SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — Early harvest of sugar beets in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming has begun.

Western Sugar vice president Jerry Darnell says the company's plants in Scottsbluff and Torrington have bought more than 100,000 tons of beets averaging nearly 16 percent sugar content.

The regular sugar beet harvest is set to begin Oct. 6.

American Sugar Alliance chief economist Jack Roney says this year's harvest is occurring at one of the best times for sugar prices.

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