The US beet crop is well behind schedule for spring planting, in part due to the cold and wet pattern that has been persistent over the last month.  The Red River at Fargo has come down, but is still well above flood stage (see NOAA chart below); the recent flooding which has extended into potential beet acres has prevented any meaningful field activities from taking place so far this season. 

According to yesterday’s USDA/NASS Crop Progress report, only 1% of the beet crop in North Dakota had been planted by May 1st, vs. 94% last year; similarly, Minnesota was 2% complete, vs. 96% last year.  The top 4 sugarbeet producing states were at 15%, while last year progress was at 95% for the same date.