Weekly Potato Report

March 5, 2008

 

From the Michigan Potato Industry Commission

 

 

Calendar of Events

USPB Chip Seminar 2008 – March 5 - 8 – Orlando, Florida

 

Potato Market Update by Bruce Huffaker

 

The price for open Michigan chip potatoes moved up to $9.50 per cwt this week, from $9.00 in February. Markets are quiet, as the industry prepares for the transition to the spring crop. USDA reports that central Florida growers will harvest a few chip potatoes during the week ending March 29, but volume will be extremely limited before April 1. 

USDA has started reporting variety data on fresh potato shipments from Michigan. The data are available from February 22 onward. Since that time, Russet potatoes have made up 64% of Michigan shipments, with the rest being Round White potatoes.

In the fresh market, Michigan shippers are selling storage Round White potatoes for $1.25-$1.30 per 10# bag, unchanged from last week. Maine growers are selling 2 inch minimum Round Whites for mostly $1.05$1.10 per 10 # bag, up from $0.95-$1.10 last week. Florida packers are selling 2008-crop size A Round White potatoes for $22.00-22.05 per 50# carton, unchanged from last week.

Size A Michigan Russets are selling for mostly $1.50-$1.60 per 10# bag, up from $1.25-$1.40 last week. Wisconsin shippers are receiving mostly $6.50-$7.00 per 50# bale for non Size A Russet potatoes, unchanged from last week. Wisconsin prices for 60-70 count cartons are $10.00-$11.00 per box, also unchanged for the week. The weighted average shipping point price for Idaho Russet Burbanks fell to $14.47 per cwt, from $14.74 a week ago.

 

This weekly newsletter has more complete potato market information. For subscription information call (208) 525-8397, fax (208) 525-8569, write PO Box 135, Shelley ID  83274, or e-mail napmn@napmn.com.

This Weekly Potato Report includes current Michigan grower issues, in depth market news, and other time sensitive information. This report contains market sensitive information and your candor in using this information is appreciated.  Your comments and suggestions are vital to improving this report and other services.

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