MiSugarTemplate v2 mil - Michigan SugarCV 7.2 2.4 2 2.1 1.3 Mean 2.13 5913 23.7 248 17.4 Trt. Prob (F) 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 Averages followed by the same letter do not

P I O N E E RP I O N E E RSpring 2003

2 P I O N E E R N E W S B E E T

PION EER N EWSBEETSPR ING 2003 • VOLUME 17, NO. 1NEWSBEET TECHNICAL ADVISORS:Vice President—Agriculture: Robert BraemAgricultural Manager: William Gough (Editor)Teresa M. Crook (Contributing Editor)

PIONEER NEWSBEET PUBLISHED BY MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANYAgricultural Office, P.O. Box 107, Caro, MI 48723

COMMUNICATIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:Editor, Pioneer Newsbeet, P.O. Box 107, Caro, MI 48723Email: [email protected]

PIONEER NEWSBEET is published by Michigan Sugar Company in Saginaw,Michigan. It is prepared for grower members of Michigan Sugar Company,from information obtained from sources which the Company believes to bereliable. However, the Company cannot guarantee or assume any responsibilityfor the accuracy of the information or be responsible for the results obtained.Mention or illustrations of a special technique, specific equipment orproducts does not constitute endorsement by the Company. Reprinting orquoting articles appearing in Pioneer Newsbeet is granted with the exceptionof those items credited to outside sources.

ABOUT THE COVERMichigan Sugar’s factories have a heritage of morethan 100 years. This past year three of the factoriescelebrated their 100 year anniversary while one hadalready passed that mark. See the cover story andtime-line on pages 20 through 23 for details.

BUSINESSroot of the

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Root of the Business …………………………………2

2002 Crop Update ……………………………………3

Research Update ……………………………………4

Timing Micro-rate Herbicide Applicationsby Growing Degree Days …………………………6

Nitrogen Management for Sugarbeets ……………9

Grower in the News …………………………11 & 12

President’s Report …………………………………14

Chairman’s Report …………………………………17

What the Sugar Association does ………………19

Cover Story—Factories celebrate 100 Year Anniversary ……………………………20

Seedbed Tillage Effects onSugarbeet Emergence ……………………………24

4-H and FFA Sugarbeet ProjectAwards for 2002 …………………………………26

Factory News …………………………………………28

4-H Sugarbeet Project and Scholarships ………29

Meet the Agricultural Staff …………………………31

Changes in Lambton County ………………………36

Community Window…………………………………38

by Mark Flegenheimer, President and CEO

Our first crop grown undercooperative ownership has set avery high standard for us to meetin the future. Total sugar produced

this year was over 6.3 million cwt.—an all timerecord for Michigan Sugar Company. Yield wasjust under 19 tons/acre, grower sugar 18.5% andpurity 93.2%. All very good numbers, but weshould not be satisfied with setting a record. Isthis the best we can do? I think not. I believe wecan raise the bar even higher.

Growing the highest quality crop without givingup yield has to be the goal of our grower-owners.The cost of making sugar is dramatically reducedas sugarbeet quality increases, as demonstratedin the article by Herb Wilson “Higher Beet QualitySaves on Sugar Production Costs” on page 28of this issue. As a cooperative, those cost savingsaccrue to you, the owners of Michigan Sugar.

In an effort to improve quality, the Companyconducts field research and provides funding forresearch through both Sugarbeet Advancementand Michigan State University. We also continueto work with the seed companies in developingnew, improved varieties. This spring, I encourageeach and every grower-owner to utilize thisresearch when planning and planting theupcoming sugarbeet crop.

Our first full year as a cooperative has been agood one. This past campaign the growers deliv-ered a wonderful crop, which stored extremely welland the factories ran at top capacity. Let us use thisfirst crop as a building block for the future.

By working together and utilizing the bestagricultural practices available, we can surpassthis record-breaking 2002 crop.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 3

by Robert Braem,Vice President ofAgriculture

The 2002 campaign hasended, marking

the successful completion of ourCooperative’s first crop year. The125,000 shares purchased by thegrowers last year became plantedacres in the spring. From thoseacres, a very good quality cropwas grown and delivered to theCompany. This first crop was thesecond largest ever received byMichigan Sugar, totaling 2.37 mil-lion tons. Sugar content averaged18.5%, exceeding our five-yearaverage by .8 of a point. ClearJuice Purity (CJP) (a measure ofthe sugar purity in sugarbeets)was 93.2%, slightly below average.The remainder being impurities,which must be removed in thefactory process. Amino nitrogencompounds averaged 14.3meq/100g sugar, which is ameasure of the major impurities.

Our crop was put into long-termstorage (piled) under near idealconditions. Dry soil conditions heldtare down to 3.7% and allowedweeds to be separated more easily.Dry conditions generally makegood harvesting conditions in thefield and fast efficient unloading atthe piling station. Air temperaturesduring regular harvest were belownormal resulting in piled beettemperatures in the mid 30º to mid40º F range. Several interruptionslate in harvest were caused byfreeze-warning delays. Whentemperatures were forecasted to

dip into the 20’s, warnings wereissued not to begin harvest thefollowing morning. Piling frozenbeets for long-term storage willlead to significant spoilage andlarge sugar losses. Growers in allareas cooperated well by notleaving defoliated beets in thefield overnight and starting harvestonly when beet conditions andtemperatures were “right” thefollowing day. Patience andcooperation paid-off. Storablebeets were delivered during thiscold period.

Campaign went very well. A verygood quality beet crop set the stageand the factories performedextremely well. All factories quicklycame up to full capacity and slicedat levels above normal for most ofthe campaign year. Average dailyslice equaled last year in a cam-paign that ran nearly 20 dayslonger. Sugar produced per ton ofbeets sliced (pack) has increasedsignificantly from last year. Growersugar content increased by 1.6%from a year ago and storageconditions were good throughoutmost of the campaign. As a result,pack was high and did not fallsignificantly at the end of campaign.Michigan Sugar has achieved recordtotal sugar production in its firstyear of grower ownership.

As growers and as an Agdepartment, our goal must be toimprove on the quality crop grownin 2002. Weather and growingconditions play a large part in oursuccess, but performing goodproduction practices throughoutthe year will ensure the best qualitycrop possible. Many of the keys to

success are not new to us,including: early planting, highplant populations, good weedcontrol, correct (in most instanceslower and earlier) nitrogen appli-cation, good disease control anddelivery of a clean, well defoliatedcrop. Most growers are utilizingthese key components. We mustthen focus on those areas of beetproduction needing improvement.Through crop record information,field observation, research andexperience, the Ag staff can trackthese production keys and givegrowers information and recom-mendations to adjust their prac-tices. Growers should utilize theiragriculturists and the resourcesavailable through the whole agricultural staff as needed tohelp them throughout the year.

Research is very important tocontinuously improve our crop.Both in refining current productionpractices and assessing the effec-tiveness of new products andpractices. Our goal in research willbe to improve quality by focusingon areas needing improvement bynumerous growers, significantproduction problems and newtechnologies. A combined effortfrom company research, SugarbeetAdvancement and University/USDAwill provide useful information togrowers and Ag staff.

The 2002 crop provided a greatstart for a successful cooperative.Together we must work hard tocontinuously improve our practicesand techniques to achieve evenbetter quality crops in the yearsto come.

CROP UPDATE2002 A QUALITY CROP


UPDATEresearch

by Jim Stewart, Manager ofResearch

1. NewSugarbeetVarieties: Several

new varieties are progressingthrough our approval system whichbrings an expectation of increasedyields and better disease tolerance.Beta 5310 (tested as BK 1086) andHilleshog 2761rz (“rz” denotes aRhizomania tolerant variety) wereadvanced to Limited Approval andcan be grown on 5% of theacreage in 2003. Beta 5310 hasbeen a top yielder and has excel-lent tolerance to root aphids andCercospora leafspot. HM 2761rzis also a high yielder and is thefirst of a new group of varietieswith tolerance to Rhizomania. HM2761rz also has good root aphidtolerance and acceptable leafspotratings. Crystal 963 and Beta 5451are approved as “SpecialtyVarieties” and can be grown on alimited basis in 2002. Both ofthese varieties have been topyielders in our Official Variety Trialsand performed well in SugarbeetAdvancement Trials. Three vari-eties (HM 2763rz, HM 2421rz andHM 7172rz) are approved on avery limited basis as RhizomaniaSpecialty Varieties for growerswho feel they need to plant aRhizomania tolerant variety. HM2763rz is similar to HM2761rz andappears to be on track to receivefull approval. HM 7172rz appearsto have good yields, root aphid tol-erance and acceptable leafspottolerance. HM 2421rz should have

high yields, but leafspot toleranceis expected to be poor. Thesethree varieties are approved forone year only and seed is limitedto 500 units each.

2. FungicidesNew fungicides have been

evaluated for Cercospora leafspotcontrol for several years. After threeyears of testing, Eminent, Headlineand Gem provide excellent leafspotcontrol while Quadris and SuperTin are somewhat less effectivebut still provide fair to goodleafspot control (Table 1). Topsin+ Penncozeb continues to provide

very good leafspot control whereresistance is not present. Headline,Gem and Quadris are all strobilurinchemistry and have the same modeof action. We strongly recommendgrowers make only one strobilurinapplication per year for leafspotcontrol. A Section 18 registrationwill be applied for Eminent againthis year (the EPA granted MDASection 18’s in 2000, 2001 and2002). If it is approved, Eminentuse will be one time per yearrotated with a strobilurin or Topsin,+ EBDC or Super Tin. Cercosporaresistance to Topsin, Super Tinand Eminent has been detected in

TABLE 1

Cercospora Leafspot Control in Sugarbeets with Experimental Fungicides: Average of 2000, 2001, and 2002 Trials

3 Year Averages

Treatment Rate/Acre CLS Rate RWSA TON/A RWST %Suc

Headline 9.2 fl oz Topsin M + Penncozeb 8 oz + 2 lb 1.38 c 6379 a 25.2 a 253 a 17.6 aHeadline 9.2 fl ozGem 6.5 oz Topsin M + Penncozeb 8 oz + 2 lb 1.41 c 6261 ab 25.1 a 249 a 17.6 aGem 6.5 ozEminent 13 fl ozTopsin M + Penncozeb 8 oz + 2 lb 1.43 c 6167 b 24.5 b 252 a 17.7 aEminent 13 fl ozQuadris 9 fl oz Topsin M + Penncozeb 8 oz + 2 lb 1.92 b 5978 c 24.0 c 249 a 17.5 aQuadris 9 fl ozSuper Tin 5 ozTopsin M + Penncozeb 8 oz + 2 lb 2.03 b 5821 c 23.2 d 250 a 17.6 aSuper Tin 5 oz

Untreated 4.59 a 4876 d 20.5 e 235 b 16.7 b LSD 0.05 0.181 169 0.6 6.1 0.28 CV 7.2 2.4 2 2.1 1.3 Mean 2.13 5913 23.7 248 17.4 Trt. Prob (F) 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 Averages followed by the same letter do not significantly differ (P = .05, Duncan's New MRT) Treatments applied with a Cub Tractor Small Plot Sprayer at 100 psi and 22.5 gpa. Plot size: 6 rows X 30 ft (spray 4) Reps: 6 CLS Rate: 0 = no disease, 9 = plants completely defoliated

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 5

Michigan, consequently, theseshould always be mixed withanother fungicide such as an EBDCand should be applied only onceper year. If growers alternate theirfungicides properly, they will beable to delay or prevent diseaseresistance to these new fungicidesin our growing region.

