The top sugar beet growers in the area were recognized at the annual top 10 dinner held by Sidney Sugars at the Elks Lodge Friday afternoon.

The honors were given out a little later than in previous years because of the length of this fall’s contract talks.

“We went through a very difficult year,” Russ Fullmer, agriculture manager at Sidney Sugars, said. “We didn’t know if last year was going to be our last year or not. Things were pretty tough.” The future, however, looks brighter for the area’s sugar industry. There are currently 20,000 contracted acres to grow sugar beets.

“We feel there are 3,000 to 4,000 more out there,” Fullmer said. “We’re starting to come back and will hopefully have a better year with more tons this year.”

Area growers in 2008 were fortunate to have a good snowpack that resulted in higher river levels. “Of course, irrigation water is our lifeblood,” Fullmer said.

The greatest highlight of 2008, however, was area growers using Roundup Ready varieties that yielded roughly three tons per acre better than conventional varieties.

“It’s going to change things so much,” Fullmer said. “It will give every grower a chance to be here (the top 10 dinner).”

Culbertson and Savage were among the top receiving stations this harvest. Culbertson had a 24.0 tons per acre average and an average suger content of 19.01 percent. Savage recorded a 26.6 tons per acre average and an average sugar content of 18.35 percent. The factory finished with a 24.8 tons per acre average and an average sugar content of 18.19 percent. Sugar Valley recorded numbers of 24.2 and 18.02. The average was 24.6 tons per acre and 18.16 percent sugar content.

Justin and Anita Karst earned top honors in the 237 acres and over division with 32.98 quality points.

Norby, Inc. placed second with 32.82 points. 6J Farms, Inc. earned third with 32.27 points. Triple H Farms was fourth with 32.18 points, while Danielson Farms took fifth with 31.93 points.

Fullmer noted it was remarkable that Norby, Inc. qualified for one of the top honors with its amount of acres.

“With 815 acres they made number two, which is a great accomplishment,” Fullmer said.

In the 50-236 acre division, KDN Farms earned the top honor with 34.97 quality points. KDN Farms took first in the larger acre division last year.

Nollmeyer Farms placed second with 34.25 points. Nollmeyer Farms has earned honors in six of the last seven years.

HD Farms took third with 33.71 points. Triple C Farms placed fourth with 33.30 points. Tombre, Inc. earned fifth place with 32.83 points.