Weekly Potato Report
August 20, 2008
August 21, 2008 – Montcalm Field Day/MPIC 50th Anniversary
Celebration, MSU Research Farm, Entrican
September 23-25, 2008 – Potato Buyer Tour – Grand Rapids, MI
February 11-12, 2009 – Winter Potato Conference and MSU Variety Day, Comfort
Inn Suites, Mt. Pleasant
Most chip plants are using contract potatoes exclusively at this time.
While there is talk of open market prices between
$14.00-$15.00 per cwt, we have not been able to verify any sales at
those prices. Growers are chewing through fields rapidly, in an effort to keep
up with demand. There is a good chance that harvest of field-delivery potatoes
will wrap up early this year. Buyers may want to start using storage contracts
before the harvest is through. Growers indicate that they will want storage
contract prices for those potatoes whether they are placed in storage or not.
They need the extra money to pay for their investment in storage facilities.
The industry is likely to need more 2009-crop potatoes than usual
during April and May, because of the strong demand for chip potatoes this
summer. Reports indicate that early demand for Atlantic seed is strong. Seed
growers are reluctant to sign up more business before this year's crop is in
the bin. Wet summer weather in Maine and New Brunswick could lead to storage
problems for this year's crop. If that happens finding seed for early chip
potato crops could be challenging.
Michigan growers are receiving $2.25-$2.40 per 10# bag for Onaways,
unchanged from week-earlier prices. In Delaware, packers are receiving mostly
$13.00 per 50# bags of size A Round White potatoes, down from $14.00 a week
ago. Delaware Chefs are selling for $15.00-$16.00 per 50# bag, down from $16.00
a week ago. Delaware's harvest is winding down. Wisconsin Round White potato
supplies are in too few hands to establish a market at this time. Light harvest
has started on Long Island.
Unofficial reports indicate that Michigan growers are selling 2000#
totes of Russet Norkotah potatoes for $20.00 per cwt. Wisconsin is selling
Russet non-size A potatoes in 10# bags for
$11.50-$12.00 per 50# bale. Wisconsin 50-70 count cartons for $27.00-$28.00 per
50# box. Idaho packers are selling limited volumes of Russet Norkotah potatoes
for a weighted average shipping point price of $35.30 per cwt. A year ago at
this time, the weighted average of Idaho Norkotah shipping point prices was
$12.76 per cwt.
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.
If
you would like to receive this report either by E-mail or Fax, please call the