The BeetCast fungal diseaseprediction model was tested thisyear in Michigan. Results wereencouraging. Fungicide applicationtimings based on the model gavebetter leafspot control and returnedmore dollars per acre than thestandard method of starting thespray programs at the first sign ofdisease and reapplying every 18days. We will be doing more workwith BeetCast in 2003 to furtherrefine the system with SugarbeetAdvancement. Further informationis available on the Internet atwww.michiganbeets.com.

3. HerbicideTwo “generic” formulations

of Topsin M® (T-Methyl andThiophanate Methyl) were sold inMichigan last year. These fungicideswere evaluated in a replicated trialand both products provided resultssimilar to Topsin M and Benlate.Additional research will be con-ducted in 2003 to confirm theseresults.

A series of trials in 2002 lookedat tank-mixing Headline, Gem,Topsin M, Quadris and Super Tinwith various surfactants, Assure II+ COC and with micro-rate andstandard split herbicides. Theaddition of Induce to the fungicidesdid not cause any crop injury.

However, Quadris gave betterleafspot control with the additionof Induce. Mixing the fungicideswith Assure II + COC did not causeany significant sugarbeet injury. Wedid, however, find Quadris andGem tank mixed with micro-ratesand standard splits caused severesugarbeet injury when MSO wasincluded in the tank mix. Whenother surfactants were substitutedfor the MSO in these mixes, theinjury was reduced but was stillsignificant. Quadris and Gem didnot cause sugarbeet injury inthese herbicide tank mixes whensurfactants and MSO were left outof the tank mix.

It appears generic formulationsof Betamix and Nortron will beavailable from United Phosphorusand AgValue for use on the 2003sugarbeet crop. Generic formula-tions of Nortron, Betamix andStinger from AgValue were testedand found to be essentiallyequivalent to Nortron, Betamixand Stinger. Etho SC (genericNortron) from AgValue is regis-tered in Michigan and they expectregistrations for their genericBetamix and Stinger early in 2003.The United Phosphorus genericBetamix will be called Phen-Des8+8 and the generic Nortron willbe called Ethotron SC. UnitedPhosphorus products have notbeen tested.

Talk continues in the countrysideabout a Dual registration and aSection 18 registration for Outlookthis year. At this time these prod-ucts are not registered for use onsugarbeets. Your Co-op WILL NOTaccept beets treated with any

unregistered pesticide. We willdiscuss the recommendations forusing these products if and whenEPA registers them. DO NOT USEANY UNREGISTERED PESTICIDE.SUCH USE IS A VIOLATION OFLAW ACCOMPANIED BY SEVEREPENALTIES.

4. Rhizoctonia Additional trials were conduct-

ed in 2002 by Michigan SugarCompany and SugarbeetAdvancement evaluating Quadrisfor Rhizoctonia crown rot controlin sugarbeets. Quadris will controlRhizoctonia when applied at the6-8 leaf stage; Quadris applied atrow closure also provides somecontrol of Rhizoctonia but will not“cure” sugarbeets already showingsymptoms. Row closure applica-tions may not pay unless it alsoserves as the first Cercosporaspray. In-furrow applications ofQuadris have also given fair togood control of Rhizoctonia, buthave not improved germination oremergence. Utilizing disease toler-ant sugarbeet varieties will alsoprovide effective control ofRhizoctonia crown rot. Moreresearch will be conducted in 2003looking at reduced Quadris ratesand other timings including earlypostemergence (2–4 leaf stage).

TIMING MICRO-RATE HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS BY GROWING DEGREE DAYS


by Trevor Daleand KarenRenner, GraduateResearch Assistant and Professor,Department ofCrop and SoilSciences, MichiganState University

Weeds emergeevery year insugarbeet fields.Weed emergencetiming and the rateof weed growth

are dependent on temperatureand soil moisture. Weeds must becontrolled in sugarbeets whenthey are very small (less than oneinch). Usually growers applypostemergence herbicides twice,each time when the weeds areless than one inch tall. Micro-rateswere registered for use in Michiganin 2000. In 2002 the micro-rateprogram was applied to morethan 60% of Michigan’s sugarbeetacres. With the postemergencemicro-rate program, growers apply

reduced rates of herbicides +methylated seed oil (MSO) eachtime weeds reach 1/4 to 1/2 inch inheight. According to the herbicidelabels, the timing of micro-rateherbicide applications in sugarbeetsshould be every 5 to 7 days fol-lowing the first application. Thisspray schedule does not accountfor cool weather conditions whenweeds and sugarbeets are eithernot growing or are growing veryslowly. During these cool periods,the time required for weeds toreach the cotyledon growth stagemay be two weeks or longer.Therefore, when growers are spray-ing under these cool conditionson a seven day schedule someapplication(s) are not needed,sugarbeets can be injured, andunnecessary dollars are spent.Furthermore, if the timing ofmicro-rates is not optimized,weeds can escape and causefuture problems.

For the reasons previouslymentioned, we set out to findmore appropriate guidelines for

postemergence herbicideapplications in sugarbeets. Wedecided to follow a spray scheduleusing growing degree days (GDD).We chose air temperature becausemany growers already use airtemperatures and GDD for othercrop protection practices. Airtemperatures are readily availablewithin certain geographical areas.

In 2001 and 2002 we planted‘Hilleshog E-17’ and ‘Beta 5400’ in30-inch rows in early April, mid-April, and early May to determineif planting date influenced theeffectiveness of postemergenceherbicide applications based on

Growing Degree Day Formula Used in Micro-Rate Timing Study

• Growing degree rate formula

• (High temp + Low temp)/2–34 F• Example high of 80 and low of 60 F

• (80+60)/2–34 F = 36 GDD

TABLE 1

14

DAT

Inju

ry %

30

25

20

15

10

LSD = NS

7-days Scout 175GDD

225GDD

275GDD

Table 2. Sugarbeet injury combined over plantings in 2002.

TABLE 2

“An economic advantage exists

applying micro-ratesusing GDD.”

GDD. These planting dates represented an earlyplanting, a normal planting, and a late platingdate. In both years, the first planting was justwhen growers had started to plant, the mid-April planting was when the majority of thesugarbeets were planted, and the early Maydate was when the last few acres were planted.We applied the micro-rate every: 1) 7 days, 2)175 GDD, 3) 225 GDD, 4) 275 GDD, and 5)scout and apply when needed. We calculatedGDD based on air temperature (Table 1). Thenumber of broadcast micro-rate applications inthese field plots ranged from 4 to 9, dependingon the planting date and micro-rate strategy.Spraying every 7 days or every 175 GDD resultedin excellent weed control. Stunting of sugar-beets from these repeated applications wasevident in May, but by mid-June these differ-ences were no longer evident. The 225 and275 GDD treatment provided excellent controlof common lambsquarters at all planting dates inboth years, and sugarbeet injury was less inthese treatments than where micro-rates wereapplied every 7 days or every 175 GDD.However, redroot pigweed and Powell amaranthwere not controlled as well with the 275 GDDtreatment compared to applying micro-ratesevery 7 days, 175, or 225 GDD. Redroot pigweedand Powell amaranth emerge later in the seasoncompared to common lambsquarters. Thisinformation suggests we could lengthen thetime between herbicide applications early inthe season to 275 GDD when lambsquarters isour predominant weed and then shorten ourtime between micro-rate applications to 175 to225 GDD in mid May through June when redrootpigweed and Powell amaranth emerge.

An economic advantage exists applyingmicro-rates using GDD. One broadcast micro-rateapplication carries an estimated herbicide costof approximately $20.00/acre. Reducing onemicro-rate herbicide application would thereforesave the farmer time and herbicide cost and

continued, page 8

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 7

X

X

X

X

7 days

175 GDD

225 GDD

275 GDD

April

1

April

15

May

1

May

15

June

1

June

15

June

30

Micro-Rate Timing Schedule for the Early April Planting Date in 2002. The X denotes the date of planting and each arrow signifies a micro-rate application

TABLE 3

Treatment 2001 2002Early April 7 days 7 9 175 GDD 7 7 225 GDD -- 7 275 GDD 7 6Mid April 7 days 7 8 175 GDD 8 6 225 GDD -- 6 275 GDD 5 5Early May 7 days 7 7 175 GDD 7 5 225 GDD -- 5 275 GDD 5 5

Total Micro-Rate Applications for all Treatments at the Various Planting Dates in 2001 NS 2002. Sugarbeets were planted in 30'' rows and were not cultivated.

TABLE 4

14

DAT

Cont

rol %

100

90

80

70

60

50

LSD = NS

7-days Scout 175GDD

225GDD

275GDD

Common lambsquarters control combined over plantings in 2002.

TABLE 5


14

DAT

RW

SH (

Kg/

ha)

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

LSD = NS

7-days Scout 175GDD

225GDD

275GDD

Sugarbeet Yield Combined over Planting in 2002.

TABLE 7

reduce the potential for sugarbeet injury. Sugarbeetyield trended upward when micro-rates were appliedon a 225 or 275 GDD schedule. However, pigweedspecies may escape the 275 GDD treatment.Therefore, this research suggests following a 225 GDDschedule for fields with low to moderate weed pres-sure. For fields with high organic matter (black soils)and high weed pressure we suggest checking fields

at 150 GDD and timing applications for 175 GDD.For growers wanting to adjust the timing of micro-rates relative to weed emergence, we suggestlengthening out the spray interval early in the season(April) to 275 GDD, timing for 225 GDD in May untilthe time of pigweed emergence, and then applyingevery 175–200 GDD for redroot pigweed andPowell amaranth.

Timing Micro-Rate Herbicide Applications by Growing Degree Days continued from page 7

Pigweed Note: for more detailed information on differentiating pigweed species the following resourcesare available on Iowa State’s Web Site: http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/weed-id/waterhemp/default.htm OR http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1786.pdf

OR on Ontario’s Web Site: http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/ facts/01-009.htm (they call Powell pigweed, green pigweed)

OR an excellent resource on pigweed identification, consult a bulletin developed jointly by Kansas StateUniversity and the University of Illinois: Pigweed Identification:

A Pictorial Guide to the Common Pigweeds of the Great Plains. It is available from the Kansas StateUniversity Cooperative Extension Service Production Services/ Distribution, 28 Umberger Hall, Kansas StateUniversity, Manhattan, KS 66506-3406.

14

DAT

Cont

rol %

100

90

80

70

60

50

LSD = NS

7-days Scout 175GDD

225GDD

275GDD

Redroot Pigweed and Powell Amaranth Control Combined over plantings in 2002.

TABLE 6

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 9

by Steve Poindexter, ExtensionSugarbeet Agent

The next hurdle for Michigangrowers to accomplish will be themanagement of nitrogen on sugar-beets. Nitrogen is typically the most

important nutrient in sugarbeet production. Withtoo little nitrogen, sugarbeet yields will suffer; withtoo much nitrogen the quality will decline.

No other nutrient related to sugarbeet productionhas been as widely researched as nitrogen. In all sugar-beet growing areas, optimum beet production requiresbetween 6 to 8 lbs of nitrogen per ton. This nitrogen issupplied by residual nitrate in the soil, mineralizationof organic matter and fertilizers. How much you getfrom each source has always been the question and isfield specific. Current research is being conducted byDr. Carrie Laboski, MSU Soil Fertility Specialist, to devel-op a more accurate nitrogen prediction test. Our cur-rent nitrogen soil test only reports residual nitrate andmakes no prediction on mineralization.

Often, I am asked “Why do Michigan growers applywhat seems to be excessive amounts of nitrogencompared to other areas of the U.S.?” The reason maybe two-fold. The first reason is the difficulty in develop-ing as good a soil nitrogen prediction test for Michiganas compared to drier beet areas in the U.S. The secondreason is because over application stems back to the90’s when beet yields were in decline. Growerstended to respond by increasing nitrogen rates.

