News Sugar beets

Cosun expects sharp decline in production

17 August 2018 - Kimberly Bakker - 58 comments

Cosun has announced that it expects a sharp drop in beet production. The organization currently assumes that an average of 85 tons of beets per hectare will be harvested this year, compared to 93,3 tons per hectare last year.

The average carrot yield in 2016 remained at 78 tons per hectare. At the time, this had to do with the flooding in the autumn. Based on the above a prognostic Cosun expects an average sugar production of 14,3 tonnes per hectare, compared to 15,5 tonnes per hectare last year.

Earlier, Gert Sikken, director of Suiker Unie, already indicated Boerenbusiness know that it is very difficult to provide a representative picture for the whole of the Netherlands. "We have a lot of plots, but the differences between the plots are very large." The current state of beets therefore shows extreme differences: from less than 10 tons to more than 90 tons per hectare. 

Problems with delivery obligation?
Due to the lower production, it can be difficult for growers to meet the delivery obligation. Cosun has therefore announced that growers will not have to apply for an exemption from the delivery obligation this year if they have sown enough beet. 

To calculate the above, Cosun takes the average revenue of the previous 5 years. However, the best and worst year do not count. The resulting number is multiplied by the sown area. If the growers exceed their delivery obligation on the basis of this calculation, they do not have to apply for an exemption.

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Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

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Comments
58 comments
Tj. Smith 18 August 2018
This is a response to this article:
[url=http://www.boerenbusiness.nl/granen-grondstof/artikel/10879658/cosun-expected-significant drop-in-production][/url]
The yield forecast is rather positive. Looking at the dry year 1976, the yield is likely to be lower. On sandy soils, an average root yield is clearly lower.
Subscriber
Cosun grower 19 August 2018
I am surprised to learn of the course of events within Cosun/Suiker Unie.

In May I received an absurd letter by post and e-mail stating that we, as a grower/company, had sown too few hectares of beet and could not apply "beet tourism" because of this.

I contacted them directly for this and explained that this was not correct.

(will not mention name due to forum rules)

I told Mr X that we are just going to harvest those tons. X was so arrogant and unreasonable. He also stated that we would be fined if we did not meet our delivery obligation. I also told him that this attitude and tone is not acceptable and he really needs to watch out.

You don't even get a chance to explain to that man how we arranged our affairs.


Now 3 months later I am (unfortunately) laughing my ass off.
Crisis consultation in Breda and a press release.
The delivery obligation will not be met, everyone will receive an exemption and the people who sowed too sharply must report for an exemption.

Well Mr. X, you send us a letter in May, I told you that we will just deliver.

WE'RE GOING TO DELIVERY IT FULL WITH SOME MORE SURPLUS I EXPECT!

I therefore expect a letter of apology from Cosun/SU to everyone to whom you sent the letter in May. You have been far too premature.

Arrogance always loses out to politeness, or as we say here:

Politeness always wins over arrogance.
clod 19 August 2018
Completely agree, I increasingly get the idea that this company (will not mention the name) is run by officials who have no feeling at all with the field anymore.

I also received that letter, indeed the tone of that letter was rather derogatory towards the growers.
Subscriber
Vicky 19 August 2018
Also here; The tone of the letter did not go well with me. Moreover, it was also based on incorrect data. It shows that there is a civil servant mentality.
Agri 19 August 2018
I also received that letter, I always deliver enough beets and I have sometimes supplied beets via Cosun in the name of other growers, hence the letter, Shame on Cosun. This year I will deliver enough again, but I'm considering putting my overbeets in the fermenter, you arrogant bunch.
Agri 19 August 2018
It would be appropriate if we correct growers received a letter of apology from our beet buyer and a thank you for supplying enough beets for many years.
clod 19 August 2018
You make a plan for the following year in the fall, it is now well known that growers have no influence on many things, not only the weather, but also the campaign layout is an important factor. I supply a good acreage in the first round and it makes quite a difference whether you have to deliver mid September or mid October. This year they changed the rounds in Flevoland again. I would be in the last week of the first round this year. To my surprise, consistency has now been discussed in the 2nd week, let alone that this has been communicated to the growers.
Subscriber
Flevotuber 19 August 2018
Absolutely rightly noticed by Cosun growers.

