1 

Marketing

U.S. Potatoes

2009 Crop 

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 Federal-State 

 Market News Service 

 Idaho State Department of Agriculture 

 Oregon State University 

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Cooperating with 

 United States Department of Agriculture 

 Agricultural Marketing Service 
2 

 Fruit & Vegetable Programs 

Marketing U.S. Potatoes 

2009 Crop 

Foreword

This abbreviated summary is the result of technology that allows you to 

select only the prices and shipments you are interested in from the 

Market News Portal. You can access the Fruit and Vegetable Market 

News Portal at 

http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/portal/fv

Historical shipment and price information can be obtained by using Run 

a Custom Report. 

The U.S. Potato Monthly Shipments are generated out of the Market 

News Portal, downloaded in Excel and organized into a Pivot Table. 

The National Potato and Onion Report is still published and is available by a free email service. 

To receive this report by email call 208-525-0166. It is also available on the Web at 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/mncs/idop.pdf

If you have any questions, call the Idaho Falls Market News office at 208-525-0166 

CONTRIBUTING REPORTERS 

PATRICIA R. WILLKIE 

Local Representative 

TONY SORENSON 

Market Reporter 

JENNIFER NOURY 

Market Reporter 

Idaho Falls, ID 

(208)525-0166

DEBRA FRIDAY 

Local Representative 

KEITH MURPHY 

Market Reporter 

Benton Harbor, MI 

(269)925-3270

KARRIE GONZALEZ

Local Representative 

Raleigh, NC 

(919)856-4377 

BRETT RICHARDSON 

Local Representative 

Richmond, VA 

(804)371-0319 

RELEASED: February 2011 
3 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

2009 Season 

California, Kern District 4-6 

Colorado 7-8 

Delaware 9 

Florida 10 

Idaho 11-13 

Klamath Basin 14-15 

Maine 16-17 

Maine Chipping Potatoes 18 

Michigan Potatoes 19-20 

Michigan Chipping Potatoes 21 

Big Lake & Central Minnesota 22 

Red River Valley (Minnesota & North Dakota) 23-24 

New York Long Island 25-26 

New York Chipping Potatoes 27 

North Carolina 28 

Ohio Chipping Potatoes 29 

Pennsylvania Chipping Potatoes 30 

Virginia 31-33 

Virginia Chip Stock 34 

Virginia Seed Potato Import Record 35 

Columbia Basin Washington & Umatilla Basin Oregon 36-37 

Northwestern Washington 38-39 

Wisconsin 40-41 

New Brunswick Canada 42-43 

Monthly Potato Shipments 44
4 

MARKETING KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA SPRING POTATOES 

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: USDA, NASS estimated the California Spring crop production at: 

KERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT SPRING POTATO CROP 

CROP HARVESTED YIELD PRODUCTION PRICE PRODUCTION

YEAR ACRES 

PER 

ACRE CWT 

PER 

CWT VALUE 

2003 19,000 440 8,360,000 $12.60 105,336,000

2004 17,500 475 8,313,000 $13.40 111,394,000

2005 15,100 405 6,116,000 $13.00 79,508,000

2006 15,300 395 6,044,000 $12.00 72,528,000

2007 15,500 395 6,123,000 $10.20 62,455,000

2008 14,300 420 6,006,000 $11.00 66,066,000

2009 17,500 410 7,175,000 $17.50 125,563,000

5 year average 15,540 405 6,293,700 $12.74 80,181,738

change from 2008 to 2009 123% 98% 120% 159% 190%

change from ave to 2009 113% 101% 114% 137% 157%

National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 

***Includes Chip Stock 

 Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards indicated acreage was: 

 Kern County Spring Potato Acreage 

 2006 2007 2008 2009 % change 

Lone White 1,932 1,826 1,679 1,810 108%

Round Red 1,686 2,047 1,960 2,398 122%

Russet 3,968 4,030 3,292 3,516 107%

Yellow Type 1,068 1,365 1,431 1,421 99%

Chipper 3,402 3,745 3,640 ** NA

Total Acreage 12,056 13,013 12,002 NA NA

 *Please note: One major Kern County Packing 

Shed does not publicly 

 release their acreage, therefore, it is not 

included in these totals. **Kern County Dept of 

Ag no longer tracks potato acreage. Acreage is 

compiled by local shippers. 
5 

KERN DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA POTATO SHIPMENTS 

2007 Spring Crop 2008 Spring Crop 2009 Spring Crop 

Purple Type 50,400 cwt 47,600 cwt 78,141 

Fingerling *** *** 92,129 

Yellow Type 384,300 cwt 446,300 cwt 412,708 

Long White 606,600 cwt 643,300 cwt 607,073 

Round Red 559,300 cwt 718,700 cwt 618,467 

Russet 1,005,800 cwt 882,000 cwt 846,953 

Rail/piggy-back 1,232,000 cwt 1,105,400 cwt 965,200 

TOTAL SHIPMENTS 3,838,400 cwt 3,897,800 cwt 3,620,671 

Shipments: Local Kern county shipments of 2009 crop started week-ending May 2 and continued until weekending August 15 

 Kern District Potato Shipments 

 2008 Spring Crop 2009 Spring Crop 

 CWT percentage CWT Percentage

Truck 

Shipments

Purple 93,300 3% 78,141 3 

Fingerling 92,129 4 

Yellow Type 446,300 16% 412,708 15 

Long White 643,300 23% 607,073 23 

Round Red 718,700 26% 618,467 23 

Russet 882,000 32% 846,953 32 

Round Red/Yellow Flesh 2,200 0

Mixed Varieties 6,600 358

TOTAL TRUCK 2,792,400 2,655,471

 Rail 1,105,400 28% 965,200 27 

TOTAL 3,897,800 3,620,671

 

Marketing: The 2009 season was the third season 

the shippers ask for and received an additional 

handling fee of 45 cents per carton/bale. 

Long Whites: 50-pound carton size A, U.S. One 

opened at $14.45-16.45 per carton on week ending 

May 16, then closed at $16.45-on weekending July 

18. They never traded lower than week ending May 

23-June 6 and traded highest week ending June 20 

and July 4. 

Round Reds: 50-pound carton size A, U.S. One 

opened at $10.45-12.45 per carton on week ending 

May 16, then closed at $14.45 on week ending July 

25. They never traded higher than the last week and 

traded lowest on week ending May 23 and June 13 

at $10.45. 
6 

Yellow Type: 50-pound carton size A, U.S. One 

opened at $18.45-20.55 per carton on week ending 

May 16, then closed at $16.45-18.45 on week 

ending July 18. They never traded higher than the 

second week and traded lowest at $16.45-18.45 on 

week ending June 6 through the remainder of the 

season. 

