Small Hike in Fall Potato Crop Estimate

WASHINGTON - Dec 16/06 - SNS -- Fall potato production in the United States is slightly larger than initially expected, with the USDA lifting estimated production 1% from last month to 392 million cwt (100 pounds units), up 2% from last year.

Area harvested, at 976,400 acres, is virtually unchanged from November but increased 3% from last year. The average yield is forecast at 401 cwt per acre, up 1 cwt from last month but 2 cwt below the record high set last year.

Western States production is forecast at 265 million cwt, virtually unchanged from the November forecast but down 2% from last year. Area harvested, at 607,600 acres, increased 1% from last year but the average yield of 436 cwt per acre is down 13 cwt from 2005.

Central States production is forecast at 99.0 million cwt, up 1% from the November forecast and 11% above last year. Harvested area, estimated at 277,400 acres, is 7% above a year ago and the average yield of 357 cwt per acre is 13 cwt above a year ago.

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