The most common insect pests of beets are aphids, leafminers, flea beetles, and webworms. Aphids and leafminers can be controlled with proper pesticides. Sanitation and crop rotation should be practiced to avoid pest build ups. Roots should be 1 to 2 inches in diameter for bunching and 1 to 4 inches for processing. Fresh market beets are normally hand pulled and bunched 3 to 6 per bunch.
Mechanical harvesters are available for processing beets.
Tops are removed after harvesting, roots are graded, and cracked and damaged roots are removed. Beets can be stored for several months with proper storage facilities. Tops should be removed close to the root and damaged roots removed. Good management practices can produce up to 10 tons per acre. Processing beets should produce 13 to 15 tons per acre.