American Crystal Sugar Co. shareholders at their annual meeting were happy but not giddy about a phenomenal crop and price year – their enthusiasm perhaps curbed by concerns about future use of Roundup Ready beets.

“Finally!” said Bill Hejl of Casselton, N.D., asked to come up with a single word to describe the year. He said the year will be notable for its high yields, high prices and – bonus – a trouble-free harvest.

Paul Mathiason of Grand Forks said farmers may find a way to “give away” those gains through higher land rent and through paying higher input costs for next year, but he acknowledged that the year could hardly have gone down any better. “If you’re complaining this year, you should probably find something else to do,” he said.

Since November, shareholders have been told they’d likely be paid $57 a ton on the 26.3-ton-per-acre crop in 2010, a gross payment of $1,500 an acre that is a modern record. That could still be revised between now and when the final payment is made in November 2011. In the past few years, projections have been revised upward.

If that holds, the 2010 crop payment will be 25 percent higher than the respectable results from the 2009 crop, when $52.87 per ton of average was paid on a 22.7-ton per acre average – a $1,200-per-acre average gross payment.

David Berg, Crystal’s president and chief executive officer, in his annual address, recounted how the co-op and its shareholders have become more efficient. The co-op harvested 11 million tons of sugar beets this fall and will have a campaign that ran from mid-August to late May.

“That was done on 415,000 acres this year. Thirty or 40 years ago, that would have taken 800,000 or 900,000 acres,” he said.

The company is always looking for new ways to squeeze more sugar from its current assets or “add some assets,” Berg said, but he wasn’t specific about what those investments might be. He said the industry currently is in good shape because of favorable demand.

Berg acknowledged that some growers are suggesting that now might be a time for greater capital investments. One path is increasing the “unit retain” levels to invest in more long-term capital projects. With unit retains, the company holds back a quantity of the payment for seven years, like an interest-free loan from the shareholders to the company. Unit retains have historically been $2 to $3 per ton.

“There’s always discussion” about shifts in unit retains, and Berg acknowledged that “in a year like this, there’s obviously more.”

Uncertainty over Roundup Ready beet technology is the most prominent question for growers in 2011 and beyond.

Federal court actions Aug. 13 made it illegal to plant the glyphosate-tolerant beets, pending further action by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Planting Roundup Ready beets in 2011 is in question, as well as in subsequent years, pending the outcome of an Environmental Impact Statement.

There also is new court action in California. A federal judge said some beet seed crop planted last summer in Oregon would have to be removed from the ground. Those Roundup Ready seed plants were planted after the judge vacated the deregulation of Roundup Ready sugar beets, even though they were planted under permits by the USDA.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit contended that the permits should not have been given. One possibility is they’d be removed from the fields but kept alive as in carrot-like sized “stecklings” if the courts allow.

Berg noted the stecklings in the current dispute would come to maturity in 2011 and would be harvested for seed and planted for commercial production at the earliest in 2012, if allowed. Berg said American Crystal has a seed company and some of the acres in question were planted by a competitor.

“I don’t know what our competitors are doing; it’s not legal for me to know that,” he said. “I don’t know what the volumes are and I can’t give you a real good idea about the impacts on seed.”

The issue of how to prepare for a non-Roundup beet year in 2011 continues to be negotiated between beet and chemical companies, as well as seed companies. The companies are negotiating volumes that may be needed, which could be affected by whether growers in other areas of the country decide to grow beets at all.

Scott Anderson, a Minnesota sales representative for Dow AgroSciences, with more beets in his territory than any other representative nationwide, said his company is one of three major companies that traditionally supplied components for “micro-rate” control herbicides in sugar beets, prior to Roundup Ready beets conversion.

By: Marino Eccher, INFORUM Published October 01 2010 Fargo, ND

A California judge said this week that the latest round of “Roundup Ready” sugar beet seeds likely shouldn’t have been planted, the newest development in an ongoing legal battle over the use of biotech beet crops.

Opponents of genetically engineered beets lauded the move, and said they’ll continue to press for the destruction of such seed crops that have been planted already. Red River Valley beet growers, meanwhile, said they’ll continue to fight for genetically modified crops, which they consider a boon to production.

The dispute centers on sugar beets designed by Monsanto Co. to resist Roundup-brand herbicide (another Monsanto product), which would otherwise kill crops and weeds alike.

