Full harvest begins on Oct. 1.

Tharpe explains that growers and factory officials decided to delay the start of early harvest this year by a week because of the later-than-normal spring planting. We were basically two weeks late in getting started in the spring, Tharpe comments. Growers also had to do some replanting because of windy conditions.

He continues, We delayed the start of early harvest one week to allow beets to grow a little more. As well, indications show well be average or slightly below average in yield, so there arent the beets out there that require extra time to harvest.

Tharpe explains that factory officials originally designed early harvest to accommodate increased acreage, and to increase beet volume at the head end of campaign, rather than the tail end. We risk losing too much if we try to process beets at the end of winter, Tharpe advises. With an early harvest, we can control the harvest and only dig as many beets as the factory needs to maintain operation.

He adds, With the delay in early harvest this year, growers benefit because with these extra acres in the ground for a little longer, growers have a chance for better yields.

Growers will see a few changes at the Sidney factory pile grounds and at Sugar Valley in Fairview. Sugar Valley has replaced two smaller pilers with two larger ones. Crews have moved the two smaller pilers from Fairview to the Sidney factory yard, increasing the capacities at the Sidney station. We have added capacity at the Sidney factory yard, Tharpe remarks. Sidney now has seven pilers rather than five. This will enable us to get by on a regular daylight shift, rather than operating two shifts. A few of the larger growers want to harvest on a 24-hour basis, so we will have one or two pilers available all night to accommodate these growers.

He continues, Sugar Valley also has added receiving capabilities, thanks to the two larger pilers. Sugar Valley will maintain two shift schedules, the same as last year. Well have one shift from 2 a.m. to noon, and a second shift from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Tharpe also reports that the Sidney pile grounds will have an automated system at the scale houses. This system, which Sugar Valley has had in place for the past two years, will speed up the process at the factory yard. With this automatic system, trucks can get in and out a little faster, Tharpe points out. There will be less paperwork to deal with as everything is computerized. This system also allows the accounting department to download directly, rather than inputting information every day.

He adds, Eventually all the receiving stations will have this computerized system.

Holly Sugar will run the final root sample tests of the year on Sept. 6. This sample will give some indication of sugar content.

Tharpe also reminds growers to remember Grower Night, scheduled this year for Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. We encourage growers to bring in samples from several fields so they can get an idea where to start at early harvest, he says. Well be able to tell sugar and yield, and growers can take the higher sugar fields at early harvest and leave the other fields a little longer.

Early harvest also allows growers to harvest problem fields first. There was a lot of Cercospora this year, and these may be the fields to harvest first, Tharpe comments. Fields with weeds or disease problems should come out so these beets do not go into storage.

The growers and the factory can start the new campaign free from worry over Chapter 11 proceedings, as Imperial Sugar emerged from bankruptcy status on Aug. 7. Were out of Chapter 11; we received approval through the courts on the reorganization plan, Tharpe remarks. Everything should be finalized by the end of August.

He continues, This should get us back to a normal business atmosphere. Roger Hill is still in the Ag end of it as president and CEO of Holly Sugar. There will be a few changes, as there are new board members and the board of directors will reorganize, but there will be no changes that affect the day-to-day operations. Its important to remember that the company needs the growers and the growers need the company. We still need to work closely together.

As growers prepare to start another harvest, Tharpe reminds everyone, both growers and the general public, to exercise caution and patience during the harvest season. We want to remind people to be careful and to allow themselves a little more time to get places, as there will be more trucks on the road, Tharpe remarks. Truck drivers, adhere to the speed limits and drive carefully. Growers and the public, remember it is a busy time of year and we want an accident free harvest.

He concludes, We wish everyone good luck, and a safe, clean harvest season.