I also received such a ridiculous letter in the spring.

Based on a total miscalculation.

In 1992 for the last time my reference was not fully delivered and now that letter.
Ridiculous, a stab in the back.
I'm going to deliver that full this year too, no problem.

Also thinking about delivering up to 85% now. A forage trader JB (also a beet grower himself) is already walking around to buy up beets for 40 euros, feed destination.


If I don't receive an apology letter, my confidence is definitely gone.

I don't have to be with our board of directors. Last year the mood in Southern Flevoland was a WRONG. That is still putting it mildly. there was nothing wrong with the statute. I would have if I was that person (MG) thank you for the honor. His supporters clearly and clearly had no confidence in this person and yet it had to be delegated from Breda that he had to be.

SAD!!
Subscriber
euro 19 August 2018
totally agree they should stop changing the rule again in the middle of the season

If I can get more for food I certainly won't let it go.

they only think about the yield of the factory more tons then again less beet tourism sharp sowing you can do anything with it except the good guys
we have already chased the milk price
you can say something about it but they always know better
Bram 19 August 2018
That letter made no sense. An apology is certainly in order. Don't count on cosun/sugar union and an apology to its growers/members will never happen. Is in the unwritten statutes of Breda.
Bert 19 August 2018
Dear board of cosun, management; It would be a credit to you to send an apology letter to the growers you sent a letter in May this week. Kind regards, Bert R.
Grower 20 August 2018
Can you resell the beets above 85% for animal feed? If so, I will certainly do that, what a shame that letter that I also received from the cosun.
Subscriber
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSt 20 August 2018
Telert wrote:
Can you resell the beets above 85% for animal feed? If so, I will certainly do that, what a shame that letter that I also received from the cosun.

Don't always ask for the known way.
You are the boss on your farm, and what doesn't know doesn't hurt.
Just do it.
Tybalt 20 August 2018
If Mr JB pays €40, you still rely on force majeure and you sell much more. Or do you think we will get more from cosun? Texel is also bone dry. Maybe that has some influence!
Claas 20 August 2018
If Cosun sent a letter to everyone who sows too little, then JB will most likely have received a letter of the same kind.
This trader, transporter of beets and pressed pulp, has been known for years as the address for beet tourism because having someone else grow it was cheaper.
If he or other growers buy more this year to fully supply their reference, the question is how or why cosun will have to deal with this differently compared to other years.
If he can get away with buying additional beets this year and selling them as fodder beets, then the management of the cooperative is weak and discriminates between the members.
Subscriber
the grower 20 August 2018
Completely correct.
Subscriber
euro 20 August 2018
Claas wrote:
If Cosun sent a letter to everyone who sows too little, then JB will most likely have received a letter of the same kind.
This trader, transporter of beets and pressed pulp, has been known for years as the address for beet tourism because having someone else grow it was cheaper.
If he or other growers buy more this year to fully supply their reference, the question is how or why cosun will have to deal with this differently compared to other years.
If he can get away with buying additional beets this year and selling them as fodder beets, then the management of the cooperative is weak and discriminates between the members.
Subscriber
euro 20 August 2018
euro wrote:
Claas wrote:
If Cosun sent a letter to everyone who sows too little, then JB will most likely have received a letter of the same kind.
This trader, transporter of beets and pressed pulp, has been known for years as the address for beet tourism because having someone else grow it was cheaper.
If he or other growers buy more this year to fully supply their reference, the question is how or why cosun will have to deal with this differently compared to other years.
If he can get away with buying additional beets this year and selling them as fodder beets, then the management of the cooperative is weak and discriminates between the members.


get rid of all the beets that are too much for feed, maybe the sugar prices will rise again, that will benefit us
South Hollander 20 August 2018
This year, all beets were processed around Christmas. This year, the vast majority are not fulfilling their allotments.
Tybalt 21 August 2018
More euros are needed to raise the sugar price. Let the price of petrol in the world rise by 20% first.
Sugar 22 August 2018
Got a letter like that too. Also found it very pedantic and super arrogant. Apparently we have to walk by the hand of teacher (gentlemen of cosun who are actually employed by us).
Subscriber
Anti-Unitip 22 August 2018
sugar wrote:
Got a letter like that too. Also found it very pedantic and super arrogant. Apparently we have to walk by the hand of teacher (gentlemen of cosun who are actually employed by us).

