It has been stated that for made recently into the develop- every 0.1% loss in sugar content ment of a practical, near real-time there is a loss of approximately and affordable program (computer $1,000,000 of revenue to Michigan disease prediction model) to Sugar Company, which affects assist sugarbeet growers making every grower of the cooperative. decisions for the control of All of this can be minimized by Cercospora leafspot. The program timely spraying of fungicides to is called BeetCast. control Cercospora leafspot. Basic research has shown that by The University of Guelph team simply using hourly temperatures has developed and perfected one during periods when leaves are wet, of the most significant contributions the disease profile of Cercospora to weather-timed spray programs can be monitored. More impor- with the discovery of a cylindrical tantly, the progress of this disease leaf wetness sensor. Nowhere else can be reduced by following time- in the world have they come up ly fungicide spray applications with such an effective sensor that based on this same information. mimics the wetting and drying char- Cercospora leafspot influences acteristics of a sugarbeet leaf. Typical weather data recording equipment plant growth and yield in two An effective delivery mechanism used by BeetCast. steps. First, the pathogen develops is in place with the team that has on the primary foliage, causing a been formed (the Ontario Weather progressive increase in necrotic Network). Temperature and leaf The inset is the leafspots and the drying of leaf wetness sensors can be placed patented leaf blades. Second, plants react to the within sugarbeet fields and through wetness sensor leaf loss by producing new leaves the technology of telemetry, hourly developed by —regrowth taking earlier stored data is “pinged” or transmitted to Dr. Pitbaldo and resources from the beet root. a central computer miles from the his team.
12 P IONEER NEWSBEET sugarbeet field. The computer program then translates each day using a rating system of 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, to reflect the progress of this disease on that day. The higher the number, the more favorable the weather conditions for the disease. The spray program then is based entirely on these daily Disease Severity Values (DSV). Growers can tailor-make their own program by deciding when to spray using these DSV numbers. Currently, we are working collaboratively with the Michigan Sugarbeet Advancement partners to find the best recommendations for your region of the growing area. Numerous small plot research trials have provided a set of guidelines; however, a farm research and demonstration trial Check out the OWN website www.ownweb.ca and follow the Michigan was needed and is being conducted in BeetCast program at www.michiganbeets.com. cooperation with Jim Stewart and his staff at Michigan Sugar Company, Sugarbeet Advancement and a local commercial FIGURE 1 sugarbeet grower. The results of the 2002 trial follow in Figure 1. Note: The most economical fungicide Sylvester-Michigan Cercospora Leafspot-2002 spray program begins at 55 DSV with Cost Benefits beyond untreated Control $/A Base payment: $33/Ton repeat spraying every 55 DSV. Excellent DSV Interval results were also obtained when the spray intervals were shortened from 55 to 55/35/35/35 35 DSV; however, it required an additional 70/35/35/35 application. If the initial spray was delayed 55/55/55 until 70 DSV had accumulated or until 1st spot/18 day the first symptoms of the disease were 70/55/55 noted, yields were reduced as was the sugar content. 55/70 Summary: Cercospora leafspot can 70/70 effectively be controlled using the technol- Control ogy available to us through the use of the weather-based spray program, BeetCast. Compared with the standard, “wait until you see the disease,” BeetCast can forecast Figure 1. Cost benefits beyond the untreated control US$/A. a spray timing just BEFORE this occurs, Using a base payment of $33/T, sugar quality adjustment, less the cost of allowing for the most effective use of fungicides and application. Fungicides used were Eminent, Gem, Topsin and Super Tin. The longer the bar the more cost effective the spray program. fungicides.
FALL 2003 13 REVIEW OF FACTORY INTER-CAMPAIGN PROGRAMS
by Herb Wilson, REPAIRS—Since we have the equipment is chemically cleaned Vice President of responsibility of processing a per- at times during operations, a thor- Operations ishable raw material, our factories ough cleaning is performed over must be made to operate reliably the inter-campaign period. If you are not 24 hours a day, seven days a week Every season, new issues are directly involved from the first day beets are sliced identified with our operations and in factory opera- until the final sugar is produced at ideas for improving the operating tions, you may be curious about the end of the season. This fact rates and efficiencies of our system where the time and money is requires a different approach than come from our employees. If these spent each summer to prepare an operation where time is avail- changes are relatively inexpensive, our factories for the upcoming able for scheduled repairs during they are approved and incorporated campaign. the processing. We must do into our summer budgets. It is a A general description of the everything possible to prevent system of continuous improvement objectives for the inter-campaign slowdowns and breakdowns during and each time a bottleneck is elimi- programs at our factories includes: the campaign. A delay in process- nated we purposely try to identify ing, which could result in extending the next one for consideration. • Repairing and replacing worn the campaign too late into the Although our processing equip- machinery and systems. spring, introduces great risk ment is up to date, in many cases, • Cleaning pipelines and heating regarding the quality of the stored our buildings are of original vintage surfaces. beets and reduces the overall and require considerable mainte- • Improving the effectiveness of recovery of sugar from the crop. nance for them to remain safe and existing systems and equipment. The underlying objective is to sound. We are on a multi-year pro- ensure reliability and performance gram regarding the repair of many •Performing preventative main- of the essential elements of the un-reinforced masonry buildings tenance on critical equipment. process systems. and roofing structures. • Maintaining buildings and Since it is not feasible or afford- In addition to daily on-stream structures. able to completely overhaul all the repairs, much of our sugar han- • Maintaining and repairing sys- processing equipment each year, dling, storage and packaging equip- tems used year-round, such as we rely on the expertise and ment requires annual major main- packaging and sugar handling experience of our managers and tenance with these systems being equipment. crews to determine which equip- out of service. Since we deliver our ment needs to be overhauled and products year-round, this necessi- • Adapting or installing equipment repaired and to what degree this tates some critical scheduling on that will improve safety for our is to be done. The program is dif- the part of our logistics and sales employees. ferent every summer depending representatives. This typically takes • Updating systems to maintain upon these assessments. Some place sometime just prior to the compliance with food safety, equipment experiences a very high campaign when stocks are low. A security, sanitation and environ- wear rate and must be repaired or temporary overstock of packaged mental standards. renewed every year. Other machin- products is usually created and/or • Installing new systems and ery is chosen based on logs kept deliveries are made out of alternate equipment as approved by the during the campaign and known locations so that it is as transparent Board of Directors. life expectancy of certain elements. as possible to our customers. •Training employees in work- Much effort goes into cleaning CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT place procedures and policies. the essential heating surfaces in PROJECTS: Each year, the Board of our process. Although most of this Directors evaluates a recommended
14 P IONEER NEWSBEET list of improvement projects This year’s program covers most Operating Departments work presented by management. These of the areas mentioned. Of particu- together to ensure that the proper projects are those of relatively lar note is the sealing and painting information is presented. major expense that will extend of the Carrollton sugar storage silos Even though we are not slicing the life of buildings, replace and the installation of equipment sugarbeets during the spring and obsolete equipment, increase to increase fuel efficiency or flexibili- summer months, our employees efficiency, protect our finished ty at Sebewaing, Caro and Croswell. are very busy doing critical repairs products, maintain compliance EMPLOYEE TRAINING: A consid- and capital projects. Also, during our with regulations, reduce operating erable effort is made each year prior inter-campaign period, employees costs or modernize our operations. to campaign in order to refresh and are able to take much earned The scale of most of these projects train employees regarding safety, vacations which they can’t do when requires the services of our engi- workplace policies and procedures. the factories are running 24/7. neering department. New systems New employees are trained and Steam may not be coming out of are designed, drawings are created, oriented so they are familiar with the factories during these months, equipment is specified and chosen, the requirements and procedures but there is plenty of activity inside and compliance with various of sugar factory work. The Human getting them ready to process the standards are ensured. Resources, Safety, Agricultural and next crop efficiently.
