Weekly Potato Report

From the Michigan Potato Industry Commission

 

July 28, 2010

 

Upcoming Events

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

 

Potato Market Update by Bruce Huffaker

Limited chip potato harvest is under way in southwest Michigan. Buyers needed potatoes last week, to cover needs created when Vincennes was shut down by rain. However, they want to clean up that crop before moving north. One grower may dig a few test loads in central Michigan this week, but general harvest will not get under way until the week of August 9. That is still at least 7-10 days earlier than usual, but this year's rapid crop development should allow for the early start, without compromising yield potential. The industry seems anxious to start the northern harvest, due to crop shortfalls along the Atlantic Seaboard. One load of Michigan chip potatoes sold for $10.25 per cwt this week, but demand for open potatoes is limited, as buyers focus on using contract potatoes.

Fresh potato market prices are extremely strong, as buyers scramble for available supplies of Russet and Red potatoes. Fresh shipping volumes are strong, but evidence suggests that crop problems in Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska could lead to tight supplies during August. In addition, the Virginia crop is cleaning up earlier than usual, and Delaware may have a light crop. Idaho's 2010 crop is about two weeks late. Shippers in the Columbia Basin and in Wisconsin should be able to fill a large portion of the gap, but the shuffling has given prices a tremendous boost, over the past month.

Columbia Basin shippers are selling 40-70 count cartons of new-crop Russet potatoes for $14.00-$15.00 per 50# box. The weighted average price for Idaho Russet Burbanks climbed to $17.23 per cwt, from $15.31 per cwt a week ago. Limited supplies of Texas Russets are selling bulk for $17.00 per cwt this week, though there are offers at $15.00 per cwt for next week.

The Onaway harvest is under way in Michigan. Demand is relatively light. Dealers are selling Onaways for $1.85 per 10# bag. Virginia growers are selling size A Round White potatoes for $7.00-$8.00 per 50# bag, down from $8.00 a week ago. Virginia Chefs are selling for $12.00 per 50# bag, unchanged for the week. Virginia's harvest is winding down. Very few potatoes will be available next week. The Delaware harvest is now under way. Dealers are selling  size A Round White potatoes in 50# bags for $8.00 per bag, with Chefs selling for $12.00 per bag.

 

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 MPIC office at 517-669-8377, Fax: 517-669-1121, or Email: info@mipotato.com. For the MPIC gateway web page, go to http://mipotato.com. The WPR is updated weekly on Wednesday afternoon.