Impact of sugarcane delivery schedule on product value at raw sugar factories

Conversion to combine harvesters has resulted in Louisiana sugarcane growers delivering a more perishable product to raw sugar factories. Dextran formation increases as the time between harvest and milling is extended. Milling of freshly cut sugarcane reduces the formation of dextran and associated economic losses. One approach available to factories to reduce dextran formation is to extend the harvested sugarcane delivery schedule to the mill. A simulation model was developed to evaluate alternative delivery schedules at raw sugar factories. Economic losses in product value associated with dextran formation were estimated and compared for various extended delivery schedules.