Clockwise from bottom left: Erection of forms for new rock & coke handling system at Croswell; Don Kelcher (E/I Apprentice) shown working on new burner installation for Sebewaing’s package boiler; Re-tubing of boiler at Carrollton. Most of the old tubes have been removed and drums are being prepared for installation of new tubes; Contractor (Structural Restoration, Inc.) painting sugar silos at Carrollton; Completed silos, sealed and painted with two-color logo applied; Refurbished rotary vacuum filter ready to be lifted into building at Caro.
15 MEET THE FACTORY MANAGERS FOR M ICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY
The people who manage our factories need to know the sugar refining process inside and out. Michigan Sugar Company’s factory managers have over 100 years of combined experience. They have been educated, trained and have experienced the sugar industry from almost everywhere sugarbeets are grown and processed in the United States. These are the people who make sure your factories operate as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. These are your factory managers.
Dan Mashue (32 years) is factory manager at the Caro factory, which is the oldest operating sugarbeet factory in North America! He began his career as chief chemist with a BA in chemistry from Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana. He advanced to shift superintendent, engineer and factory superintendent. He earned his MBA from University of Michigan while working for Michigan Sugar Company. Dan has been a member of the Caro Community Schools Board for eight years and is currently its president. He is also a board trustee for the Caro Church of the Nazarene. Dan and his wife, Kathy, reside in Caro. They have three sons; Tim (28), Matt (28) and Aaron (25).
Ken Scheffler (30 years) is factory manager at the Carrollton factory. Ken has worked in the sugar industry for 35 years. He started in Chaska, Minnesota as an electrician then moved to Mason City, Iowa as master mechanic. He then worked briefly in Colorado before joining Michigan Sugar Company at Carrollton as chief engineer. Ken then accepted the Factory Manager position at Fremont, Ohio when Michigan Sugar acquired the Ohio facilities. After the Fremont factory was closed, Ken was named factory manager at the Caro factory and subsequently Carrollton. He is a member of the American Society of Sugar Beet Technologists, past president of the Zilwaukee Lions Club and a member of the Bay City Trinity Lutheran Church. Ken and his wife, Marilyn, live in Essexville. They have three children; Cory (41), Kelly (38) and Mindy (31). They also have seven grandchildren.
Greg Soule (27 years) is factory manager at the Croswell factory. Greg started his career as the chief chemist, in Croswell, and worked his way up through shift superintendent to factory manager. Before joining Michigan Sugar Company, Greg served in the U.S. Army and worked for various farmers in the area. Greg has an MA degree in business management and BS in biology from Central Michigan University. He also holds a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators License from the State of Michigan. He is very involved with the community of Croswell as a city councilman, Charter Commission member and the Tax Increment Financing Authority. Greg also enjoys serving on the Cros-Lex School Improvement and School Construction Committees and is a member of the Croswell United Methodist Church Administrative Board. Greg and his wife, Judy, live in Croswell and have two children; Gregory (21) and Carolyn (18).
Gary Hamlin (30 years) is factory manager at the Sebewaing Factory. His career in sugar began in Brawley, California, as an assistant electrician, advancing to electrician, shift superintendent, assistant maintenance manager and finally production manager. In 1999, Gary was offered and accepted the position of factory manager at the Sebewaing factory. During his career, he also assisted at sugar factories located in Moses Lake, Washington and Herford, Texas. Gary and his wife, Arnita, live just outside of Sebewaing and have two children; Erin (25) and Gary, Jr. (20).
16 P IONEER NEWSBEET Stand With the PROS! Stock for the Future of Your Farm
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2003 Crop Update continued from page 3
BeetCast and deciding how to make it available to growers throughout the beet growing area. Our 2003 sugarbeet crop got off to a great start and has progressed well through the growing season. Growers have taken extra care to maximize its potential by controlling weeds and diseases. In many ways, it is up to Mother Nature to finish the job. The 2002 crop produced record sugar production and looked hard to beat. All indications are this year’s crop could surpass last year’s record. Seedex sugarbeets never stop Late May in Don producing . . . field after field Stecker’s field and year after year. south of Sebewaing. Exceptional top end yield and high sugar content mean more profit for you!!!
To learn more about Seedex varieties contact your local Agriculturalist or the District Sales Manager for Seedex. Harold Rouget (989) 450-4594
FALL 2003 17 Early morning in a Sugarbeet Advancement Rhizoctonia test plot with Dr. Willie Kirk’s weather data equipment in the foreground.
INTRODUCTION
by Corey Guza, Chief Agronomist, Michigan Sugar Company
To improve sugar production, new ideas need to be explored that will have positive short- and long-term impacts on the sugar industry. Every year, Michigan Sugar Company, Sugarbeet Advancement, universities, and industry professionals conduct research trials that focus on improving sugarbeet production. These trials address sugarbeet growers’ needs in the Great Lakes region and provide information to the entire sugarbeet industry. This coop- erative research maximizes the amount and quality of informa- tion produced from these research trials. This cooperation is also critical for effectively conducting research and main- taining the diversity of ideas for future improvements in sugar production. The following provides an update of current research projects that are being conducted by Michigan Sugar Company, Sugarbeet Advancement, and Michigan State University researchers for the 2003 growing season.
