Research Drives A New Sugar Beet Harvester

Research Drives A New Sugar Beet Harvester The sugar beet harvest has long been a cornerstone of research at North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the University of Minnesota. Studies have required accurate yield estimates and quality samples from over 3,000 plots annually. For decades, this work relied on labor-intensive manual methods and extremely outdated equipment. Specifically, a modified 1960s potato harvester served as the research centerpiece. This approach posed challenges in efficiency, data consistency, and staff recruitment. “We knew our data quality wasn’t as good as it should be and had too many variations,” says Tom Peters, Extension sugar beet agronomist for NDSU and the University of Minnesota. “Persistent equipment breakdowns led to a near impossibility for finding parts, and us holding our breath, just wishing and hoping our machine wouldn’t break down.” Faced with mounting obstacles and pressure from the research boards to modernize, they were compelled to identify an innovative solution and bring their harvest operations into the 21st century. The search began with Amity Technology, whose harvester seemed promising but ultimately required extensive modifications, particularly to support advanced data collection, sampling systems, and efficient ride-along harvesting. “Probably the largest obstacle was transporting the harvester four hours between trial plots, as constantly driving our old machine for that distance wasn’t practical or safe,” Peters explains. “Part of the custom design solution had to be the ability to move the tractor and harvester on a trailer.” Lily Bergman, an engineering student at NDSU, helped provide the answer. Her father, James Bergman, owner of Beamco, a small engineering company, stepped up to take on the challenge. They started with an Amity harvester and reimagined it from the ground up. They stripped down the original six-row machine, redesigned it to fit a trailer, and engineered a novel cleaning platform to collect weights and samples. Amity Technology remained an invaluable partner, supplying parts and computer drawings for future builds. The journey was neither quick nor simple, taking 3 1/2 to 4 years from conception to completion. Construction began in August 2023 and concluded with delivery in September 2025. The result was the custom Beamco-2025-PH 101, a machine as unique as its backstory. “Early plans were for the harvester to debut at an international sugar beet institute trade show, but it was unpainted and admittedly quite ugly,” Peters says. “We found a little more money for paint and compromised on a gold color as both NDSU and the University of Minnesota share a gold trim on their school’s color scheme.” Although they hoped to use the new machine in 2024, a hydraulic pump issue meant another season with the old harvester. By 2025, the custom Beamco machine was ready, and the results have been impressive. Early tests revealed some electrical quirks, especially in hot weather, but Beamco remains committed to troubleshooting and refining the design for 2026. Peters says the harvester is more than machinery; it’s the product of a collective vision. Growers, research and education boards, universities, service providers, and Beamco itself all contributed, with funding from over 15 entities. He’s extremely happy with the outstanding data quality, reduced labor demands, and boosted team morale. “We’re more efficient, and spirits are high as we enter this ‘honeymoon stage’ with our new tool,” Peters says. “We’re proud of the collaboration and ingenuity that brought this project to life and optimistic about its impact for the next 20 to 25 years. It just shows what’s possible when diverse groups unite to support farmers and advance agricultural research.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tom Peters, NDSU Dept. 7670, P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, N.D. 58108 (ph 701-231-8131; thomas.j.peters@ndsu.edu).

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