According to experts, the sugar beet harvest in the country was almost complete by the end of November, and one of the identified trends was an increase in yield.
Analysts note that the sugar beet harvest in Russia is already 95% complete, and the process is nearing completion.
At the same time, analysts note that approximately 1,200,000 hectares will be sown with sugar beets in 2025, which is 4% less than in 2024.
However, this decline could be offset by increased yields.
According to the latest data, this season’s yield is approximately 405 centners per hectare. This is approximately 6% higher than the previous year, which can be considered a positive trend.
Experts also note that as of November 21, 46 million tons of sugar beets had been harvested in Russia. This is 2 million tons more than the previous year.
However, sugar production remained at the same level as last year: 4.2 million tons.
The increase in sugar beet carryovers is noteworthy. From 2.5 million tons, it increased to 3.6 million tons.
In general, experts note that sugar beet harvests are rarely completed on time and in full. This can be largely hampered by weather, as was the case this time.
Heavy rains and associated dampness were typical «companions» for farmers in many regions of the country in October and November. The longer the rains continue, the higher the chance that the sugar beets will ultimately not be harvested, experts believe.
Overall, analysts are concerned about the results achieved this year.
The increase in yield is a positive trend, but it has also seen a decline in another key parameter that is essential for sugar beet production: sugar yield per ton of beets.
It’s possible that this could cause problems in the Russian domestic market, as it will likely be impossible to extract the same amount of sugar from sugar beets as before.
Furthermore, export difficulties are also possible, as a decrease in sugar content effectively means a decrease in product quality, making it difficult for Russian sugar beets to compete globally with those from other producing countries.
Experts believe that the decline in both yield and sugar content is largely due to the same weather conditions that have not been particularly favorable for Russian farmers this year.
Final data on sugar production volumes will be available after all sugar beets in the country have been harvested.
