Fall 2004 Root of the BUSINESS

Fall 2004 root of the BUSINESS

By Mark Flegenheimer, President and CEO

As I write this “Root of the I look forward to integrating these two entities Business” article the sugar industry into one of the premier sugar cooperatives in in Michigan is on the verge of America. Michigan’s fertile soils, normally abundant embarking on one of the most rainfall and geographic proximity to our customers important events in its 100+ year history. If the gives us a solid foundation upon which to build the acquisition/merger of Monitor Sugar is completed, cooperative. In an industry where volume and as scheduled, all sugar grown and processed in throughput are crucial, the combining of these two Michigan will be owned by the growers; thus giving companies provides the critical mass needed to the producers control over the destiny of this valuable survive in an ever-increasingly competitive industry. crop. The combining of Michigan Sugar Company The Board of Directors of both Michigan Sugar and Monitor Sugar Company will create the third Company and the Monitor Sugar Beet Growers largest beet sugar company in the U.S. which Association should be commended for their foresight positions us to compete and prosper for another and diligence in pursuing this acquisition. Have a 100 years. safe harvest.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Root of the Business ...... 2 Financial Ratios ...... 20 2004 Crop Update ...... 3 Summer 2004 Factory Repair ...... 22 The Washington Scene ...... 4 Ethanol and Michigan Sugar Co...... 24 BeetCast ...... 6 Grower in the News: Calvin Rhoades ...... 26 Research Update ...... 8 Grower in the News: Vader Farms ...... 28 2004 Sugarbeet Advancement 4H & FFA Summer Educational Tours ...... 29 Research Trials ...... 10 Carrollton District 4H Field Day ...... 30 Cover Story—Harvesting for Quality ...... 14 4H Sugarbeet Project and Scholarships . . . . 31 Harvest Preparation: Defoliators ...... 16 2004 Michigan Sugar Queen ...... 32 Computerization of Grower Deliveries . . . . . 18 Community Window ...... 34

ABOUT THE COVER 2003 sugarbeet harvest on the Vader farm in Tuscola County. See related article “Grower in the News: Vader Farms” on Page 28. Photo contributed by Doug Vader.

2 PIONEER NEWSBEET 2004 LOOKING GOOD CROP UPDATE GOING INTO HARVEST

by Robert Braem, Vice President of Agriculture

Each spring brings new enthusiasm temperature, leaf wetness and, later in the year, rainfall. for another crop and hopes for a The data is collected for 24 hours, then transmitted bountiful harvest. Dry soil conditions through radio relay and phone lines to OWN for in April allowed growers into their interpretation. Results are then available on the web fields early again in 2004. The majority of our at www.michiganbeets.com. 111,000 acres were planted by May 1st into very good Growers first used BeetCast this spring to time soil conditions. Wet, cool weather soon followed, micro-rate post-spray applications. Weed growth is slowing farming activities during most of the month. dependent upon growing degree days (GDD) so Slower emergence and challenging weather conditions growers watch the accumulation of GDDs to time resulted in a lower plant population compared to the interval between spray applications. By using this previous years. Some areas were hurt by excessive rain technology, growers have controlled weeds effectively and, on several occasions, most areas experienced without injuring the sugarbeet crop. high winds. Remarkably, replanted acres only totaled The main purpose of BeetCast is to predict the 5,200 and abandonment was less than 900 acres. onset of Cercospora leafspot and aid growers in Better growing conditions in June stimulated sugar- determining when to spray fungicides. Most growers beet growth and most fields had filled in the rows by spray first when the model accumulates 55 disease late June or early July. As with every crop, rainfall late severity values (DSVs) and then spray again at 110 in the year will be needed to achieve high tonnage. to 130 DSVs. Research has shown, getting the first In 2004, BeetCast was available to growers in the application on early provides the best control of majority of our growing areas. BeetCast is a weather Cercospora, leading to higher quality and tonnage. monitoring system and Cercospora leafspot model Now that we have BeetCast, we are able to document operated by the Ontario Weather Network (OWN). the wide range in climate experienced across our Remote weather stations located in beet fields monitor growing region. Documenting these climate differences resulted in some growers spraying later than P I ONEER NEWSBEET others, depending on where their farms were located. FALL 2004 • VOLUME 18, NO. 2 Research and more experience with the system will NEWSBEET TECHNICAL ADVISORS: allow us to fine-tune leafspot spray recommendations Managing Editor: Robert Braem, Vice President—Agriculture in the future. Michigan Sugar has established plots and Editor: Corey Guza, Chief Agronomist comparisons around the territory to look at spray Co-Editor: William Gough, Factory Manager—Caro Assistant Editor: Julie Perry, Executive Assistant—Administration timings. Results from these tests will help growers Advertising: Sherri Adams, Executive Assistant—Agriculture improve quality and increase their ability to use PIONEER NEWSBEET PUBLISHED BY fungicides more efficiently. MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY As the crop grows into late summer, we are Agricultural Office, P.O. Box 107, Caro, MI 48723 optimistic for a good harvest. Early pre-harvest samples COMMUNICATIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: averaged nearly 13 tons per acre and very close to Editor, Pioneer Newsbeet, P.O. Box 107, Caro, MI 48723 our three year average. Our final pre-harvest sample Email: [email protected] averaged over 21 tons per acre, which is well above PIONEER NEWSBEET is published by Michigan Sugar Company, Saginaw, Michigan. It is prepared for grower members of Michigan Sugar Company, from information recent averages. Some fields are beginning to lighten obtained from sources which the Company believes to be reliable. However, in color while still increasing in size. All the efforts the Company cannot guarantee or assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or be responsible for the results obtained. Mention or and innovations put into this crop by growers will illustrations of a special technique, specific equipment or products does not soon bear “roots” in a safe and successful harvest. constitute endorsement by the Company. Reprinting or quoting articles appearing in Pioneer Newsbeet is granted with the exception of those items credited to outside sources.

FALL 2004 3

THE WASHINGTON SCENE

By Dick Leach, What this means is that the This lower production will allow Director of coalition of labor, textiles, and the Co-op to reduce the amount Community and sugar have enough House votes of sugar being held over. Government to defeat CAFTA. Things in On July 16, the USDA announced Relations Washington can change quickly that marketing allotments would and the President has the power be in place for the 2004/2005 What a great to give away bridges, roads, and marketing year (2004 crop). The time of year! Summer is over and even congressional committee USDA also announced an OAQ the sugarbeet crop is showing assignments, in exchange for a (overall allotment quantity) for signs of maturity. Growers are much needed yes vote. CAFTA 2004/2005 of 8.1 million short planning their fall work schedules may come up in a “lame-duck” tons. The market was expecting and machinery is being made session of Congress after the an OAQ significantly smaller (7.5 ready for hard work. It is also a November election if President million on the low side; 8 million time when the August Primary is Bush can get the votes. If not, he on the high side) because of below long gone and those nominated will try it with the new Congress forfeiture pricing and oversupply are busy trying to convince us in 2005. If President Bush cannot under the current OAQ of 8.2 that they can do a good job, if get the votes, then he will need to million and an uncertain demand elected. Primaries are a very renegotiate the agreement with trend. U.S. raw cane and refined important part of our election the CAFTA countries. beet sugar market prices are already process because it gives each I have said this before, and I still deep within CCC sugar loan for- political party the opportunity to believe, that the sugar industry is feiture ranges and an OAQ this nominate one candidate for each the best organized commodity in unexpectedly large for next year office. Our election system ensures the United States. Every sugar will depress market prices further that each candidate elected must producing state has people working and increase the threat of sugar receive over 50 percent of the to defeat CAFTA. Our efforts are loan forfeitures this year and votes for that office. coordinated by an issues manage- next. The sugar industry has hand The November 2nd General ment group in Washington, D.C. delivered a letter to Agriculture Election is important to the sugar To view some of their work, visit Secretary, Ann Veneman, expressing industry because the new 109th www.americansforfairtrade.org. great dismay for the announced Congress will be elected. The 109th The grower-owners of Michigan 8.1 million OAQ, and asking her Congress will not vote on the next Sugar Company purchased the to withhold a large portion from Farm Bill due to be passed by the right (and obligation) to grow allocation until the 2004/2005 end of 2007; however, it will play 125,000 acres of sugarbeets. This market conditions are known. a part in its development. The acreage can be increased or Whether it is trade agreements, new Congress could vote for or decreased by the Board as deemed management of the sugar program against many trade agreements, necessary each year. The 2003 by the USDA, or various other depending on who is elected as crop produced a record amount of activities, there is no time for our our next president. sugar (6.8 million cwt.) and an industry to relax its activities in President Bush said that he allotment to sell approximately Washington, D.C. We have very would not submit CAFTA (Central 5.3 million cwt.; thus, we are capable people in our nation’s American Free Trade Agreement) forced to store sugar to be sold capitol that will successfully guide to Congress until after the presi- in the next marketing year. The us through these difficult times. dential election, stating that Board of Directors reduced the Congressional approval was unlikely acreage of the 2004 crop and we before the November vote. expect to harvest 111,000 acres.

