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International Sugarbeet Institute set March 17-18 in Grand Forks

By: Dale Hildebrandt, Farm and Ranch Guide

3-4-2010

Sugarbeet growers from throughout the region will be in Grand Forks, N.D., on March 17-18 for the 48th annual International Sugarbeet Institute.

The event, which will be held in the Alerus Center, is billed as the largest sugarbeet show in North America and its main goal is to bring together the sugarbeet growers and allied industries.

The International Sugarbeet Institute (ISBI) will open each day at 9 a.m. and will feature a trade show specifically aimed at the sugarbeet industry. In addition, a seminar session will be presented by Dr. Mohamed Khan covering a different topic each day.

The Wednesday presentation, which starts at 1:15 p.m., will focus on “The Sugar Story: From Whence We've Come,” and will highlight the role sugar has played throughout history. Khan will take the audience on a journey that extends back to the time when the only real sweetener was honey up until the present time.

There has always been a political side to the sugar industry, and that's true even today. Khan's presentation will be interspersed with many stories that prove that prove sugar has not only been a sweetener over the years, but also a factor in many historical events.

The following day, March 18, starting at 10:10 a.m., Khan will outline the “Challenges and Opportunities in the Beet Sector.” During this session, Khan will look back at how the sugarbeet industry has evolved in this region and then speculate on what the future may hold for sugarbeets.

“I would encourage people to attend both sessions,” Khan said. “In the first we will look at where the sugarbeet has come from and the problems associated with sugar production over the years, and the next day we will look at the opportunities that are ahead for the sugarbeet industry.”

Kahn is the Extension sugarbeet specialist and associate professor with North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota. He grew up on a sugar plantation in Guyana, South America, where he received his early education and later studied at Bath in the United Kingdom and Clemson University in South Carolina.

He has authored or co-authored more than 125 articles pertaining to improving sugarbeet production. He also serves as program coordinator for the ISBI.

Khan noted that over 100,000 square feet on the main floor of the Alerus Center will be jam-packed with exhibits relating to all facets of the sugarbeet industry. Over 125 companies are expected to exhibit at the show with products ranging from large equipment used in sugarbeet production to services offered to growers. Show organizers estimate over $4 million worth of equipment will be showcased at this year's event.

The ISBI also provides a focal point for the introduction of new equipment and technology to sugarbeet growers from across the United States and Canada. Information and ideas exchanged at the ISBI are disseminated throughout the North American sugarbeet producing regions to foster success of the sugarbeet industry.

One of the appeals of the show is the requirement that all exhibitors must have products or services related directly to sugarbeet production. This assures visitors that they will be rubbing elbows with those truly interested in the growth of the sugarbeet industry.

The majority of those attending the ISBI are from the Red River Valley and southern Minnesota areas, but producers from places like Montana, Michigan, Colorado and Nebraska attend as well.

Admission to the show is free. Doors close on March 17 at 5 p.m., and around 3 p.m. on March 18.

The ISBI organizing committee consists of exhibitor representatives, sugarbeet specialists from NDSU and the University of Minnesota, each of the three Upper Midwest sugar cooperatives (both grower and company representatives, and the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association.

Current ISBI officers are:

Chairman: Mohamed Khan-NDSU/U of Minnesota.

Secretary: Don Lilleboe - “The Sugarbeet Grower” magazine.

Treasurer: Mark Nelson.

Others involved in putting the show together include: Allan Cattanach, Bob Cournia, Ken Dahl, Craig Halfmann, Mark Haugland, Merland Hendrickson, Chuck Holmquist, Richard Hundt, Tom Knudsen, John Kringler, Ken Nichols, Sharon Nygard, Nick Revier, Ed Sachariason, Russ Severson, Nick Sinner, Larry J. Smith and Jeff Stachler.

The committee encourages anyone associated with the sugarbeet industry to attend this year's International Sugarbeet Institute at the Grand Fork Alerus Center on March 17-18.