Russet Norkotah: U.S. One size A 100-pound 

sacks opened at $11.30-12.30 on week ending June 

13, and closed at $9.30-10.30 on week ending July 

25. They never traded higher than $12.30 on June 

27 and never traded lower than $9.30-10.30 on the 

last three weeks of the season. U.S. One 50-pound 

carton 80s opened the season on weekending June 

13 at $13.45 per carton and closed on weekending 

July 25 at $11.45-12.45 per carton. They never 

traded lower than the last two weeks and the highest 

they traded was the second week of the season. 

Three of the Kern County shippers operate their 

facilities outside of the traditional spring potato

season. They have a winter crop grown in their 

Kern fields, including the Lake Isabella area and 

operations in what they call “the desert”, which is in 

the Imperial Valley-Coachella area. One Kern 

shipper also uses potatoes grown in the Lancaster 

area. Those three areas are reported in separate 

districts: Winter crop is California-Central, the 

desert deal in reported as California-Imperial 

Valley, and Lancaster is included in the CaliforniaSouthern. Shipments are reported in a weekending 

format in these districts. Prices are not reported by 

the Market News in these areas, so that 

confidentiality can be maintained. The winter crop

runs from November into March. The desert deal 

runs in April. The Lancaster crop starts as the Kern 

spring deal finishes in late June and runs into early 

October. One other California shipper has ground 

throughout southern California, allowing them to 

harvest potatoes throughout the year. 

Transportation Trends: Trucks hauled 72 percent 

of the crop. Trucks were extremely hard to come 

by, but rail was even more of a shortage. Most 

shippers must rely on the customer to find a truck. 

Buyers had limited luck finding a truck that was 

going to California. Finding a truck already in-state 

that was empty was extremely difficult. Piggy-back

continues to be an alternate method of 

transportation because of the limited availability of 

trucks and rail cars. Another transportation 

opportunity for Kern County shippers is Railex with

Corporate Headquarters in Riverhead, New York. 

The shipping facility is located in Delano, 

California (outside of Bakersfield). Railex delivers 

potatoes/produce weekly, coast to coast in five 

days, from Delano, California to its Rotterdam, 

New York facility. The Albany, New York area is 

unique in that Railex can service 5 major cities in

four hours or less. It is extremely well served by 

rail, yet lacks the congestion associated with major 

metropolitan areas. This combination makes for a 

highly efficient transfer of goods to market that can 

be coupled with high volume and consistent supply 

through Railex's platform. Kern shippers are indeed 

pleased with the new and additional opportunity for

shipping into the lucrative East Coast market.
7 

MARKETING COLORADO POTATOES

2009 CROP

Production:

COLORADO (Fall Potato Crop) NASS 2009 Summary 

Area Planted Area Harvested 

2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 

59,200 57,000 56,000 59,100 56,900 55,200 

Yield Production 

2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 

355 385 400 20,981,000 21,907,000 22,080,000 

Growing and Harvest Season: By week ending 

June 1, 2009: Summer potatoes were 90 percent 

planted compared to 5-year average of 78 percent; 

50 percent emerged compared to 5-year average of 

45 percent. The crop was rated in good to excellent 

condition on that date. Fall potatoes were 93 

percent planted compared to 5-year average of 91 

percent and 10 percent emerged compared to 5-year 

average of 7 percent. By week ending August 10 

fall potatoes were rated in excellent to fair 

condition, while summer potatoes were rated in 

poor to excellent condition. By that date harvest of 

summer potatoes was underway with 2 percent 

harvested compared to the 5-year average of 4 

percent. Week ending September 8 saw fall 

potatoes both rated in fair to excellent condition. 

Summer potatoes were 25 percent harvested 

compared to the five-year average of 35 percent. 

Harvest of fall potatoes had begun with 7 percent of 

the acreage dug compared to the five-year average 

of 7 percent. Week ending October 11 fall potatoes

were 86 percent harvested compared to 78 percent 

on this day. 

 

Summer Marketing Season: The USDA Market 

News Service does not publish F.O.B. shipping 

point prices for Colorado’s summer crop due to 

having too few shippers to establish a market. 

Fall Marketing Season: Russet varieties of count 

cartons and non-size A bales started week ending 

September 5. 70 count Russet cartons started out at 

$8.50 per carton and finished the season $12.50 per

carton. Size A baled 5 10-pound film bags started 

out at $6.50 and finished at $7.50. U.S. 

Commercial bulk per cwt size A started at $7.00-

8.00 and finished at $3.50-6.00. 

Movement: The Market News Service began 

reporting light movement of Round Reds, Yellow 

Type week ending August 22, 2008. Shipments of 

Russets started shipping out of the San Luis Valley

on weekending September 5. Fall potato shipments 

peaked in mid-November with the Thanksgiving 

promotions running add business. Week ending 

November 21 saw the peak at 412,638 cwt 

compared to 435,600 cwt shipped same week last 

year. Mid-December saw another bump of Holiday 

business. Weeks ending December 12 and 19 saw 

382,030 and 398,856 cwt shipped. The Easter 

Holiday saw another bump of business with week 

ending March 13 shipments of 427,684 cwt. 

Colorado’s total shipments for the crop year 

through week-ending August 28, 2010 equaled 

15,127,000 cwt compared to last season at 

15,020,000 cwt. By variety Fingerling 19,172 cwt,

Long White 477 cwt, Mixed 74,903 cwt, Purple 

1,546 cwt, Round Red 330,114 cwt, Round 

Red/Yellow Flesh 22,200 cwt, Round White 4,291 

cwt, Russet 13,655,381 cwt, Yellow Type 830,609 

cwt and shipped by rail 188,500 cwt. 
8 

Stocks:

 Stocks on Hand (CWT) 

2008 

Crop 

Dec-08 Jan-09 Feb-09 Mar-09 Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 

16,000,000 14,700,000 12,700,000 11,100,000 9,000,000 5,900,000 3,800,000

2009 

Crop 

Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 

15,900,000 13,900,000 12,200,000 10,500,000 8,100,000 4,900,000 3,300,000

Packaging: Major packaging remained the 50-

pound cartons, 10 and 5-pound poly bags in 50-

pound paper or poly balers or card board bins, and 

dry bulk for Russet varieties (predominantly 

Norkotah with some Canela Russet, Classic Russet, 

Centennial Russet, Russet Nugget and Rio Grande 

Russet). Round Reds shipped primarily in 10- and 

5-pound poly in 50-pound paper or poly balers and 

card board bins, also 2 1⁄2-3 1⁄2” (Premiums) in 50-

pound cartons, and size B in 50-pound paper sacks. 

