Idaho Sugarbeet Plantings Well Ahead Of Average

The sugarbeet season is officially underway, with USDA publishing the first progress report of the year.  Nationally, 9% of the 2026 crop has been planted, which is on par with the five-year average, and slightly behind the 10% reported last year.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said when it comes to individual states.

“Idaho has been planting very quickly, 32% planted just in the last week to reach almost the halfway mark, 49% of the sugar beets planted by April 12th, well ahead of the five-year average of 35%.”

When it comes to operations back in the Midwest, Rippey noted that Michigan sugarbeet areas have received some significant rain, and even flooding over the past couple of days, resulting in just 1% of their crop being planted.  Meanwhile, North Dakota and Minnesota are reporting zeros, which is average for this time of year.

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