September 18, 2008
AMES, Iowa — Sugar beets as a bioenergy feedstock will be the topic of a special field day Sept. 25 at the Iowa State University Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm.
The program will include a review of the 2008 sugar beet-growing experience at Iowa State's Southeast and Muscatine Island research farms by Vince Lawson, superintendent, Muscatine Island research farm. Carl Stael, east region sales manager of Hilleshog/Syngenta Seeds, will discuss sugar beet production practices, critical management areas and cost inputs.
The field day will give growers a chance to observe field-grown sugar beets and learn about production methods from researchers. There will be an overview of research into other "sugar" crops, such as sweet sorghum, by Emily Heaton Iowa State agronomist with research and extension responsibilities. Rick Whittaker, vice president of Heartland Renewable Energy, will report on the company's progress and plans for an ethanol plant in Muscatine.
The farm is located at 111 North St. in Fruitland. Field day registration will begin at 1:30 p.m.
For more information, call the farm at (563) 262-8787.