The stakes are high because the modified beets, introduced in 2007, are popular with farmers. Today, 95 percent of sugar beet growers use Roundup Ready crops, according to David Berg, president and chief executive of American Crystal Sugar Co. in Moorhead. Growers have cited the biotech beets as one of the driving factors in this year’s record beet crop.

But a coalition of organic beet growers and environmental groups sued to stop the use of genetically modified beets, claiming the U.S. Department of Agriculture hadn’t properly evaluated the environmental impact of the beets. Those groups say genetically modified crops can lead to a host of issues ranging from cross-contamination of other crops to the rise of herbicide-resistant weeds.

In August, Judge Jeffrey White, the federal district judge for California’s Northern District, ruled to halt biotech beet seeding until an environmental evaluation could be completed. The USDA issued limited seeding permits to growers anyway, arguing the step didn’t violate the ban because those plantings wouldn’t be allowed to flower. Those seeds would be used for widespread production in future growing seasons.

On Monday, White said those permits probably weren’t legal. He’ll weigh the next steps at an Oct. 22 hearing.

Biotech beet opponents are pushing for the elimination of the controversial seeding crop.

“We feel that the proper remedy is to destroy the crop,” said Paul Achitoff, a California-based attorney who represents some of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. “It was planted in violation of the law.”

American Crystal’s Berg said this week’s ruling won’t affect operations in 2010 or 2011. But he also said his company, a cooperative of Red River Valley beet growers, will continue to support efforts to keep biotech beets legal.

“It’s a way to enhance the productivity on their farms and keep producing food for people,” he said.

He said Minnesota and North Dakota produce about half of the nation’s sugar beets.

Chris Devries, a spokesman for the Wahpeton-based Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, another beet-growing group, declined to comment on the judge’s decision while the litigation is pending. He said his company “would like to have the ability to use biotech sugar beets,” which he said have produced strong results.

The sugarbeet fuel easily blends into existing pipelines, gas tanks and automobile fuel tanks. It’s referred to as a “drop-in” biofuel.   Ethanol, the current kingpin of the biofuel industry, cannot be sent through the same pipelines as petroleum gasoline and is so corrosive, only 10% of a gallon can be ethanol by law.

The new sugarbeet fuel can not only be shipped into the same pipelines, but new research suggests its safe enough to be used in jet fuel.

With strong government support, it’s evident renewable energy is the future. The sugarbeet crop and its farmers may just lead the charge.

Read the full Wall Street Journal article by Russel Gold.

For more information on Virent Energy Systems, Inc. and its sugarbeet biofuel, visit the company’s website.

Learn more about what’s going on with sugarbeet biofuels in North Dakota.

The decision to continue to allow GM seeds stems from the devastating economic impact a ban would produce. 95 percent of sugarbeet seeds planted in the United States are genetically modified. In addition, 99 percent of seeds have already been purchased for the 2010 growing season. An immediate ban could have totaled $1.5 billion.

However, the junction is only temporary. Judge White of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District California wrote in his order,

“The parties should not assume that the court’s decision to deny a preliminary injunction is indicative of its views on a permanent injuctnion.” He added that all companies, “take all efforts, going forward, to use conventional seed.”

For more on this topic, read the full article by Paul Voosen of Greenwire.

By Kristal Rick, Seedex, Inc. as published in Sugar Producer magazine, November/December 2009

The time has come for growers to plant Seedex (SX) Roundup Ready^® varieties. We have completed the process of developing RR varieties that have the same quality and performance of our conventional varieties. Limited quantities of some varieties were available in certain growing regions this past year, but this will be the first year Seedex offers Roundup Ready in the Red River Valley.

Along with our proprietary research trials, several strip trials were planted in 2009 on grower farms. They are in the process of being harvested, but cooperators like what they are seeing so far.

Our Seedex varieties are well known for their strong vigor and fast emergence, and those qualities are found in our Roundup varieties as well. We also focus on an overall great disease package bred to perform across most conditions! Combining those genetic strengths with exceptional seed processing, priming, and treating makes a uniform final stand that’s high in quality and yield – just the broad-based adaptability you expect when planting Seedex!

Some growers’ farm management practices don’t require the need for Roundup herbicide. Or they’ve seen success in the disease tolerance of conventional varieties and want that protection on their farm. They still prefer conventional seed and Seedex will continue to offer our top-producing conventional varieties to fill those needs.