4 PIONEER NEWSBEET Introducing

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This information does not constitute an offer to buy nor a Service Agronomist solicitation to sell. The products offered (1) are not FDIC insured, (2) are not deposits or other obligations of a bank Great Lakes Area or guaranteed by a bank and (3) involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. Rob Gerstenberger Alerus Securities is a member of NASD and SIPC. 810-404-3353

BEETCAST: A NEW APPROACH TO PEST MANAGEMENT

By Corey Guza, the relationship between weather Chief Agronomist and leafspot development easier to understand, the BeetCast model The Michigan converts temperature and leaf Sugar Company wetness data to a disease severity grower board value (DSV). A DSV can range approved the from “0” to “4” per day. A “0” implementation of BeetCast for indicates conditions were not the 2004 through 2006 growing favorable for disease development seasons. BeetCast consists of and a “4” indicates conditions were over 40 weather stations spread optimal for the disease. Initial throughout the sugarbeet growing research in Michigan demonstrates region and a team of weather that applying fungicides when 55 specialists and pathologists from DSVs accumulate is the most Ontario, Canada. Weather data, economical application interval. particularly temperature, leaf In the previous two growing wetness, and rainfall are collected seasons, BeetCast was only avail- at each of the stations. This data is able in Ontario, Canada, and on a then transmitted back to Ontario for trial basis in Michigan. Research statistical analysis and interpretation. over the two years, indicated a high The information is then posted to potential for increasing economic the website www.michiganbeets. return from using BeetCast to help com. Growers and consultants can manage Cercospora leafspot. then use the information to man- Growers can increase their return age weeds and the foliar disease, per acre in two ways. Either Cercospora leafspot. increased sugarbeet yield from Changes in environmental improved leafspot management, conditions can be used to predict or saving the cost of a fungicide plant growth rate and disease application and attaining adequate development. Sugarbeet and weed leafspot control. growth rates are closely linked to The Ontario Weather Network of air temperature. Air temperature Ridgetown College, University of data expressed as growing degree Guelph, designs, repairs and days or GDDs can then be used to maintains the BeetCast website time herbicide applications to and the weather stations in maximize weed control while Ontario and Michigan. The cigar- minimizing sugarbeet injury. shaped leaf wetness sensor that Diseases can negatively impact sets the weather stations apart plants prior to the appearance of from others is an important factor visual injury symptoms. That is in calculating a DSV. This sensor one reason to spray for Cercospora has also caught the attention of leafspot prior to seeing “spots.” sugarbeet professionals in some Cercospora leafspot development of the western states. Fields for can by predicted using air temper- the weather stations were selected ature and leaf wetness. To make by the Michigan Sugar Company

PIONEER NEWSBEET agricultural staff to represent the different weather patterns in the sugarbeet growing region. Along with the weather equipment, each of the weather stations has radio equipment that allows the Ontario Weather Network to attain weather data as quickly and accurately as possible from each of the sites. Ian Nichols, the Ontario Weather Network business manager, describes the process of collecting weather data and posting a DSV on the website. “We start checking the data after the weather stations have reported in at 11:00 AM. If leaves are wet, we keep checking the stations. After 2:00 PM, if the Facing page—Top: Ontario Weather Network’s patented leaf wetness sensor. Middle: leaves are still wet we create a Rain collection bucket for precipitation data. Bottom: Moisture on a sugarbeet leaf. cutoff for the day and calculate Above: Maps showing GDDs and DSVs for a day from the BeetCast website, illustrating DSVs. Even if the leaves in your the variability in weather conditions throughout the sugarbeet growing region. field are not wet, we can’t produce the map until all areas are Many growers enjoyed using is difficult to decide when to spray dry for the day. We also do some BeetCast to help make weed and and BeetCast helps with that manual checks to make sure the leafspot management decisions. decision.” devices are not sending errors— Allan Sherwood, from the There will be many opportunities just part of the procedure. As Carrollton district, used BeetCast to expand BeetCast and use the automated as all the internet stuff to help schedule both herbicide information collected by the weather looks from the outside, there is a and fungicide applications. “I follow stations in the future. The Michigan lot of checking going on in the BeetCast closely when making the Sugar Company agricultural staff background.” decision to spray,” says Allan. “We will use the detailed weather Overall, the BeetCast system have a lot of acres to manage and data to make more accurate has worked well in 2004. The BeetCast helps.” Brian Karg and management decisions about the Ontario Weather Network team has Brian Learman, both from the sugarbeet crop. Mark Seamon, worked hard to post information Croswell district, have followed Michigan State University quickly and maintain the weather BeetCast closely this season. “I tried Agricultural Agent in Saginaw stations. They also added rain to time my herbicide applications County, is exploring the idea of buckets at no cost to each of the by following BeetCast. Although it using BeetCast to try to predict stations. Growers who have volun- was difficult to spray on time due disease development in other teered to have stations on their to challenging weather conditions, crops. He said, “The data collected farms have done a great job of it was helpful to have BeetCast as by the weather stations could be ensuring the sensors were placed a guide,” said Karg. Brian Learman used to assess the risk of scab properly and not damaged during stated, “I sprayed for leafspot development in wheat.” field work. every 55 DSVs using BeetCast. It

FALL 2004 7 MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY: RESEARCH UPDATE

By Jim Stewart, Time management and proper rot and “fine tune” nutrient recom- Michigan Sugar timing of pest management and mendations. Finding a new Betamix Company, fertility applications are critical for formulation is a high priority, Manager of maximizing sugarbeet yield and especially for our Ontario growers. Research. quality. Proper timing will help In-furrow fertilizers, new pest manage pests more effectively management products and testing A progressive and efficiently as well as ensuring new sugarbeet varieties continue and continuing research effort is nutrients will be available for to be interesting and important important to answer questions for sugarbeet growth and development. research topics. sugarbeet producers now and in While difficult weather can ruin We are evaluating 35 varieties the future. The Michigan Sugar the best made plans, planning in our Official Variety Trials (OVT) Company agricultural staff works tools and decision aids can help at six locations this year. These are hard to integrate information from growers make decisions quickly located on the Beet and Bean many different sources as well as and accurately. Tools such as Research Farm, Corey Guza’s farm conducting a progressive grower BeetCast, can help growers plan near Fairgrove, Kundinger’s farm targeted research program. In 2004, when to manage pests, saving near Bach, Brent Maust’s farm many of the same problems that time to complete the many other near Bayport, Stoutenburg’s farm growers have faced in the past important tasks on the farm. near Sandusky and on Joel Weber’s continue to be problems and Michigan Sugar Company farm near Ruth. Nineteen varieties most likely will be in the future. research in 2004 is focused on are the result of selective breeding These problems include weeds, using BeetCast as a weed and for tolerance to Rhizomania. disease and fertility. While these Cercospora leafspot management The main purpose of OVT is to basic issues continue to be trou- decision tool. Along with BeetCast identify and approve for planting blesome for growers, the approach research, we are working with higher yielding, higher quality and and methods for solving these Sugarbeet Advancement to improve more disease tolerant sugarbeet problems are new and innovative. management of Rhizoctonia crown varieties for Michigan Sugar

MSU Research plots, 2004.

MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY OFFERS

Company growers. All varieties Headline, Gem, Eminent, Topsin, are tested for Cercospora Super Tin and Amistar. Other LIME leafspot resistance and many trials are investigating the safety FOR AGRICULTURAL USE others are being evaluated for of mixing the fungicides with Rhizomania, Rhizoctonia, herbicides, nutritional sprays, Aphanomyces and Root Aphid insecticides and crop oils. We have calcitic lime available right now, tolerance. We are also evaluating Amistar and it can be yours! Excessive rain this spring for control of Rhizoctonia root Lime is great for agricultural soils because: caused us numerous problems and crown rot. Several strip tri- • It neutralizes acidic soils, increasing soil pH and weed control has been a als are being conducted with challenge. However, the trials Amistar comparing application • Increases microbiological activity; accelerating decomposition survived the wet spring in good timings and evaluating reduced of crop residue condition and should provide Amistar rates. Some of this work • Improves legume growth us with valuable information. is a joint project between • Improves stand, root growth, and sugar content of sugarbeets The BeetCast Cercospora Michigan Sugar Company and spray system is being instituted Michigan State University. Give your crops the extra edge to increase yield potential. by Michigan Sugar Company this A large portion of our research For more information and to arrange your pick up time, CALL your year and we are conducting an effort continues to be directed nearest Michigan Sugar Company sugar processing facility during extensive research and monitor- toward weed control. Several new business hours.* Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ing program to evaluate its issues are facing us including We’ll even load it for you! accuracy. Trials are located kochia, a new hard to control near Breckenridge, Saginaw, weed that is spreading across Caro (989) 673-7560 Croswell (810) 679-3740 Carrollton (989) 752-1032 Sebewaing (989) 883-3201 Quanicasee, Sebewaing, Ruth our growing region and the issue and Sandusky. In addition, your of isophorone in the Betamix This offer is available from your friends at Michigan Sugar Company, agriculturalists are also conducting formulation. Isophorone is a producers of Pioneer Sugar. Locally grown. Locally owned.

side-by-side strip trials comparing chemical that is on the “hit list” at * Truckers/users of lime must comply with DEQ/MI Department of Agriculture the BeetCast model to a grower’s EPA and in Canada. Our Ontario regulations. A brief outline of the applicable regulations are as follows: normal Cercospora spray program. growers face the real possibility • Truckers: the same regulations for hauling quarry lime apply. You may need to We are also continuing of having the Betamix label take steps to prevent blowing of dust from the truck. research with Eminent for revoked for 2005, because the • Users: the nutrient loading should be accounted for in your fertilizing program. The sugarbeet lime contains: Nitrogen 5.5 pounds per ton, Phosphorus 1.0 Cercospora leafspot control. formulation contains isophorone. pound per ton, Potassium 0.36 pounds per ton, Calcium 570 pounds per ton The EPA has informed us that we In Michigan, it appears that we (80% as CaCO3 or limestone, Organic content 8%, Moisture content 10%–15%, must demonstrate that Eminent have a few more years before and Micro nutrients typical background levels is necessary for controlling isophorone will be banned. We 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 Cercospora leafspot in Michigan have been conducting trials on Nutrient Utilization as approved by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture at the or we will not receive any more isophorone-free Betamix formu- following internet address: http://www.michigan.gov/mda/0,1607,7-125- Section 18 labels for Eminent. lations for several years and will 1567_1599_1605-70361--,00.html Michigan Sugar Company data continue this research until a collected in 2003 demonstrated viable isophorone-free Betamix a definite need for including formulation is identified. This is Eminent in our Cercospora a cooperative research program spray program. Similar work is involving Michigan Sugar, Bayer being done this year. and MSU. Good progress is Several other Cercospora being made. trials have been established to We are working in conjunction compare the effectiveness of with MSU to determine the best FALL 2004 MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY: RESEARCH UPDATE control measures for kocia. At this Dual and Outlook for weed control We also have trials designed to time, the infestations are small in sugarbeets. Pre, early-post and test different seed treatments and localized. We would like to be late-post applications, as well as which may protect sugarbeet able to eradicate it before it is too reduced and split rates, are being seedlings from insects and dis- widespread. The only information examined. This work is also being eases. Another trial is designed to about controlling kochia comes conducted in cooperation with compare insecticides applied at from the Red River Valley and other Dr. Sprague at MSU. planting in-furrow for control of western sugarbeet growing regions. Several other herbicide trials are soil insects such as wireworms. Several trials are in progress to being conducted including “generic” And finally, we are continuing determine the best control measures Betamix formulations from other cooperative research with Dr. in Michigan. Much of our weed suppliers, micro-rate growing degree Carrie Laboski again this year to control work is being conducted day studies, pre and pre-plant determine proper nitrogen rates, in cooperation with Dr. Christy incorporated applications of Eptam, timings and placements. Carrie is Sprague at MSU. RoNeet, Nortron plus Pyramin and leaving the University this August, We are continuing to evaluate Pyramin micro-rates. but the work in progress will be the safety and effectiveness of completed.

2004 SUGARBEET ADVANCEMENT RESEARCH TRIALS

By Steve equipment. This year’s efforts resistance and emergence. The Poindexter, have established 20+ trials for best emerging variety averaged Sugarbeet harvest. Trials include: variety, 77% emergence compared to Extension Agent, fertilizer and disease management. 44% for worst. Michigan State A brief summary of the trials and IN-FURROW FERTILIZER has University any preliminary observations are become common in our beet as follows: growing area. Our research is Each year, the Sugarbeet VARIETY testing has become looking at the effect of three to Advancement committee establishes one of the mainstays of SBA five gallons of in-furrow fertilizer the research agenda for the efforts. On-farm testing allows on emergence, plant vigor, and Sugarbeet Advancement efforts. growers to have a first look at yield. If we can achieve more leaf This agenda is based upon current new, approved varieties, how they area sooner, more sunlight can be production problems and/or react, and yield under grower collected and more sugar produced. concerns. The goal is, find practical management and disease situa- Under our high phosphorus soil solutions that will increase produc- tions. Choosing the right variety is conditions, we have seen little tivity and profitability. Most trials the foundation for successful beet visual effect of in-furrow fertilizer are established in grower’s fields production. Five variety trials with applications. We have noted in using the grower’s equipment. 11 varieties each were established. some trials an improvement in These trials are replicated and Preliminary observation is showing early season growth with 30 to harvested with commercial a significant difference in Rhizoctonia 40 pounds of nitrogen placed in a

10 PIONEER NEWSBEET two-by-two band. Three in-furrow The fungicide Amistar can be at applying fungicides later in trials were established in 2004. quite effective for managing the season and/or one more NITROGEN management is still Rhizoctonia. Research this year application than the grower nor- the largest, single, controllable includes four trials examining crop mally would apply. Trials will be factor for improving quality of rotation, variety tolerance, and harvested and analyzed for sugarbeets. We have established Amistar rates and timings. improved quality. five trials with different rates of Developing the most profitable FOLIAR FEEDING NUTRIENTS side-dressed nitrogen. Our goal is system for Rhizoctonia control is has become more popular in hopes to optimize yield and quality the goal of this research. Visual of maximizing yields. One foliar through proper nitrogen manage- differences were seen very early feed trial has been established to ment. Currently, visual differences between some of the treatments. measure the effects of a complete are being seen between treat- Amistar applied in-furrow did slow fertilizer and manganese compared ments. Past experience indicates down plant emergence in 2004. to no foliar feed. These trials will that the sugarbeets with the most CERCOSPORA LEAFSPOT control be important for assessing the foliage do not always produce the is absolutely critical for high yields value of applying foliar nutrients. most Recoverable White Sugar per and quality sugarbeets. With the As you can see, we have a lot of Acre (RWSA). advent of BeetCast, more timely research in on-farm trials this year. RHIZOCTONIA CROWN ROT is applications of fungicides will be We will be reporting our findings still a leading cause of stand and very beneficial for producers; and results at area meetings this yield loss in Michigan. Managing however, there are always questions winter. As soon as the dates are Rhizoctonia can be achieved on how long we should continue set we will be mailing notices to through resistant varieties, cultural applications into fall. Three trials you. We look forward to seeing practices and chemical control. are being planned that will look you there.

