Celebrating the Sweetest Farmers in America
October 12, 2026
This National Farmer’s Day, we celebrate all the sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers who work tirelessly to produce America’s sugar.
October marks not only spooky season, but it’s also harvest season for both sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers. While families across the country prepare for a Halloween filled with sweet treats, our family farmers are hard at work producing the key ingredient that makes it all possible.
The American Sugar Alliance is proud to represent the 11,000 family farmers (and incredible workers!) who produce some of the highest quality sugar in the world.
Meet America’s Sugarbeet and Sugarcane Farmers
Many of our sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers are farming land that’s been in their families for generations, passing down their knowledge and passion. We want to introduce you to some of them.
“It’s important that we’re able to pass farming down from generation to generation. As my grandpa used to say, ’Somebody has to do it.’ As farmers, we’re optimistic every spring when we start over again, and we hope for the best. I’m optimistic about the future for the next generation of farmers.”
– Darren Hoyme, Kindred, North Dakota
Our sugar producers prioritize sustainability and efficiency, consistently doing more with less and producing the highest quality American-made ingredients.
“We work extremely hard to foster a very strong sense of community here and in our town, and we’re very proud of what we do. We pay everyone who works on our farm a living wage and follow all environmental and regulatory standards. You’re not going to find that worldwide.”
– Patrick Frischhertz, Plaquemine, Louisiana
National Farmer’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the day-to-day impact our sugarbeet and sugarcane producers have on food security for American families and the nation.
“I think of all the birthday cakes, candy, cookies, and ice cream all of us have enjoyed over the course of our lives, and that all starts with the sugarbeet seed. I would love to know that my children and grandchildren can continue to eat these foods with sugar that’s produced right here in America.”
– Jilann Schlagel, Longmont, Colorado
America’s sugar producers are vital to rural communities, supporting over 151,000 jobs coast-to-coast and contributing more than $23 billion to the economy annually.
“Sugar is the backbone of our community here. If we weren't able to produce sugarcane, the communities around here would really suffer. We depend on the sugar industry. It provides jobs, contributes to the local economy, and just defines our way of life here." – Keith Wedgworth, Belle Glade, Florida
With rising costs and distorted markets making things harder for farmers right now, defending our farmers and helping America’s sugar producers keep it sweet in America matters more than ever.
“Growing up on a farm means focusing on hard work, family, and community. I’ve had three generations in front of me working their tails off to build what it is today. Passing that on to the next generation is very meaningful to me, and I hope that opportunity doesn’t go away soon.”
– Matt Hasbargen, Breckenridge, Minnesota
We are thankful today–and everyday–for the incredible farmers who keep it sweet in America.
Hear more from America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers here.
Source: American Sugar Alliance