Left: Sugarbeet research plots at the Bean and Beet Research Farm Southeast of Saginaw.
Right: Tom Rader, Seed Plant Manager, applying fungicides to Michigan Sugar research plots at the Gilford Beet Receiving Station site.
20 P IONEER NEWSBEET MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
by Jim Stewart, Manager of Evaluating the BeetCast model is another large Research, Michigan Sugar Company project this year. The purpose of the BeetCast program is to predict the best time to apply fungicides for The favorable weather this year has managing Cercospora leafspot. An accurate prediction helped establish very high quality model will improve disease control and save growers research trials that will aid in provid- money. This is a cooperative program between the ing answers to some of our produc- sugar companies, Sugarbeet Advancement and tion problems. The official variety trials look particularly Ridgetown College in Ontario. Five weather stations good this year. We are testing 42 varieties on five farms have been established in a trial area from Frankenmuth in 2003, including 17 varieties that are tolerant to to Gilford. Several large and small plot trials have Rhizomania. The main purpose of these “official vari- been established in conjunction with the weather ety trials” is to identify and introduce higher yielding, stations. Michigan Sugar Company’s research location higher quality and more disease-tolerant sugarbeet is on Richard Sylvester’s farm. Several growers in the varieties for Michigan Sugar Company growers. The tri- BeetCast area are using the model to help them als are located on Steve Hoard’s farm in Breckenridge, decide when to spray. The program can be accessed Dave Russell’s near Akron, Don Stecker’s at Unionville, on the Internet at www.michiganbeets.com by any Brent Maust’s in Bay Port and on Joel Weber’s farm at of our growers. See the BeetCast article in this issue Ruth. At each of these sites, we have also established by Dr. Ron Pitblado for more detail. plant-to-stand demonstration trials which compare the We also have trials looking at pelleted seed that was approved sugarbeet varieties side by side. All of the treated to increase the speed of emergence. These varieties are also tested for Cercospora leafspot toler- products would be similar to PAT treated seed. Another ance. There are two coded trials, one in Gilford and trial is designed to test different seed treatments which another in Sebewaing, which contain 44 varieties and may protect sugarbeet seedlings from damping off six replications. We are also testing RoundUp Ready organisms while yet another trial is looking at new and Rhizomania resistant varieties. pyrethroid insecticides applied in-furrow. In addition to variety trials, we are evaluating new Lastly, we are conducting cooperative research pesticides to stay abreast with the latest in pest con- with Steve Poindexter (SBA) and Carrie Laboski trol. Several of these trials are designed to evaluate (MSU) to determine proper nitrogen rates, timings Cercospora leafspot and Rhizoctonia root and crown and placements. Carrie has small plot trials and rot control treatments and strategies. We are testing an Steve has numerous strip trials throughout the alternate formulation of Quadris because it appears growing area. All in all, this is a very busy year for that the Quadris formulation is going to be changed. the research department.
FALL 2003 21 SUGARBEET ADVANCEMENT ON FARM RESEARCH TRIALS
Steve Poindexter, Sugarbeet Extension Agent, Michigan State University Sugarbeet Advancement established over 20 research trials throughout the growing area of Michigan. Priorities for research were established by the full Sugarbeet Advancement Committee. The committee is representative of the beet industry and is made up of 24 voting members. Trials include varieties, Rhizoctonia, BeetCast, nitrogen and starter fertilizers. Six variety trials include twelve varieties each. Four of the varieties are new for 2003, two of which are Rhizomania varieties. Two BeetCast leafspot spray trials are being conducted in Bay and Saginaw Counties. These trials are being conducted in cooperation with the Manager of Research, Jim Stewart, from Michigan Sugar Company and Lee Hubbell from Monitor Sugar Company. Fungicide applications will be applied according to the Weather Station Disease Prediction Model. Four Quadris/Rhizoctonia disease controls were established. Two of the sites are in cooperation with Dr. Willie Kirk, Michigan State University Pathologist and Doug Ruppal, Syngenta Seeds/Hilleshog. These trials include spray-timing rates and disease infection studies. Four nitrogen management trials are being conducted in cooperation with Dr. Carrie Laboski, Michigan State University Soil Fertility Specialist. Rates of nitrogen range from zero to 200 pounds per acre. Emphasis will be on maximizing recoverable sugar per acre. Several starter fertilizer trials have also been implemented. These trials include in-furrow applications at planting. Trials are being monitored for starter effects and any yield enhancement. Most of the Sugarbeet Advancement trials are established replicated/ randomized strip trials utilizing grower equipment for planting and harvest. Twenty-two grower/cooperators are participating in field trials this year.
Morning sun shinning through one of Dr. Willie Kirk’s weather data gathering stations in a Sugarbeet Advancement test plot.
22 P IONEER NEWSBEET MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SUGARBEET RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
by Karen Renner, and August in any “gaps” in their our East Lansing site and 20% at Professor, Dept. of fields, applying a residual herbicide our two grower sites. Growers and Crop and Soil POST in late May may be important. fieldmen observed a similar loss Sciences POST applications, for the most in stand at some sites where part, were very effective this year. growers left a check strip or areas We have six Standard splits and micro-rates of fields without Dual Magnum PRE. research projects worked well in our plots and in We had exceptional sugarbeet in sugarbeets this summer. We will most growers’ fields. The two weeds emergence across the state this year be harvesting most of these studies that were difficult to control again because soil crusting was minimal. this fall and will have a final report this year were common lamb- Therefore a stand loss of 20% was once the sugar samples are ana- squarters and redroot pigweed. ‘acceptable’ this year. MSU will lyzed. Thank you to all the growers DUAL MAGNUM—This was the continue to recommend not apply- that cooperated with us in our first year of Dual Magnum regis- ing Dual Magnum PPI or PRE to weed research. tration for use in sugarbeets in the avoid the risk of stand loss when WEED CONTROL IN U.S. Pre-plant incorporated (PPI) rains occur in the days between SUGARBEETS—It was cool and wet and pre-emergence (PRE) applica- beet planting and emergence. this spring. The PRE herbicides tions are on the label but are not NEW BETAMIX AND PROGRESS provided excellent weed control recommended by Michigan State FORMULATIONS—Michigan State until mid-June in our research trials. University due to the risk of stand University, Michigan Sugar Company PRE herbicides persist in the soil loss. This year, we had cool, wet and Monitor Sugar Company are and control weeds for about six to conditions following sugarbeet testing new Betamix and Progress eight weeks; therefore, if growers planting. Stand loss from Dual formulations again this year. These want weed control in June, July, Magnum PRE was over 40% at formulations are different than
Red Michigan State University flags marking test plot treatments in Lloyd Hecht’s sugarbeet field East of Saginaw.
