Weekly Potato Report

 

April 23, 2008

 

From the Michigan Potato Industry Commission



Potato Market Update by Bruce Huffaker

 

Storage chip potatoes are cleaning up, but a few Michigan potatoes continue to sell on the open market for $10.00 per cwt. Harvest continues in Florida. Though early reports suggest that the crop has done well, we are starting to pick up reports that supplies of open potatoes are limited. Some Florida potatoes may be selling for as much as $12.00 per cwt on the open market.

Growers in northern areas are starting to plant potatoes, but progress is running behind normal. Weather has improved in eastern growing areas this week, but the West has had to deal with several days of freezing weather. The cold weather is shifting eastward, but no freezing temperatures are in the outlook for central Michigan.

In the fresh market, Michigan shippers are selling storage Round White potatoes for $1.25-$1.60 per 10# bag, unchanged from last week. Maine growers are selling 2 inch minimum Round Whites for mostly $1.20-$1.30 per 10 # bag, unchanged for the week. Florida packers are selling 2008-crop size A Round White potatoes for mostly $18.05 per 50# carton, down from $20.05.05 a week ago.

Size A Michigan Russets are selling for mostly $1.50-$1.60 per 10# bag, unchanged from last week. Wisconsin shippers are receiving mostly $7.00-$7.50 per 50# bale for non Size A Russet potatoes, unchanged from last week's price. Wisconsin prices for 60-70 count cartons are mostly $11.00 per 50# box, up from $10.50-$11.00 a week ago at this time. The weighted average shipping point price for Idaho Russet Burbanks inched up to $14.03 per cwt this week, from $13.99 a week ago at this time.

 

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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