Yellow Type shipped primarily as 5-pound poly in 

50-pound paper or poly balers and card board bins, 

also 2 1⁄2-3 1⁄2” (Premiums) in 50-pound cartons. 

Transportation: Trucks were a problem for the 

Colorado potato shippers most of the season. 

Transportation had become a critical issue as rising 

fuel prices in 2009 cut into growers’ profits. There 

were a few incidents early in the new calendar year, 

such as the Holiday season when trucks tend to haul

the high paying Christmas tree loads. Also, spring

time creates additional problems when trucks are 

tied up hauling nursery stock that also pays a 

premium. Most of the Colorado’s tablestock crop 

ships out of state, including major distribution 

centers such as: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, 

IL; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, California; Miami, 

FL; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; and because 

of Colorado’s tie to and close proximity to Texas, 

Amarillo, TX; San Antonio, TX; and Houston, TX. 
9 

MARKETING DELAWARE POTATOES

2009 CROP

Statistics: According to the Delaware 

Agricultural Statistics Service, growers planted 

1,700 acres of potatoes, of which 1,600 acres were 

harvested. This represents 100 acres less acreage 

harvested from the 2008 season. Production 

during the 2009 season increased to 480,000 cwt, an

increase of 13 percent from the previous year 

(425,000 cwt). Yields also increased to 300 cwt per 

acre, compared to 250 cwt last year. According to 

NASS, the average price for the season totaled 

$9.10 per cwt, down sharply from the previous year 

($13.50) with the total value of production for 2009 

of $4.368 million dollars. The grower base has 

remained at 5, despite the continued pressures of 

urban sprawl. During 2009, the State average for 

agricultural land was $ 20,318.00, according to the

Delaware Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Movement: The Market News Service reported 

movement of approximately 322,000 cwt of 

tablestock for the 2009 season, up from the year 

before (269,000 cwt). During the 2009 season, 

Market News Service reported shipments of the 

following type of potatoes: Russets, Round Whites,

Round Reds and Yellow Type. The first movement 

during the 2009 growing season was reported week 

ending July 25. No chipstock was reported in the 

State this year. 

Growing and Harvest Season: Initial planting 

was underway the first week of April, with adequate

soil moisture. Above normal temperatures and 

below normal precipitation persisted during the rest 

of April. By late April, 83 percent of the potato

crop was planted compared to the 5-year average of 

75 percent. Heavy rains in mid-May slowed late 

planting progress as growers finished mid-month. 

Above normal temperatures and scattered showers 

continued through June, and some fields showed 

stress due to dry soil conditions. Harvest of Round 

Reds began around the 20th of July and warm but 

dry conditions continued through July and the first

half of August. Late August and September saw 

above average rainfall which slowed harvest. 

Cooler temperatures continued into late September 

when most of the crop was finally harvested. 

Marketing Season: Market News Service reported 

the first F.O.B. prices of the 2009 season on July 

31. This date was two weeks behind the first report 

of July 17 during the 2008 season. Prices opened 

the season at lower levels than the 2008 season as 

50-pound sacks of U.S. One Size A Round Reds 

were reported for $12.00. During the 2008 season, 

50-pound sacks of U.S. One Size A Round Reds 

were reported for $16.00. While B size started the 

2009 season at $16.00, which was also below 2008 

pricing levels. Red supplies were light and finished 

by the end of middle of August at steady prices of 

$12.00 and $16.00 respectively. Round White U.S. 

One size A 50-pound sacks started the season in late 

July with F.O.B. prices of $9.00 and chefs at 

$11.00, while tote bags approximately 2,000 pounds 

size A brought mostly $16.00 cwt for much of the 

season. Prices slipped slightly by mid-August to 

$7.00-8.00 for A size 50s with chefs $9.00-10.00 

and totes $14.00-16.00 cwt. The season was not 

completed as early this year due to the cool wet 

weather in the month of September. 
10 

MARKETING FLORIDA POTATOES

 

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: 2009 crop production is 

listed by the USDA NASS in their January 2010 

Crop Production-Annual Report for the 2008 crop 

summary. Area planted was 326,000 acres total, 

with Hastings as 200,000 acres and other as 126,000

acres. Area harvested was 289,000 acre total, with 

Hastings as 165,000 acres, and other as 124,000 

acres. Yield per acre was 266 cwt per acres state 

wide. Production was 7,700,000 cwt total, with 

Hastings at 4,290,000 cwt and all other areas at 

3,410,000 cwt. 

Crop & Weather: Fields were being prepared for 

planting in early December. Dry conditions were 

reported in many areas as growers paused to 

observe the holidays. January saw cool temperature 

for the first 3 weeks, culminating with major 

freezing temperature the third week of the month. 

Most acreage showed no significant damage 

although the cold singed a few acres. Potato 

digging around Lake Okeechobee and in the 

Immokalee and Palmetto-Ruskin areas became 

active during February. Replanting of freeze areas 

started as assessments were made during February 

and into March. April saw the first of a series of 

heavy rain storms that reached their height in midMay, effectively ending the season earlier than 

expected for many producers. Flooded fields, 

floating potatoes and unworkable soil resulted in a

lackluster June. 

Harvesting: None of the Florida potato crop is put 

into storage. The entire production is packed and 

shipped at harvest. Thus harvest is on going through 

the packing season. Enough acres are harvested 

each day to keep the packing plants going based on 

demand and sales. Harvesting is not as stressful in

Florida as it is in storage states that harvest into the 

night. 

Shipments: Shipments of fresh-table stock potatoes 

out of Florida for the 2009 season were 2,786,000 

compared to 2,638,600 total cwt in 2008. Round 

Red was 2,051,400 cwt in 2009, 1,906,000 cwt in 

2007; Round White 446,400 cwt in 2009, 555,200 

cwt in 2008; Yellow Type 250,000 cwt in 2009, 

175,600 cwt in 2008; Russet Norkotahs 3,250 in 

2009, while none were shipped in 2008; and 

fingerling 490 cwt in 2009 compared to 1,800 cwt. 

in 2008. Round Red shipments began the 

weekending February 14 and finished weekending 

July 4. The Round Red crop had one week, March 

28, that stood out with 1,663,620 cwt shipped. 

Round White shipments started on weekending 

February 14 and finished weekending June 20. 

Round White shipments stood out May 2 for the 

season. Yellow Type shipments began weekending 

February 28 and finishing the last week of the 

season of June 20. May and June were the biggest 

shipping months for Yellow Type. Shipments of 

chipper potatoes totaled 7,001,000 cwt in 2009; 

3,446,900 cwt for the 2008 season. Chipper 

shipments began the weekending March 21 and 

finished week ending June 20. Chipper shipments 

peaked from weekending May 2 through May 16. 

