Potato News

Putnam photo

Potato Growers Manage Another Great Year

BOISE -- Idaho potato producers will harvest 11 billion pounds of spuds by the end of October according to statistics just released by the Idaho Potato Commission.

"The potato market in Idaho is as strong as it's ever been," said Jerry Wright, President and CEO of the United Potato Growers of Idaho.

But the harvest falls far short of the record 14 billion pounds of potatoes harvested in 2001 but yields and quality are the best in decades. Those numbers are strong despite astronomical input costs, a killer frost in June and 50-thousand fewer acres planted because of excellent wheat, corn and hay prices.

"Costs are up, but farmers planting fewer potatoes and getting into other crops is helping keep supply and demand going in the favor of the farmers," said Wright.

Farmers like Merril Hanny of Shelly agrees saying: "It's really been a win-win situation for everybody,"

The commission says at least 60 percent of all potatoes grown in Idaho will end up frozen french fries and dehydrated products. Wholesellers will ship another 30 percent to grocery stores and restaurants , with 10 percent going into seeds potatoes for the 2009 crop.

Farmers planted some 300,000 acres this year, far less than last years 350,000 acres. All in all Gem State Producers account for one-third of the nation's fall potato crop, 60 percent of the total yield comes from the the eastern part of the state.

"We're really happy with this year's crop," said Hanny, "consumers can expect good quality potatoes this year which will be both pleasing to look at and very tasty."