Smaller Winter Potato Harvest

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/06 - SNS -- U.S. winter potato production for 2006 is forecast at 4.44 million cwt (100 pounds), down 9% from a year ago and 8% below 2004, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

Harvested acreage in the 2 winter potato States (California and Florida) is estimated at 17,500 acres, down 12% from 2005, while the average yield is forecast at 254 cwt per acre, 7 cwt above last year.

In California, where rain has been prevalent, growers report no problems thus far and expect to receive average yields. In Florida, mostly mild weather during December helped planting to stay on schedule and aided in crop development.

Spring potato production for 2005 is revised to 18.7 million cwt, up 3% from the May forecast but 17% below 2004. Harvested area totaled 66,700 acres, down 8% from a year ago. The average yield of 281 cwt per acre decreased 33 cwt from 2004.

Spring potato production in Arizona and California decreased 33% and 26%, respectively, from 2004. Florida's crop is down 15% from the previous year and production in Texas is 7% below 2004. North Carolina is the only spring potato State that increased production from last year, up 6%. North Carolina growers increased planted and harvested acres due to more processing contracts being available. The increase in harvested acres more than offset a decrease in yield.

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