Potato Harvest Estimate Slips

WASHINGTON - May 10/02 - STAT -- Spring potato production in the United States is expected to total 21.8 million cwt (100 pound units), up 1% from the April 1 forecast but down less than 1% from last year, according to the latest crop production estimates from the USDA.

Area for harvest is estimated at 77,700 acres, 1% above the April estimate and up 2% from a year ago. The average yield is forecast at 280 cwt per acre, down 200 pounds from the April 1 forecast and 600 pounds below last year. Since April 1, California acreage and yield have been adjusted upward, while yield potential diminished in the Hastings area of Florida and in Texas.

Spring potato production in Florida is forecast at 7.18 million cwt, down 3% from last month's forecast and 10% below a year ago. Above normal temperatures have hurt quality of unharvested fields. Harvest is moving along in the Hastings area with about a third of the crop dug.

Production in North Carolina is forecast at 3.41 million cwt, unchanged from last month but 3% below last year. Growing conditions during April were good but earlier frost and rain damage will delay harvest.

The Texas production forecast, at 1.36 million cwt, is 11% below the April 1 forecast as the effects of earlier frost damage have become apparent. If realized, this production will be 34% below last year. Reduced yields and lower harvested acreage combined for the large decrease.

California's spring production, at 7.70 million cwt, is 7% above last month's forecast and 27% greater than a year ago. Higher yields combined with a 6% increase in acreage for harvest, caused the rise in production. Spring potato production in Arizona is forecast at 2.11 million cwt, unchanged from last month but 5% less than a year ago. Earlier frost damage delayed the crop. Harvest should begin in May and continue into July.