American Potato Harvest Sinks

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/08 - SNS -- Potato growers across the United States planted an estimated 1.06 million acres of potatoes in all four seasons this year, down 8% from last year and 7% below 2006. Area for harvest, forecasted at 1.04 million acres, is down 8% from 2007 and 7% below 2006, according to the latest USDA crop report.

Area planted to fall potatoes for 2008 is estimated at 929,100 acres, down 8% from last year and 7% below 2006. Harvested area is forecast at 916,200 acres, also down 8% from 2007 and 7% below 2006. The decrease in planted acreage can partly be attributed to higher prices from competing crops, which influenced growers to plant crops other than potatoes.

Idaho growers decreased planted acreage 14% from last year. Growers of potatoes for fresh sales were encouraged to decrease their 2008 planted acres by 20% from their 2004 base acres. The July 6 crop progress in Idaho was ahead of the 5-year average and crop conditions were 86% good to excellent. Washington producers planted 6% fewer acres than a year ago. Cool, wet conditions delayed planting in the northwest section of the State with Skagit County only having 80% of the crop planted by the end of June. Oregon growers decreased acreage 3% from last year and the crop was 1 to 2 weeks behind normal. Planted acres in Colorado dropped 4%. A storm at the end of June caused wind and hail damage to some of the acres. Farmers were expecting the crop to recover by harvest time, but with reduced yields. Montana's fall potato acres are down 4% and Nevada's acres decreased 14%. California producers increased acreage by 10% and farmers in New Mexico planted 15% more acres.

North Dakota's planted acreage declined 14% from last year. As of July 6, crop condition was rated 73% good to excellent, comparable to last year at the same time. When compared to 2007, planted acres decreased 4% in Minnesota, went up 5% in Michigan, and remained unchanged in Wisconsin. Ohio producers reduced acres 22% from a year ago and growers in Nebraska decreased acreage 5% from last year.

Maine's planted area is down 4% from 2007. As of July 6, crop specialists in the State rated the crop in good to excellent condition due to frequent rains, warm days, and cool nights. Growers in New York planted 5% fewer acres than in 2007, acreage in Pennsylvania increased 5%, and Massachusetts' planted acres decreased 4%. Rhode Island's planted area is estimated at 500 acres, 100 acres below last year.

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