Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

WORLAND — As rough as last season’s sugar beet harvest season ended, with snow and freezing temperatures, Wyoming Sugar CEO Mike Greear is excited about this year’s crop.

“We have a darn good crop out there,” Greear said, noting that the crop in Washakie County and Big Horn County looks good. He said the crop in Fremont County is good but not as good with farmers struggling with weather and water.

Early harvest should begin next week with pre-piling on September 16 and regular harvest beginning Oct. 1.

“I’ve been in charge for three years and involved with Wyoming Sugar for four years and I’ve gotten 20 years of experience in those four years,” Greear joked.

“Last year with all the frozen beets, we had two options, to contract it or not,” Greear said. The board chose to contract it, and put $1.2 million worth of improvements into the factory.

“The growers are excited to get going. They know the board is committed to being here long term,” Greear said.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

In addition to gearing up for the 2020 harvest season, Wyoming Sugar is working on participating in the annual Harvest Festival.

They will be having their annual sugar beet decorating contest from county elementary students, and the cookie contest featuring Wyoming Sugar sugar.

This year due to COVID-19, they will not be hosting the annual barbecue. Greear said they are planning on offering individually wrapped breakfast burritos for those coming to view the decorated beets and cookie contest.

He said they hope to return to hosting the barbecue next year.