Need help with machete

[almyjmoore]

I found this machete(?) today and would like to find out what is the purpose of the hook on the end. It seems to be well made and seems to be an older piece. It's about 16' long. I can't find any makers marks. Any information on the tools purpose, age or maker would be appreciated. Thanks, Al

[tjmurphy]

It's a beet knife, for harvesting beets.

[almyjmoore]

Thanks Murphy. I've seen a few of those knives around but never knew what they were for. Thousands of acres of sugar beets are grown between Alma and Saginaw and that's only about 20 miles east of me. In the next few weeks there will be mountains of sugar beets stacked outside the processing plant. Thanks again, Al