Idaho Potato Farmers optimistic about approaching harvest

With digging season just around the corner, eastern Idaho potato farmers say they are optimistic they will improve on a middling 2014 harvest this year.

The Post Register reports that demand appears to be healthy and yields and spud sizes are expected to be better than last year.

However most farmers say it's still early in the process. Idaho's Russet Burbank potatoes won't be harvested until late this month and there could still be major issues with late blight disease.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says about 4,000 more acres of potatoes were planted this year across Idaho compared to 2014.

Idaho Potato Commission President Frank Muir says yields will likely not be better than last year, but size and shape of this year's potatoes is expected to improve.