The History of Sugar Beets | Esta Es Mi Casa

Learn how sugar beet farming came to the Red River Valley and what it meant for the workers recruited to come to work the fields. Starting in the 1930’s and 40’s, Hispanic migrant farm laborers began the journey from Texas and Mexico to the Red River Valley of Western Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota to work in the sugar beet fields. They came for the work and a better life. In the documentary, we learn about the history of this migration and see interviews with people who, as children, worked with their parents in the beet fields, some starting as early as 8 or 9 years old. These people eventually stayed and made Minnesota their home and their lives have been bettered through education and the hard work of their parents. Esta es mi Casa, or “This is my home” is a collection of short videos that document the history of sugar beet farming and Hispanic immigration into the Red River Valley. Support materials for educators and students is also included.