Now we all had to say no to Unitip en masse.
Because Cosun goes too far in this too.
I have 2 plots adjoining each other, but had to register them separately on a map and I was provided with delivery dates for each plot. Idiots that is, I will know what and where I harvest first. Just say how many tons to deliver at a time and then we will manage. What a disgraceful meddling of this company.
You have to vomit. Being stubborn last year after comments from the meeting rooms that less might be wise, and only now coming up with it. We're screwed up to and including. Just bugged with LLB expansion that we don't do anything with.
And now a big mouth about delivery obligation. Are they doing something wrong there from Dinteloord.
Subscriber
Skirt 22 August 2018
Unitip works perfectly, is super easy to use, if only everything was like that.
You don't have to deliver the parcel as specified, you just have to make sure the tons are just about there.
Bram 28 August 2018
Unitip haha, I fill in the grand nonsense. Sow dat April 1 joke Roundup spraying in June etc. Fuck off with that nonsense. sow
Subscriber
quite rude 28 August 2018
Shame on you Bram, you are a jerk!!
Subscriber
Bart Drenthe 29 August 2018
I also had such a letter, followed a few days later by another letter saying: Sorry, we were mistaken, this does not apply to you.

@Bram:
Then you should not be surprised if your beets are not picked up. Roundup is not allowed in post-emergence beets.
peer 29 August 2018
my question is what does cosum do with my data. I think the bigger the company is the more distant they are
Subscriber
smart ass 29 August 2018
l looks very much like Campina.
Another pedantic company that takes too much account of the Westerners and no longer with the farmer.
it only supplies raw materials.
that's how it is with cosun now too.
Subscriber
juun 29 August 2018
exactly know-it-all we are at the bottom of the chain so keep your mouth shut and carry out orders no further comment
Florena 30 August 2018
I totally agree with Brad. What nonsense that unitip. Then do not fill in a roundup, but only the necessary. It's a wash nose!
Tybalt 30 August 2018
Unitip gives them a good idea of ​​how sharply their raw material is grown. Can they set a minimum price? So everyone write down a few extra sprays. Unitip is the biggest nonsense. We have a certifying body that checks us, don't we?
Claas 30 August 2018
The discussion was about the fact that production will be disappointing this year.
An additional point is that those who sowed sharply will now certainly not fulfill their allotment.
It is interesting now whether you can use beet tourism to remove beets from growers who do have enough beets (surplus) this year.
The price that will have to be paid will probably have to be at the level of Cosun's expected final price.
Apparently there are parties who think that this will be about 40 euros.
Claas 30 August 2018
The discussion was about the fact that production will be disappointing this year.
An additional point is that those who sowed sharply will now certainly not fulfill their allotment.
It is interesting now whether you can use beet tourism to remove beets from growers who do have enough beets (surplus) this year.
The price that will have to be paid will probably have to be at the level of Cosun's expected final price.
Apparently there are parties who think that this will be about 40 euros.
Subscriber
Jiminy Jo 30 August 2018
September is coming, and still no berth date/planning received from Cosun.

What the hell is going on with this company.

I am a pro Cosun grower, but the irritation of a letter in April (I'm still waiting for a letter of apology) and no planning notice yet, is strange.

We have a partnership with two other colleagues, so you make a schedule.

Given the volume in terms of onions and potatoes harvested with 80 hectares of beets, you want to make a schedule. Of course there is a shift, but a plan is the basis.

So Gert where are those location dates??
Many are waiting for this.

Calling is no use, it's like a tax office. Transferred and on hold with calming music.......
Skirt 30 August 2018
Planning comes today
Subscriber
Sjaak 30 August 2018
Get loose at the agricultural service?

Flevoland: 116 tons per ha is assumed!!!


