A recent USDA forecast for potatoes shows that new crop plantings are down. In Idaho we are down 8% and nationally we are down 6.5%. This will probably mean higher prices throughout next season. We are still a long way from having the crop harvested but to give you an idea what 8% in Idaho means: 26,000 acres fewer planted. An average yield of 380-100#sacks per acre means a total reduction 9.9 million hundred weight fewer Idaho potatoes.
The main reason is low prices this year and choices of higher value crops for next year. In some areas, water is critical and growers are making choices for few acres of potatoes. New Crop Washington start the week of 7/22 and New crop Idaho’s will start week of 8/12.
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