ACH Seeds District Market Manager

Andy Bernia 877-769-0195

CrystalR sugarbeet seed is the emerging force in Michigan. Top-performing varieties like R R Crystal 963 and Crystal 271 are proving to growers 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 2004 11

Michigan Sugar Company Michigan State University Sugarbeet Advancement Michigan Sugar Growers

Sunrise over the Gilford Beet Receiving Station. To learn more about the topics discussed in this issue, follow the links from our website www.MichiganSugar.com HARVESTING FOR (Links > Agricultural Links). QUALITY By Robert Braem, Vice President of Agriculture

Delivering a sugarbeet crop timely, free of tops, dirt and trash is a critical first step in the beet processing season. Clean beets keep better in long-term storage and allow for more efficient factory processing.

DEFOLIATION This first step in sugarbeet harvest is as important as lifting or delivery. All petiole material should be removed to reduce impurities and improve storage. Grower sugar content can be reduced significantly if poorly topped beets are delivered. Research from the University of Minnesota shows that defoliator ground speed has a significant effect on sugarbeet quality. Sugar content, sugar loss to molasses and the resulting recoverable sugar per ton (RWST) all improve as ground speed is reduced. The research documented, for each one mph decrease in speed, average sugar content increased 0.25% and RWST improved by seven pounds per ton (see Table 1). Growers must be sure to properly maintain their defoliator throughout the harvest season. Be sure to inspect and replace worn or broken flails. Under some extreme conditions, such as post frost, high weed population or diseased fields, growers must take additional steps to remove tops. Some growers have run stalk choppers or shredders over the canopy to grind weeds and remove most of the leaves. To remove the remaining petioles, follow up with a defoliator. Others have gone over their beets twice with a defoliator. After a significant freeze late in the year, tops become difficult to remove. Growers have had the best results defoliating early in the morning if there is a frost. Contact your Michigan Sugar Company agriculturist for recommendations.

Sunset over grain bins surrounded by sugarbeets on a Bay County farm.

PIONEER NEWSBEET HARVESTING Lifting clean beets, free from TABLE 1 tops, dirt, trash and foreign material improves efficiency, both in the receiving yard and factories. In Main Effects of Defoliator Ground Speed recent years, growers have reduced tare using grab-roll harvesters. Defoliator Recoverable Reducing harvester speed allows Speed Sucrose SLM* Sucrose the cleaning area to remove more (MPH) (%) (%) (lb/T) dirt and pull through more weeds. 2.0 19.66 1.62 360.7 Running the lifter wheels as shallow 3.0 19.40 1.70 353.9 as soil conditions allow can greatly reduce the amount of soil that 4.0 19.12 1.81 346.0 needs to be removed. 5.0 18.90 1.85 340.9 Reducing the amount of dirt * Sugar Loss to Molasses. and trash loaded into trucks in the field can improve unloading time at the receiving station. Pilers run University of Minnesota research showing how decreasing defoliator speed more efficiently and place cleaner can increase sugar content and recoverable sugar. beets in the pile. The end result is piled sugarbeets that can remain in good condition for long-term storage and provide the best raw material for successful factory operations.

HARVEST TEMPERATURES Simply put, harvest is always Our biggest problem with heat Growers must not defoliate ahead dependent on temperature. During occurs when overnight lows do to ensure that all defoliated rows early delivery, soil and beet tem- not fall below 50º F. Under these are harvested prior to shutting peratures are high and the beets conditions, beet temperatures down. Those rows with foliage harvested must be processed within may not fall to 52º F and remain covering the crowns will not freeze 7 to 10 days. Near October 15th above that critical point, even as quickly or severely; thus, they in Michigan, the weather usually before noon. Growers can help can be harvested much sooner the cools enough for beet tempera- when temperatures rise during the next day. Grower cooperation in the tures to fall below 52º F. Under day by not defoliating too far event of a freeze will allow the these conditions, permanent piling ahead of the harvester. Leaving agricultural staff to start up harvest begins and beets harvested can foliage on keeps soil and beet at the earliest possible time. be stored for extended periods. temperatures significantly lower. Defoliating, lifting and tempera- Unfortunately, our weather is On the other end of the temper- ture are critical to a successful not constant and temperatures ature scale, frozen beets can occur. harvest. By performing each harvest from October 15 to the end of Your cooperative cannot receive task well, and under the right harvest can vary from the 20s to and pile frozen beets for long-term temperature conditions, our factories the 70s. If beet temperatures rise storage. When temperatures are will have the best raw materials above 52º F, harvest must be predicted to fall below 30º F, for an efficient and profitable stopped until temperatures fall. harvest will be shut down. processing season.

FALL 2004 15 HARVEST PREPARATION: GET THAT DEFOLIATOR READY TO GO!

By Dennis Montei, local factory is much more suitable the person operating the machine. Agricultural for sugar extraction and long-term The operator needs to regulate Manager, storage; however, like any step in ground speed, adjust the height of Sebewaing your farming practices, it requires the defoliator, and keep the District attention to the details. With a machine on the row. Conditions proper pre-harvest inspection of vary from day to day, field to field, your defoliator, you will be able to and hour to hour. It is important deliver clean beets, with lower tare, to adjust the defoliator frequently. WELL-TOPPED SUGARBEETS— and improve your sugar content Operating at slower ground speeds THEY PAY BIG DIVIDENDS and tonnage. (3 mph) will result in a better Complete leaf and petiole Defoliating beets ahead of the defoliation job. Pay attention to the removal is the first step in the harvester is a very important part details; it will pay big dividends harvesting process. A clean crop of your bottom line. A defoliator’s with improved sugarbeet quality. of sugarbeets delivered to your performance is very dependent on

An Alloway sugarbeet defoliator courtesy of the Farm Depot in Fairgrove.

#14

#11

16 PIONEER NEWSBEET

A defoliator requires maintenance, just like any other type of equipment. Important items to check before you head to the fields: 1) Inspect all bearings and make sure they are not spinning 10) Check tire pressures and make sure wheels are set to the inside of the bearing cage. correct row spacing 2) Check wheel bearings and tighten, repack, and replace seals. 11) Inspect paddle clusters for correct row spacing settings 3) Pay attention to gear boxes: 12) Check for mainframe cracks • leaking oil–replace seals 13) If equipped with a hand jack for making adjustments, • check color of the oil–if milky or foamy looking, make sure it operates freely. Lube if necessary. check for cracked housing 14) Inspect hydraulic cylinders: 4) Inspect any drop boxes with chain drives: • for leaks • leaking oil–replace seals • pinched hoses • check condition of chain • pitted rams (will ruin seals) • adjust chain for tightness • bent rams 5) PTO shaft: • pins and keepers • make sure it is straight 15) Check defoliator lift system for: • check U-joints • stress cracks 6) Overhaul the pivot point on the defoliator hitch: • lubrication • pivot ball should be tight in its socket • wear • use proper size hitch pin or hitch bolt 16) Ensure all safety systems are in place and working properly: 7) Check rubber paddles and the paddle shafts: • PTO shields • tighten paddle cluster to the drum • belt or chain guards • check paddle pins and pivot points • slow moving signs 8) Inspect drive belts for cracks. • tail lights • reflective tape 9) Check pulleys for alignment and wear. 17) Read the operator’s manual

Adjust and maintain your defoliator. As a grower-owner, you share in the benefits of quality beets that store well, thus yielding more sugar to put into the bag.