There is an area in north Florida shipping chipper 

potatoes earlier than those recorded. This early deal 

is not reported by the USDA. 

Marketing: No prices were issued for chipper 

potatoes in the 2009 season as most movement was 

contracted or open sales were in the hands of a few

growers, with too few prices reported to establish a 

market. The USDA, AMS, Fruit &Vegetable 

Market News reported prices out of Florida from 

weekending February 14 through June 13 on Round 

Red. Round Red 50-pound sacks size A started out 

at $14.50-15.60 per sack, finishing at $10.00-12.00. 

Round White 50-pound sacks size A started the 

season weekending February 28 at $23.50-27.60 

and finished weekending May 30 at $15.00. 

Yellow Type 50-pound sacks size A started the 

season week ending February 28 at $24.00-27.60 

and finished weekending May 23 at $20.00. 
11 

MARKETING IDAHO POTATOES

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, the in-season 

estimate for 2009 crop acreage was 320,000 acres 

planted, a five percent increase from the final 

estimate for the 2008 crop at 305,000 acres. The inseason estimate of 2009 yield was 415 cwt per acre 

for 2009, an eight percent increase from the final 

estimate for 2008s yield of 383 cwt per acre. The 

in-season estimate of 2009 production was 

132,500,000 cwt, a fourteen percent increase from 

the final estimate of 2008s production of 

116,475,000 cwt. 

Shipments: The first 2009 crop shipments were 

recorded during the weekending August 15, 2009. 

637,000 cwt of 2008 shipments over-lapped the 

start of the 2009 crop marketed in August 2009. It

was the second week of September, 2009 before 

Idaho (as well as other areas) marketing was not 

competing with storage supplies. Fresh market 

shipments were in full volume from midSeptember, 2009 onward. Shipments from Idaho in 

2009 were 37,115,000 cwt, a twenty-two percent 

increase from 2008s shipments of 30,429,000 cwt. 

The peak shipping month was July at 3,521,000 

cwt. 

Shipments were ninety-six percent Russet, two 

percent were Round Reds (including red 

skin/yellow flesh), and two percent Yellows. 

The crop year is the calendar year when harvest 

occurred. Seasons are not fixed dates. Shipments 

are reported by the crop year (season) so 

overlapping shipments (generally in August) do 

occur as marketing from storage of the 2009 crop 

extended through September of 2010 after 2010 

harvest and shipments had started. 

Crop & Weather: As of the first week of April, 

2009 thirteen percent of Southwestern Idaho had 

been planted, compared to nine percent in 2008. 

The Twin Falls County Extension Educator reported 

cool weather had delayed potato planting. Many 

fields in Eastern Idaho remained covered in snow. 

Rain in the Southwestern and South Central districts 

and the afore mentioned snow in the Eastern 

Districts had delayed field progress. Adding to the 

planting and growing challenges, temperatures 

ranged 3 to 10 degrees below normal. During the 

weekending April 12, warmer weather had melted 

snow in some higher elevation fields. Most districts 

reported precipitation and some districts reported 

almost twice the average for the week. 

Temperatures across the State ranged from 7 

degrees above to 3 degrees below normal for the 

week. By mid-April, warm and dry weather 

improved growing conditions. However, some 

counties still reported surplus top soil moisture. 

Most districts reported precipitation and mild 

temperatures that ranged from 4 degrees above to 5 
12 

degrees below normal. Warm weather during the 

beginning of the last week in April was favorable to 

fieldwork. Conditions worsened later in the week 

as cool weather moved into the State. However, all

districts reported above average or average 

temperatures that ranged from normal to 8 degrees 

above normal. By the end of April, planting in the

southwest part of the State was 96 percent complete

compared to 70 percent in 2008; in south central it

was 33 percent complete compared to 67 percent; in 

Eastern Idaho is was 20 percent compared to 26 

percent in 2008. 

Conditions in the beginning of the first week of 

May were cool and wet for most of the State. 

Warm and dry weather moved into the State at the 

end of the week which improved conditions. All 

stations reported below normal temperature for a 

second week in a row, ranging from 2 to 6 degrees 

below normal. Planting was almost complete in 

Caribou and Power counties mid-May. Weather 

remained warm and dry throughout the month and 

was hot and dry during the last week. Temperatures

ranged from 3 degrees to 11 degrees above normal. 

Dammer-diking potato fields was a major activity in

Power County. Statewide, 96 percent of the crop 

had been planted compared to 99 percent in 2008. 

The crop was 100 percent emerged in the 

southwest; south central was 53 percent compared 

to 67 percent in 2008; and 13 percent in the Eastern 

part of the State compared to 7 percent in 2008. 

During the first week of June the weather was warm 

and wet. Temperatures ranged from 2 degrees 

below to 9 degrees above normal. The second week 

saw cool and wet weather for the southern part of 

the State. However, statewide emergence was 92 

percent compared to 74 percent in 2008. During the

weekending June 21, all but one weather station 

reported above normal precipitation for the week. 

Bingham County reported hail damage to potatoes 

on June 21. Temperatures ranged from 2 degrees 

above to 6 degrees below normal. Potato 

emergence was nearly complete. The Power 

County extension office reported flooding in potato

fields. During the last week of June, temperatures 

ranged from normal to 6 degrees below normal. 

Forty-four percent of the potatoes were 12 inches 

high, compared to 29 percent in 2008. 

By mid-July, crops remained in mostly good to 

excellent condition because of warm weather and 

adequate irrigation water supplies. By the end of 

July 96 percent of the potatoes were closing middles 

compared to 7 percent in 2008. Potato vines were 

also starting to die or being killed. 

Bonneville County reported verticillium wilt in 

some fields in mid-August. Caribou County 

reported frost late in the weekending August 16. 

During the weekending August 23, harvest had 

begun for many farmers with Russet Norkotahs in 

the Treasure Valley and the Magic Valley. Harvest 

continued to move across the growing region 

through the rest of August and September. 

During the weekending October 4, average weekly 

temperatures ranged from 2 to 9 degrees below 

normal. Above normal precipitation was recorded 

at most stations. Farm operators had goo harvesting 

weather during the beginning of the week. A cool 
13 

front moved into the State later in the week bringing 

lower temperatures and significant precipitation. 

Potato frost damage was reported by the Jerome 

County Extension Office. Statewide, cool 

temperatures remained for most of the following 

week. Killing frosts and snow showers were 

reported by several University of Idaho Extension 

Educators. Cool weather slowed potato harvest. 

During the weekending October 18, cool 

temperatures and muddy fields continued to slow 

harvest in some locations. The Power County 

Extension Office reported that potato harvest would

soon be complete in that area. Harvest was 

complete by the end of October. 

