Good 2015 potato yields with better range of sizes

“Prior to discussing the 2015 potato crop, I’d like to share that nearly all old crop storage potatoes are gone,” says Kathleen Triou with Fresh Solutions Network (FSN). “It’s a good thing as this year’s harvest is looking very good.“

“Weather significantly affects yields and weather conditions vary by state,” said Triou. In bullet points, she provides a recap of weather influences in FSN growing states and the observations regarding yield and quality:

• Pennsylvania and Ohio experienced a nearly ideal growing season. The rainy period was early in the season, so it did not cause many issues. The states had larger than normal sets, but the record heat and drought in August and September delayed bulking, curtailing what looked like a bumper crop earlier in the season. Both states are expecting average to above-average yield in combination with good quality and mostly size A’s with limited B’s and C's.
• Idaho had an ideal growing season. The state is expecting average yields, but the size profile is generally larger than last year and the range of sizes is better.
  
• Maine saw good weather conditions, which results in above-average yields and above-average quality.
• PEI experienced a cold, wet June but then enjoyed ideal growing conditions with a mixture of warm weather and timely rains. Dry weather with cooling temperatures have made for a great start to the PEI potato harvest. Early round White, Yellows, and Reds appear to have average yields and good quality. The Russet crop may see a smaller than average yield due to the delayed start of the planting season.
• North Dakota experienced higher than average temperatures in September which delayed harvest. The crop is coming in with beautiful color, good yield and average size profile.
• The Washington season started off with an unusually warm spring. Later in the season, the state had to deal with a heat wave and that heat reduced yields on some of the earlier fields.
  

Generally, North America potatoes are harvested from late September through early November. In Washington State, the harvest started the first week of July (for Reds and Yellows while Russet started week of July 20th) while in PEI it didn’t start until mid-August. The following is an overview of the anticipated end of harvest for different states: 

- Late September: Idaho

- Early October: Washington, North Dakota

- Late October: Maine, Ohio & Michigan

- Early November: Pennsylvania & Prince Edward Island

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.

Please visit us at our “Spud Zone” booth #3147 at the PMA Fresh Summit!

For more information:

Kathleen Triou

Tel: (+1) 209-627-6800