While some of the state's growers continue to decrease their acreage and grow fewer potatoes, the market for potatoes from Michigan continues to offer low prices.Rain during spring caused problems for growers this season. That meant the season was delayed and production was affected. In addition to pushing the season back and lowering production, rains also caused issues with quality. That exacerbated the problem growers have had recruiting enough labour to harvest their potatoes, as it took workers more time to make sure that harvested potatoes were free of excessive dirt. The combination of factors has resulted in lower production.
But fewer potatoes have not led to higher prices. The open market has not been kind to growers, with some reporting that prices have remained stagnant or have decreased. Those low prices have discouraged growers from expanding their acreage, with some even decreasing plantings, year over year. With fewer plantings, production going forward could decrease further.
Harvesting is expected to continue through the beginning of November.