While old crop potatoes are still being shipped, particularly from Western and Mid-western states, it already is looking like there will plenty of loading opportunities for the 2015-16 potato crop.
The USDA is reporting the following estimates from major potato shipping states. Idaho, which easily leads the pack in acreage, volume and shipments, has 4,000 more acres planted this season, which many considered to be too many acres a year ago.
Other states look like this: Colorado down 1,000 acres; Maine up 500 acres; Oregon no change; Washington up 5,000 acres and Wisconsin up 2,000 acres. The entire U.S. potato plantings for the upcoming season has increased by 18,400 acres, or two percent over last year’s big crop.
A major jump in plantings is with Minnesota that includes a whopping 7,000 acre increase (plus 16.3%) compared to 2014, and a 1,000 acres increase in North Dakota (1.3%).
Currently, Idaho potato shipments are amounting to about 1500 truck load equivalents per week. Colorado potato shipments from the San Luis Valley are average around 500 truck loads each week.
San Luis Valley potato shipments – grossing about 1750 to Dallas.
Idaho potatoes – grossing about $4600 to New York City.
Washington/Oregon Potato Shipments
It’s too early to tell for sure, but excessive heat and drought could reduce shipments out of Washington state and Oregon this coming season. While some diggings will begin any day now, most active doesn’t occur until after Labor Day. We’ll know a lot more in a month or so.