Seedex will also be offering their first Tandem Technology^® variety, for growers planting into hot Rhizomania areas and needing the double tolerance of the Tandem genetics.

In American Crystal, Minn-Dak and Michigan growing areas, all Seedex seed will be XBEET primed by Germains Technology Group. XBEET is a priming process that in over 5 years of testing has shown it provides 3-4 days faster emergence, a more uniform stand, a 5% increase in final stand and a 1-2 ton increase in yield. Sugarbeet growers have experienced these benefits the last few years and want their seed primed with XBEET.

Below is a list by growing region, of 10 Seedex varieties for sale this fall for planting in 2010. They include approved varieties and those pending approval.

Amalgamated

SX 1571RR – good emergence and vigor, balanced yield and quality, good disease package, moderate Curly Top tolerance

SX 1583RR – excellent vigor and emergence, good yield and quality, high sugar/ton, moderate Aph & Rhizoctonia tolerance, limited Curly Top tolerance, manage placement

Please call Serban Marinescu with Holly Hybrids, our sales manager for SX varieties in the Amalgamated area at 209-481-7911, or your local Holly Hybrids dealer, for more information and questions about these varieties.

American Crystal

SX 0881RR – Good germination and speed of emergence, Great yield potential, limited Aph tolerance, manage placement

SX 0883RR – Great yield and quality, handles tough emergence situations, outstanding vigor, fastest emergence in the 2009 trials, manage Cercospora

SX 0884RR – Great sugar content, outstanding vigor for tough conditions, moderate Aph tolerance, great overall disease package

All varieties sold in American Crystal area will be XBEET primed.

Please call Mike Dohman, Seedex sales manager for American Crystal at 701-361-6547, or your local Seedex dealer for more information and to answer any questions you might have about these varieties for 2010

Michigan

SX 1260RR – Planted in 2009 with great results, very good emergence and vigor, good balance of sugar and yield, moderate Aph tolerance, manage Cercospora, good root aphid tolerance

SX 1281RR – On track for approval, Excellent balance of sugar and yield, very good emergence, good Cercospora tolerance, moderate root aphid tolerance, limited Aph tolerance, manage placement

All SX varieties sold in the Michigan area will be XBEET primed.

Please call Ron Groskopf with Holly Hybrids, our sales manager for SX varieties in the Michigan area, working in conjunction with the Co-op’s Agriculturists, at 307-620-2803 for more information and questions about these varieties.

Minn-Dak

SX 0981RR – Very good RZM tolerance, good yield and quality, good Cercospora tolerance

SX 0983RR – Excellent emergence and vigor, very good overall disease package, above average sugar/ton

All varieties sold in the Minn-Dak area will be XBEET primed.

Please call Mike Dohman our Seedex sales manager for Minn-Dak area, working in conjunction with the Co-op’s Agriculturists, at 701-361-6547, for more information and questions about these varieties.

Sidney Sugars

SX 0381RR – Outstanding RZM tolerance, balanced yield and quality, good Aph tolerance

Please call Ron Groskopf with Holly Hybrids, our sales manager for SX varieties in the Sidney area at 307-620-2803, or your local Holly Dealer, for more information and questions about this variety.

Please visit our websites at seedexseed.com and beetseed.com for more information on these varieties and our conventional varieties specific to your growing region.

Thank you for your business and we look forward to being your RR supplier in 2010. You’ll notice why – it was worth the wait!

MOORHEAD – American Crystal Sugar Co. halted its sugar beet harvest Tuesday because temperatures dipped below 20 degrees and the crowns, or tops, of the beets were getting frosted.

Company spokesman Jeff Schweitzer said all five factory districts dug no beets Tuesday. “We will take a look at it again at noon (today),” he said. About 65 percent of the crop was harvested as of Tuesday morning, he said.

When temperatures get below 20, the beets, especially if the green tops have been lopped off in anticipation of the root crop being lifted, can freeze. Frozen beets don’t store well in the giant outdoor piles that are maintained during the winter processing season. One factory district announced on American Crystal’s Web site that it would not take any frozen beets from growers.

Schweitzer said some growers reported fields that had even lower temperatures.

This week, company officials announced that the grower/members of the farmer-owned cooperative can harvest all their planted acres. In recent years, including this season, growers have been told to set aside 10 percent of their beet acres for possible plowing under, because the Moorhead-based cooperative has been producing so well it can’t handle all the tons of beets grown.