#10 #7

FALL 2004 17

COMPUTERIZATION OF GROWER DELIVERIES AND ACCESS TO CONTRACT INFORMATION

By Christine Dunham, Director of Management Information Systems Christine Dunham and Tanya Richard

When delivering beets this harvest, you will notice some changes in our scale houses. Instead of using the pre-printed paper tickets to record weight information, the scale operator will be using a computer and printer. Completing this project has been one of the tasks of the Management Information Systems Department. The Management Information Systems Department, or MIS computerize a majority of our beet with your contract information. Department, is responsible for receiving stations’ scale houses. When weighing in, the scale opera- supporting all (non-engineering) Computerizing each scale house tor will use the new paper card, computers, hardware and software has been a large undertaking for and the weight information will be at Michigan Sugar Company. Our the MIS Staff. Before harvest, 25 stored in the computer. At that time, department’s primary focus is to computers, printers and barcode a tare card with a barcode also will use new technology to provide scanners will be installed into the be printed. When weighing out, a accurate and timely information scale houses and tare data entry receipt will be provided. The tare while reducing costs. locations. In addition to installing information will be entered using Changing the manual method of the required hardware, the MIS a barcode reader, and minimal weighing beets into our receiving Department has programmed the manual entry. At the end of each stations is a larger project than it software. Developing the software, day, all information will be trans- may seem. Last summer, the MIS in house, was necessary to ensure mitted from the scale house to the Department developed a software the program performed to our needs General Office, where it will be program for the scales, and a pilot and expectations. This year, our processed into the main database was launched for Harvest 2003. goal to computerize beet receiving and loaded into our existing system. This pilot was run primarily in Dover, stations include: Sebewaing, Caro, Ultimately, the benefits of Canada; however, it was also Croswell and Carrollton factory computerizing scale and tare implemented in Carrollton during locations, as well as Albee, operations will be a direct reduction the last couple of weeks of harvest. Blumfield, Breckenridge, Dover, in beet receiving costs as well as During that time, we received Gilford, Meade, Ruth, Sandusky and provide the ability to report infor- approximately 10,000 grower loads Verona. Next year, the intention is mation back to you in a timely through the computer, as well as to computerize the remaining manner. Previously, because all processed all of Dover’s transfer receiving stations: Blissfield, scale and tare information was loads to the Croswell factory. Fremont, and Greenville. captured on a paper ticket, it had During the pilot, we were able to There will be some noticeable to be transported to a central lay the foundation for computeriz- differences at the receiving stations location and manually entered ing all scale houses at Michigan this harvest. The Ag Department into the computer system. This Sugar Company. As a result, earlier will issue paper cards, replacing the required all tickets be delivered to this year, the Board of Directors plastic grower cards. These cards the General Office in Saginaw, approved a capital project to will contain a barcode embedded where a staff of temporary data

18 PIONEER NEWSBEET tional. Replacing and maintaining available for viewing on the website. outdated legacy equipment is costly After laboratory information is because suppliers are few. In processed, it will also be available addition, managing a staff of 25 on the website. For those who wish temporary data entry personnel to use the website, you will no becomes a significant priority for longer need to contact Michigan one full-time Michigan Sugar Sugar personnel to receive this employee. This year, we are planning important timely information. to utilize one full-time temporary These changes will bring some Grower login screen person to assist one full-time challenges, but I am confident that entry personnel entered the infor- Michigan Sugar employee. with these improvements we will mation. Each year, an area was set Additionally, the Michigan Sugar reduce costs and increase efficiency up by the MIS Department for data website now has a secured area in our beet receiving process. entry. Equipment consisted of a where you can view information Currently, all efforts are being made computer server and 25 data entry pertinent to your contracts only. to ensure a smooth transition to terminals. Each terminal needed Keep in mind, this information is this new system. I look forward to to be tested to confirm it was ready protected, and can only be accessed a successful implementation and for use. Since this equipment is with a login and password. Within a the satisfaction of knowing this old, some of it would need to be couple of days of delivery, the system will be used for many replaced as it is no longer opera- weight and tare information will be years to come.

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Denis not maintain a short-term, debt- on specific areas are calculated by Boissonneault, paying ability, it will not be able to the bank’s financial analysts in Chief Financial pay its long-term debt. It is safe to their analysis. Days outstanding of Officer assume that current liabilities will our accounts receivable, the amount be paid with cash generated by of interest paid in relationship to In past articles, current assets. Short-term liquidity our assets, and the amount of we discussed the risk arises primarily from the need debt to income are a few of the various sections of to finance current operations. To areas a bank may focus on. All of our financial statements in detail. the extent that the company has to these ratios assist the bank in We also reviewed what an audit of make payments to its suppliers determining the strength of the our financial statements consisted before it gets paid for the goods company and the amount of debt of and the importance of obtaining and services it provides, there is a they feel the company can service. a “clean” opinion from our auditors. cash shortfall that has to be met, Financial ratios can also be All of this information is required normally through short-term bor- used in managing a company by by our banks annually, so they rowing. Though the financing of providing a check on the perfor- can keep up to date with our mance of assets and a warning as operations as well as review our Financial statements… to potential areas of risk. Combining progress from year to year. measure liquidity, profitability, these ratios with an economic Financial statements have long analysis of production costs and the been used for estimating financial risk and leverage. cost of operations should provide ratios that measure liquidity, prof- management with an excellent itability, risk and leverage. When working capital needs is done rou- basis to make future decisions. banks look at the balance sheet tinely in most companies, financial As with many other tools, however, and income statement, they use ratios are used to track the extent ratios do not guarantee success, ratios to assess the numbers. It is of the company’s exposure to the but use of them will certainly important to remember that when risk that it will or will not be able to improve the probability of success. using financial ratios to assess the meet its short-term obligations. There are many types of financial overall financial stability of a com- Another useful ratio is leverage ratios used in evaluating a compa- pany, more than one ratio needs to (long-term debt/total net worth). ny’s financial information. Being be considered when formulating More equity is retained and fewer able to effectively interpret this an accurate assessment. Financial assets are financed through debt. information is useful and desired ratios generate powerful informa- A company must analyze and by our bankers. Trends are moni- tion to banks and are used in com- determine how it will be able to tored to evaluate the success of a parisons with other companies, “service” or pay all of its external company as well as identify any competitors and within an industry. debt. A cash flow analysis is provid- potential future problems. There are basic ratios that are ed to the banks, forecasting the The relationship with our bankers used in evaluating the financial cash needs of the company. Banks is an important one! They are our strength of a company and they not only need to be sure that any partner in that they provide us the focus on several different areas. A loans they provide are properly col- debt we may need, both in the major ratio used is the current ratio lateralized, but that the company short and long term, to adequately (current assets/current liabilities). will generate an adequate cash fund the operations of our business. A company’s ability to maintain its flow to repay its current debt. We all work to the common goal short-term debt-paying ability is There are many other ratios of success. The understanding and important to all users of the finan- used to examine the strength of a use of these ratios contributes to cial statements. If a company can- company. Detailed ratios focusing that goal.

