Twin Falls, Idaho
December 8, 2008

The future of biotechnology in the nation’s sugarbeet industry—and the future of the industry itself—will be the keynote topics when the University of Idaho’s 2009 Snake River Sugarbeet Conference meets Jan. 8-9 in Twin Falls.

The conference’s general session will kick off Thursday afternoon at 1:45 p.m. at the Canyon Crest Event Center, 330 Canyon Crest Drive. Sugarbeet geneticists from Betaseed, Inc., and Hilleshog Seed will outline what’s on the horizon for biotechnology in sugarbeets, and molecular biologist Imad Eujayl of the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Kimberly will describe the impacts of molecular genetics on sugarbeet growers. Executive director Mark Duffin of the Idaho Sugar Beet Growers Association will also share his thoughts on the future of the U.S. sugarbeet industry.

Beginning with registration at 8 a.m. on Friday at the College of Southern Idaho’s Fine Arts Auditorium, concurrent sessions will address a broad range of requested topics affecting today’s grower:

• effects of strip tillage on sugar and sugarbeet yields, including comments by a panel of growers who have tried it
• pesticide application technology for improved weed control
• tank mixes with other pesticides and the effects on weed control in Roundup Ready® sugarbeets
• planter maintenance and stand establishment
• seed treatments for disease and insect management
• irrigation and disease management
• economics of sugarbeets in a rotation versus chasing high-priced commodities
• economics of re-planting
• sugarbeet storage research, including how storage is affected by agronomic practices
• Spanish-language workshops, including sugarbeet diseases, integrated pest management and reducing bee poisoning from pesticides

Speakers from the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, University of Nebraska, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bayer CropScience, Miller Research and Amalgamated Sugar will be on hand to field growers’ questions.

The conference, offered at no charge, will conclude at 5 p.m. on Friday. In addition to the University of Idaho, it is presented by Amalgamated Sugar Co. LLC, Idaho Sugar Beet Growers Association, Nyssa-Nampa Beet Growers and Elwyhee Beet Growers.

Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities.

Website: http://www.uidaho.edu

Published: December 8, 2008