FALL 2003 23 what we tested in previous years. 10% smaller in the Betamix micro- years for Rhizoctonia control in Isopherone is one of the ingredi- rate + MSO treatments) but the sugarbeets. ents in the current Betamix and weed control was only fair. MSU NITROGEN, WEEDS, AND Progress formulations. Isopherone- will continue to recommend MSO SUGARBEETS—This is a part of Dr. free formulations may be required with micro-rates for optimal Carrie Laboski’s project that is study- by U.S. EPA and Canada in the not weed control. ing optimum nitrogen rates and tim- too distant future; therefore, QUADRIS AND AMISTAR— ings in sugarbeets. We preplant manufacturers are developing iso- Amistar is a new formulation of broadcast and incorporated three pherone-free Betamix and Progress Quadris that is a dry formulated rates of nitrogen in mid-April, late formulations. product. We compared sugarbeet April and early May. We then plant- ADJUVANTS AND MICRO- response to Quadris and Amistar, ed (yes, planted) five different weed RATES—We compared sugarbeet when applied alone and when species to supplement the existing response and weed control fol- combined with standard splits and weed seeds in the field. We moni- lowing micro-rates of Betamix and micro-rates. We also determined: tored biweekly weed emergence Progress that were applied with 1) the time needed between her- and growth. We want to determine either MSO at 1.5%, Kinetic at bicide applications and Quadris/ if nitrogen applications change the 0.125% or Reddy-it at 0.25 and Amistar applications, and 2) emergence patterns or growth rate 0.5%. MSO provided the best weed whether we could add Dual of various weed species. We also did control, particularly of common Magnum to the Quadris/Amistar + this experiment in two farmer’s lambsquarters. The other adjuvants micro-rate application. Syngenta fields (without seeding any more were slightly less injurious to the will decide this winter whether weeds!!) to see if nitrogen influ- sugarbeets (sugarbeets were about they will market Amistar in future enced weed emergence in 2003. SOIL FERTILITY RESEARCH by Carrie A.M. we do not have enough information ability to improve N recommenda- Laboski, Ph.D., on which to base a recommended tions. All of the data obtained CPSSc Assistant amount, other than to say about 30 from these plots will be analyzed Professor and lb. N/a. As part of this study, I have based on sugarbeet yield and Extension agraduate student, Amy Guza, quality, along with potential envi- Specialist, Dept. of assessing the impact of N applica- ronmental impacts. The overall Crop and Soil tion timing on optimum N rate for goal of this project is to provide Sciences beets following corn. For example, economically and environmentally is more N required if all the N is sound N recommendations. This I have two ongoing soil fertility applied pre-plant compared to research was conducted at three research projects. The first project is side dressing? We are also evaluat- grower locations last year (John to determine the optimum nitrogen ing pre-plant and pre-side dress Spero, Matt Marzluft and Lowell (N) application rate for beets fol- nitrate soil tests for effectiveness Bebow) in addition to two plots at lowing corn compared to a soy- in fine-tuning N application rates. the Bean and Beet Research Farm bean/dry bean rotation. Generally, Additionally, the Illinois nitrogen in Saginaw. This year, I have three we know that beets following corn soil test, a newly developed test, plot locations with two growers require a little more N; however, is being evaluated to determine its (Loren Humm and Lee Butts) and
24 P IONEER NEWSBEET two plots at the Bean and Beet growing regions. The goals of this one more year of data combined Research Farm. study are to determine if P fertilizer with data from Steve Poindexter’s The second project is to deter- is needed on high P soils and if in- Sugarbeet Advancement plots in mine the need for starter fertilizer furrow starters offer a yield advan- order to make solid recommenda- on soils with high soil test phos- tage. The starter treatments that are tions regarding the practice of phorus (P) levels. This has become being compared to the control (no starter fertilizers. an important topic for growers as starter) include: N only, P only, or Funding for the N research was soil test levels on sugarbeet ground N+P in a traditional 2x2 starter fer- obtained from a USDA Special have risen to where the need for tilizer band; 2, 3, or 4 gal/a 10-34-0 Grant for sugarbeets and Sugarbeet P is minimal to none. Additionally, in-furrow; and 4.5 gal/a 6-24-6 in- Advancement. The starter fertilizer many growers are curious about furrow. This study was started this research is being funded by in-furrow starters as they have year with two locations; the Bean Sugarbeet Advancement. heard about positive results in and Beet Research Farm and Loren other crops or with beets in other Humm’s farm. I will need at least
CONCLUDING COMMENTS Corey Guza, Chief Agronomist, and government agencies throughout the United Michigan Sugar Company States and the world are exploring new ideas to The ongoing research discussed in enhance sugar production. With a wide range of this update is coordinated and con- sources of data on sugarbeet production available, ducted by Michigan Sugar Company, constant management and interpretation of informa- Sugarbeet Advancement and tion is critical when applying knowledge gained from Michigan State University, along with research to the sugar production system. researchers from private industry, other sugar compa- Intertwined through all of this research effort are nies, other universities, USDA and MDA. It is not your company Agriculturists. They are often the intended to be a comprehensive list of all sugarbeet ones who find willing cooperators, coordinate research being conducted in Michigan this year. For between cooperators and research people, help lay example, Dr. T. M. Harrigan of MSU is conducting on- out plots, collect samples and occasionally even get farm soil tillage research at a number of sites this year to assist with harvesting some of the plots. This and many other university professors, grad students article is provided to give our readers and our and assistants have research projects related to sugar- grower-owners a perspective as to how much beets. A number of private companies conduct research is being conducted, how many people are research focused on the safety and efficacy of prod- involved and how much work goes into finding ucts used for pest management in sugarbeets. Seed answers to production problems, developing new companies test new sugarbeet varieties and explore sugarbeet varieties and controlling pests in our new methods of processing seed. Many universities grower-owner’s sugarbeet crop.
