15.7 Million Bag Sweet Potato Crop

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/06 - SNS -- Production of sweet potatoes in 2005 is estimated at 15.7 million cwt (100 pound units), down 2% from last season and 1% below 2003, according to the USDA's final crop production report for 2005.

A decrease in harvested acres more than offset an increase in yield. Growers harvested 87,800 acres, down 5% from last year. Yield per acre, at 179 cwt, is up 5 cwt from the record high yield in 2004.

Production decreased 67% in Texas, 24% in Virginia, 14% in North Carolina, 7% in New Jersey, and 1% in Alabama. Production increased 41% in South Carolina, 15% in Mississippi, 9% in California, and 6% in Louisiana.

In North Carolina and Virginia planting was later than normal and a dry late summer and early fall reduced tuber size. Excess rain in Alabama caused some growers to abandon acres and caused some rotting. Severe drought conditions in Texas prevented some growers from planting and caused lower yields.

In Mississippi, growing conditions were ideal and dry weather during harvest allowed for timely completion. In Louisiana, dry conditions throughout the growing season decreased crop quality. Although planting started late in California due to rain, the crop progressed very well with above average yields.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here