But all 422,000 acres planted by the 875 growers will be lifted, Schweitzer said.

Yields are averaging 23 to 24 tons per acre, slightly below the records set the past two years, but well above 10-year averages. The sugar content of the beets is running slightly below the 17.5 percent average of the past five years, Schweitzer said.

XBEET is a priming process done by Germains Technology Group, that uses a specifically calibrated combination of heat and moisture to remove or weaken germination inhibitors in the cork of the raw seed. It also starts the germination process that naturally occurs in the field until the seed reaches a certain physiological point. Then the process is stopped and the seed is boxed and ready to be delivered to growers.

Once the grower plants his Seedex XBEET seed, it absorbs moisture and starts the germination process just where it was left off. Because the seed is allowed to naturally return to the germination process, it takes off quicker. This fast emergence leads to stronger stands and less risk of crop loss. The emergence speed of Seedex varieties enhanced with XBEET means Seedex will be the first out of the ground. Period

XBEET lessens the effects that harsh spring conditions might have on your beets, at the most vulnerable time in a sugarbeet plant’s life. Independent studies and our research at Seedex has shown that in over 5 years of testing XBEET provides 3-4 days faster emergence, a more uniform stand, a 5% increase in final stand and a 1-2 ton increase in yield. Sugarbeet growers have experienced these benefits the last few years and want their seed primed with XBEET. It’s no wonder why Seedex made it standard on all its varieties!

This photo of the "Morning Harvest" was shot outside of Breckenridge in 2006. DeVries typically takes photos that celebrate Wahpeton and the surrounding area. "It's always good to have a stock of pictures, whether it be around the city or work or whatever the case may be," he said. photo by Chris DeVries

 Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative Communications Manager Chris DeVries has been a novice photographer for years, but his work will soon be reaching the public on a larger scale.

Within the next few weeks, DeVries’ photos of local residents, scenery and landmarks will be featured on the city of Wahpeton Web site. The project started before he joined the city council nearly two years ago, when he wanted to stockpile as many photos possible for promotional purposes.

“I thought, you know, we need to promote the town,” he said. “I grew up here and I know what Wahpeton has to offer. I have a real interest in the town’s success.” His interest in photography started when he was hired at Minn-Dak for a public relations position in 2004. With a new Sony on hand, he was able to capture images for the company Web site and feed into his new hobby.

“I’m a pretty visual person. Whether it be family or work or the city or whatever, I enjoy having that documentation,” he said. “It’s a way to preserve something.”

His photography tends to capture extreme colors and the sentiment of small town living – one photo features children on the playground, another reveals a family gathering around the table for dinner framed by Christmas lights hanging from the rooftop. There’s a bit of nostalgia in the images, too, and part of it results from DeVries’ fond memories of his youth in Wahpeton. Many of his favorite spots, such as the Blue Horizon roller skating rink and Spies grocery store, have vanished.

“All the things I remember from being a kid aren’t the same anymore, and I really wish I had pictures,” he said. “I’m hoping what I’m doing now will be nice for the kids, too, someday.”

DeVries takes a simplified approach to his work. As he’s inspired by the quiet, everyday moments of life, his growing portfolio includes a vivid blue peacock at Chahinkapa Zoo, snow-covered trees in the park and Wahpeton’s Homecoming Parade. Although he hasn’t invested in expensive lighting equipment or other means, he enjoys framing each shot to give the viewer a different perspective. He referred to a quote by Henry David Thoreau – “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

“It’s pretty much perfect for what I do,” he said.

DeVries intends on expanding his portfolio by including other cities, such as Fargo and Minneapolis, in the future.

For the second time in two years, a ruling by a U.S. district judge based in San Francisco has thrown a roadblock in the path of ag chemical giant Monsanto.

Back in 2007 Judge Charles Breyer halted the use of Roundup Ready alfalfa seed and on Sept. 21, 2009, Federal Judge Jeffrey White challenged USDA’s approval for Roundup Ready sugarbeets, saying further environmental studies needed to be done.

The ruling was issued even though the sugarbeets have been widely grown in Wyoming since 2007 and in this region since the 2008 growing season.

White found that the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) violated environmental law by failing to take a “hard look” at whether Roundup Ready beets would eventually share their genes with other crops such as chard and table beets.