Never that we're going to get that average!
Subscriber
euro 30 August 2018
Sjaak wrote:
Get loose at the agricultural service?

Flevoland: 116 tons per ha is assumed!!!


Never that we're going to get that average!


maybe not on average, but I wouldn't rule out higher than 116 tons
pond 31 August 2018
higher than !!
Einstein 31 August 2018
Cosun simply assumes the same yield as in the provisional schedule for July.
Subscriber
the fries 31 August 2018
With us they assume 90 tons/ha, which is fine for half of the plots, but the other half will have to be there until January to be able to get there.
Subscriber
farm insider 1 September 2018
In the Kempen, Cosun reckons with 86 tonnes!?
Jk 1 September 2018
The differences this year are huge, in the nop you see plots that would go under without irrigation, while the plot on the other side of the ditch barely hung limp without irrigation. I am curious to see whether cosun will receive the average high estimated revenues
Subscriber
laapc 9 September 2018
Beets are almost as bad in yield as potatoes and onions
Subscriber
farm insider 9 September 2018
Think we have a thousand tons left.
3 x rained, area 5
Asking price 50 euros/ton /17%
Subscriber
scarf 9 September 2018
50 questions and 30 turns from the coop is not a trading spirit. beet cultivation is over with these prices. even if aviko achieves super results. we go for grain and bulb rental. Let someone else carry foil for 0,03 per kg.
17% 10 September 2018
I have about 100 tons under it. Watered twice 70 mm in total (South Holland)
Claas 10 September 2018
@sjaak. You're right. For 30 euros or less, more wheat in our cropping plan is a better option.
However, what will the French and German farmers do for prices of around 30 euros?
They already have a lot of grain in their cultivation plan and would like to grow beets as a crop rotation.
And you can bet those factories also continue to modernize to lower their processing costs.
So the extra from our beet cultivation will ultimately have to come from the participations such as Aviko and the fair distribution of the profit on sugar processing and marketing.
Subscriber
realist 10 September 2018
you all have a point, but there will be other times. Less and less fertilizer on grains in the future means that the balance will no longer rise. Sugar beets do much better in that regard.
Subscriber
quite coarse 10 September 2018
That's how realistic it is.
All those previous years, beet cultivation has been fine and now that there are a few lesser years, beet cultivation is wrongly maligned!!
The price of grain is usually too low and not everyone is able or willing to rent out for tulips, and potatoes and onions are yet to be seen.
Coincidentally it is now good for some but is not structural.
Subscriber
quite coarse 10 September 2018
After an expensive year, you see that other channels are being tapped by trade and consumption is also taking a different direction, so prepare yourself for next season.
Subscriber
farm insider 12 September 2018
scarf wrote:
50 questions and 30 turns from the coop is not a trading spirit. beet cultivation is over with these prices. even if aviko achieves super results. we go for grain and bulb rental. Let someone else carry foil for 0,03 per kg.

Isn't it the same as the potato processors, supply bad seed potatoes for 47 cents and then write a tender for 6 cents from the shed, and then lower the daily price to 3 cents.
sugar% 13 September 2018
Has anyone got a blood sugar test yet? I haven't heard/read anything from Cosun itself
Skirt 14 September 2018
I hear around 16,3
pipoSui 14 September 2018
Sugar around 15%
Calculate back to 17%
good action by Cosun.
Sugar beet 16 September 2018
What is the current price of LLBs?
Agri 18 September 2018
I do have beets available from 35 euros
frontier farmer 20 September 2018
Delivered my quota full the day before starting from 36000 gross on freight.
Loaded 3 more cars today, but not for the factory.
receive €32,50 for animal feed destination Belgium

success Cosun

??? !!! 24 September 2018
You can't plan for the weather.
Not at Cosun either:
first assignment???!!! far above 100%,
next year allocation well below 100%.

'Normal' farmers have a building plan. Shifting is fine, but should not become MANDATORY because it is not convenient for Cosun.

Bet I don't get a letter next year? Depends only on the allocation: I 'just' have 1/5 beetroot, no less, no more.
You can no longer respond.

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