Marketing: The first report on Russet Norkotahs 

was issued during the weekending August 15, 2009 

out of the Twin Falls-Burley District and Western 

Idaho. Baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A were 

$5.00-5.50 and the 50 pound cartons of 70s were 

$13.00-15.00. Marketing shifted to include the 

Upper Valley the second week in September. The 

baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A were $5.50-

6.50 and the 50 pound cartons of 70s were $7.00-

7.50. 

The first report on Russet Burbanks was issued 

during the weekending September 26, 2009 out of 

the Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho. 

Baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A were $4.50-

6.00 and the 50 pound cartons of 70s were $8.00. 

The last report on Russet Norkotahs was issued 

during the weekending April 24, 2010 out of the 

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho. 

Baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A were $3.50-

4.25 and the 50 pound cartons of 70s were $8.00-

8.50. 

The last report on Russet Burbanks was issued 

during the weekending August 28, 2010 out of the 

Upper Valley, Twin Falls-Burley District Idaho. 

Baled 5 10-pound film bags non size A were $4.00 

and the 50 pound cartons of 70s were $14.00. 

Prices represent open (spot) market sales by first 

handlers on product packed to U.S. Grade 

standards, as shown. No consideration is given to 

after-sale adjustments unless otherwise stated. 

Brokerage fees paid by the shipper are included in 

the price reported. 

U.S. grade standards for potatoes were revised 

effective April 21, 2008. Among other changes, the

U.S. Extra No. One grade was eliminated, creamer 

and chefs sized were added and tolerances were 

increased for arrivals. 

Processing: The 2009 crop was generally a very 

nice crop. The potatoes could have used more size 

overall as there weren’t many large sizes available

half way through the season. The gravities seemed 

to be average. As always, there was some concern 

about potatoes that were dug later in the harvesting 

season due to heavy frosts the areas received in 

October 2009. Overall, it was a smooth crop with 

higher packout percentages which created less offgrade potatoes for the dehydrators.
14 

MARKETING KLAMATH BASIN POTATOES 

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: 

California Fall Potatoes 

 Acres Acres CWT CWT CWT Production 

 Planted Harvested Acre Production Price Value 

2006 8,600 8,600 450 3,870,000 

2007 7,900 7,900 480 3,792,000 $7.70 26,299,000 

2008 8,400 8,400 470 3,948,000 $7.55 26,906,000 

2009 8,400 8,400 495 4,158,000 $8.95 37,214,000 

Klamath County Oregon Potatoes 

 Acres CWT CWT 

 Harvested Acre Production 

2007 5,300 485 2,570,500 

2008 5,300 430 2,279,000 

2009 5,400 450 2,430,000 

Shipments: Klamath Basin fresh potato shipments were 2,250,281 million cwt; with the California side of the 

Basin at 997,646 million cwt and the Oregon side at 1,252,635 million cwt. The shipping period was from 

weekending August 29, 2009 to week ending September 25, 2010. The week ending November 21 was the 

peak of shipments with 75,683 cwt for that week, which was down from 92,200 cwt shipped that same week in 

2008. 
15 

Season 2008 

 

Sum of 100lb 

units Column Labels 

Row Labels 

KLAMATH 

BASIN 

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

DISTRICT 

FINGERLING 7,494 

PURPLE TYPE 1,561 

ROUND RED 69,219 

ROUND WHITE 14,093 

RUSSET 1,052,754 1,000,108 

YELLOW TYPE 33,099 

Grand Total 1,178,220 1,000,108 

Season 2009 

 

Sum of 100lb 

units Column Labels 

Row Labels 

KLAMATH 

BASIN 

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

DISTRICT 

FINGERLING 26,178 

PURPLE TYPE 210 

ROUND RED 85,051 

ROUND WHITE 8,763 

RUSSET 1,059,415 997,646 

YELLOW TYPE 73,018 

Grand Total 1,252,635 997,646 

Marketing: Prices from the Klamath Basin for Russet Norkotah baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A (on a 

per bale basis) opened at $4.50 the week ending November 7, 2009. Season ending prices were $7.00 week 

ending July 31, 2010, which was also the season high. The season low was $2.75-3.50 the first two weeks of 

May. 50-pound carton 70s prices opened at $7.00-8.00 per carton. Season ending prices on 70 counts was 

$12.00-13.00. The season low for 70 counts was $6.00-7.00, which held for most of February-March. 
16 

MARKETING MAINE POTATOES

2009 CROP

Production: Maine’s 2009 potato production was 

reported at 15.26 million cwt, up 3 percent from 

14.7 million cwt in 2008 due to a slightly increase

in harvested acres over the previous season. 

Harvested acreage totaled 55,500, an increase of 

800 acres over the previous year. Planted acreage 

remained the same at 56,000 acres. Yields of 275 

cwt per acre increased slightly from 270 to 275 for

the crop year. Maine’s 2008 potato crop was the 

state’s smallest in more than 60 years. According to 

NASS, the average price for the season totaled 

$10.10 per cwt, an increase from the previous year 

($9.75) with the value of production $154 million 

dollars ($144). 

Objective Yield Survey: Results from the annual 

Potato Objective Yield Survey conducted by NASS 

officials indicated the Russet Burbank again as the

leading (fry processing) variety planted in the State, 

comprising 41.5 percent of the total acreage, 

followed by numbered Frito-Lay chipping 

selections at 11.1 percent, Russet Norkotah and 

Round White Superior for table sales at 5.1 and 4.9

percent respectively, and Yukon Gold 4.3 percent. 

Acreages by potato type were Russet at 51 percent, 

Whites unchanged (both Long and Round) at 35 

percent, Yellows unchanged at 8 percent, and Reds 

6 percent (5 percent). Round Whites graded by 

percentage of No.1 dropped from 76 percent to 73 

percent for the 2009 season and the lowest in over 

six seasons, while Russets added 6 percent (72 

versus 66 percent) and Yellows remained the same 

as the previous two years at 82 percent. 

Growing & Harvest Seasons: Cool, dry soil 

conditions got planting off to an early start in early 

May. By May 24, the potato crop was 90 percent 

planted, compared to the 50 percent the prior year. 