Participants of this year’s Beet Sugar Development Foundation’s Beet School listen as USDA researcher Dr. Mitch McGrath talks about research into sugarbeet genetics.
FALL 2003 25 LIME: ANOTHER VALUABLE BY-PRODUCT FROM THE PRODUCTION OF SUGAR
by Keith Kalso, measurement is used to determine Most nutrients are available to Agricultural soil acidity. the greatest extent at a pH of Manager, WHY IS LIME A BY-PRODUCT 6.0 to 7.0. Croswell District OF SUGAR PRODUCTION? Lime • Application of lime is needed utilization in the sugar factory to neutralize soil acidity Besides produc- takes the form of a purification caused by many fertilizers. ing refined white agent required to process beets • Liming increases soil microbio- sugar, beet pulp and beet molasses into white sugar. This purification logical activity, which accelerates at our beet factories, lime is gen- agent is produced in the plant’s decomposition of crop residue erated which can be a valuable lime kiln by introducing limestone and releases nutrients to the component to your soils’ health with foundry coke, as a fuel, for soil. This also improves the and improve your crop yields. the burning of the limestone. This physical condition and soil Lime is used to neutralize soil pH process forms calcium oxide and structure of the soil. and condition acid soils so they carbon dioxide gas. The calcium • Sugarbeet lime application respond to proper fertilization. oxide product is used to absorb supplies calcium and nitrate Long-term research on soil health the non-sugars from the beet nitrogen, essential components in Michigan and other Midwestern juice. A mixture of lime and water for plant growth. states indicate that each dollar is metered into the clarification • Liming reduces aluminum and spent on agricultural lime, when process where it reacts with the manganese concentrations in applied according to soil tests, naturally occurring non-sugars in the soil to levels that are not returns between $5 and $10. the sugarbeet juice to form solids. harmful to crops. SOIL ACIDITY—When lime is The carbon dioxide gas (produced applied to acidic soils, it acts to from the burning process in the • Liming promotes longevity of increase soil pH thereby reducing lime kiln) is introduced to the legume stands, due to the high soil acidity. This acidity is caused process in a carbonation step that calcium requirements of these by a high concentration of hydro- precipitates out the solids (non- plants. It also increases these gen ions being held on the clay sugars). The precipitate, called plants’ capacity to fix nitrogen. and organic matter particles in the slurry, is vacuum filtered for the • Sugarbeet lime application soil. pH is the measure of the removal of any additional sugar. improves stand, root growth, degree of acidity. A pH value The remaining product, called lime and sugar content of sugarbeets. below 7.0 is acid, with 7.0 being cake, is sent via a liming system to neutral, and a value above 7.0 the lime pond for drying, storage, HOW AND WHEN TO LIME— being alkaline (non-acid). The and ultimate use as a soil additive. The equipment used for spreading hydrogen ion content of a soil BENEFITS OF LIME—Some lime should spread the material must be reduced to lower acidity. benefits of liming acidic soils (all evenly. Lime will be mixed and When lime is applied to soils, a of which have the general bene- incorporated into the soil more reaction in the soil takes place fit of improving crop yields) are evenly by using a disk or field cul- causing calcium to be released as follows: tivator before plowing. If possible, into the soil solution. The calcium the lime should be applied and replaces (or removes) hydrogen • Liming increases the availability worked into the soil the year before ions from the soil particles and of nitrogen, phosphorus, potas- the crop with high lime demands therefore causes a reduction in sium, magnesium, calcium, sul- is planted. The application time soil acidity. A simple soil pH fur, boron, and molybdenum. utilized by most growers is late
26 P IONEER NEWSBEET summer or early fall (after wheat Loading of lime is available each harvest) because there is normally day that the plant is open through Who to contact for less soil compaction caused by the intercampaign period, depend- lime loading and local handling and spreading equipment ing on weather. Lime is loaded by questions on dry late-summer soils. company employees on a no- AVAILABILITY OF LIME AT THE charge basis. Hours of loading Factory MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY are 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Department FACTORIES—The combined lime A User Agreement must be Caro production of Michigan Sugar filled out before removing any Security (989) 673-7560 Company is in excess of approxi- lime. This is an agreement created Caro mately 100,000 tons per year. by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (989) 673-3126 Continued improvements to com- Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Carrollton pany lime ponds, equipment, con- can easily be completed the day Factory (989) 752-1032 ditioning, excavation techniques, of the haul. Croswell and planning have resulted in a To custom transport the lime Security (810) 679-3740 lime product that is available on a (commercially) to farms other than daily basis and can be spread your own, a Trucking Agreement/ Croswell Agriculture (810) 679-2240 immediately to your land. Liming License must be obtained from the Michigan DEQ. Sebewaing Factory (Cindy) (989) 883-3201 Sebewaing TABLE 1 Agriculture (989) 883-3200
Nutrient properties of sugarbeet lime
Units Value Phosphorus (Olsen) lbs./ton 1.00 Potassium lbs./ton 0.36 Calcium lbs./ton 570 Magnesium lbs./ton 1.982 Nitrate Nitrogen lbs./ton 5.5
MgCO3 % 3.1 Below: Lime being applied to a local area farm field.
Physical properties of lime
Units Value Neutralizing Value % 83–89 Moisture % 10–15 pH value 8.8 Organic Matter % 8.0 CEC e/100 g 23.2
CaCO3 Equivalent lbs./cu yard 1362
The CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) equivalent compares sugarbeet lime to pure calcium carbonate. One cubic yard of sugarbeet lime will neutralize the same amount of acidity as 1,362 pounds of calcium carbonate.
