| Beet harvest behind |
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| Local Content - Local Agriculture |
| Written by Garrett Simmons |
| Thursday, 29 October 2009 15:29 |
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Typically at this time of year, sugar beet farmers are ready for vacation. That’s not the case in 2009. “We’re just over 50-per-cent done,” said Andrew Llewelyn-Jones, agricultural superintendent for Lantic Sugar Inc. “We’re behind — normally by the end of October or early November we’re all wrapped up.” That will not be the case this year, as unseasonably-cold temperatures, snow and rain have all conspired to slow down harvest. “It’s not great. We’re obviously working hard, the growers and the factory, to get the beets in and out of the ground. It’s a battle to get the harvest wrapped up.” Looking at the forecast, Llewelyn-Jones added he is hopeful harvest will get going again by Saturday, at the earliest, or Monday by the latest. He said the situation is currently day by day, but added after a meeting with the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers this week, contingency plans have been put in place for various scenarios. At this point, Llewelyn-Jones is hoping for co-operation from Mother Nature. Daytime temperatures above 10, with sun and a little wind to dry out the fields would be perfect, he added. |