We must remember sugarbeet yield response tonitrogen is limited. Sugarbeets are a pre-pro-grammed crop. As a biennial, they need to storesugar in the roots to supply the subsequent year’sseed crop. We can trick the sugarbeet into growingmore leaves than needed by excessive nitrogenapplication. Ideally, sugarbeets should be storingsugar in roots in the fall not growing more leaves,which utilizes sugar. By September, we would likebeets to focus energy into sucrose storage in theroots. A general off-color of the foliage shouldoccur if nitrogen rates are correct. This off-colorindicates increasing sugar content and a reductionof nitrogen based impurities while not affecting

tonnage, thus improving recoverable sugar per acreand grower profitability.

Sugarbeet Advancement research at two locationsin 2002 showed the effect nitrogen has on RWSA,Tons, RWST, % Sugar and Clear Juice Purity (SeeTable 1). Every 45–50 lbs. of nitrogen over optimumrates (90–100 lbs.) reduced RWSA by 219 pounds(estimated value of $28.00) and increased nitrogencost by $10.00 per acre thus actually costing thegrower a decrease in net revenue by $ 38.00 peracre. These trials mimic very closely three other trialsconducted in 2000 and 2001. If every Michigan growerover-supplied 50 lbs. of nitrogen per acre, the netindustry loss would be over $ 7,000,000.

We know, from previous research in the U.S., wedo not want to under-supply the sugarbeets of earlyseason nitrogen. It is critical beets canopy as soon aspossible for optimum capture of sunlight. Ideally, wewould recommend 50 lbs of nitrogen applied atplanting. Additional nitrogen should be applied to anoptimum level as soon as plants are established.Always remember, a half stand of beets does notrequire a full application of nitrogen.

In general, without a soil nitrogen test, the currentrecommendation following dry beans and soybeanswould be 90–125 lbs. per acre. Following a high

continued, page 10

NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FOR SUGARBEETS

On-farm research and demonstration combined nitrogen trials—2002

TABLE 1

Treatment RWSA Actual Yield RWST % Sugar CJP %Name T/A

90-100# N 7792 27.95 279 19.5 93.3

45-50# N 7725 26.88 288 19.9 93.8

135-150# N 7593 27.7 275 19.3 92.8

180-200# N 7355 27.55 267 18.7 92.7

Average 7615 27.52 277 19.3 93.1

LSD (5%) 340 0.62 13 0.4 0.8

C.V. (%) 4 2 4 2 1

1 0 P I O N E E R N E W S B E E T

residue crop such as corn, an additional 25 lbs maybe beneficial. Research is currently being conductedto evaluate nitrogen recommendations further.Sugarbeet Advancement work has never shown apositive effect on RWSA from nitrogen applicationsover 150 lbs. per acre. Growers are encouraged toexperiment with strips to convince themselves whatnitrogen is doing to/for them. The financial risk ofunder applying nitrogen is small compared to thecosts of over applications. The goal is to maximizerecoverable sugar per acre.

Nitrogen Management continued from page 9

Your Partner for GrowthThrough years of experience and R&D, Bayer CropScience continues to bring you reliable sugarbeet products for crop protection. Herbicides such as BETAMIX®, PROGRESS®

and NORTRON® SC, plus an all new fungicide called GEM™ assist you intaking quality sugarbeets to market.

Ask your local retailer how you can save money with the Sugarbeet Grower Rewards Program.

©2003 Bayer CropScience. 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. For additional product information, call 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScienceUS.com.

N2

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 1 1

by Jeff Karst, Agriculturist, Caro District

In today’s Agricultural Industry, youdo not see many new farms forming,but for Paul Dost and his family it is anew venture. Operating a farm is

something Paul has wanted to do ever since he grewup driving a sugarbeet truck. About three years ago, hemade his dream a reality when he purchased 200acres and formed Paul Dost Farms, LLC. He hasincreased his operation to about 1,100 acres. His croprotation includes 500 acres of corn, 100 acres of wheat,25 acres of potatoes and 300 acres of sugarbeets.

Paul, 43, and his wife, Joyce, have three children.They are Nicole (22), Joe (18), and Mark (14). Forthe last 14 years, Paul and Joyce have operated atrucking company called “Blue Line Trucking” out ofReese, Michigan. Paul has been involved in thetrucking business for 24 years and holds a positionon the Board of Governors for the Michigan TruckingAssociation. Blue Line Trucking Company’s mainfocus is transporting sugar from Michigan SugarCompany to their customers. Paul has been a hugesupporter of the Cooperative formation and activities.He currently holds the Secretary position for the CaroGrower District.

In the three years Paul has been raising sugarbeets,he has learned a great deal. He begins with onepass in the spring with a field cultivator on eitherfall disk ripped or fall plowed ground. He plants witha 12-row 7240 John Deere Planter in 22-inch rows.Paul feels a high plant population is important.Thirty pounds of nitrogen are applied using 10-34-0in a 2 X 2 band. The remaining nitrogen is cultivatedin during the summer using urea, which he prefers.No preemergence is used at planting and themicrorate program is used for weed control.

Paul receives a lot of help throughout the growingseason from his two sons. They are also interested inthe Dost farming operation. Paul’s dad joins them forthe fall sugarbeet harvest. They harvest with anArtsway 690, 6 x 22 inch row, sugarbeet harvesterand deliver them to Caro, Gilford, Carrollton andSebewaing.

Paul feels the key to a successful sugarbeet cropstarts with early planting. He also feels 22-inch rowshave an advantage for higher tonnage and sugar overwider spaced rows. Timely weed and insect controlare also major roles in keeping the plants healthy.

In addition to operating a farm and truckingbusiness, Paul enjoys snowmobiling, deer hunting,and fishing. The Dosts belong to “Lady of the Lakes”Church in Houghton Lake where they own a cottage.

Paul also enjoys and is active in sports. He plays ina minor league professional football league. His sonsare also big sports fanatics. When Paul retires hewants to give his sons the opportunity to take overtheir “new” farming operation.

Building a viable farming operation from scratch isa challenge. This is a challenge that Paul Dost ismeeting head-on. He is meeting his goals and settinghis sights even higher as he continues his journeyinto the sugarbeet industry.

IN THE NEWSgrower PAUL DOST

Above: Standing next to the sign at their truckingbusiness location are (l to r): Joe, Mark, Joyce andPaul Dost. Below (l to r): Joe, Mark and Paul Dost.


by Bob Wight, Agriculturist,Carrolton District

Albee Township farmer BruceAlbosta is a man who enjoys a chal-lenge and raising quality sugarbeets isone he really enjoys. Bruce has

been involved in farming since 1978 and the grow-ing of sugarbeets since 1987. His father, Jim, wouldlet him use a few acres of their family farm in thePrairie area South of Saginaw to earn a few extradollars. He did this in his spare time when his otherchores were complete.

“Raising sugarbeets is fun,” says Bruce. “You haveto pay attention to details. Everything from fall tillageand variety selections, nutrient and disease manage-ment, to harvesting operations.”

Bruce lives on his farm with wife, Lori, and theirtwo daughters, Dana (12) and Jackie (10). While thechildren attend Chesaning Schools, mom works asan accountant and tax preparation professional inthe Saginaw and Merrill areas. Bruce provides theexpertise to operate the farm and Lori provides theexpertise to track the farm’s financials. Complete andaccurate financials are a major part of today’s suc-cessful farming operations. Bruce receives great sat-isfaction from finding ways to make his farmingoperation more efficient and competitive.

Bruce supplements his income and uses his farm-ing skills to assist his uncle and cousin with theirfarming operation, Misteguay Creek. He helps per-form planting operations, especially the sugarbeetplanting, and much of the harvesting. In return hegets the use of additional equipment and can con-centrate on the details that provide a solid founda-tion for the crop season at hand. Bruce makes surefield preparation is correct for proper seed place-ment. The seed needs good soil contact for propergermination. “The quick establishment of a goodstand makes the rest of the season a lot easier.”

How successful is Bruce at paying attention to detail?Lets take a look at a few statistics. Over the past threeyears the sugar content of Bruce’s sugarbeets has been0.20% over the Albee district, clear juice purity hasbeen 0.10% over district and tons per acre have been

7.6 over district average. Carry these numbers throughto RWST and RWSA, his crop has 4.5 more pounds perton and a whopping 2,020 pounds per acre moresugar than his district’s average! If three years is notenough, averaging his statistics from his very first con-tract, the numbers remain significantly over average.Paying attention to details has paid off over time.

So, what are the details? Let’s follow Bruce througha growing season for one of his typical sugarbeetfields. Field preparation starts in the fall with anapplication of the required amount of fertilizer.Fertilizer is worked into the soil with a moldboardplow and once over with secondary tillage to level thesurface. In those areas prone to wind erosion, he willleave previous crop stubble exposed to reduce windvelocities. Bruce’s beets follow soybeans, wheat orcorn, although he likes following corn the best. In thespring, the field will receive a once over with a Triple-Ktype implement, if it needs it. Otherwise he likes to uti-lize a stale seedbed. When he feels he must work thefield, he uses smaller equipment with no ballast in thetires to keep soil compaction to a minimum. He plantsthe beet seed no less than 1" deep and spaced 4.8"apart on 28" row spacings. He uses a little “pop-up”fertilizer on the planter and after the beets emerge hedecides how much nitrogen to side dress, which willnever be over 120 pounds per acre total. He says, “Anymore than that is a waste” of scarce resources, dollars,and ultimately “reduces the quality of the crop.”

For weed control, Bruce likes the tried and true split-rate applications of post-emerge herbicides. After

IN THE NEWSgrower

From left to right: Bruce, Dana, Lori and Jackie Albosta.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 1 3

BRUCE ALBOSTA

emergence he can see what his weed targets are andhe does not use more than he needs. He believes innot exposing the environment to any more chemicalsthan he needs to, no matter what the crop. “You mustremove the weeds,” says Bruce. The weeds will keepnutrients, water and sunlight from being utilized by thebeets and “weed seeds never disappear, they just waitin the soil to be plowed back to the surface wherethey will germinate 20 or 30 years later.” Keepingweeds out every year is very important.

Next is disease control. “One year my beets burneddown from Cercospora. They lost two to four weeksof prime growing just putting on new leaves.” Brucewill not let this happen again. He sprays for leafspotat the very first sightings and usually figures on atleast two applications per year.

At harvest, he utilizes an all rubber beet topperto remove all the green leaf material without dam-

aging beet crowns. The harvester is where he controls harvest losses. “You do not miss any beetswith the harvester, you watch your ground speed(keep it down) and do not let any beets fall off thetruck.” In other words, you harvest and deliver all the beets you’ve raised through the growingseason.

For recreation, Bruce is an avid snowmobiler andloves to spend time in Michigan’s Upper Peninsulaevery chance he gets. And you can bet he knows lotsof trails. It is not unusual for him to put more than2,000 miles per year on his snowmobile. He also likesto play a round of golf when he can find the time!

To summarize Bruce’s philosophy for growing sug-arbeets, “That’s all there is to it! No secrets. Just payattention to the details, spend the time and contactyour sugar company Agriculturist when you havequestions (mine is Bob Wight). It will pay!”

Tenacity. Stamina. Good luck. Hardwork. Reasonable weather. Andmost of all, seed that gives you the

best possible edge. That’s why more sugar-beet growers choose Hilleshög.

