More Spuds Planted in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/12 - SNS -- Potato growers across the United States planted an estimated 1.15 million acres of potatoes in all four seasons of the 2012 crop year, up 5% from the previous year, according to the USDA's latest crop report. Area for harvest, forecast at 1.13 million acres, is up 5% from 2011.

Production of summer potatoes is forecast at 16.3 million cwt, up 25% from 2011. Harvested area is estimated at 47,500 acres, 3% above last year. Average yield is forecast at 342 cwt per acre, up 60 cwt from 2011.

Mid-Atlantic potato acreage benefitted from timely rains and hot weather leading to excellent growth. In Colorado, an early Spring allowed growers to plant ahead of schedule but yields were reportedly variable due to limited water availability.

Area planted to fall potatoes in 2012 is estimated at 1.00 million acres, up 5% from the 2011 crop year. Harvested area forecast at 990,800 acres, is up 6% from 2011.

In Idaho, acreage is at the highest level since 2007. In Washington, planted acreage is the highest since 2000. In the eastern United States, a warm, dry spring allowed planting to progress ahead of schedule. Maine growers reported optimal growing conditions due to warm weather and timely rainfall. In North Dakota, potato emergence was ahead of average in May and June and topsoil moisture was reported to be adequate to surplus in the major growing areas.

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