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The 2024 sugar beet harvest is showing early success, with some crops already exceeding 100t/ha and sugar levels remaining strong. Richard Ivatt, a Lincolnshire beet grower and harvesting contractor, is optimistic about the season, having harvested 250ha with yields of 80-90t/ha and some crops over 100t/ha in the Spalding area.

Sugar contents are also performing well, with levels averaging around 17% so far, ahead of last year. British Sugar’s agreed £40/t contract price for harvest 2024/25 has boosted morale, although the price is set to drop to £33/t for the 2025/26 crop due to fluctuations in the global sugar market.

Uncertainty surrounds the continuation of neonicotinoid emergency authorisation for virus yellows control in the 2025 harvested crop, with British Sugar waiting for a response from the government. Despite this, virus yellow levels have been low this year.

Sugar beet plays a crucial role in Richard’s farming rotation, providing a break crop for controlling blackgrass pressure and allowing for late-winter lifting opportunities on lighter ground. Precision fertiliser placement has enabled Richard to reduce nitrogen rates without affecting yields, while a biostimulant trial is underway to combat heat and drought stress in sugar beet.

British Sugar has processed 10% of its expected volume, with all four UK factories open. The company has launched two new apps, “Lifted” for harvesters and “Delivered” for hauliers, to improve communication and transparency throughout the supply chain during the harvest campaign.

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