Find out what’s in store for the upcoming season. Ask your Hilleshög Sales Rep, call 1-800-331-4305, or visit www.hilleshog-us.com.

WHAT’S AT THEROOT OF YOUR SUCCESS?

Eastern District Sales Manager - Doug Ruppal • 989-691-5100 Office • 989-551-1261 Mobile


Editor's Note: The following twoarticles (President's Report andChairman's Report) are condensedfrom presentations given at theMichigan Sugar Company’s AnnualMeeting in Caro on January 18,2003. These reports will beincluded each year in the SpringPioneer Newsbeet issue.

by MarkFlegenheimer, President andCEO

One of thethings people

have asked as we have developedin our first year as a co-op is,“What is the Co-op’s mission?” InOctober, senior management andthe Board of Directors created our

mission statement—”As a grower-owned cooperative, our mission isto maximize shareholder valueby efficiently producing qualityPioneer Sugar while enhancingour employees’ future.” This missioncan be broken down into severalmain elements as follows: maximiz-ing shareholder value; efficientlyproducing; quality Pioneer Sugar;enhancing our employees’ future.

MAXIMIZING SHAREHOLDERVALUE

“Shareholder value” has twomain components:

• The first component is short-term. Short-term is the yearlybeet payment. How much do grower-owners get paidthis year?

• The second component is long-term. Is the value of the Co-op’sshares increasing over time?

Balancing short-term and long-term value is challenging. Do wemake a larger payment? Do weimprove our balance sheet? Aswe go forward we will have tocontinually balance short-termand long-term value.

Looking at the short-term side ofit—what can we do to increase thebeet payment? Quality beets willhelp the pack (the amount ofsugar per ton recovered). We canattempt to minimize shrink (howmany sugarbeets we lose in thepiles). Can we reduce the amountof pile loss? In addition, we canreduce the operating costs in thefactory. All would contribute to alarger payment.

REPORTpresident's

At the Annual Meeting (l to r): Julie Perry—Executive Assistant; Wayne Hecht—Secretary, Board of Directors;Mark Flegenheimer—President & CEO; Tom Zimmer—Chairman, Board of Directors; David VanDerHaagen—Co-op Attorney.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 1 5

Another part is the marketingpartnerships with Imperial Sugarand Midwest Agri. We need towork with them to maximizevalue through new products ornew markets. We need to get themost out of our partners whomarket our products.

On the long-term side of things,how are we going to increaseshareholder value? We need tostrengthen our balance sheet—possibly with unit retains. It is avital tool at our disposal. Sharevalue will increase as the balancesheet strengthens.

Secondly, we need to makeprudent capital investments. Thisyear, energy costs are at the topof our list for capital projects.Economizers and new boilerburners are being installed toimprove fuel efficiency and offerflexibility between natural gas andoil. We also have about $500,000in regulatory-type items such aschemical handling and safety in ourfactories. Also, we need to belooking at what our factorycapacity utilization is going to bedown the road.

Thirdly, politics of the Farm Bill and trade agreements areimportant.

EFFICIENTLY PRODUCINGWebster’s dictionary defines

“efficient” as “productive withoutwaste.” Therefore, “efficient opera-tion as measured by a comparisonof production with cost (as inenergy, time and money),” ordoing more with less. All the costsin the supply chain from sugar-beets to harvesting, manufacturing

and administration, need to beexamined.

Before the Co-op was created,the Company was concerned withmanufacturing and administrativecosts. We were concerned about“us”—what costs we could con-trol. And then there was“them”—the growers. We wereless concerned about the produc-tion costs in the field. Now weneed to create a “we.” We need toworry about those costs from thebeginning all the way to the end—from the field all the way through

the factory to the warehouse andour customers. We have manyopportunities to reduce coststhroughout the supply chain andbecome more efficient.

We need to continuously strive toimprove; constant improvement.We cannot become complacent.We need to try new things. To besuccessful, we must be willing tochange and adopt and adapt. Weneed to be open-minded and bewilling to think “out-of-the-box.”

We need to look from creativeangles—try new things. We need tolook at every step in our costs. Weneed to look at each of thosesteps, including the raw material,sugarbeets. We can increase sugar-

beet quality by increased plantpopulation per acre, reduced nitro-gen, and reduced disease. We needto conduct research. Research iscritically important. I think we needto find new ways to increase quali-ty, whether it is new varieties ornew ways to produce our crops.

We need to utilize ourAgricultural staff. We have a trainedAg staff at your disposal; experts insugarbeet cultivation. Utilize them.Get together and brainstorm. Weare all in this together. For instance,for every one-tenth percent sugarcontent increase, the bottom lineincreases approximately $1 million!On the harvest side, does 24-hourdelivery fit into our mix in Michigan?

The next step is manufactur-ing. We are doing real-time mea-surements; measuring throughput,extraction, temperatures, energyuse, etc. I believe what is mea-sured is managed. We look athow much down time we havehad and compare to other yearsand other factories. We look atlost-time accidents. Workers com-pensation costs are evaluated. Weneed to look at how much over-time we are using. We need tomeasure these examples, plusmore! We need to take those val-ues and compare them to thebest practices in the industry andsee how we stack up.

In the long-term we have to beefficient. By increasing throughput,whether it is daily or in total, costsare driven down. Can we lengthenour campaign? Can we utilizestorage sheds? Is there room for

continued, page 16

THE MISSION—OUR MISSION

“…for every one-tenthpercent sugar content

increase, the bottom lineincreases approximately

$1 million!”


additional juice tanks? All of those things need to beevaluated.

We also need to consistently put money back intoour factories. The first year, we put $1.2 million. Thisyear, we are going to put $2.7 million back into thefactories. We need to continue to stay efficient forthe long term!

On the administrative side of things, how can wecontinue to improve efficiency. Checked costsinclude:

• Salaried employees no longer receive definedpension benefits only defined pension contributions.

• Sprinklers were installed in a couple of our factories this year to dramatically reduce insurance costs.

• We have employed a safety manager to helpreduce our workers compensation expenses.

• Unemployment costs, taxes—we have implement-ed programs for leasing companies to managethese costs.

Before Imperial acquired Savannah and MichiganSugar, 64 people were employed in the GeneralOffice in Saginaw. After Imperial came along, wewere down to 25 people. Now we are “on our own”again, we are carefully assessing those areas wherewe need personnel. So far, we have added sevenpeople to our staff in our Finance, ManagementInformation Services (MIS) and Human Resources

(HR) departments (total of 32, or half the size of ourprevious level).

QUALITY PIONEER SUGARQuality Pioneer Sugar is measured by the highest

food safety standards in the industry. We are mea-sured by the American Institute of Baking (AIB)annually. They conduct an independent survey of allour factories. This year, our average score was 879,which is an excellent rating. Since we have beenusing AIB, we have increased our score every year.We need to continue this trend. Manufacturing a topquality product is essential to our future.

ENHANCING OUR EMPLOYEES’ FUTUREEmployees are the single most important asset of

a company. We need to reinvest in those assets. Weneed to keep our employees motivated, happy andfulfilled in their jobs and utilize competitive wagesand benefits. We need to make sure the environ-ment in which they work fosters openness and idea-sharing. We must provide continuing education andtraining. Overall, we need to create an enjoyable andsafe workplace.

RECAP: We have shareholder support and acreageand throughput. We have long-term vision. We haveexcellent employees. We can make our mission areality.

President’s Report continued from page 15

by Thomas Zimmer,Chairman of the Board of Directors

My report is not only on how both the companyand growers have changed, but also how theystayed the same. We are beginning a new era in thesugar industry in Michigan. We have turned somepossibilities into positives.

We have laid a strong foundation by having 125,000acres of sugarbeets committed to the Co-op. Thedriving force in the sugarbeet industry is throughput.

The grower-owners have demonstrated a verygood “will do” attitude. The foundation’s frameworkis our strong and determined management teamand our dedicated employees.

Your Board is committed to the viability of theCo-op. You have heard some of the items at yourdistrict meetings and you will hear them again.

Some examples:

• Shareholders must plant, maintain and deliver a quality sugarbeet.

• Early delivery of sugarbeets needs to start inall districts. With the expected throughput of2–21/2 million tons of sugarbeets with 150days of slice, all factories need to start early.Our goal is to be finished slicing by mid-February. The more efficient factory operations,the more likely you will receive a higherreturn on your sugarbeets.

Your Co-op Board and management has discussedour short-term and long-term business plans. Ofcourse, our main task is to pay down debt tostrengthen the Co-op’s balance sheet. But we justcannot solely focus on debt and not improve thefactories. To succeed, we must have a strong busi-ness plan. The President and officers provide a planfor each of their departments and report monthly onprogress.

Your Board discusses familiar topics such as earlydelivery and seed approval in addition to factoryperformance. We approve or reject factory capitalimprovements after careful study. We must also takea long-term view of the business ensuring plans arenot be too expensive or too lengthy.

We must also explore opportunities as they presentthemselves. We must consider strategies to offsetthreats. We discuss farm legislation, trade policy andinform the American Sugar Beet Growers and alsoU.S. Beet of our concerns. The Ag sector is changing dramatically. Our planningcould be based on asking questions such as:

• What if marketing allotments increase ordecrease? Then what do we do?

• What if the Mexico problem is resolved? Ornot? Then what would we do?

We must be open to out-of-the-box ideas andthinking. Our management teams focus on time-tested

REPORTchairman's WE ARE THEM AND THEY ARE US

Facing page and right: Tom Zimmer—Chairman,Board of Directors delivers his report to theCooperative’s grower-owners in attendance at theannual meeting.

continued, page 18

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 1 7

1 8 P I O N E E R N E W S B E E T1 8 P I O N E E R N E W S B E E T

performance goals, plus being low cost producersof sugar.

We must be proactive in our planning. The growersmust know the directors expect and demand thesethings from management. We, as directors andgrowers, must realize this type of planning does notimmediately show visible results. Times have changeda great deal in the past few years.

The domestic sugar industry is in transition fromstock companies to cooperatives. Only three sugarbeetfactories in the U.S. are being operated by stockcompanies; two in California and one in Michigan.

We must be constantly aware of failure. The Boardavoids this with good planning both short-term andlong-term. We will keep your best interests as ourfocus in planning and decisions we make.

It is imperative Michigan Sugar Company’s teamswork together. By team, I mean the Board, manage-ment, employees and foremost you, the grower-owners. Working together we can:

• Move forward – to be the best

• Adopt – to be the best

• Adapt – to be the best

• Change – to be the best

• Innovate – to be the best

• Succeed – We will be the best!

Being the best, in turn, will reflect on your ownoperations. Your board is committed to have MichiganSugar be the best sugarbeet co-op yet and with theteam we have in place, we will succeed.

Chairman’s Report continued from page 17

By Dick Leach, Director ofCommunity and GovernmentRelations

The Sugar Association Inc., (SAI) isthe national trade organization rep-resenting United States sugarbeet and

sugar cane growers, refiners and processors. Theirprimary mission is to enhance sugar consumption andeducate consumers and the media regarding sugar’srole in a healthful diet. All aspects of the Association’sactivities are based upon peer reviewed science.

SAI also responds to misleading information andattacks on sugar consumption. Recently, the staffresponded to inaccurate and biased articles publishedin the American Dietetic Association’s Journal andthe American Heart Association’s journal Circulationas well as an outlandish indictment of sugar in anadvertisement by the Merck pharmaceutical companyfor its product Zõcor. Because international events alsoaffect the industry, the staff frequently providesdocumented position papers to such groups as theWorld Health Organization and the Food andAgricultural Organization.

