Potato Crop Gaining in Size

WASHINGTON - Apr 10/06 - SNS -- Gains in the forecast size of this year's spring potato harvest in the United States will more than offset declines in winter output, according to the USDA latest crop report.

The 2006 U.S. winter potato crop in California and Florida combined is forecast at 4.62 million cwt, 4% above the January forecast but 6% below last year. Area for harvest, at 17,500 acres, is unchanged from January but down 12% from a year ago. The average yield of 264 cwt per acre is up 10 cwt from January and 17 cwt above a year ago.

California's average yield is forecast at 270 cwt per acre, 10 cwt per acre above the January forecast. Harvest continues with good quality. There was little damage caused by freezing temperatures in March. Yields in Florida are forecasted at 250 cwt per acre, 10 cwt per acre above the January forecast. Mild weather during December aided in crop development and dry conditions have kept harvest on schedule.

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