United States Potato Planting progress: wet spring delays showing up in the numbers

Updates from the United States Department of Agriculture - National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) on the progress of (potato) planting throughout the United States. An overview.

Minnesota and North Dakota

Flooding in the Red River Valley this spring has created havoc for many farmers trying to get their crops planted. Potato farmers there are doing better than most, however.

As of May 26, potato planting in Minnesota was reported at 81% complete, down 7% from the average, or about four days behind schedule.

North Dakota potato farmers have hustled to get 84% of their seed in the ground, which is well ahead of the 68% average for this point in the season. Plant emergence is behind, however, as just 3% has emerged versus the normal 14%.

In comparison, planting numbers for corn and soybeans in North Dakota are approximately 20% behind average.

Statistics were reported by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Northern Plains office.

Idaho

Evidence of moderate planting delays in Idaho are apparent, as both planting and emergence numbers are a little behind. Normally, Idahoans have 95% planted by now, but this year’s numbers are at 88%. Thirty percent of the crop has emerged, which is down from the normal 44%, and well below last year’s 70%.

Oregon

Emergence numbers are close to par, with 79% showing. The average is 84%.

Colorado

Planting rates both in and outside of the San Luis Valley are right on average. Emergence numbers outside of the San Luis Valley, normally at 67%, are behind at just 42%. Very little emergence in the San Luis Valley has been reported.

Wisconsin

Potato planting is reported at 88% complete, eight days ahead of last year but three days behind the average.

Maine

Don Flannery, Maine Potato Board executive director, told Spudman in mid-May that conditions were wet and he expected planting to be slightly behind schedule. That’s proving to be the case, as only 25% is reported planted as of May 26. The average is 49%.