Ongoing surveillance and participation in theregulatory process include: revision of the DietaryGuidelines coordinated by Health and Human Services,re-authorization of the school lunch program, revisionof USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid, updating food productlabels for accuracy and consumer-friendly formatting,monitoring relevant legislation, maintaining activeand positive collaborations with food and beverageindustry representatives and educating congressionalstaffers for proactive support of sugar industry issues.

SAI Education programs inform consumers througha variety of activities. Exhibits at national conferencesallow for positive relationships with health andnutrition professionals as well as consumer groups.New forums included the Parent Teacher Association,4-H, and Campfire USA. Introducing a pedometerprogram to promote regular physical activity hasenhanced sugar’s role as a natural form of humanenergy. Publications about nutrition, health andphysical activity are geared toward parents, educatorsand children. Working with member companies to

brand sugar as a low calorie, all natural sweetenerhas become a major priority.

SAI Public Relations programs educated both mediaand consumers through strategic and innovativeapproaches. In 2002, media tours included amagazine and radio tour, featuring a highly regardedspokesperson. A TV infomercial was featured on fourpopular television networks. A radio spot was featured

on four signatureprograms on NationalPublic Radio. Sugarconsumption wasalso promoted at amedia seminar forfood, health andnutrition writerswhose readershipwas over one million.Two positive out-comes as a result ofthe Association serving as the silversponsor of theNational DessertCompetition includedacquiring chefs asindustry spokesper-

sons and networking with the industrial users of sugar.The Sugar Association vigorously pursues the

mission for which it was founded in 1943 throughvigilant surveillance and rapid response to promotesugar as the all natural sweetener with only 15calories per teaspoon.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 1 9S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 1 9

WHAT THE SUGARASSOCIATION DOES

Wayne Hecht, Caro areasugarbeet grower and Co-opBoard of Directors memberexplains the finer points ofsugarbeet harvesting toEvelyn Brewster, SAI Directorof Public Relations and AmyHousel, SAI Director ofEducation.

www.sugar.org

1899 1902 1906 1927 1929 1933 1937Caro factory built.Slicing capacity:

500–600 tons/day

Carrollton, Croswell, &Sebewaing factories

built. Slicing capacities:600 tons/day

Michigan SugarCompany

established.

Croswell factoryclosed due tolack of beets.

Croswell factoryreopened for a

third time.

Carrollton factoryclosed due tolack of beets.

Carrollton andCroswell factories

reopened and closedfor a second time.

Carrollton factoryreopened for a

third time.

Savannah Foods &Industries purchasedMichigan Sugar Co.

Savannah-MichiganSugar Co. purchased

Great Lakes SugarCompany

Imperial Sugar Co.purchased SavannahFoods & Industries

Caro factory centennial.

Slicing capacity:3600 tons/day

Growers purchased

Michigan SugarCo. from Imperial

Carrollton, Croswell, andSebewaing factory

centennials. Slicing capacity:3100–5550 tons/day

1942 1999 20021984 1985 1997


By Dick Leach, Director of Communityand Government Relations

February 12, 2003 marked the firstanniversary of Michigan Sugar Companyas a grower-owned cooperative. Weare well into the next chapter in the

history book of Michigan Sugar Company. All of ourfactories are over 100 years old, with the Caro factorycelebrating its centennial in 1999 and the Carrollton,Croswell, and Sebewaing factories celebrating theirs in2002. For a factory to be running for over 100 yearssays a lot for the industry.

Looking back at the origin of the four presentlyoperating factories and their capacities as comparedto today:

• The Caro factory was built in 1899. Pandemoniumhad reigned supreme when local banker, CharlesMontague, obtained sufficient financing to buildthe Caro factory. It was called The PeninsularSugar Refining Company. The new factory’s slicingcapacity was 500 to 600 tons per day and it packedan average of 158.9 pounds of sugar per ton ofbeets. Today we find the Caro factory is the oldestoperating beet processing factory in the UnitedStates. Its present slicing capacity is 3,600 tonsper day. It packed an average of 278 pounds ofsugar per ton of beets from the 2002 crop.

• The Carrollton factory was built in 1902 when agroup of investors joined together to build a sugarrefining factory in Sebewaing. When the bids camein from contractors to build the factory, the groupcouldn’t agree on a contractor. The investors fromBay City withdrew from the Sebewaing project anddecided to build a factory in Carrollton, close to theriver. It was called the Saginaw Valley SugarCompany. This was the second sugar factory in theSaginaw area. There was already an operating sugarfactory at the corner of South Jefferson andWashington in Saginaw. The slicing capacity of theCarrollton factory was 600 tons per day.

The first year was poor, due to a wet fall andlack of beets to operate two factories. In 1903,farmers only produced 45,000 tons. Each factory

needed 60,000 acres for full operation. The factoryat South Jefferson and Washington was moved toSterling, Colorado. The Carrollton factory did notoperate from 1929 to 1933 and was shut downagain until 1942, again due to the lack of beets.

Today, the Carrollton factory can slice an averageof 3,100 tons per day and it produces over 8,000cwt./day.

• The Sebewaing factory, under the name of theSebewaing Sugar Refining Company, was built in1902 by a group of investors headed by JohnLiken, who was said to be the “Father of the Villageof Sebewaing.” The foundations were built of ashlarbecause the general manager did not like concrete.In February of 1902, 52 Russian families were hiredin Nebraska to come to Sebewaing to work thebeets. Five hundred showed up. The factory got offto a good start, despite the collapse of the concretewalls of the reservoir used to store syrup.

The Sebewaing factory had a slicing capacity of600 tons per day and extracted 188 pounds ofsugar per ton of beets from the 1902 crop. Theaverage slicing capacity of the Sebewaing factorytoday is 5,550 tons per day and it packed anaverage of 276 pounds of sugar per ton of beetsfrom the 2002 crop. The Sebewaing factory hasprocessed beets every year since it was built.

• The Croswell factory was built in 1902 byCharles Bewick of Caro along with other Caro

1902 AND 2002: WHAT A DIFFERENCE 100 YEARS HAVE MADE

Workers package sugar at the Carrolltonfactory in early 1950s.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 2 3

factory stockholders looking for a Thumb factorysite. At the same time, a group of Sandusky areainvestors felt that the area was well suited forsugarbeets. The two groups together built a 600-ton factory in Croswell. The community of Croswellfurnished the site a small water supply dam and aten-year tax exemption. The company was namedthe Sanilac Sugar Refining Company.

The first year was a disaster due to too muchrain at the wrong time, growers that lacked theknowledge of how to grow beets, and “beetworms.” When the beet worms became a problem,an out-of-town huckster sold farmers sure-fireadvice on how to exterminate the worms for 10cents a farmer. The advice was to catch the wormsby the tail and smash them between a flat rock anda brick. The company lost $100,000 in the first twoyears. The factory closed in 1927, reopened in 1933and closed again until 1937 for lack of beets. By1940, a farmer enthused about beets, beganrecruiting local farmers to grow beets. He turnednames and field locations into the factory, thenowned by Michigan Sugar Company. It was discov-ered that some field locations were two or threemiles east of Lexington, out in Lake Huron.

Today the Croswell factory is capable of an aver-age daily slice of 3,700 tons and produces nearly10,000 cwt./day.

As the lumber era came to an end in mid Michigan,the state legislature began to look for other uses forthe land that was now stump land. In 1897, theMichigan State Legislature granted a one-cent perpound bounty to beet processors for sugar producedfrom Michigan plantings above 90% purity; providedthe farmer received $4.00 per ton of beets, with 12%sugar. The bounty ignited a sugar factory boom inMichigan. The Michigan Supreme Court declared thebounty unconstitutional in 1900.

In 1898, Michigan Sugar Company, a forerunner ofthe present company, agreed to build its first factoryin Essexville. The local tax assessor agreed to lowerthe taxes. He later reneged on the agreement andwas fired by the local officials.

In 1906, the American Sugar Refining Companymerged with six local companies: Alma Sugar

Company, Peninsular Sugar Refining Company ofCaro, Pioneer Michigan Sugar Company of Bay City,Sebewaing Sugar Company, Sanilac Sugar RefiningCompany of Croswell, and the Saginaw Valley SugarCompany of Carrollton. They were merged into theMichigan Sugar Company on August 20, 1906.

At the height of the sugar boom in Michiganthere were 25 sugar refining factories built, but only23 factories ever operated.

As time went on, the Essexville factory and theAlma factory were closed. Two factories were pur-chased in 1985 in Ohio (Fremont and Findlay).They were both closed due to lack of beets.

Today, in 2003, Michigan Sugar Company is acooperative owned by its growers. The company iscomprised of:

• 4 operating factories

• 16 receiving stations

• 53 piling machines

• 2 storage and distribution/packaging facilitiesin Ohio at Fremont and Findlay

• 350 full-time employees and 1,100 campaignworkers

For the 2002 crop we:

• Harvested 125,000 acres

• Processed 2,370,000 tons of beets

• Sliced over 15,000 tons per day average

• Produced over 6.3 million cwt. of sugar

• Generated over $170 million in economic activity

Our first year as a cooperative was a huge success.When we look at today’s sugarbeet growing area andremember our beet fields were once stump fields andthink about the people who started this industry andall of the people involved throughout the years, it ismind boggling. People throughout Michigan SugarCompany’s history have had the vision to position thecompany for survival and success. Through wars, adepression, bad weather, bankruptcy, governmentintervention and some very difficult challenges,Michigan Sugar Company is a survivor! It always hasbeen and I predict it always will be.


SEEDBED TILLAGE EFFECTS ON SUGARBEET EMERGENCE

by T. M. Harrigan, Professor,Agricultural Engineering Department,Michigan State University

Over the last few years I havebeen working to determine howtillage can be used to create the bestpossible seedbed for a sugarbeet

crop. I have found, in general, increasing the intensityof seedbed tillage reduces soil moisture, delays plantemergence and reduces final plant stand. Reducingtillage intensity can reduce the risk involved in achiev-ing a top stand. Most growers can improve emergenceby reducing the intensity of seedbed tillage.

Tillage objectives vary from farm-to-farm and year-to-year. Common reasons for tillage are to prepare thesoil for planting, manage crop residue, alleviate soilcompaction, incorporate lime, fertilizer, pesticides andother soil amendments, and to control weeds, insectsand disease. While tillage can solve many problems, itdoes not always create the best possible seedbed.

Alleviating soil compaction is an important objectiveon most farms. Soil compaction reduces pore spaceand increases soil bulk density. Some soils are naturallycompact, but most compaction problems are causedby heavy and repetitive loads from trucks, combines,manure spreaders and other vehicles. Excessive com-paction can restrict root development, increase soil andwater runoff and decrease crop yields. Compaction canbe both shallow—in the normal tillage zone—or deep,below the normal tillage zone.

A successful plan for managing compaction includesmanaging all aspects of the crop production system:soils, tillage, crop rotations and machinery. In theshort-term, tillage is an effective way to loosen the soil,increase pore space and improve infiltration anddrainage. But, excessive or poorly timed tillage canworsen problems. Excessive seedbed tillage cancompact the soil; increase bulk density; dry the soil;and greatly reduce the large pore space which is mosteffective in draining excess water from the soil profile.Soil crusting, a form of shallow soil compaction canbe aggravated by excessive seedbed tillage.

Sugarbeet seeds fail to survive for many reasons. Asmall percentage of seeds do not germinate. Othersgerminate, but do not emerge, perhaps because it was

too wet, too dry, too cold, or the seedbed crusted over.Some seeds germinate and emerge, but are taken outby wind blown soil, insects or disease. The key to a topstand is to maximize emergence. The challenge for agrower is to provide the best possible environment forseed germination and emergence. In our seedbedtillage work, the rate of emergence measured as the10-day, 20-day or 30-day plant population was thebest indicator of an optimal seedbed. Soil temperatureand moisture are key components of an optimalseedbed. Seedbed tillage affects both.

