Summer Potato Harvest Rises

WASHINGTON - Sep 11/09 - SNS -- Production of summer potatoes for the United States is forecast at 14.7 million cwt, up 1% from the July forecast and 7% above 2008, according to the USDA.

Harvested area is estimated at 42,500 acres, unchanged from the July forecast but 6% below last year. Average yield is forecast at 346 cwt per acre, up 5 cwt from July and up 40 cwt from 2008.

California growers reported some problems with water availability and cool temperatures but the crop progressed normally and most reported good quality potatoes. Harvest was expected to continue through September. If realized, Colorado's yield, at 400 cwt per acre, will be a record high. Growing conditions were reported as very good despite early hail damage. Growing conditions in New Jersey were also reported as good and harvest was expected to be complete by the end of October. In Virginia, timely spring rains followed by hot temperatures during June benefitted growth.

Production of 2008 fall potatoes is finalized at 379 million cwt, 7% below the 2007 crop. Area harvested, at 922,000 acres, decreased 7% from 2007. The average yield, at 411 cwt per acre, is a record high and is up 4 cwt from 2007.

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