Weekly Potato Report

From the Michigan Potato Industry Commission

June 9, 2010

Potato Market Update by Bruce Huffaker

Current chip potato supplies are in close balance with usage requirements. The industry will be able to use all of Florida's potatoes. Harvest is starting in Missouri, and will be moving to North Carolina this weekend. Some North Carolina growers, in dry pockets, are being pushed to start digging before their crops reach their full yield potential. Open market prices are close to contract levels.

Wet weather has delayed planting of the last portion of this year's crop in several growing areas, including Michigan, the Red River Valley, Idaho (seed areas), PEI, and Saskatchewan. Low spots have been drowned out in several of these growing areas. Though most of the western crop went in the ground on schedule, crop development is behind, due to a lack of heat units.

Canada had 14.22 million cwt of potatoes in storage on June 1. That is 16.4% fewer potatoes than they held a year ago. However, Ontario had almost as many chip potatoes in storage as it did last year. Our sources indicate that Ontario will continue to have local chip potatoes for the next 2-3 weeks, though chippers are bringing in potatoes from Florida.

In the fresh market, Michigan packers shipped 14,900 cwt of potatoes during the week ending June 5. That is down from 18,900 cwt a year ago. Shipments were 87.9% Russets and 12.1% Round White varieties.

In Wisconsin, packers are selling non Size A Russets in 10# bags for mostly $4.00-$4.50 per 50# bale, unchanged from last week. Wisconsin 50-70 count cartons are selling for mostly $10.00-$11.00 per 50# box, up from $10.00-$10.50 a week ago. The weighted average price for Idaho Russet Burbanks held steady for the week, at $10.23 per cwt.

Florida new-crop Size A Round White potatoes are selling for mostly $12.00 per 50# sack, unchanged for the week.

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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