Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1073706
16 Sugar Producer FEBRUARY 2019 Today, Rasgorshek owns and runs what amounts to two farming operations: A 1,400-acre row crop operation that includes around 250 acres of sugarbeets annually, in rotation primarily with peppermint and alfalfa seed. The other side is custom farming around 3,600 acres of alfalfa and silage corn for local dairies. Sugarbeet yield typically averages 49 to 50 tons per acre, with about 17.5 percent sugars. A full-time crew of 14 employees keeps things running smoothly, and Rasgorshek is quick to point out those employees' contributions to the farm's success. "We couldn't ask for any better employees than we have," he says. "They're truly wonderful. They've been dedicated, and we get along very well." As of last spring, Rasgorshek's son Kyle is among the farm crew. The move was a little unexpected by Paul and his wife Marilyn, but Paul says having Kyle back on the farm has been a wonderful experience. "We never actually dreamed he'd want to come back to the farm," Paul says. "But he talked to us about it, and it has worked out very well for us all." Rasgorshek's farm lies about 10 miles south of Nampa, Idaho, in a spot that, thus far, has been immune to the urban development that has rapidly spread through the Treasure Valley over the past decade. The relatively mild climate and rich silt loam soils have over the years proven ideal for diversified farming operations such as Rasgorshek's. Water is lifted from the nearby Snake River to irrigate the farm—mostly via in-furrow irrigation, though some drip and wheel line systems are utilized. For years, Rasgorshek has worked with Amalgamated Sugar to perform beet seed variety trials on his farm. "I've loved coordinating with Amalgamated on research and doing the variety trials on our farm," he says. "I really enjoy it all, especially being able to see how different varieties perform." Rasgorshek values not only the scientific information it provides him, but also the relationships he's been able to build working so closely with the sugar company. He served on the local growers' association board of directors for 12 years, and feels the experiences he gained Freshly worked furrows await the clear Snake River water that produces beautiful beets at Paul Rasgorshek's farm south of Nampa, Idaho.