Total Potato Output Increases

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/07 - SNS -- Total 2006 U.S. potato production from all four seasons is estimated at 435 million cwt (100 pound units), 3% above the 2005 crop but 5% below 2004, according to the USDA 's final production estimate for 2006.

Harvested area, at 1.12 million acres, is up 3% from last year but 4% lower than two years ago. The average yield, at 390 cwt per acre, is unchanged from last year but 1 cwt below 2004. By season, fall production is 2% above the previous year, summer is up 5%, spring increased 6%, and winter is down 8% from 2005.

The final 2006 winter potato production is estimated at 4.50 million cwt, down 3% from the April forecast and 8% below 2005. Harvested area of 17,500 acres is unchanged from the April 1 forecast but 12% less than last year. The average yield of 257 cwt per acre is down 7 cwt from the April forecast but 10 cwt above 2005. California's production, at 3.12 million cwt, is 11% below last season. Florida's production, at 1.38 million cwt, is down 1% from a year ago.

Spring potatoes production for 2006 is estimated at 19.8 million cwt, down 4% from the May forecast but 6% above 2005. Harvested area totaled 67,500 acres, 3% below the previous forecast but up 1% from a year ago. The average yield of 293 cwt per acre decreased 3 cwt from the May forecast but increased 12 cwt from 2005.

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