2005 Potato Harvest Drops 8%

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/06 - SNS -- Total 2005 U.S. potato production from all four seasons is estimated at 421 million cwt (100 pound units), down 8% from both the 2004 and 2003 crops, according to the USDA's final crop production report for 2005.

Harvested area, at 1.08 million acres, is down 7% from last year and 13% lower than two years ago. The average yield, at 388 cwt per acre, is 3 cwt below last year but 21 cwt above 2003. By season, fall production is 7% below the previous year, summer is down 11%, spring decreased 17%, but winter is up 2% from 2004.

The final 2005 winter potato production is estimated at 4.89 million cwt, down 3% from the April forecast but 2% above 2004. Harvested area of 19,800 acres is unchanged from the April 1 forecast but 7% more than last year. The average yield of 247 cwt per acre is down 9 cwt from the April forecast and 13 cwt below 2004. California's production, at 3.50 million cwt, is 8% above last season. Florida's production, at 1.39 million cwt, is down 11% from a year ago.

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.

Summer potato growers produced 16.2 million cwt in 2005, up 1% from the September forecast but down 11% from a year ago. Harvested area, at 48,600 acres, is down 10% from last year. The average yield of 334 cwt per acre is 6 cwt below last year's record high yield of 340 cwt.

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