FALL 2003 27 grower KOTH FARMS—A SWEET OPERATION IN THE NEWS
by Jeff Elston, Agriculturist, Sebewaing District
Clarence Koth bought a 200- acre farm six miles east of Kinde and moved his family there in 1942. He started a dairy operation, and raised cash crops with the help of his son, Merle, who started farmingin 1950. After Clarence From left to right: Don, Kelli, Geraldine and Merle. Together they are Koth Farms. retired in 1980, Merle’s son, Don, began working on the family reduce wind erosion during the In addition to farming, the Koths farm after graduating from high winter and spring. The sugarbeets are involved in their community. school in 1988. They have are planted with a John Deere Merle is an elder at St. Peter’s in farmed together ever since. vacuum planter in 30-inch rows, Kinde and is on the Board of Merle’s wife, Geraldine, and Don’s utilizing pellets from all four seed Review for Huron Township. He is wife, Kelli, handle the farm companies, planted at a 4.25-inch a former vice president of the accounting and record keeping, seed spacing. For weed control, the Farmers Cooperative in Kinde and when they are not assisting their Koths spray RoundUp before the was a delegate for the Michigan husbands by driving trucks and sugarbeets emerge and micro-rate Milk Producers Association. Merle tractors. them after emergence. This practice and Geraldine also have three From its humble beginning of allows them to cultivate only once, daughters who still reside in 200 acres, to its present day size if needed, to control weeds. With Huron County. of 2,350 acres, the farm operation the assistance of the Michigan Don is a member of the has added one full-time employee, Sugar Company Agricultural staff, Sebewaing District Board and is Duane Pleiness, to help with the sugarbeet yields have increased the Board’s representative for the daily workload. The Koths started for the Koths during the last 4-H and FFA participants involved growing sugarbeets in 1995 and several years. in the sugarbeet project. He is the eliminated their dairy operation in The Koths have purchased a secretary for the Kinde Farmers 1996. The farm operation currently six-row Wilrich harvester and use Cooperative and is a past financial raises sugarbeets, corn, wheat, dry a six-row Alloway to defoliate the and recording secretary for St. beans, and soybeans in a four- to sugarbeets. The beet defoliator is Peter’s, a position he has relin- five-year rotation. They now finish Geraldine’s during harvest, as she quished to his wife Kelli. Don said 7,500 hogs per year on the farm does the majority of the topping. he enjoys working with the 4-H and and assist East Huron Enterprise They haul their sugarbeet crop to FFA sugarbeet project participants with their hog farrowing operation. the Meade receiving station in the and hopes to continue in this The Koths plant most of their Sebewaing District or the Verona capacity. “We need to continue beets on wheat stubble after hog receiving station in the Croswell the 4-H/FFA program to keep our manure has been applied the fall District, depending on field location. children interested and educated before. The rest of their sugarbeet This is the only time of year the in raising sugarbeets. If we don’t, crop follows corn. Everything is family hires part-time help for who will be around to own our chisel-plowed in the fall to help the farm. factories in another 20 years?”
28 P IONEER NEWSBEET grower WHERE THE FAIR WINDS BLOW AND IN THE NEWS THE SUGAR BEETS GROW
By Wayne Martin, Fairwind Farms Agriculturist, operates 3,000 acres Croswell District, of land in Lambton Ontario County. It employs eight full-time and At the southern three to five seasonal tip of Lake Huron employees. The is the city of Sarnia (Ontario, farm’s crop line-up Canada). On the eastern edge of and field rotation the city is the base of operations for consist of corn, Fairwind Farms and home to Mark soybeans, wheat and Anne-Marie Lumley. A mixed and sugarbeets. The farm operation, Fairwind Farms got operation houses From left to right: Anne-Marie holding Ryan, Mark, Olivia, Judy, Reg and Jaden Lumley. its name from the “fair winds” that 375 sows for farrow influence the area. This farm is to feeder pig, with complete with a dog, cats, pigs some finishing. Mark has been Michigan Sugar Company’s shares (including Rosie, the potbelly pig), successful incorporating his crops are tied to acres, with the right and goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, into niche markets and services obligation to produce product. rabbits, swans, geese and ducks. with all of the sectors of his oper- PPP focuses primarily on quality Reminds me of a tune I once heard, ation. Corn and wheat are for feed cut meats for niche markets, par- less the cow and some chickens. and bedding, respectively. ticularly in Japan. Mark and Anne-Marie Lumley Fairwind Farms is in the Select Fairwind Farms is also a share- have three children; Olivia (7), Grower Program with Pioneer for holder in Lambton Beet Harvesting Jaden (5) and Ryan (born June which it produces Round-Up Inc., founded in 1998. Lambton 2003). Mark plays the woodwinds Ready soybean seed. The opera- Beet is a group of sugarbeet for the band at his church, River tion produces sugarbeets and growers that pioneered the reali- City Vineyard, and for the commu- hogs for companies in which it sation of field-cleaned beets for nity theatre. He also plays saxo- enjoys ownership. direct shipment to the processor. phone in a blues band. The operation is also in the This company has evolved from In 1992, Mark graduated from business of custom planting, modified beet carts, to modified the University of Western Ontario spraying and harvesting for other potato stackers, to its present-day and Fairwind Farms was estab- local farmers. There are two trucks technology, the German-made lished as an ownership transition on the road, year round, hauling Euro Maus that cleans and loads vehicle. Mark earned Bachelor grain, beets and beet pulp. Fairwind field-piled beets. Lambton Beet Degrees in Music and in Education. Farms is often one of its own best will handle 55 to 60 thousand After graduating from university, customers due to its vertical inte- tons of sugarbeets for processing Mark taught high school for seven gration and by affiliation to sectors at Michigan Sugar Company’s years, until the year 2000, when within its own enterprise. Croswell facility. he left teaching to assume the Fairwind Farms is also a member Mark’s philosophy for the farm responsibility of managing Fairwind of the Progressive Pork Producers business is large volume, low Farms. This event marked the mid- (PPP), a new generation co-op mark-up, keep it simple. Vertically point of the transition of ownership founded in 1996. PPP bought a integrate and diversify within the of the farm business from Reginald packing plant in Kitchener, Ontario, realm of your expertise. and Judy Lumley to Mark and in 2002. Its shares are tied to hook Anne-Marie Lumley. space much in the same way as
FALL 2003 29 4-H PARTICIPANTS ENJOY A DAY OF BASEBALL
Members of the 2003 Michigan Sugar Company 4-H and FFA Sugarbeet Program attended an afternoon baseball game in Lansing on July 23. The event was held at the beautiful Oldsmobile Park in downtown Lansing. The Lansing Lugnuts (a farm team of the Chicago Cubs) played the Fort Wayne Wizards in an exciting game that went down to the bottom of the ninth inning. The Lugnuts scored two runs in the ninth inning to earn a 3-2 victory. There were 163 project participants, leaders and family members in attendance. A fabulous cookout was held at the Tailgate Terrace behind the right field fence before the game started. The event was great fun and enjoyed by all.