Tillage warms the soil, but it also dries the soil. And,loosening the soil inhibits moisture movement up tothe seed from deeper in the soil profile. When soilover-winters it goes through several freeze-thaw cyclescausing the soil volume to expand. This alleviates soilcompaction by forcing soil particles apart and breakingdown soil clods. In the spring, such a seedbed has anice seed environment–little compaction and ade-quate moisture–before it is tilled. The challenge is toaccomplish all other tillage objectives without destroy-ing this high-quality seed environment.

A sugarbeet crop was established at the SaginawBean and Beet Research Farm in 1999 and in2001–2002 to evaluate the effects of seedbed tillageon seedling emergence. All plots were fall moldboardplowed. Four seedbed tillage treatments were used: 1)fall disking and leveling, no spring tillage (staleseedbed), 2) fall disking and leveling, spring seedbedtillage with a single, shallow (1 to 2 inch) pass of a

A: Danish-tine harrow

B: Spike-tooth/rolling harrow;

C: Field cultivator

A B

C

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 2 5

Danish-tine harrow, 3) fall disking and leveling, springtillage with a spike-tooth/rolling harrow finishing tool(2001-2002 only), and 4) no fall seedbed tillage, springtillage with a single pass of a field cultivator (4 inches)followed by a single pass with the Danish-tine (1 to 2inches) to level and firm the seedbed. All spring tillagewas performed within a few hours of planting to con-serve moisture. The single, shallow pass with theDanish-tine cultivator was at a depth of 1–2 inches tolevel the surface yet avoid excessive drying of theseedbed. An objective with this tillage system was to tillthe soil no deeper than the depth of seed placement.

Seedbed and stand establishment goals includedgood soil tilth, good seed-to-soil contact, rapidemergence and growth, a high plant population anda uniform spacing between plants in the row. Plantingwas with a John Deere 7300 general purpose vacuumplanter and an Accord plate-type sugarbeet planter.The variety E-17 was used with either a fasconatedseed treatment (film coated with a fungicide andcolor dye) or a pelleted PAT treatment. The PATprocess initiates the germination process then stopsit before the radical ruptures the seed coat. Thisprocess has been shown to speed germination earlyin the season under cool soil conditions. The PATseed was used with both the John Deere and theAccord planter. The fasconated seed was used onlywith the John Deere planter. Each of the tillage/planter combinations was replicated six times.

Tillage and planting occurred in the third week ofApril, except in 2002 when rains delayed field workuntil May 15. In most cases, decreasing tillage intensityincreased the rate of emergence and the final plantstand. In 1999 we planted in an excellent seedbed andit did not rain for approximately ten days after planting.Moisture became the limiting factor. The most rapidemergence and greatest 10-day stand were in the staleseedbed. The slowest emergence and lowest popula-tion was the field cultivator and Danish-tine used tolevel and prepare the seedbed just before planting. Asingle shallow pass with a Danish-tine cultivator in astale seedbed was intermediate in stand between thelow-intensity tillage of the stale seedbed and the high

continued, page 30

Sugar beet emergence, 1999

TABLE 1

Plan

ts/1

00 f

t

Stale Shallow DT FC-DT

10-Day 20-Day 30-Day

200

150

100

50

0


TABLE 2Pl

ants

/100

ft



200

150

100

50

0

Spike-Harrow


TABLE 3

Plan

ts/1

00 f

t



200

150

100

50

0

Spike-Harrow


4-H AND FFA SUGARBEET PROJECT AWARDSFOR 2002

The Breckenridge area 4-H Sugarbeet Project had12 participants for the 2002 season. The banquetwas held at the ‘300’ Bowl in Alma where wehonored the participants and award recipients. Asusual, all were very good and decisions difficult.After the “dust” settled, three were chosen asPremier recipients; Alyssa Brown, Hunter Hrabal andKyle Crumbaugh. Our top award went to Prestigerecipient Josh Gulick whose parents areJeff and Denise Gulick of Merrill.

There were 23 participants inthis season’s Saginaw area 4-HSugarbeet Project. Up to five ofthese could be designated asPremier award recipients. Premierrecipients are; Dennis Hecht, Amanda Hecht,Daniel Rummel, Lucas Schiefer and HaydenKunik. By the numbers, the rules also allowfor two Prestige Award recipients. Prestigerecipients for the 2002 season are, ChelseaStolz (parents Roy and Cindy) and Erich Reinbold(parents Wesley and Carol).

The Caro 4-H Sugarbeet Project had 42 total par-ticipants from three clubs. The Pioneers, led by RoyKnoll, the Tuscola Beetniks led by Viola Bierlein, andthe 4-H Achievers, led by Carl Bednarski. There wereeight premier award recipients, Kristin Reinbold,Michael Bednarski, Troy Hecht, Ashley Bierlein, TravisBierlein, Nathan Bednarski, Joseph Bublitz andCarmen Bierlein. The three top Prestige recipients forthe 2002 season are Rebbecca Bierlein (parentsStuart and Nancy), C.J. Bednarski (parents Carl andLisa) and Kyle Hecht (parents Bryan and Lynn).

There were 46 participants in the Sebewaing area4-H/FFA Sugarbeet Project for the 2002 season. Atthe annual awards banquet on December 2 wehonored the award recipients. Ten Premier awardswere presented to; Adam Armbruster, Jason Maust,Jonathan Maust, Tara Oeschger, Chris Oeschger, JeffSchulze, Jason Smith, Sara Stecker, Ben Turschak and

Kyle Yackle. Top honors went to fourPrestige recipients; Chad Goebel (parentsWayne and Sheree), Cody Leipprandt

(parents Philip and Sherry), Matt Sneller(parents Darwin and Kathy) and Kirk Yackle

(parents James and Sheila).The Croswell Factory District held their

4-H/FFA Sugarbeet Project AwardsBanquet in Sandusky on January 6. Therewere 69 participants in this season’sproject resulting in 14 Premier Awardrecipients and 5 Prestige Award recipients.Those receiving Premier Awards were;

Brittany Maurer, Laura Puvalowski, JoleneKirsch, Neil Keinath, Jessica Kirsch, AaronRoggenbuck, Sara Volmering, Crysta Maurer,Bryce Bischer, Kurt Kirkpatrick, Justin

Roggenbuck, Ashley Roggenbuck and Bobbi Gentner.Receiving top honors, the Prestige Award recipientsare Andrew Volmering (parents Dan and LaDonna),Andrew Kirsch (parents Mike and Kathy), EricGentner (parents Allan and Debbie Bischer), AmandaGrekowicz (parents Chris and Michelle) and JaredPuvalowski (parents Claude and Denise).

For more information on the Michigan Sugar 4-H and FFA SugarbeetProject and the Michigan Sugar Company Scholarships, see page 29.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 2 7

Rebbecca Bierlein C.J. Bednarski Kyle Hecht

Josh Gulick

Andrew Volmering Andrew Kirsch Jared PuvalowskiAmanda GrekowiczEric Gentner

Matt Sneller Kirk YackleCody LeipprandtChad Goebel

Chelsea Stolz Erich Reinbold

PRESTIGE SUGARBEET PROJECT AWARD RECIPIENTS


by Herb Wilson, Vice-President ofOperations

In earlier issueswe discussedsome of the posi-

tive effects high quality sugarbeetshave on our factory operations.We related how certain costs ofoperation are fixed on a dailybasis; others change with slicerate and the way higher through-put can reduce these costs perton or hundredweight. Let usexpand the discussion to talkabout the impact that higher beetquality has on the cost of thesugar produced.

Increasing sugar content in thebeet, and higher purity, allows forhigher daily sugar production ratesfor any given slice rate. This canresult in a significant improvementin the cost per hundredweight(cwt.) of our final product.

Slicing beets with 16% sugar atthe rate of 16,000 tons per day

and 81.5% extraction will produce41,728 cwt. of sugar per day. If thecossette sugar increases to 17%,the daily production will increaseto 44,336 cwt. per day.

To see the effect on just one ofour costs, we will use fuel as anexample. Fuel is one of our largerexpenses and its consumption istied most closely with the tons ofbeets sliced each day. Using a fuelcost of $4.50/mmbtu and a usageof 1.6 mmbtu/ton sliced, the fuelcost will be $115,200/day at a16,000 ton slice rate. With 16%sugar (41,728 cwt./day), the costis $2.76/cwt produced. However,at 17% sugar (44,336 cwt./day)the cost goes down to $2.60/cwt.This is a $0.16/cwt reduction and,for a company producing6,000,000 cwt per year, wouldrepresent an increased return of$960,000. If we were able toincrease cossette sugar from 16%to 20%, the savings would be$0.55/cwt. or a $3,300,000 peryear increase in return.

Fuel is just one of our costsaffected in this way. A few otherexamples would be the numberof people we employ, beet freightcost, insurance, taxes, and mostoperating supplies. These areeither “fixed” or change only withthe quantity of beets processed.When we are able to increase theamount of sugar produced perton processed, there is a significantreduction in the cost of the finishedproduct. This all translates tohigher returns for grower-owners.In the factory, we are alwayslooking for ways to improve theamount of sugar extracted fromeach ton processed, but the mostdramatic effect comes with highsugar coupled with high purity inthe beets.

When you couple the benefitsof increased throughput with thesavings per hundredweight fromhigh quality beets, we advancetoward our goal of being thelowest cost producer.

NEWSfactory HIGHER BEET QUALITY SAVES ON

SUGAR PRODUCTION COSTS

MICHIGAN SUGAR BEGINS PROGRAM OF REINVESTMENT IN ITS OPERATIONS

Our Board of Directors has recently approved a $2.7 million capital projects budget allowing us tomaintain the factories, improve operations and lower operating costs. Highlights of some of the areasbeing addressed include:

• Additional heat transfer equipment to lower fuel costs

• Buyouts of some leased/rented equipment to reduce costs

• A program to continue major building repairs

• Replacement of worn equipment to maintain factory reliability

• Projects to ensure continued compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY SCHOLARSHIPSMichigan Sugar Co. offers two scholarships annually;

the Albert Flegenheimer Memorial Scholarship($2,500) and the Phil Brimhall Memorial Scholarship($1,000). High school seniors in public or privateschools within our sugarbeet growing area areeligible to compete if they have participated in 4-Hor the Future Farmers of America Program and havecompleted a documented sugarbeet project. Allapplications must be received before May 1 to beconsidered for the upcoming school year. For furtherdetails and a copy of the official entry form contactyour local Michigan Sugar Co. agricultural office.

MICHIGAN SUGAR 4-H AND FFA SUGARBEETPROJECT

Designed specifically for youth in the sugarbeetproduction areas of Michigan, the 4-H and FFASugarbeet Project seeks to promote education andinterest in sugarbeets. The program is for all 4-H andFFA members who wish to participate in supervisedsugarbeet projects.

Parents should contact their respectiveAgriculturalist for details on how to have their childrenadmitted into the project. In order to participate,members are required to be enrolled in an organized4-H club or FFA chapter, make an exhibit at a countyfair, complete an accurate record of labor andagronomic practices (including costs and expectedreceipts) and must be at least eight years old duringthe calendar year of the project. At the end of theproject, participant projects are graded, judged andawards presented based on the number of participantsand their participation in the project. Awards arepresented at an end of year banquet.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 2 9

4-H SUGARBEET PROJECTAND SCHOLARSHIPS

Locally Grown.Locally Owned.


intensity tillage of the field cultivator and Danish-tine.At 30 days, the field cultivated sugarbeets had nearlythe same stand as the stale seedbed, but they neverquite reached the stand count found in the staleseedbed.

