Minnesota and North Dakota Potato harvest ahead of schedule

Normal temperatures and below average precipitation allowed producers to make steadyharvest progress, according to the USDA, NASS, Minnesota Field Office. As of August 22, 23 percent of the potatoes were harvested compared to just 12 percent last year, and the five-year average of 20 percent.

Warm, dry weatherallowed significant harvest progress to be made and aided crop development, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, North Dakota Field Office. Nineteen percent of potatoes had vines killed, ahead of 14 average, and 2 percent ofthe crop had been dug compared to none last year at this time.