20 PIONEER NEWSBEET

SUMMER 2004 FACTORY REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

By Herb Wilson, was replaced and new safety their slice rates. This will allow Vice President of features have been added to improvements in carbonation Operations ensure safe truck loading. and filtration. A new heat • At Croswell, a new building has exchanger replaces a worn out It has been a been constructed to house a larg- unit and will improve energy busy summer at er beet washer and a new beet efficiency. Truck loading safety the factories. In chip recovery system. This will has been upgraded as well. addition to the repair programs, eliminate additional non-sugars • Repairs around the company Michigan Sugars’ Board of Directors from entering the process and this year included several large approved over $4 million in capital allow us to recover more of the jobs such as re-tubing evapora- improvement projects. These include small beet pieces for sugar extrac- tors, replacement of an evapo- modifications to the process to tion and by-product production. rator bottom, beet washer improve reliability, new systems • Carrollton has improved the overhauls, lime kiln and boiler to improve factory efficiency, major repairs, pulp drier ductwork building repairs, safety upgrades, fire safety of truck loading with new “dock lock” systems and also replacement, the fabrication of protection, more accurate analytical new syrup tanks, vacuum and equipment and environmental performed major repairs to parts of the buildings. The Carrollton pressure filter shell replacements upgrades. Here are some of the and various roof repairs. highlights: warehouse now has a fire sprin- kler system that will ensure a • At Caro, the lime system asso- Time has gone by fast. We are higher level of protection and anxious to get the new season ciated with juice carbonation is lower our insurance premiums. being modified to allow better underway and experience the control of the purification step. • Sebewaing has installed a larger benefits of all this work. The floor of the pelleting station pre-liming station to match

Clockwise from top left: Carrollton’s sugar warehouse with sprinklers, Croswell’s beet washer, Caro’s lime maturation tank/piping, and a new bottom for one of the evaporators in Carrollton. Croswell beet pump.

Evaporator retubing at Sebewaing.

Croswell beet washer building.

Sebewaing pre-limer.

Caro pellet mills and floor repair. ETHANOL AND MICHIGAN SUGAR CO.

By Jim Ruhlman, Vice President, Administration Is Ethanol production within the realm of possibility for a sugar company? Preliminary studies and intuition tell us it could work. Over the past several months, venture and it has enjoyed favorable decision to limit our financial expo- Michigan Sugar Company has returns since they began production sure, yet offer our physical and explored the possibility of utilizing in October of 2002. intangible assets as our contribu- assets at our Fremont, Ohio, location The feasibility study conducted tion to the new company. for the production of ethanol. The by BBI shows a phenomenal rate The ethanol industry has shown concept came about during a Board of return for the Fremont location. tremendous growth over the past meeting last summer when the The Fremont area has an abundant few years with more than 80 management team was advised to corn supply and has strong local plants now in production with pursue the potential. This concept markets for ethanol and co-prod- capacity to produce almost 3.5 was followed by an application ucts. When you couple this with billion gallons of ethanol annually. and acceptance of a Value Added its current infrastructure of rail, The success rates of those recently Development Grant, which was water and utilities, Fremont offers built are impressive! Some report- eventually followed by the appoint- a tremendous strategic location. ing ROI figures in the 25–35% ment of a steering committee. Michigan Sugar Company’s range. The technology is mature Loren Humm, Committee Chairman involvement in the ethanol industry and proven and the industry is (Carrollton District), Wayne Hecht profitable. (Caro District), Richard Maurer The proposed plant in The proposed plant in Fremont (Croswell District), and Bob Lutz Fremont would produce would produce 50 million gallons (Sebewaing District) serve on this 50 million gallons of ethanol, of ethanol, annually, requiring committee along with members 18.75 million bushels of corn. from our management team. annually, requiring Approximately 167,000 tons of a As with any new business venture, 18.75 million bushels of corn. co-product called distillers grain much of the success lies with whom (crushed corn without starch) you chose to partner. We believe would be threefold. First, we would would be sold for livestock feed in we have chosen partners who are offer existing assets in Fremont as the immediate Fremont area. It is among the very best in the ethanol our equity investment in the new estimated that 33% of the ethanol industry. We selected BBI (Bryan company. Our Board has made it produced in Fremont could be and Bryan International) to conduct imminently clear to us that our sold locally, 47% regionally, and the feasibility study. BBI has con- involvement in an ethanol venture the remainder would be shipped ducted more independent ethanol should not jeopardize the equity in to the East Coast. As stated above, feasibility studies than any other our existing Cooperative; therefore, Fremont is strategically located company in the country. We have we will limit our financial exposure close to raw material (corn) sup- agreed to terms in a Letter of to the offering of physical assets. ply and finished product markets. Intent with a reputable ethanol Secondly, we will leverage our rela- We have a lot of things in place; construction company; Fagen, Inc. tionships with financial institutions a favorable site, reputable business Fagen has an incredible track record and government officials to help partners, and strong relationships for success and has built more than finance the transaction and secure with banks and government offi- two thirds of all ethanol plants in financial aid. Thirdly, our Cooperative cials. It now comes down to cash. the U.S. over the past two years. will serve as a conduit to allow In the upcoming months we will We have also hired a consultant, growers to invest in the new com- decide on our business structure David Kolsrud, who has first-hand pany. Having said this, we will need and come up with an offering experience in putting ethanol to partner with other investors in memorandum for grower and companies together. The Fagen- order to raise the necessary equity non-grower investors. If we raise built Badger State Ethanol Company to start construction. Our Board of the required equity, we will be in is Mr. Kolsrud’s most recent ethanol Directors has made the prudent the ethanol business.

FALL 2004 25 grower CALVIN RHOADES IN THE NEWS —A SOUTHERN MICHIGAN GROWER

By Don whatever combination of Steinberger, herbicides is required for Agriculturist, the weeds present. What Carrollton District, he likes about broad- Blissfield and casting the first spray is Fremont Stations that it allows more time for him to finish planting There is a little place in Southern other crops for Creaque Michigan called Ottawa Lake. One Farms before he needs of the residents is a man by the to be back to spray his name of Calvin Rhoades. Calvin beets the second time. has lived in the area all of his life He uses insecticides only and began raising sugarbeets in if needed. He applies the 1985. When the Michigan Sugar fungicide Amistar when Company Cooperative was being beets are in the six- to formed, Calvin purchased 65 shares eight-leaf stage to help and became a grower-owner. control Rhizoctonia and Along with his own farm, Calvin follows with Eminent for works for Creaque Farms where Cercospora leafspot. All he plants, sprays, and harvests of this seems to work for over 3,000 acres of grain each year. Calvin. It is not unusual Calvin plants beets at a four-inch for his beets to yield seed spacing, in 30-inch rows, close to 30 tons per acre with his John Deere Model 7000, and have sugar contents Calvin Rhoades next to his tractor in his sugarbeet 12/row planter. After the beets better than 18 percent. field in Lucas County, Ohio. have emerged, he side-dresses Calvin uses a six-row with nitrogen at a rate appropriate Alloway harvester equipped with the processing plant. It is their job for the number of established a grab roll cleaning bed using to help us get the best crop into plants. For a good stand, he will scrubber chains to elevate the storage for the long period.” Calvin side-dress an additional 70 to 75 beets and defoliates with a six-row also does custom harvesting and pounds of nitrogen. Calvin says, Alloway all rubber defoliator. usually harvests about 425 acres “The nitrogen needs to be available Since the Blissfield receiving sta- of sugarbeets per year. for beets when they are small. So tion is so far from the processing Calvin’s main hobby is collecting I like to have side-dressing done plant, harvesting beets that will two-cylinder John Deere tractors. as close to May 15 as possible.” keep well during storage is critical. He currently owns and uses some For weed control, Calvin cultivates Beets need to be properly defoliated, on the farm. Studying the history of and sprays post-emergence herbi- handled carefully, and harvested locomotives and trains, in general, cides. He likes three cultivations. in the correct temperature range. is another one of his passions. “Some people say you don’t need Calvin states, “I carry a thermometer Some of Calvin’s other activities to cultivate, but the beets look better and if the beets get above 55 include; the Ottawa Lake Volunteer when I’m done,” he says. He degrees F, I call my agriculturist for Fire Department, the Ottawa Lake broadcast sprays with Betamix and guidance. If frost is visible, I do Co-op Board of Directors, or the Stinger the first time. Successive not harvest. We have to work Ottawa Lake Zion Lutheran Church treatments are accomplished with very closely with Michigan Sugar Council. a ten-inch band sprayer with since we are so far away from