In 2001 the planting conditions were excellent andthen dry for several days after. The most rapid emer-gence was seen where the spike-tooth/rolling harrowcombination tool was used. The spike-tooth differsfrom the Danish-tine in the spike-tooth has straighttines stirring and moving the soil horizontally ratherthan lifting and inverting and exposing moist soil clodsto rapid drying. The slowest emergence was the fieldcultivator and Danish-tine harrow. The field cultivatortilled deep relative to the depth of seed placement.This dried the soil and disrupted the continuity ofsoil pores stopped upward moisture movement tothe seed. Timely rains provided nearly full stands bythe 20-day count. At 30 days, plant populations weresimilar, but field cultivated plots, which were themost intensively tilled, once again never quite caughtup to the less intensively tilled seedbed.

In 2002 the planting conditions were very different.Frequent rains prevented planting until May 15, andeven then, the soil was a little wetter than we wouldhave liked. Since we planted in moist soil, and it rainedhard within a few days of planting, moisture was nevera limiting factor. In fact, the heavy rains after plantingcaused soil crusting which hurt emergence. Underthese conditions, the most rapid emergence and great-est stand was in the field cultivated plots. The moreintensive tillage likely improved infiltration in the wetconditions and alleviated some of the problems causedby excess water.

How did the sugarbeet crops compare based onRWSA (recoverable white sugar per acre)? In 1999,the stale seedbed provided the most sugar per acre.In 2001 it was the single pass (1 to 2 inches) of theDanish-tine, and in 2002 the spike-tooth/rolling har-row provided the best yields.

Seedbed tillage uproots small weeds and facilitatesweed control. If you reduce seedbed tillage, you mayneed to change your weed control program. If youplant into a stale or lightly tilled seedbed, considerapplying glyphosate before the sugarbeets emerge. If

you seek to control common chickweed or other winterannuals, consider a pre-plant application of glyphosate.

In general, our work in evaluating seedbed tillageover the last few years has shown increasing theintensity of seedbed tillage:

• Reduces soil moisture.• Delays plant emergence.• Reduces final plant stand.Since soils and planting conditions vary widely

among farms, on-farm experimentation will be the bestway to compare tillage systems. If you decide to experi-ment with alternative seedbed tillage methods, a rea-sonable approach is to compare your standard tillagesystem to a challenger system in the same field. Suchan approach will provide a fair comparison among thetillage methods of interest and give you time to makeother needed adjustments in the farming system.Without comparing your normal tillage to a challengersystem you can be misled by quirks in the environ-ment you cannot control.

Seedbed Tillage Effects continued from page 25

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S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 3 1

The Agricultural Staff of Michigan Sugar Co. is here to support all of our grower-owners in their efforts to raisethe best crop of sugarbeets possible. Their in-the-field and specialized sugarbeet training totals more than 260years of combined experience. Through this experience and industry resources, these people will be able to findanswers and help with your sugarbeet crop challenges. Their phone numbers are listed in your Grower Guide, soyou can always obtain the information you need when you need it.

William Gough (20 Years) is and has been Agricultural Manager, CarrolltonDistrict since 1989. This position oversees Carrollton, Albee, Blumfield,Breckenridge, Greenville, Blissfield and Fremont. In 1982 he was a Fieldman forthe Sebewaing District. Bill operated a farm near Carsonville and a small citrusgrove in Florida. He raised sugarbeets for Croswell and was involved with FFASugarbeet Projects throughout high school. Bill earned his Bachelor of Sciencefrom Michigan Technological University and his M.B.A. from Saginaw ValleyState University. He lives near Bay City and is active in the Save Our Shorelineorganization. He and his wife, Christine have one son, Wil (32). Wil, his wife,Stacey and their two sons reside near Mayville.

Kent D. Graf, (26 years) Agricultural Manager, Caro District: Kent joined Michigan SugarCo. as a Fieldman for the Sebewaing District. In 1977 he transferred to the Caro Districtand in 1985 he accepted the Agricultural Manager position at Caro. Kent graduated fromWestern Michigan University with a double major in Agriculture and Marketing with aGeneral Business minor. Before Michigan Sugar he worked for several area farmers andone summer at Evans Products in Gagetown. Kent is a member, past President, and nowSecretary of the Caro Rotary Club. He also farmed for a number of years. Kent, his wife

Lisa and their son Kyle (3) live east of Caro.

Keith Kalso (18 years) is and has been Agricultural Manager for the CroswellDistrict since 1999. Prior to 1999 he was the Agriculturist for the Croswell area.Keith is responsible for the Croswell Agricultural District, beet receivingoperations, maintenance and beet transfer. This responsibility stretches acrossthe Verona, Ruth, Sandusky, Croswell stations and the Ontario operations inLambton County and Dover Station. Keith earned his B.S. degree from MSU. Heis treasurer for Buel Township, member Board of Administration for CroswellWesleyan Church and is a youth sponsor. Keith and his wife Lori reside just

outside of Croswell with their three daughters; Emily (16), Alyssa (13) and Amanda (13).

Dennis Montei (16 years) is and has been the Agricultural Manager for the SebewaingDistrict since 1999. Before joining Michigan Sugar, Dennis was a member of their familycash crop operation, Paul Montei, Inc., in the Fairgrove area. Dennis earned his B.S. fromMSU. He also earned his pilot's license while at MSU as a member of the WingedSpartans. He is the assistant manager at the Sebewaing Airport. Dennis and his wife,Barbara enjoy flying their plane for weekend camping trips. They live in Sebewaing and have four children, Heidi (27), Jennifer (23), Katherine (22) and Charles (18).

MEET THE AGRICULTURAL STAFF FOR MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY

continued, page 32


continued from page 31

Corey Guza is joining our staff as Chief Agronomist. In this position he will workthroughout our growing region assisting growers and the agricultural staff with all agro-nomic challenges facing our sugarbeet crop. He will be coordinating and conductingresearch activities at all levels. Corey grew up in Harbor Beach where his family raisedsugarbeets and dairy cows. Corey received his BS in Crop and Soil Sciences from MSU.He earned his MS in Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University. Corey studied inthe beet seed-growing region of Oregon and conducted field research on "Weed Controlin Herbicide Resistant Sugarbeets." Corey is currently completing his Ph.D. in Crop and SoilSciences at Michigan State University. Corey is leading the development ofWeedSOFT, a computerized weed management decision tool, in Michigan. He isactive in many clubs and organizations and enjoys outdoor activities.

James Stewart (4 years) is Manager of Research. His primary responsibility is forOfficial Variety Trials and Variety Approval. Secondary responsibilities include pesti-cide evaluations, pest management systems and technical resource person for theagricultural staff. He also functions as liaison between Michigan Sugar, University andIndustry Research groups. Jim grew up on a sugarbeet farm in Idaho and worked forAgr-Evo in the Red River Valley, California and Idaho areas developing sugarbeet her-bicides and genetic insertion evaluations. Jim earned his MS degree from North DakotaState University where he studied and worked with sugarbeet-weed interactions. Jim andhis wife, Pam reside in Saginaw Township and have five children, Kevin (30), Bobby (27),Jeremy (24), Jeff (22) and Stacie (16). They have six grandchildren.

David Bailey (4 years) is Agriculturist responsible for the growing areas and receivingoperations at the Breckenridge and Greenville receiving stations in Central and WesternMichigan. Before accepting the Agriculturist position, Dave was a sugarbeet growerand farmer for 20 years. He served on the Alma District Sugar Beet Growers Boardas Vice President. He is currently Bethany Township Supervisor and serves on sever-al community committees. Dave graduated from St. Louis High School and residesin Bethany Township with his wife, Teresa and three daughters, Sarah (21), Katie(19) and Emily (10).

Bob Corrigan (12 years) is Agriculturist for Croswell in the Ruth and Verona areasas well as beet operations at those stations. Previously he was Agriculturist for theSaginaw/Frankenmuth and Breckenridge/Greenville areas. Bob has additional workand management experience from the timber industry in his home state of Pennsylvania.Bob is a member of the Ubly Fox Hunters and Elks clubs. Bob and his wife, Jennifer residenear Harbor Beach and he has three children, Dawn (16), Chelsea (14), and Shelby (12).

Jeffrey Elston (15 years) is Agriculturist in Sebewaing for the Sebewaing and Owendaleareas. He joined Michigan Sugar after graduating from Michigan Technological Universitywith a B.S. Degree in Biochemistry. While being employed with Michigan Sugar he earnedan M.B.A. from Saginaw Valley State University. Jeff attends Cross-Lutheran Church wherehe has been involved with coaching and teaching recreational sports for many years. Helives in Pigeon with wife Beth, and they have two children, Isaac (4) and Greta (1).

MEET THE AGRICULTURAL STAFF FOR MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 3 3

Roger Elston (37 years) is Agriculturist for Sebewaing in Northwestern Huron County.Prior to becoming an Agriculturist, Roger worked as an Assistant Fieldman from 1961until 1964. He graduated from Sebewaing High School. He is a member of the zoningboard in Pigeon and a member of Cross-Lutheran Church. He has been activelyinvolved in the Sugarbeet Advancement Committee for four years. Roger and wifePatricia reside in Pigeon, have three children Jeffrey (37), Brian (36) and Tricia (28).They have four grandchildren.

Jeff Karst (5 years) is Agriculturist for the Caro District. He is responsible forbeet piling operations at the Gilford Beet Receiving Station and helps withbeet receiving at the Caro factory location. Prior to joining Michigan Sugar,Jeff was employed at a local farm machinery dealer and worked on hisuncle’s farm. Jeff attended Delta College and earned his BS in Crop and SoilScience from MSU. Jeff, his wife Sheri, two daughters, Makenna (3) years andKadee (11/2) live on a farm near Richville and they attend St. Michael’sLutheran Church.

Mike Leen (4 years) is Agriculturist for Croswell in the Port Huron, North Branch,Snover and Croswell areas. Mike has an Agricultural degree from MSU and beforejoining Michigan Sugar he was involved with various agricultural operations. Theseincluded a family farm operation, vegetable farm operation, management andmarketing, custom farm chemical applications, grain handling, drying and merchandising.Mike and his wife Julie reside in Carsonville with their children Matthew (2) andHannah (two months).

Wayne Martin (6 years) is Agriculturist for Croswell working with the Ontariogrowers and supervising beet piling operations at the Dover station. Before joiningMichigan Sugar, Wayne worked as an Inspector for the Ministry of Agricultureand Food, Agriculture Canada in Lambton-Kent and at the Ontario FoodTerminal. He earned his degree in Agricultural Production and Managementfrom Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology. Wayne and his wife, AnneMarie reside in Grande Pointe, Ontario and have three children, Jessalyn (9),Jake (8), Jadeyn (6), and Bowzer the dog.

Timothy Muz (18 years) is Agriculturist for Croswell in the Sandusky and Ruth areasas well as the beet operations at the Sandusky station. Prior to this he worked in theCaro area for 17 years. Before joining Michigan Sugar, Tim worked as a Loan Officerwith Farmers Home Administration. Tim earned his BS in Crop and Soil Science fromMSU. Tim coaches many youth sport activities and is a member of the AmericanYouth Soccer Organization and the Caro Little League. Tim and his wife, Joyce havethree children, Ben (16), Laura (15) and Arron (10).

continued, page 34

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Charles Neuenfeldt (13 years) is Agriculturist responsible for the growing areas North,East and Southeast of Carrollton and beet receiving operations at the Blumfield station.He earned his B.S. degree in Crop and Soil Sciences from MSU. He helped on the familyfarm, worked for Hemlock Elevator and the Saginaw Soil Conservation District beforejoining Michigan Sugar. Charlie and his wife, Marilyn, live just outside of Saginaw andare members of the Christ Lutheran Church. They have two sons, Nicholas (7) andNathan (5).

