Weekly Potato Report

From the Michigan Potato Industry Commission

July 7, 2010

Upcoming Events

Michigan State University - Montcalm Research Farm Field Day - Thursday August 12, 2010

Potato Market Update by Bruce Huffaker

Demand for chip potatoes remains strong. Our sources indicate that heat and dry weather has taken a toll on yields in several eastern growing areas, as well as in Missouri. However, heat necrosis issues currently are limited to Atlantics grown in North Carolina. Some North Carolina growers will finish digging chip potatoes by the end of this week, with most of the remaining crop going to market before July 20. The Missouri crop should clean up on a similar time frame. Harvest is under way in Maryland, and is just getting started in Virginia. Dealers are anxious to ship the potatoes before they are spoiled by the summer heat. They do not think that there will be any problem cleaning up crops in the summer growing areas.

Michigan's chip potato harvest is likely to start July 25. The crop should be ready by then, unless the recent heat wave does not break as soon as is forecast. The potato crop appears to be in good condition, though a few potatoes have been lost to earlier heavy rains.

Michigan growers are killing Onaways this week, in preparation for harvest. A few Onaways are being sold at roadside stands, but growers are waiting to get the skin set on most of the crop, before they take the potatoes to market. Harvest should start toward the middle of the week of July 19. The crop appears to have good size, though our sources say it is too early to determine yields.

USDA will report 2010 fall potato acreage on Friday, July 9. Most observers expect reduced acreage for this year's potato crop. However, there are signs that acreage cuts may not be sufficient to balance supplies with demand. Colorado growers conducted their aerial survey of fall potato acreage on July 1. They found that the state's planted area increased to 57,900 acres, from 56,000 acres in 2009. Prior to the survey, the state's growers had been anticipating a 2,000 acre reduction in this year's planted area.

Kern County shippers are selling size A new-crop Russet 5/10# bales for $5.45 per master, unchanged from last week. Kern County 50-60 Count potatoes are selling for mostly $15.45 per 50# cartons, with 70 count cartons bringing mostly $14.45, also unchanged. The weighted average price for Idaho Russet Burbanks climbed to $11.80 per cwt, from $10.66 per cwt a week ago.

Virginia growers are selling size A Round White potatoes for 8.00 per 50# bag, down from $9.00 a week ago. Virginia Chefs are selling for $12.00 per 50# bag, unchanged for the week. In North Carolina, dealers are selling 2000# totes of Superiors for mostly $16.00 per cwt. Growers in both North Carolina and Virginia complain that demand for Round White table potatoes is sluggish, which is preventing them from running full days.

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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