26 PIONEER NEWSBEET grower VADER FARMS IN THE NEWS

By Craig Rieman, reduced the amount of Rhizoctonia Agriculturist, crown rot. Doug is also raising Sebewaing some of his own oil-seed radish District seed. He will plant this in the fall for plow down on this past year’s Welcome to the wheat fields where beets will be corner of M-25 grown next year. Doug also believes and Bradleyville Road, in Tuscola in BeetCast and supports it as a County. This has been the location tool for timing spray applications of Vader Farms, Inc., for three gen- for Cercospora leafspot control. Left to right: Doug, Vickie, Dan, Don erations. Grandfather, Neal Vader, When it gets close to 55 DSVs, he Vader, and Jack Turschak started out with “two 80s” of land, just starts spraying. “It pays to with about 135 acres tillable. Today, follow the BeetCast model.” bushels off the farm, which is used between Bud (Don) and his wife, In 1979, Bud purchased some for mostly corn. Sixty percent of Jennie, their son, Doug, and his ground that had some “beet acreage their corn goes to the ethanol plant wife, Vickie, they own 2,000 of the history” from a Monitor Sugar in Caro, Michigan. Their other main 3,200 acres they farm. Bud has Company grower. Since then, they rotational crop is dry-edible beans, always remembered having sugar- have grown 350–400 acres per year which completes their cash crop beets on their farm for the 63 years for Monitor Sugar Company and 440 operation. he has been farming, but now, at acres for Michigan Sugar Company. Doug is an active member in 77 years young, he helps by running Doug’s operation also includes Michigan Sugar Company, serving for parts, running equipment from his sons, Davis and Dan. Dan joined on the Sebewaing Grower District field to field, or whatever is needed. the team full time in 2001 and Board and Seed Committee. Doug Since incorporating in 1995, Bud’s Davis loves helping out when he and his team believe in Michigan son, Doug, now takes care of the comes “home” from the Chicago Sugar Company and they look for- management and daily farm oper- area, where he works as a trans- ward to the future when Monitor ations. Doug started farming full portation specialist. Jack Turschak Sugar Company and Michigan time right out of high school in 1970. joined the farm operation as an Sugar Company are combined Row crops are planted with a employee in 1982. Jack is also a into one grower-owned coopera- 12-row, 30-inch John Deere grower-owner raising 35 acres of tive. Doug believes it is the com- MaxEmerge 2 vacuum planter beets for Michigan Sugar mon sense thing to do. using starter fertilizer. They apply Company. Also a part of the team The Vaders belong to the Wisner most of their fertilizer in the fall is Doug’s wife, Vickie, who handles United Methodist Church. They and then side-dress nitrogen all the farm accounting and excels enjoy traveling, boating and according to established plant at operating one of the defoliators camping, as time permits. They populations. This year, they are during harvest. During harvest, also enjoy theatrical plays and trying variable-rate fertilizer appli- they operate two six-row harvesters; musicals. cations based upon GPS grid soil one Art’s-way and one Parma, and So, if you’re driving on M-25 and sampling on 1,000 acres. “Time will two six-row Alloway defoliators. get to the corner of Bradleyville tell if this works,” said Doug. Doug does the crop marketing Road, just turn into the farm drive Doug uses a four- to five-year with some assistance from a con- and you will be welcomed in by rotation on his 800 acres of beets, sultant for the food-grade soybeans Bud, Doug and the rest of the generally following corn or wheat. and wheat. They also have storage team for a very friendly visit. The Vader’s have observed that for 105,000 bushels of grain on planting sugarbeets after corn has the farm with an additional 25,000

28 PIONEER NEWSBEET 4-H & FFA SUMMER EDUCATIONAL TOUR

This year’s summer event for 4-H and FFA took us to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. School buses and individual vehicles left early in the morning to arrive at Greenfield Village by 9:30. In total, there were 140 people representing the different Michigan Sugar Company growing areas. These individuals included participants, 4-H leaders, parents and agricultural staff. The group received tickets, provided by Michigan Sugar, to both the village and museum. Most participants walked the village in the morning before the sun warmed things up in the afternoon. The largest crowd seemed to be around the Thomas Edison laboratory and its other facilities. Many old buildings from around the United States have been brought into the village to illustrate how our famous ancestors lived in those days. Most everyone visited the museum in the afternoon. The younger generation enjoyed the history of transportation and learning about the way of life previous generations had as they grew up. By mid-afternoon, everyone boarded the buses and cars for the trip back home. Many individuals would have liked to stay longer because there is just so much to see; however, it was clear the young participants had enough Top: The Carrollton 4-H group. sightseeing and were ready to go Center: Thomas Edison presentation. home. It was truly an enjoyable Bottom: The Croswell “Beet Toppers” enjoying the museum. learning experience for all.

FALL 2004 29 CARROLLTON DISTRICT 4-H FIELD DAY

On July 1, the Carrollton District At the third stop, Mark Seamon, 4-H group met at the Saginaw the Saginaw County Ag Extension Valley Bean and Beet Research agent, taught the 4-H students about Farm for a summer field day. The nitrogen management and how group started out by introducing excess nitrogen lowers the sugar themselves to each other, as this content without raising the tonnage was only the second time the a significant amount. The students Carrollton and Breckenridge were able to look at test plots with groups had met together as one. different amounts of nitrogen The field day consisted of a number fertilizer and compare leaf color of stops at different sites. Each and growth. Each student was given stop had a different topic. a Pioneer Sugar tape measure to On the first stop, Reggie Van measure the difference in leaf canopy Sickle, a Saginaw Fair judge and growth with different nitrogen rates. Cooperative Extension worker, At the fourth and final stop, a taught the group how to prepare weed identification scavenger and choose their sugarbeets for hunt was held. Charlie Neuenfeldt, the fair. Reggie taught them that the Carrollton Agricultural Manager consistency of size and shape is hosted this stop. 4-H students more important than actual size. were shown pictures of four Second stop on the list was Rick weeds and then asked to go on Leach, a local sugarbeet grower the farm and find them. Everyone who taught the group how to take had a wonderful time looking for stand counts and explained how weeds and most of the students important stand counts are to found all four weeds, even though sugarbeet growers. some were very difficult to find.

Students enjoy the demonstrations, SELF-PROPELLED HARVESTING PERFORMANCE festivities, and exercises at the B&B Research Farm. ROPA euro-Tiger NEW After all the field exercises were Efficiency and performance at its best with done, the group met back up in the new 15 foot header, 590 hp Mercedes the research farm office for their diesel engine, choice of many row widths choice of chocolate or vanilla ice and increased cleaning area. One man and one euro-Tiger defoliating, cream from the MSU Dairy. All of lifting, cleaning, loading or piling. the students enjoyed the ice cream. This was the first time in many years ROPA euro-Maus that the Carrollton 4-H group had Pick up 28 foot wide windrows a summer event that was separate Clean and load up to 300 ton per hour from the combined company outing, leaving your dirt in the field. everyone involved in planning the Watch for the Maus coming to Michigan day thought that it was an over- Ropa North America Inc. whelming success. The planning RR #6 Forest, ON, Canada, N0N 1J0 committee is already thinking Tel: 1-519-786-3025 about next year’s event. www. ropanorthamerica.com e-mail: [email protected]

30 PIONEER NEWSBEET 4-H SUGARBEET PROJECT AND SCHOLARSHIPS

ALBERT FLEGENHEIMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PHIL BRIMHALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Albert Flegenheimer The Phil Brimhall Memorial Memorial Scholarship has been Scholarship has been awarded to awarded to Cody Leipprandt, son Laura Puvalowski, daughter of of Philip and Sherry Leipprandt of grower-owners Claude and Denise Pigeon. The $2,500 scholarship is Puvalowski of Ruth. This is the presented annually in recognition fourth year this $1,000 scholarship of academic excellence and com- has been given to a graduating high munity involvement. The Albert school senior. Laura Puvalowski has Cody LeipprandtFlegenheimer Memorial Scholarship Laura Puvalowski been active in the Michigan Sugar has been committed to providing financial assistance Sugarbeet Project for nine years. She has won the to high school seniors in the Michigan sugarbeet Premier Award four times and received the Prestige growing area since 1979. The scholarship is given in Award twice. memory of Albert Flegenheimer, Chairman of Laura has been very active throughout her high Michigan Sugar Company from 1963–1970. school career. She has concentrated on student Cody is very active in the agricultural community. council, cross country and volleyball activities. She He has been involved in many leadership activities has had strong parental support at home and is very through the Laker FFA, including chapter president. appreciative of her parents’ involvement in her life. Cody worked part time on the Zwemmer Dairy Farm Laura will be attending Central Michigan University along with keeping records on his family farm. this fall where she will pursue an education in Some of Cody’s other activities include membership business and, possibly, physical therapy. in the National Honor Society and playing on the The Phil Brimhall Memorial Scholarship was initiated Laker football team. Cody plans to continue his by Delores Brimhall through Michigan Sugar Company involvement in agriculture by pursuing an in memory of her late husband. Phil was the Chief agribusiness degree at Michigan State University. Agronomist for Michigan Sugar Company for 33 years.