Above right: A group of students, family members and adults from the Caro and Carrollton areas stop for a picture before heading into the stadium.
Below right: The students, family members and adults from the Croswell area saw this as a good spot to have their picture taken also.
MICHIGAN SUGAR TEAMS UP WITH WNEM TV5
Michigan Sugar Co. is sponsoring several segments of the WNEM TV5 Weather Garden this year. At far left, Chief Meteorologist Darrin Bradley interviews Charlie Bauer of Laracha farms in their field north of Frankenmuth. Charlie is explaining different sugarbeet seed treatments to Darrin’s audience. At left, Darrin interviews John Spero in his field south of Saginaw as John talks about some of the diseases that may harm a growing sugarbeet crop.
30 P IONEER NEWSBEET MICHIGAN SUGAR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
ALBERT FLEGENHEIMER PHIL BRIMHALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Michigan Sugar Company recently The Phil Brimhall Memorial awarded the Albert Flegenheimer Scholarship has been awarded to Memorial Scholarship to Andrew Sara Stecker, daughter of Donald Volmering, son of Daniel and and Nancy Stecker of Sebewaing, Ladonna Volmering, of Ruth, Michigan. This is the third year this Michigan. The $2,500 scholarship is $1,000 scholarship has been given presented annually in recognition to a high school senior. Sara of academic excellence and com- Stecker has achieved a 3.8 grade munity involvement. Andrew Volmering graduated point average while being an active member of the from Harbor Beach High School where he achieved a FFA. She has been a 4-H sugarbeet project Prestige 3.98 grade point average. Andy was Vice President and winner for four years. Sara will be attending two Representative of the Student Council, a member of years at Delta College and then transfer to Michigan FFA Parli-Pro Team, the FFA Ag Mechanics Team, State University in the field of Horticulture/ National Honor Society, 4-H member and Teen Leader Floriculture. and has been a 4-H Sugarbeet Project Prestige Winner The Phil Brimhall Memorial Scholarship was for four years. He will be attending Michigan initiated by Delores Brimhall through Michigan Technological University to work towards a Bachelor’s Sugar Company in memory of her late husband. degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Phil was the Chief Agronomist for Michigan Sugar Business Management. His goal is to be able to design Company for 33 years. equipment for the military or the agricultural industry. The Albert Flegenheimer Memorial Scholarship has been committed to providing financial assistance to CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MICHIGAN SUGAR high school seniors in the Michigan sugarbeet growing area since 1979. The scholarship is given in COMPANY AGRICULTURAL OFFICE FOR memory of Albert Flegenheimer, chairman of Michigan SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION. Sugar Company from 1963–1970.
THE 2003 MICHIGAN SUGAR QUEEN BEGINS HER REIGN
The 2003 Michigan Sugar Queen is 19-year-old Jackie Ann Puvalowski of Ruth, MI. Crowned at the Michigan Sugar Festival in Sebewaing on June 20, Puvalowski has a busy year ahead of her. She will represent the sugarbeet industry as she visits with public officials, food industry leaders and the general public. Her schedule includes many official appearances during the year, often riding on the Pioneer Sugar float in over 20 parades throughout Michigan. Jackie, the daughter of Claude and Denise Puvalowski of Ruth, Michigan, is currently pursuing a degree in medical technology at Michigan State University. Michigan Sugar Company solely sponsors the Michigan Sugar Queen compe- tition. As the sponsors, the company and grower-owners provide the queen with a $2,000 scholarship for use at the university of her choice. The first runner-up, Left to right: Stacey Helewski, Stacey Helewski of Bad Axe, is awarded a $1,000 scholarship and a $750 Jackie Ann Puvalowski, and Emily Ellison. scholarship is given to the second runner-up, Emily Ellison of Reese.
FALL 2003 31 CO-OP FINANCIALS AN UNDERSTANDING
Denis and Statement of Operations, as cash within one year’s time. Cash, Boissonneault, well as any other pertinent infor- accounts receivable, pre-paid Chief Financial mation regarding the financial expenses and advance payments Officer condition of the company. are examples of current assets BALANCE SHEET—The Balance typically found on a cooperative As our company Sheet serves many functions. It balance sheet. continues to grow, summarizes what the company Non-Current Assets are items it is helpful that owns and what it owes, outlines that cannot be converted into we all have a basic understanding the financial position of the com- cash within one year’s time. A of the financial reporting of our pany at a specific point in time common example of non-current organization. This article will dis- and identifies what portion of the assets is investments in sub- cuss some basic principles dealing company’s assets are owned by the sidiaries or other cooperatives. with our financial reporting… patrons and what is owned by Fixed Assets include buildings, The Audit creditors. facilities, land, vehicles and equip- Balance Sheet ment. They are shown on the bal- Statement of Operations ance sheet at their book value. THE AUDIT—Michigan Sugar “Each organization can Book value is calculated by taking Company’s bylaws require that we the original purchase cost of an have an annual audit. An audit is a and should outline the asset and subtracting accumulated comprehensive review of financial depreciation. statements conducted by an inde- specific financial state- The Liabilities section of the bal- pendent auditor. During this review, ments that best fit its ance sheet outlines amounts owed the auditor verifies whether stan- to outside parties. It is typically dard accounting procedures have control and decision divided into two parts. been consistently followed. Upon Current Liabilities represent completion of the audit, the auditor making needs.” amounts owed and payable within issues a statement indicating their 12 months. Examples of current belief that the financial statements liabilities include accounts payable, are fairly stated and accurate. Everything an organization owns accrued expenses, the cash portion An independent audit, conducted must be financed through owner of patronage refunds and the by an outside auditor and contain- equity or debt. For this reason, current portion of long-term debt. ing an unqualified report, is a key assets must equal liabilities, plus Non-Current Liabilities (also tool a board of directors utilizes to owner equity. A balance sheet, in know as Long-Term Liabilities) help them effectively oversee their order to be accurate, must literally are amounts owed and payable in cooperative. The Rehmann Group “balance.” more than one year. The most in Saginaw currently conducts our The Balance Sheet is made up common example of a long-term audit. of assets, liabilities and equities. liability is long-term debt. Each organization can and Assets are the things the organi- The Patrons’ Equities section of should outline the specific financial zation owns. Assets are usually the balance sheet lists the amounts statements that best fit its control organized in three categories: of ownership members have in the and decision making needs. While Current Assets, Non-Current cooperative. This section is some- audit reports for different types of Assets and Fixed Assets. times referred to as Owners’ Equity. cooperatives contain different Current Assets are items that Equity in a cooperative is made types of statements, all audits are can generally be sold, collected or up of stock, common and pre- required to have a Balance Sheet in some other way converted to ferred, and capital reserves.
