USDA NASS: US 2009 fall potato acreage up slightly

Area planted to fall potatoes in 2009 is estimated at 932,900 acres [=377,540 hectare], up slightly from the 2008 crop year [930,500].

Harvested area is forecast at 922,700 acres, also up slightly from 2008.

Idaho potato growers increased planted area 5 percent from last year but these [last year] are the lowest acres planted since 1986. As of July 5, crop conditions were rated 95 percent good to excellent.

Washington potato producers planted 6 percent fewer acres than a year ago. Cool, wet conditions delayed planting throughout the State. Significant planting did not begin until early-April but high temperatures late in the month enabled progress to advance quickly. By late-May, virtually the entire crop was in the ground.

Oregon potato growers increased planted area 2 percent from last year. The crop got off to a good start without any widespread delays to planting. In Colorado, planted area dropped 2 percent from the previous year as growers continued to voluntarily limit acreage for water conservation and supply management. Planting finished slightly ahead of schedule and the crop was rated in mostly good condition.

Fall potato planted area remained unchanged from last year in California, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Potato growing areas in Maine received frequent and intense rain events during June after a cool, dry planting season. Northern areas of Aroostook County did not receive as much rain as southern locations and excellent crop conditions were reported. Further south, conditions ranged from fair to good, depending on moisture levels.

Michigan’s planted area increased 5 percent from 2008. Plants were in good to excellent condition, benefitting from above normal rainfall this season. Planted area also increased in Nebraska, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico.

Growers in North Dakota planted 2 percent fewer acres than last year. Planting began later than normal and remained behind average throughout the planting season. As of June 28, crop condition was rated 63 percent good to excellent.

Planted area also decreased from last year in New York and Minnesota.