THE GUY BEALS MEMORIAL 4-H SCHOLARSHIP

In November of 2003, the sugarbeet industry lost a valuable young grower due to a life- long illness. Guy Beals, formerly of Brown City, was not only a successful sugarbeet producer, but also custom-harvested sugarbeets in the Croswell area, sold beet seed for Syngenta, worked for several agricultural suppliers, served as the Maple Valley Township Clerk (Sanilac County), and was an outstanding role model. With the passing of Guy, a scholarship fund has been established in his honor. The Croswell District of Michigan Sugar Company will now be able to award $500 each year to a deserving 4-H Sugarbeet Program participant in this district. The Guy Beals Memorial 4-H Scholarship Andrew Kirsch fund was established from donations of company shareholders and private individuals. This year’s recipient was Andrew Kirsch of Harbor Beach. Andrew has been active in the Michigan Sugar Sugarbeet Project for ten years. He has received three Premier Grower Awards and earned the Prestige Award three times. Andrew plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a degree in bio-systems engineering this fall.

FALL 2004 31

THE 2004 MICHIGAN SUGAR QUEEN

The 2004 Michigan Sugar Queen is 18-year-old Brittney Maurer of Harbor Beach, Michigan. Crowned at the Michigan Sugar Festival in Sebewaing on June 18th, Brittney 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 and riding on the Pioneer Sugar float in over 20 parades throughout Michigan. Brittney, the daughter of Dave and Karen Maurer, is currently pursuing a degree in communica- Left to right: Amanda Shelly, Kim Gremel, and 2004 Sugar Queen, Brittney Maurer. tions with emphasis on business degree in automotive after market very diverse group this year to at Michigan State University. and international business and choose from. All 16 candidates First runner-up, Amanda Shelly management. were well qualified, making it a of St. Clair, Michigan, and second Kimberly Gremel, 20, is the difficult decision.” runner-up, Kimberly Gremel of Bay daughter of Steve and Patti Michigan Sugar Company solely Port, Michigan, will serve on the Gremel. Kim is attending Ferris sponsors the Michigan Sugar Queen queen’s court as court attendants. State University pursuing a degree competition. As the sponsors, the In this capacity, they will accompany as a dental hygienist. She has company and grower-owners Brittney in many parades and been on the dean’s list since provide the queen with a $2,000 other personal appearances. attending the university. scholarship for use at the university Amanda Shelly, 19, is the Michigan Sugar Company’s of her choice. The first and second daughter of Harold and Cynthia Jeff Adamo, Director of Human runners-up are each awarded a Shelly. Amanda currently attends Resources, a judge for the second $1,000 scholarship. Northwood University pursuing a time this year said, “We had a

Riding on the Countryside Transportation float in the Sebewaing Sugar Festival Parade are Madison Adam and Lauren Adam.

32 PIONEER NEWSBEET SOMETHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN! DRY SHREDDED BEET PULP—AND IT’S AFFORDABLE!!

Michigan Sugar Company is now producing dry bulk shredded beet pulp (shreds) at our Caro plant.

Many of today’s dairy farmers have not had the opportunity to experience the advantages of feeding bulk shredded beet pulp, so you may have to ask Grandpa about it. Dry shreds are a good source of highly-digestible fiber with an excellent “scratch factor” to improve milk production and the butterfat level of that production. Shredded beet pulp contains a valuable combination of energy and fiber to increase fiber levels in the diet without diluting energy density. This adds up to a better bottom line for Michigan dairy farmers.

* AND YOU, AS A GROWER-OWNER, PRODUCE IT *

Through a long-term marketing agreement with Midwest Agri- Commodities Company, LaBudde Group, Inc. is the sole marketer for this product from Michigan Sugar Company. While further processing a lot of the production for high-end horse feed at their processing facility in Akron, MI, LaBudde will also be offering a dairy-quality product year around.

If you are a top manager that realizes profit is more important than cost, then give LaBudde a call today at 800-776-3610 or 800-398-9011.

FALL 2004 33

community WINDOW

by Dick Leach, Director of this summer. Friends being awarded for years of Community and Government service and factories recognized for outstanding Relations performance. Family reunions are always inter- There are many families with more than one member esting events—old Uncle Ben talking employed by Michigan Sugar. Most of the beets about when he was a boy and delivered have been produced by family farms for Aunt Maude complaining about her generation after generation, and now Michigan Sugar rheumatism. The key word here is “family.” One of Company is owned by those same farm families. Since Webster’s definitions of a family is “any class or 1966, three generations of the Flegenheimer family group of related things.” I don’t get a warm, fuzzy have had a role in the leadership of this company. feeling from that definition! I would like to think of a Now we have the opportunity to welcome a new family as the basic foundation of society. My definition member to our Michigan Sugar Company family. If is probably no longer politically correct, but so what! the deal can be finalized to acquire Monitor Sugar, I am entitled to my opinion. we will welcome its employees and grower-owners Michigan Sugar Company operates like a big family, into the Michigan Sugar Company Cooperative family. people working together, cooperating with each Our grower-owners are important, our union other to make the company prosper. A successful employees are important, and our salaried employees company provides jobs and a quality of life for its are important to the continued success of this employees. Happy employees, in turn, make the cooperative. Working together as a family, we are the company flourish. The family atmosphere was heart of Michigan Sugar Company. Have a great and evident at the awards picnics at the four factories safe harvest.

2004 Carrollton Factory Service Awards. Where do you get the knowledge to farm successfully? It’s more than trial and prayer.

Knowledge. Growth. The farm is a place where knowledge lives, but change rules. Coaxing the earth into yielding abundance is more Where the teacher is your friend some days — but than luck, more than an art, more than experi- brings you to your knees on others. Where ence. It’s precision. And that comprehen- you leverage what’s in your control, and sive science of growing profits starts in accept what’s not. Still, you remain. You the ground. That’s where we come in. plant. You harvest. You face a never- ending parade of challenges. Reward. Your gains at harvest are tied to your Responsibility. choices at planting. So choose the seed that’s You know what it takes to feed the world. bred for your area, resists your diseases, and thrives And that responsibility weighs heavily. Early mornings, in your fields. Then, choose to combine our knowledge with late nights, storm watching, index pricing. If consumers yours for the ultimate reward — a better bottom line. only knew, and appreciated, the hardships endured to accommodate their quick trips to the store. Growing your success. That’s Hilleshög.

1020 Sugarmill Road • Longmont, Colorado 80501 • (303) 776-1802 • Fax: (303) 776-0392 • www.hilleshog-us.com

Fall is here…

…and harvest is beginning.

This photo shows Ken and Don Feibig’s farm southeast of Sebewaing.

Their family has been growing sugarbeets for over 70 years.

PIONEER NEWSBEET PRSRT STD Fall 2004 US POSTAGE Michigan Sugar Company PAID LANSING, MI P.O. Box 107 PERMIT #75 Caro, MI 48723

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