Lewis Parks (7 years) is Agriculturist for Sebewaing in Northern Huron County andbeet operations at the Mead receiving station. Before joining Michigan Sugar, Lewworked in the retail fertilizer business for 20 years. He also managed a crop and hogfarm in Ohio and taught vocational agriculture and farming practices. Lewis attendedSwartz Creek High School and earned a B.S. Degree from MSU in AgricultureEducation, stopping just short of a Masters in Ag Science. Lewis and his wife, Sandyreside in Owendale and have two children, Micheal (28) and Brandy (26). They alsohave three grandchildren.

MEET THE AGRICULTURAL STAFF FOR MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANYcontinued from page 33

Craig Rieman (3 years) is Agriculturist for Sebewaing in the area stretching fromGagetown to Hampton Township in Bay County. Before joining Michigan Sugar, Craigoperated a cash crop farm for 20 years, raising sugarbeets for the Sebewaing factory,worked for Gettel & Co. - John Deere, Gettel Motor Co. and was even a seasonal workerfor Michigan Sugar. Craig graduated from USA High School in 1981, and has beeninvolved in local judging of FFA competitions. Craig is a member of Immanuel Lutheranchurch where he serves on the board of trustees and as an usher. Craig and his wife,Kristin live in Sebewaing with their newborn daughter, Emily.

Donald Steinberger (23 years in the sugar industry) is Agriculturist responsible forthe growing areas, receiving operations and mechanical repairs at the Blissfield andFremont receiving stations. Don has worked for five sugar companies at theFremont factory location during his tenure. Before beets, Don graduated fromGreen Springs High School and has earned several advanced certificates includingwelding, mechanical repairs, tool and die, management, accounting, etc. He wasinvolved in the family farm and was part owner and manager of their John Deeredealership. Don is involved with the county fair and is Chairman of the Fair Board.He resides just outside of Fremont, OH with his wife, Connie. They have two sons, Eric (32) and Kurt (31), and two grandsons.

Robert Wight (28 years) is Agriculturist for Carrollton in the areas South and West ofSaginaw. He also supervises the beet operations at the Albee receiving station. Prior tojoining Michigan Sugar, Bob worked for Schemm Farms for 21 years managing the farm(including sugarbeets) and their certified seed operations. Bob graduated from Arthur HillTrade School of Saginaw. He and his wife, Janice reside just South of Saginaw and they

have three children, Karen (42), Cheryl (41) and Brian (39). They also have sixgrandchildren and are members of the St. James Lutheran Church.

Tom Rader (12 years with Farmers & Manufacturers, 22 years with MichiganSugar) is Manager of Seed Plant. He is responsible for sugarbeet seed processingand coating, planting, maintaining and harvesting research plots. Tom is a memberof many local clubs and organizations including Saginaw Moose 82, AmericanLegion, Eagles, Masons, Shrine, Arab Patrol and Hillbilly Club. He resides inSaginaw with his wife, Trudy when they are not at their cabin in Harrison. He hasfour children and one grandchild.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 3 5


CHANGES IN LAMBTON COUNTY

By Wayne Martin, Agriculturlist,Croswell District, Ontario

The Ontario growing area ofLambton County is adoptingEuropean technology in their questto streamline the Field Cleaned Beetssystem. The group has introduced

the ROPA Euro Maus to their equipment line up inan effort to handle the recently increased volumetargeted for direct shipment into the Croswell facility.

The Maus is another phase in the ongoing directship program from the Lambton County growingarea to the Croswell processing facility. This area hasgrown sugarbeets since 1997 and has no pilinggrounds. The heart of this area lies approximately40 miles North of Dover and 40 miles south andeast of Croswell. In an effort to reduce costs, thegrowers have been “field cleaning” their sugarbeetswith specialized and/or modified equipment andloading the crop for immediate transfer to theCroswell factory. In 2002, the acreage in this areagrew from 700 to 2790 acres. In order to handle thebeets as efficiently as possible, the “Maus” was intro-duced to the North American scene.

Previously, one harvest group travelled with all thenecessary equipment to harvest, clean and load thesugarbeets for immediate delivery to the processingfacility. Breakdowns or delays would cause a rippleeffect, potentially crippling the entire sequence ofoperations. Now several harvesters can lift a prescribedor targeted amount of beets and store them in accessi-ble “windrows” for the Maus’ subsequent nocturnalvisit. A Company representative monitors all harvest-ing operations to ensure supplies are sufficient forthe Maus’ nightly reloading capacity and will lead theMaus to its next logistical pile. The Maus can handle28-foot wide windrows while cleaning and loading upto 300 tons per hour. The absence of a tare samplingsystem is this machine’s only challenge for perform-ing in the North American arena. Efforts in 2003 willbe to retrofit the Maus with the necessary hardware toobtain samples for the quality analysis process.

This system breaks the links between harvest-haul-ing-piling-transferring. It also decongests the Croswell

factory yard by spreading the receiving of the CroswellProper beets and the Lambton beets over a 24-hourperiod. All parties can better plan and utilize theirlabour and equipment with the increased flexibility.

These piles are intended for short-term storage.Beets are targeted for transport within two to fourdays during the early harvest period and seven toten days for end-of-season beets. Short-term storageminimizes risk and reduces shrink. Research isplanned that will assess shrink and differences thatmay affect beet quality in field storage situations. TheMaus is undoubtedly a very effective way to handlesugarbeets for a direct ship system as is required forthe Northern Ontario growing area.

Top: ROPA Euro Tiger harvesting sugarbeetsin Ontario.

Below: ROPA Euro Maus loading sugarbeetsfor transport to the factory.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 3 7

Also new to the area is the ROPA Euro Tiger. TwoLambton growers handling approximately 1,200acres of sugarbeets imported this harvester fromGermany. The two main differences between theTiger and our conventional North American systems.1) One piece of equipment and one operator for thetopping and lifting process; 2) On board holdingcapacity for 28 tons of harvested product.

This harvester is saddled with technology injectinga high level of automation to improve performance,accuracy and efficiency using hydraulic and electricalsensors. The operator’s work at hand is highly visibleand key areas, such as cleaning turbines, are moni-tored via closed circuit TV cameras and monitors.

The defoliation is a combination of flail action fol-lowed by a scalping procedure. Sugarbeets are liftedwith vibrating shoes and then cleaned through a

series of turbines prior to storage in the “cargo hold.”High flotation tires and articulated frame with crabsteering are some features allowing this largemachine to operate with the agility, manuverabilityand footprint of a smaller piece of equipment. Thearticulating frame allows the machine to “dog track”as it harvests beets for increased traction in adversefield conditions and reduced deep soil compaction.The high-volume unloading conveyer allows forbuilding field piles or loading carts or trucks. TheTiger can discharge a 28-ton cargo load in oneminute. The Tiger has minimal harvest loss andleaves the soil surface somewhat even and firmed.

The Euro Tiger is certainly unique and offers anopportunity to change the way sugarbeets are handled in this part of the world in a “gentlermanner.”

For years sugarbeet growers have battled

against weeds and increasing herbicide costs

until AgValue, Inc. entered the ethofumesate

market last year. Thanks to growers asking for

and insisting on ETHO SC, AgValue has

followed through on there commitment to the

Michigan sugarbeet growers to bring additional

post patent herbicides to market. AgValue

currently has registrions pending for DES

(desmedipham), DP-MIX desmedipham/

phenmedipham,DES-PHEN-ETHO

desmedipham/phenmendipham/ethofumesate,

and CLOPYR AG (clopyralid). All of these

formulations were tested by Michigan Sugar in

2002 and are awaiting final registration. As the

registrations are approved please ask for

AgValue branded products. Thank you for your

support.

ETHO SC Benefits

1) Lowest Cost Soil Applied Herbicide per week

of control

2) Widest spectrum of tough to control weeds-

including pigweed, lambsquarter, and

smartweed

3) Longest residual of any soil applied herbicide-

until row closure

4) Postemerge ETHO SC will enhance

lambsquarter control

5) ETHO SC preemerge preconditions surving

weeds for easier postemergence killing

6) No need to increase seeding rate to

compensate for injury

Please visit us on the web @ www.agvalue.net or contact

Henry Steinberger by email - [email protected]

Toll Free 1-866-511-3171 or 701-269-9037

Finally, Affordable Independent Post

Patent Sugarbeet Herbicides!

ETHO SC is available at your local Crop

Production Services retailer.

ETHO SC is a registered trademark of AgValue, Inc.


WINDOWcommunity

By Dick Leach,Director ofCommunity andGovernmentRelations

“Community” isa warm, friendly

word used to describe where welive and also to describe groups ofpeople with the same interests. Weall belong to several communitiessuch as a church community, theagricultural community, and ourhometowns. Communities aregreat for building relationshipsand coalitions where we can worktogether to accomplish things fora common good.

Michigan Sugar Company is amember of many industrial andprofessional communities, but themost important communities to theCooperative are the ones where ourfactories are located and where ourgrower-owners live and do business.

We were recently recognized bytwo organizations for our involve-ment in the community:

Saginaw Future, Inc., SaginawCounty’s economic developmentgroup, has recognized MichiganSugar Company for successfullyforming its cooperative and saving350 full-time and 1,100 campaignjobs in the communities wherewe are located.

The tag lines “LOCALLYGROWN LOCALLY OWNED” and“ADD A LITTLE LOCAL FLAVOR”were designed to make con-sumers feel good about buyingthe Pioneer brand sugar. Thetelevision commercials that manyof us have seen on WNEM TV-5were created by Princing &Ewend, our ad agency, coordinat-ed by Barb Wallace and pro-duced by TV-5. Those ads havereceived two silver ADDY Awards,which are given for excellence inadvertising. All of these effortsare designed to place MichiganSugar Company, its grower-own-ers, its employees, and its prod-ucts as excellent members inmany communities.

Our community events programcontinues to be an important publicrelations effort here at MichiganSugar. We will continue to donateour great Pioneer Sugar to worthycauses and agencies that help peo-ple in need. We will also supportthe Sugar Queen Program and theSebewaing Sugar Festival. We willcontinue with the free use of thecotton candy machines withenough supplies for 200 servingswith each machine. As our advertis-ing budget allows, we think it’simportant to get this “local” mes-sage to our customers.

We at Michigan Sugar Companyare: proud of our company, proudof our products, and proud to bepart of the local communitieswhere we are located. We areproud to be a locally-owned,locally-run cooperative producingPioneer brand sugar, which ispure and natural and has only 15calories per teaspoon.

NEWSBEET “COMMUNITY”

®

Seedex sugar beets neverstop producing . . .field after field and year after year.

Exceptional top endyield and high sugar

content mean moreprofit for you.

Call us or visit our web site . . . make your profits shine!SEEDEX: 1-800-777-7272 www.seedexseed.com

Our superior genetics produce

disease resistant seeds, and ourseed conditioning techniques andcoating options enhance our genetics.Bottom line . . . more profits for you!

PIONEER NEWSBEETSpring 2003Michigan Sugar CompanyP.O. Box 107Caro, MI 48723

Address Service Requested

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDLANSING, MIPERMIT #75

President’s and Chairman’s Annual Reports, pages 14 and 17.

Documents

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