Ireland: Heatwave hits potato yield
With farmers midway through the national harvest of main crop potatoes, yields on drought-stricken farms are down 2-4t/ac compared to farms with heavier soil.
Teagasc potato expert Dr Shay Phelan said farmers with early sown (March/April) main crop potatoes were recording yields of 14-15t/ac and were selling around 13t/ac. But potato crops sown in late May and June on lighter soils suffered from drought conditions which slashed yields to 9-10t/ac sold after grading.
"Later sown crops on lighter soils suffered from quality issues including scab and cracking," explained Dr Phelan. "I would estimate national harvest yields to date are down 10pc compared to 2011."
Despite lower harvest yields, there will be no shortage of potatoes because farmers grew 15pc more potatoes this year than in 2012.
Figures from the Department of Agriculture show the area of potatoes claimed on the 2013 single farm payment was 10,087ha in 2013. This was an increase of 1,365ha over 2012.
Prices are currently ranging from €350/t to €450/t, depending on quality and whether the potatoes are being sold by the bag or in boxes.
Source: Irish Independent
