Summer Potato Crop Slipping

WASHINGTON - Sep 12/07 - SNS -- The summer potato harvest in the United States has proven to be a disappointment, slipping 1% below the USDA's July forecast for a 9% drop from last year's crop.

Production is now expected to total 16.5 million cwt (100 pound units), according to the latest USDA crop production estimates. Harvested area is estimated at 50,300 acres, down 7% from last year. The average yield is forecast at 328 cwt per acre, 17 cwt above the July forecast but 9 cwt below last year.

In Texas, record high rainfall led to increased abandonment from the previous forecast, however the average yield is up 90 cwt from July 1. In Alabama, dry conditions adversely affected the quality of the crop. Colorado growers started harvest later than usual due to delays in planting. Hail and hot temperatures contributed to lower yields.

In Virginia, hot and dry weather reduced yields from the July forecast. Yields also declined in Maryland due to dry and hot weather. In New Jersey, crop conditions were rated mostly good to excellent with harvest expected to be completed by the end of October. Harvest began on time in California with growers reporting an increase in yields from the previous forecast.

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