The sugar beet harvest in Ukraine will be lower than last year’s record

Ukraine will not be able to repeat last season’s record sugar beet harvest in 2026, according to Yana Kavushevska, head of the National Association of Sugar Producers of Ukraine (Ukrtsukor). However, it is still too early to make a final production estimate, as weather conditions in August will be crucial for determining yields.

Unfavorable weather conditions during the spring planting campaign have worsened the crop outlook. In particular, frosts delayed fieldwork, leaving crop development behind the usual schedule.

As a result, sugar beet harvesting could begin around two weeks later than usual this year. Ukrtsukor noted that Ukrainian farmers achieved record yields last season, but it is already clear that those results will not be repeated in 2026.

The crop outlook will largely depend on weather conditions in August, when sugar beets actively gain weight. Current estimates therefore remain preliminary, with a clearer picture of yields and overall production expected closer to the start of the harvest.

The delayed planting campaign and weather risks have already weakened the outlook for the new crop, although conditions over the coming weeks will determine the final result. The later harvest could also push back the start of Ukraine’s sugar beet processing season this year.

Tags: Ukraine, weather conditions, sugar