By Scout Nelson
This year, Nebraska Extension and 4-H have selected sugar beets as the centerpiece of their 2024 Special Agronomy Project. The project extends across Nebraska, encouraging participants to cultivate sugar beets in both traditional and non-traditional regions.
Laurie Ziterkopf, a Nebraska Extension Master Gardener, explained that participants are expected to showcase three beet roots with leaves at their local fairs. Specific guidelines on preparation for these displays can be found in the fair book.
Sugar beets, typically harvested in September, are known for their significant sugar content in their roots. "Farmers check the sugar content of their beets in July, although they will still be immature during the fair season," Ziterkopf noted. This year’s project entries will be judged based on the accuracy of their variety.
In collaboration with Western Sugar in Scottsbluff, the project also celebrates a century of sugar beet cultivation in western Nebraska. Michael Relka, an agronomist at Western Sugar, shared his enthusiasm for the project, "It's exciting to see sugar beets spotlighted, a crop fundamental to this region for over 100 years."
Participants are advised to plant their seeds in April, following traditional planting schedules for optimal root development. Those interested in starting can contact the UNL-PREEC for seed pickup, where seeds from past projects, such as the 2011 Striped Armenian Cucumber and the 2022 Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil, are also available.
This initiative not only highlights the agricultural diversity of Nebraska but also educates the younger generation about the importance and methods of sugar beet cultivation, providing a hands-on approach to agricultural science.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-luiscarlosjimenezi
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Sugar Beets