East Lansing, Michigan, USA
September 11, 2013
The first demonstration of self-propelled sugar beet harvesters in the United States will take place Sept. 18 in Sandusky, Mich.
The in-field harvesting demonstrations of self-propelled topper or digger units manufactured by Ropa, Holmer, Grimme and Vervaet will be conducted from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Each machine’s demonstration will be accompanied by discussions with company representatives. All four machines will be demonstrated in the morning and again in the afternoon.
The field day event is coordinated through the Research Education Advisory Council (REACh) initiative.
Steven Poindexter, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension sugar beet educator and facilitator of the event, said he expects more than 350 people to attend from within and outside of Michigan.
The harvest location is on the west side of Sandusky along Townline Road, ½ mile south of M-46 (across from Tri-County Equipment). The two adjacent beet fields are planted to 20- and 22-inch rows.
Beets harvested by the self-propelled units will be piled on field headlands. Truck loading and cleaning equipment procedures will also be demonstrated.
Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. The event is open to all free of charge. Lunch will be served at the demonstration site.
For more information, contact Steve Poindexter, Michigan State University senior Extension sugar beet educator, at 989-798-5848 or poindex2@msu.edu 
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