NASS: US Potato harvest fall 2007

Production of fall potatoes for 2007 is forecast at 408 million cwt, up 2 percent from last year. Area harvested, at 997,800 acres, is virtually unchanged from the July estimate but 2 percent above last year.The average yield is forecast at 409 cwt per acre, up 3 cwt from last year’s record high yield.

Western States production is forecast at 288 million cwt, up 6 percent from last year. Area harvested, at 642,000 acres, increased 4 percent from last year, and the average yield of 448 cwt per acre is up 5 cwt from 2006.

Idaho’s yield is forecast at 377 cwt per acre. If realized this would be the second highest yield on record, 9 cwt below the record yield set in 2006. Hot weather during the summer reduced the quality of the crop. Incidences of the Potato Virus Y were more frequent than normal which adversely affected yields.

In Washington, harvest progressed normally this year. The quality of the crop is acceptable but not as good as in previous years.

Oregon’s crop progressed at a normal pace with no major problems reported.

Central States production is forecast at 95.8 million cwt, down 3 percent from last year. Harvested area, at 267,200 acres, is down 4 percent, while the average yield, at 359 cwt per acre, is up 2 cwt from a year ago. Overall, the Wisconsin crop progressed ahead of normal. Growers reported a good quality crop with harvest completed on time or early. In North Dakota, crop condition was rated fair to good throughout the growing season.

Eastern States production is forecast at 24.7 million cwt, down 9 percent from last year. Area for harvest totaled 88,600 acres, 3 percent below last year, while the average yield, at 279 cwt per acre, is down 20 cwt from last season. In Maine, excellent growing and harvesting conditions resulted in a high yielding, high quality crop.