Cool, cloudy and wet weather conditions followed, 

which slowed emergence and brought the crop 

progress back to a normal pace. Planting was 

completed the first week of June, ahead of the 

previous season but within the 5 year average of 

normal. By mid-June, only 35 percent of the crop 

had broken ground, compared with 60 percent last 

season and normal’s 40 percent. The summer 

months brought warm temperatures but wet weather 

continued into early August. The crop saw rapid 

growth in July and August. Rainfall was extremely 

variable across the County, with southern areas 

wetter. By mid-August, sunshine returned along 

with dry conditions and continued well into 

September, which kept tubers from adding bulk 

prior to harvest. The dry soils also increased 

bruising and nicks during harvest. Showers and 

chilly temperatures arrived in early October when 

the crop was nearly 35 percent dug, and too late to

boost yields. By the middle of the month, with 

about 10 percent of the crop left to be dug, 

temperatures dipped below freezing. The last few 

acres were dug by the end of October under 

challenging conditions. 

 

Shipments: Maine fresh potato shipments through 

December 2009 were down sharply (20 percent) at 

780,000 cwt compared to 978,953 cwt the previous 

season as reported by the Market News Service. 

Early Round White movement dropped 33 percent, 

Round Red and Yellows increased by 76 and 9 

percent while Russets remained about the same 

from the previous year. Tablestock shipments 

through May totaled 2,148,601 cwt compared to 

2,221,910 cwt the year before. Round White 

demand struggled for much of the season, due to an 

abundant Russet crop and lowball prices in the 

Western states, namely Idaho. The overall quality 

of Round White varieties was questionable from 

field to field due to bruising at harvest time along 

with nicks and general quality of the tuber. Shrink 

and waste was higher than normal and storage 

duration did not favor spring deliveries. By midMarch, Round White supplies were light and in few 

hands. The early Russet demand was respectable in 

spite of the gigantic Western crop, and quality was
17 

better going into the spring months with ample 

offerings. Major destinations for the crop included 

Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, North 

Carolina, Maine and New Jersey. Shipments by 

type through June for the 2009 season were: Round 

White 1,233,629 cwt, Round Red 123,510 cwt, 

Yellow type 206,188 cwt, Russets 647,139 cwt. 

Easements: According to the Maine Department 

of Agriculture’s Inspection Service, 753 loads 

(396,308 cwt) were sent to Canada for processing 

for the season through July 2010, compared to the 

final of 521 loads (295,425 cwt) the previous year. 

Potato Stocks: Stocks on hand December 1, 2009 

totaled 12 million cwt, 6 percent above the 2008 

December 1 holdings. Disappearance totaled 3.3 

million cwt, compared to 3.5 million cwt the 

previous season. Maine’s processor usage 

(excluding chips) was down 1 percent from last 

season. Storage accounted for 79 percent of the 

State’s total production: 45 percent Russets, 45 

percent Round White varieties, 6 percent yellows 

and 4 percent red varieties. The May 1 stocks on 

hand reported 3.9 million cwt, 5 percent more than 

the previous season of 3.7 million cwt. 

Marketing Season: Market News issued the first 

F.O. B. shipping point prices the last week of 

October with Round White U.S. One 2 inch 

minimum and Russet Norkotah U.S. One 2 inch or 

4 ounce minimum baled 10 5-pound film bags from 

$6.50-7.00. This was sharply lower than the 2008 

season start from $10.00-11.00, and the same level 

as the 2007 crop start. The huge Russet crop in the 

West brought weak pricing throughout the season 

and stiff competition to meet delivered prices in the 

East. Demand was sluggish for much of the year, 

particularly a tough sell for Round White varieties. 

Quality of these varieties varied and deteriorated 

quicker as storage progressed into the New Year. 

The late harvesting season made it harder to 

compete with those businesses out of state that had

been shipping earlier and already captured market 

share. Early in January prices on Russets slipped

$1.00 cwt, while Round Whites remained stable, 

although a tough sell. By the end of the year, 

shipments-to-date were 20 percent behind the 

previous year. In the latter half of March, Russet

baled 5s slipped again to the mostly $5.50-6.00 

range due to continued competition from Canada 

and Idaho. Round White supplies became light and 

in few hands but market prices remained stable with

increased pressure bruising and consequent higher 

cullage. The last report for Round Whites was 

issued the end of April with U.S. One baled 10 5-

pound film bags 2 inch minimum from $6.50-7.00. 

Russet prices began a slight descent in late March 

with ample supplies and sluggish movement from 

Western states. Maine Russet prices on baled 10-5-

pound film bags 2 inch or 4 ounce minimum slid to 

$5.50-6.00 and finished at these prices in early 

May. Light shipments continued into July. 

Packaging: The major consumer package for 

Maine potatoes has been the baled 10 5-pound film 

bags for Russet, Round Whites and Yellows. Some 

Russets are also packed as baled 10s with few 

cartons being utilized by packing sheds. Some 

potatoes were packed in totes and sent to repackers

near metropolitan areas this season. There 

continued to be some premium pack sizes such as 2 

1⁄4 inch minimum on Round Whites for some chain 

store accounts and 5-9 ounce packs on Russets 

packed in bales as well. 

Transportation: Fuel costs were fairly stable 

during the fall and winter months with surcharges 

that averaged from 5-10 percent for deliveries north 

of Pennsylvania. However, surcharge costs 

increased for deliveries south of Philadelphia and 

ranged from 10-19 percent during much of the 

season. Base rates remained unchanged from the 

previous season: New York $3.00, Boston $2.40, 

Philadelphia $3.50 and Baltimore $3.75 cwt. There 

were only a few instances of truck shortages during

the year, notably near holidays. 
18 

MAINE CHIPPING POTATOES

2009 CROP

Statistics: Maine chipping potato movement totaled 

nearly 1.92 million cwt in 2009, 10 percent less than the 

previous season total (2.13), which was also 10 percent 

lower than the 2007 crop of 2.37 million cwt. Contracts 

were written similarly to the previous year. Yields were 

reported slightly higher at 275 cwt per acre compared to 

the previous year (270). Shipments began mid-August 

and finished in early June. Most of the chipping 

production is located in Central and Southern Aroostook 

County with two major growers in the northern part of 

the county. According to NASS, the average price for 

the season totaled $10.10 per cwt, an increase from the 

previous crop year ($9.75) with the value of production 

$154 million dollars ($144.0). Nationally, potatoes used 

for chips and shoestrings totaled 42.9 million cwt in 

2009, down 16 percent from the previous year. 

Marketing: Harvest of out-of-the-field supplies began 

in mid-August; however, weekly shipments trailed the 

previous year’s pace by 18 percent through November. 

The biggest shipping weeks of the crop year occurred in 

December and was the only month this season that 

surpassed the previous season By March 1, movement

to date trailed last season by 12 percent and also was the 

lowest shipping total-to-date in over 10 years. Chip 

growers suffered higher cullage due to excess bruising of 

the tuber as dry conditions hampered digging in the fall. 

