Depressed storage prices and average 2015 yields expected

Prior to discussing the 2015 potato crop, let’s take a look at storage levels from last year’s harvest. “Levels vary across the country,” says Kathleen Triou with Fresh Solutions Network. “While some areas are finished with storage potatoes, others are expected to finish their old crop a few days prior to harvesting the new crop. Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Dakota and Prince Edward Island are finished or will finish in a few weeks while Maine, Michigan, Idaho and Washington are near average to a bit higher than average.”

Prices have been depressed for most of the storage season, especially on small sizes. “Large count cartons prices rallied for a few months but have since retreated as several areas push product on the market to finish on time,” added Triou.

“Weather significantly affects yields and weather conditions vary by state,” said Triou. “PA and OH are expecting higher yields at this point as they are experiencing optimal growing conditions. The Washington season started off with an unusually warm spring. Later in the season, the state had to deal with a heatwave and I expect the heat to reduce yields on some of the earlier fields,” mentioned Triou. “Idaho is expecting normal yields with ideal growing conditions up to this point, however warmer temperatures lately may affect yield. PEI had a cold, wet June, so the crop is running behind probably affecting yield. Maine had a little too much rain, but it is too early to talk about yields and quality. For North Dakota it is too early as well. With similar acres to 2014, the highs and lows will likely average out yield.”

Generally, North America potatoes are harvested from early July through early November. In Washington State, the harvest starts as early as this week (July 6) while PEI doesn’t start until mid-September. This is an overview of harvesting windows for different states: 

- Early July: Washington with new crop red and yellow potatoes

- Late July: Washington with russets and Ohio with whites. North Dakota and Minnesota are expecting to start harvest the week of July 27th

- Mid-August: Maine, starting with whites and Michigan with russets. Idaho plans to start, too.

- Mid-August – November 1: Pennsylvania

- Mid-September: Prince Edward Island

“While the majority of our product is distributed in the US, we have a strong export business in both Mexico and Canada,” said Triou. “We also ship to the Pacific Rim including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Korea.”

Within the US, the Eastern region outsells all other regions in dollar sales, as measured by dollars/million All Commodity Volume (MM ACV) in the picture below. The Central region on the other hand sells the most volume as measured by units/MM ACV.

The Fresh Solutions Network (FSN) is a group of family-owned growers and shippers who choose to work together to make the potato and onion industry better for buyers, consumers and industry members. The Network delivers competitive insights, collaborates on innovation and offers a customized assortment to its customers with focus on product mix as well as actual products. “FSN members are located in the best potato growing regions across North America,” added Triou.

For more information:

Kathleen Triou

Tel: (+1) 209-627-6800