32 P IONEER NEWSBEET Stocks include both stock pur- and insurance. Management con- dition of the company, may decide chased to become members of a tinuously monitors these expenses to retain all or a portion of this cooperative (common) and stock to be sure they are minimized and amount from time to time. It also purchased giving the owner the used efficiently. may be fully or partially distributed right and obligation to deliver one The third element of the basic to the patrons of the cooperative, acre of beets per share (preferred). business equation is Expenses. at the end of the year or at some Capital reserves, commonly Expenses may be influenced by a time in the future. referred to as patronage or number of factors. Such influ- In a future edition, we will dis- retainage, are amounts set aside ences include, wages, profession- cuss patronage, unit retainage and from past profits to enhance the al fees, regulatory expenses, revolving equity. The use of these cooperative’s working capital. costs of distribution, marketing concepts are very powerful tools Without capital reserves, any and advertising, to name a few. available to cooperatives. These operating losses would be taken Others would include the cost of tools assist with increasing the out of members’ stock values. repairs, depreciation on existing financial stability of the co-op. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS— assets, insurance and interest on The business structure of a The Statement of Operations short-term and long-term debt. cooperative is very unique. performs many functions. It matches The final piece of the basic Discussing some of these unique the sales recorded for the coopera- business equation is Net Earnings. organizational principles will help tive with the costs necessary to pro- Net Earnings is basically the our shareholders better under- duce and operate the business over amount that is left after all sales, stand the financial stability of our a given period of time. It summa- with the appropriate cost of sales, company, both now and in the rizes the net earnings or losses of and all expenses are recorded. future. the company and is often consid- The company, to increase its equity ered a “report card” for the orga- and strengthen the financial con- nization’s operating performance. The basic business equation in the statement of operations is: Sales – Cost of Sales – Expenses = Net Earnings Sales in our cooperative are recorded as a result of the ship- ments of refined sugar and by- products. There are several external factors that can influence sales. The economy, competition, gov- ernment programs and certainly the weather/crop conditions are all factors in which the coopera- tive’s management has limited control. Many of the factors that influence sales can also affect Cost of Sales. For info. re. Nov. fall field demo in Michigan Internal factors can also influence and info. on the euro-Tiger and euro-Maus, check the ROPA North American web site. the cost of sales. Examples of these costs may be energy, labor, benefits
FALL 2003 33 community A “SWEET” PLACE TO LIVE WINDOW
by Dick Leach, Director of Sugar Company the opportunity to show off their Community and Government float, the sugar queen and her court. The queen’s Relations float carries a large Pioneer Sugar bag with our logo that is seen by thousands of people. We don’t usually deliver and set up This year’s Sebewaing Sugar Festival was a special displays at a community event where event. In addition to the crowning of the new Sugar company personnel will not be pre- Queen and her court, and it being the 39th Annual sent; however, we did for Katie Jackson of Cass City. Sugar Festival, Sebewaing Township celebrated its She wanted a sugar display in the Municipal Building 150th anniversary. On Sunday morning of the festival, for the Cass City Open House at the end of May. they have a community worship service. The speaker Katie is a delightful person, in love with her commu- this year was Wally Bronner from Frankenmuth, nity and dedicated to making it a great place to live. owner of the largest Christmas store in America. Wally Every community that I know of has people dedicat- asked me for some information about sugarbeets in ed to make their community a special place to live. the Thumb. After the festival, he sent me a copy of As I drove back to Saginaw that beautiful morning the outline he used for his presentation and thanked I couldn’t help thinking about the privilege of being me for the information about sugarbeets. He said he part of this area of God’s earth. I have had the good used about 1/1000th of the information that I sent fortune of traveling all over this world, but I have him. Well, maybe I overdid it a little, but I like to tell not found a better place to live and work than the people about sugarbeets. sugarbeet growing areas of Michigan, Ohio, and Isn’t it great that our world is made up of so many Ontario. From the sugarbeet fields in Ohio to the people who are in love with their community and tip of the Thumb and from Dover Centre, Ontario, are willing to make it a better place to live? If you to Greenville, Michigan, the people are the best. want to get to know really great people, don’t go to It seems like every community has a homecoming the newspaper or the television, just look around or festival event and most counties have a fair. What you—maybe look in the mirror. a great way to visit with neighbors and feel part of Have a great fall! the local community. These events give Michigan
Michigan Sugar Company’s float at the Tulip Festival Parade earlier this summer in Holland, Michigan.
34 P IONEER NEWSBEET Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about growing sugarbeets, now you have to know the other side of the business, too.
t used to be that when harvest was over you was the backbone of the American dream. That could breathe a long sigh of relief. The sound dream continues today — with you at the root of Iof that last truck making its way back from the its success. final haul was pure music. Not anymore. Not if you’re part of the new majority — an owner in How do you make it in your new role? a sugar cooperative. The choice of growing sugarbeets has evolved into While the end of harvest does signal well- the responsibility of getting the sugar to its final des- deserved accolades, there’s more to tackle. Sugar tination. And it all begins with the right seed. You marketing. Employee relations. Inter-campaign need varieties that are bred just for your field. The cli- maintenance. Loan payments. Grower retains. mate. The diseases.The insects. Hilleshög breeds vari- eties to withstand even the toughest conditions. So while Reclaiming control. you’re learning everything else there is to know about sugar- Taking charge of your future is one very tough, very beets, you can count on Hilleshög for everything there is to smart, incredibly brave decision. But everyone banding know about sugarbeet seed. together for the greater good of all isn’t that new of an idea. Neighbors working hand-in-hand to thrive in the new land Growing your success. That’s Hilleshög.
1020 Sugarmill Road • Longmont, Colorado 80501 • (303) 776-1802 • Fax: (303) 776-0392 • www.hilleshog-us.com Quality Pioneer Sugar products are brought to you by the grower-owners of Michigan Sugar Company and its employees. Locally grown. Locally owned.
PIONEER NEWSBEET PRSRT STD Fall 2003 US POSTAGE Michigan Sugar Company PAID LANSING, MI P.O. Box 107 PERMIT #75 Caro, MI 48723
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