May 6, 2011

Nebraska sugar beet planting is nearing completion despite a slow start due to rain and cool weather this spring. At the end of April only about 30% of the sugar beet acres had been planted in the North Platte Valley of Nebraska and Wyoming.

Those sugar beets planted early were either emerged or were in the process of emerging when air temperatures fell into the mid 20’s in late April. About 5% of the 50,000 acres that are normally planted in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming were damaged and lost. Most all of those acres damaged by frost have been replanted.

As of May 6, sugar beet planting is approximately 95% complete. Although water is available to most growers, only a few center pivot operators have irrigated their sugar beets. The rains received in April have provided good soil water conditions to start the season. As long as the weather does not turn hot and windy, most acres may be able to get by without irrigation for emergence.

Dean Yonts
Extension Irrigation Specialist, Panhandle REC, Scottsbluff