There were little or no instances of open market trading 

reported by the MNS as growers tended to plant only

acreage contracted. Frito-Lay was the major 

buyer/contractor in the state with smaller contracts going 

to Cape Cod, Lances and Wachusett chip companies in

Massachusetts and a few buying brokers in the East. 
19 

MARKETING MICHIGAN POTATOES

2009 CROP

Production: Michigan growers harvested 43,500 

acres, up 1,000 acres from the previous season and 

production increased to nearly15.7 million cwt 

(14.8 million cwt in 2008). Record yields of 360 

cwt topped the previous record of 350 cwt per acre 

as reported in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. 

Approximately 89 percent of the December 1 stocks 

on hand were Round White varieties, 10 percent 

Russets, and 1 percent Red varieties. According to

NASS, the average price for the season totaled 

$10.50 per cwt, a slight increase from the previous

year ($10.10) and the value of production $164.4 

million dollars ($150). 

Movement: Light shipments of the summer 

Onaway crop commenced the end of July with 

mature tubers and continued through October. An 

excess of western Russets and low prices during the

summer months created little marketing 

opportunities for new crop Round Whites. A cooler 

summer promoted tuber growth and a few growers 

were concerned with storing some Onaways as well. 

Trading was slow and movement by the end of 

August was down sharply (-57 percent) from the 

previous summer. September and October 

movement helped closed the gap for Round White 

varieties, as the states Round White shipments were

down 27 percent over the previous year to date. 

Russet movement also got off to a slow start; by the 

end of September, bulk cwt movement to repackers 

was down by 13 percent from the previous season 

for the same time frame. However, by the end of 

December, bulk shipments of Russet Norkotah had 

pulled ahead of last season by 13 percent. 

Consumer package shipments through the end of 

the year were lower; Round Whites were behind by 

25 percent and Russet shipments down by 6 percent 

from the previous season. Peak shipping months 

for Round White Onaway occurred in September 

and October, while storage Round Whites saw their 

best movement in January – March. Russets saw 

their first big push for Thanksgiving, although the

peak shipping period began mid-December through 

March. Round white and Russet consumer packages 

were shipped well into June by a few major growers 

in the state; however, bulk Russet offerings were 

virtually depleted by April 1st

. 

The final total for the season reported by the MNS 

the middle of June was approximately 2.52 million 

cwt, compared to 2.25 million cwt for the 2008 

season. Round White loads accounted for 23 

percent, with the remainder (75 percent) Russet 

varieties and Round Red and Yellows nearly 2 

percent. Due to the slower season, Round White 

supplies were reported nearly two months longer 

than the 2008 season. 

Growing & Harvest Seasons: Planting was off to 

a normal start in early April. Showers at the end of 

the month slowed planting progress. By mid-May, 

56 percent of the crop was planted, compared to 50 

percent the previous year. According to NASS, 

emergence on June 1 was reported at 49 percent, 

compared to 34 percent last year and the five-year 

average of 47 percent. Planting was generally 

completed in early June. Cooler than normal 

temperatures and drier conditions occurred during 
20 

much of the summer growing period, which aided 

bulking and healthy yields for the crop. Even the 

summer Onaway crop had great yields, which 

caused concern for possible storage due to sluggish

summer movement. Initial movement to storage 

began near Labor Day, although some fields were 

slower to mature due to cooler summer 

temperatures. Poor harvesting conditions plagued 

many growers during September and October. 

Scattered frosts, cool temperatures and excessive 

rainfall slowed the harvest all fall, and extended 

harvest into early November for a few growers. 

Onaway Summer Marketing Season: The first 

pricing report issued by the Market News Service 

began the end of July with fairly light demand. 

Prices for Round White Onaway U.S. One ten 

pound open-window sacks loose size A were first 

reported at $2.05-2.15; however, within days the 

price had dropped to $1.80-1.90. By Labor Day, 

prices continued to fall and were reported at mostly 

$1.30 and remained at these levels through the 

harvest period. By the end of October, the few 

growers with supplies dropped the price slightly and 

10s finished from $1.20-1.30. 

Storage Season: The first F.O.B. shipping point 

prices for storage supplies began in mid-October 

with Russet Norkotah and Goldrush U.S. One 10-

pound film bags loose size A at much lower prices 

than the previous season: $1.30 rather than last 

seasons’ start from $2.25-2.60. This price became 

the mostly high for the season as prices remained 

depressed due to overproduction in several Western 

states. By the first part of January, Russet Norkotah 

10s slipped to $1.10-1.30. These prices were fairly 

steady the rest of the shipping season (mid-May) in

Michigan. A few growers continued to move light 

volume of potatoes through June. The first F.O.B. 

shipping point prices for storage Round Whites 

began in early November with mostly prices in the 

$1.25-1.35 range with fairly light demand as well. 

These prices were also stable for the bulk of the 

season. The last report for the crop year was issued 

in early April with prices of mostly $1.10-1.20. A 

few growers moved more of their Round White 

crop in totes this season, due to sluggish consumer

demand and competition for shelf space with 

Western grown Russets. 

Stocks on Hand: Michigan’s potato stocks on 

hand December 1, 2009 totaled 8.7 million cwt 

compared to 8.3 million cwt and represented 56 

percent of the crop year’s production. The April 1

holdings of 1.2 million cwt were down sharply from 

the previous year (1.8 million cwt) and accounted 

for 8 percent of the year’s production. 

Packaging: The 10-pound open-window sack loose 

paper sack for Round White varieties remained the 

favored package while the 10-pound film bag loose 

for Russet varieties (notably Norkotah and 

Goldrush) was predominant. A few growers packed 

a 15-pound loose film bag for holiday promotions 

and a premium 8-pound film bag of Round whites 

and Russets for special in-house sales by a major 

retailer in the state. Another chain switched to only 

an eight-pound bag for both Round Whites and 

Russet varieties. 

Transportation: Trucking was easily handled 

except for a tight supply near winter holiday 

promotions. Most of the table stock delivered to 

nearby or overnight destinations with little 

problems. 
21 

MICHIGAN CHIPPING POTATOES

2009 CROP

Production: Michigan growers harvested 43,500 acres, 

up 1,000 acres from the previous year while production 

increased to nearly 15.7 million cwt (14.9 million cwt in 

2008). Record yields of 360 cwt per acre topped the 

previous record of 350 cwt per acre, as reported in 2007 

and 2008. Contracted chip acreage across the State was 

reported by industry officials as slightly higher than the 

previous season with contract increases from $2.50-3.00 

cwt. It has been estimated that nearly 29,000 acres were 

devoted to chipstock. Approximately 89 percent of the 

December 1 stocks on hands were Round White 

varieties, heavily devoted to chipping acreage. 

