Potato Stocks Inch Upward

WASHINGTON - Apr 14/04 - SNS -- Potato stocks advanced just 1% above year earlier levels, starting April at 126 million cwt (100 pound units) in the 15 major producing states. Stocks are, however, 5% above 2002.

Disappearance of 278 million cwt of potatoes is down 1% from last year but 4% above two years ago. Shrink and loss, at 25.0 million cwt so far this season, is up 4% from last year and 6% above two years ago. This disappearance and loss includes unmarketable Maine potatoes disposed of through the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Processors used 137 million cwt of 2003 crop potatoes so far this season, down 4% from a year ago but 4% above two years ago. March usage of 16.9 million cwt is 6% below last year and 1% below two years ago. Dehydrators used 30.3 million cwt to date, down 5% from last year.

Western States held 86.9 million cwt of potatoes in storage on April 1, down 6% from last year and 1% below two years ago. Idaho's potato stocks are down 5% from last year, Washington decreased 7%, Colorado's storages held 29% less, and California lost 6%. Potato sheds in both Oregon and Montana stored 11% more than last year at this time.

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