Harvesting of potatoes in Idaho wrapped up last month, and, despite good harvesting conditions, yields this year are slightly down from the previous season. Supplies have been steady, so the market has been stable.“We had no problems during the harvest, which was done by about October 15,” said Jim McBride of Mart Produce in Rupert Idaho. “The weather was perfect, and maybe a little too perfect because it was a little too warm. I think that hot weather affected yields.” He estimated that yields this year are down about four percent from the previous harvest. The state's growers produce mostly Russets, and supplies for those have been steady.
“Prices are up a little from last year,” said McBride. “The market probably won't change in the next few weeks. We'll go heavy into the holidays, and maybe prices could go higher if supplies are short at the beginning of the new year.” On November 5, prices for five 10-pound sacks of Russet Burbanks from Idaho were between $5.00 and $6.00, and prices for five 10-pound sacks of Norkotahs were between $4.50 and $5.50.
For more information:
Jim McBride
Mart Produce
+1 208 436 0611