Karla Wilke, Cow/Calf Stocker Management Specialist
Panhandle Research and Extension Center
Temperatures dropping below 15 degrees in early October 2019 may have put some sugarbeets in Western Nebraska at risk of decaying at the crown. When decay begins in the beet before it can be processed, it makes the beet unacceptable for sugar production for human consumption.
Sugarbeets not fit for human consumption can be an economical source of feed for beef cattle. But producers should be aware of how sugarbeet nutrient content compares to other common feeding rations such as corn and beet pulp, and also how the rotting process affects the beets’ nutrient quality.