Potato harvest in the United Kingdom still 3 weeks behind

The Potato Council Grower Panel Lifting Survey estimates that 39,000ha (32% of the total crop and just under 7,000ha greater than last week's estimate) was cleared to Friday 28 September, with the GB harvest running approximately three weeks behind last season.

The current estimate is just over 36,000ha less than the same week in 2011 (75,000ha, 59% clearance) and over 31,000ha less than the average of the previous three seasons.

All areas continued to report wastage issues including bruises, greens, secondary growth, growth cracks, scab, slug damage, breakdown, hollow heart, rots associated with waterlogging and a lack of sizes.

In the East heavy rain interrupted lifting in Yorkshire and the North-East, with water standing in the ridges of some fields. In many parts of East Anglia lifting was largely uninterrupted with the rain improving lifting conditions. The majority of crops have been burnt off for storage, with store loading now the priority.

In the West lifting in the Midlands was curtailed by heavy rainfall which was often prolonged, with up to 100mm recorded in some areas, particularly Lancashire. Water was standing in the ridges of some fields which will require several dry days before lifting recommences, although lighter soils will be workable sooner depending on the weather. Yield estimates were in a range of 32-47t/ha, with the odd 50t/ha reported.

In the South lifting was also restricted. Many parts of the South-East which were too dry to lift have had over 100mm of rain and were now too wet. Stocks were being taken out of stores in some cases to satisfy immediate trade requirements. Storage is becoming the main priority when possible, with lifting running a good three weeks behind normal. Reports continue to confirm that overall average yields are at least 25-30% down in many cases, with the main range 25-45t/ha.

In Scotland rain interrupted lifting in most areas but particularly the Lothians and Borders where 100mm fell in some places during the week. Some slow maturing crops were barely ready to lift and had been left green to allow more time to bulk. Lifting of ware for immediate sale and seed for storage continued whenever possible where conditions allowed. Yields were very variable in a range 20-60t/ha, with the average estimated as 35-40 t/ha.