According to NASS, the average price for the season

totaled $10.50 per cwt, a slight increase from the 

previous year ($10.10) with the value of production

$164.4 million dollars ($150.2). Nationally, potatoes 

used for chips and shoestrings totaled 42.9 million cwt in 

2009, down 16 percent from the previous year. 

Growing & Harvest Seasons: Planting for out-of-thefield early supplies began in by mid April across the 

southern region of the State, followed shortly by other 

areas in the Lower Peninsula. The end of the month

brought showers which slowed planting progress. By

mid-May, 56 percent of the crop was in the ground, 

compared to 50 percent the previous year. Warmer 

temperatures and winds provided a favorable plant 

environment the remainder of the month. By June 1,

emergence was reported by NASS at 49 percent, 

compared to 34 percent the previous year, and the 5 year 

average of 47 percent. Planting was completed in early 

June. Cooler than normal temperatures and drier 

conditions occurred during much of the summer growing 

period, which aided bulking of the crop and yields. 

Near the 4th of July, potato fields in St. Joseph County 

were blooming; however, late blight was discovered in a 

few fields around the county later in the month. Harvest 

began in southern Michigan the end of the month. 

Movement to storage was active during the latter half of 

September; 38 percent of the crop was harvested at this 

time, compared to the 5 year average of 46 percent. 

Some fields were slower to mature due to the cooler

temperatures. In October, some frosts and excessive 

rains across the State slowed harvest and allowed little 

dry time for fields. Shorter harvesting hours in the latter 

half of the month slowed storage and pushed the 

remaining 2,000 acres into mid-November. Milder 

temperatures and dry conditions extended the season

well into the second week of November. Due to harvest 

weather conditions, some tubers were bruised and tested 

high for solids, promoting some rejections at fry plants. 

Marketing: There was little open market trading during 

the crop year due to harvest and storage losses. Some 

open market buying took place in late November 

through the holidays that ranged as low as $7.00 and as 

high as $10.00 cwt. as supplies in New York needed 

extra time to condition in storage. By February, some 

growers in Michigan reported higher cullage and shrink 

in storages, that continued to accelerate the rest of the 

season. The shipping season finished a few weeks 

earlier than normal in mid-May. Chipping potato 

movement for the 2009 season increased from the 2008 

season, and totaled 8.7 million cwt., 6 percent above the 

previous year, and the largest volume since the 2003 

crop, in spite of storage losses the latter half of the 

season. Predominant varieties included Atlantic, 

Snowden, Pike and FL numbered varieties. 

Stocks: According to NASS, Michigan’s potato stocks 

on hand December 1, 2009 totaled 8.7 million cwt 

compared to 8.3 million cwt, and represented 56 percent 

of the crop year’s production. The April 1 holdings of 

1.2 million cwt. were down sharply from the previous 

season (1.8 million cwt) and accounted for 8 percent of 

the season’s production. 
22 

MARKETING BIG LAKE & CENTRAL MINNESOTA POTATO 

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: National Agricultural 

Statistics Service reported planted acreage for all of 

Minnesota at 47,000 acres and 45,000 acres 

harvested in 2009; compared to 50,000 acres 

planted with 48,000 acres harvested in 2008. 

Growing Conditions: The Big Lake and Central 

Minnesota District stretches from the Big Lake area

(Sherburne County) in the south to Long Prairie, 

Perham, Bemidji, Trail and Red Lake areas in 

Central Minnesota. 

Harvest: Light harvest activity of Round Reds 

started weekending August 1, 2009. Most growers 

of Round Reds had finished digging by midSeptember with minimal weather delays during 

harvest. The peat soil area around Gully, MN 

finished harvesting Round Reds around midOctober. Some Russets were still being harvested 

into late October. 

Shipments: Recorded shipments of Round Reds 

and Russets for the season totaled 1,697,957 cwt 

compared to 2,159,500 cwt in 2008. The Idaho 

Falls, Idaho, USDA Market News Service collected 

shipments through the voluntary cooperation of 

individual shippers. All shipments were transported 

by truck. Shipments of Round Reds started in late 

July week ending August 1, and peaked in August 

week ending August 29. Shipments of Russets 

started week ending August 8 and finished for the 

most part in mid-October; a few Russets were 

stored and marketed in November for the 

Thanksgiving market. Volume shipments continued 

through week ending October 3, then declined 

seasonally with light shipments continuing out of 

the peat soil storage area until the last potato was 

shipped on week-ending February 27, 2010. 

Marketing: The Big Lake and Central Minnesota 

marketing of Round Reds started week ending 

August 1, 2009. Shipping point prices for Round 

Reds U.S. One size A in 50-pound paper sacks, 

started the week ending August 1 at $11.00 per 50-

pound unit. During the eight weeks of the Round 

Red potato marketing season, prices ranged from a 

third week high of $14.50-16.50 per 50-pound unit 

for the Size A 50-pound paper sacks to a low of 

$10.00-11.00 per 50-pound unit the week of 

October 8. Russet Norkotah were not reported by 

the Idaho Falls, Idaho, USDA Market News 

Service. The Big Lake area has few Russets and a 

short window when they are all running. Not 

enough shippers were running at any one time to 

establish a market. 

The National Agricultural Statistics Service, in their 

2008 Summary, reported Average Price Received 

for Minnesota potatoes including Processing and 

Fresh was $7.70 in 2009 compared to $8.25 in 

2008. 

Packaging: The major packs for Round Red 

potatoes were 2000-pound tote bags. This package 

is used by shippers as the base price for pricing size 

A 50-pound paper sacks, 50-pound cartons, and 10- 

and 5-pound film bags. The packaging for 

Norkotah was size A and non-size A in 100-pound 

sacks, 10-pound and 5-pound film bags; 50-pound 

cartons of count size potatoes.
23 

MARKETING RED RIVER VALLEY POTATOES 

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: 

STATE CROP 

YEAR 

ACRES 

PLANTED

ACRES 

HARVESTED

YIELD 

CWT 

PRODUCTION 

CWT 

MINNESOTA

2006 53,000 50,000 425 21,250,000 

2007 52,000 49,000 440 21,560,000 

2008 50,000 48,000 425 20,400,000 

2009 47,000 45,000 460 20,700,000 

NORTH 

DAKOTA 

2006 100,000 98,000 260 25,480,000 

2007 97,000 91,000 260 23,660,000 

2008 82,000 81,000 280 22,680,000 

2009 83,000 75,000 255 19,125,000 

ACREAGE PRODUCTION 

Minnesota Minnesota 

 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 

Sherburne (Big Lake) 5,600 6,200 5,600 235,200 2,400,000 3,158,000

Polk (East Grand Forks) 5,400 4,500 4,000 1,506,600 1,008,000 1,574,000

North Dakota North Dakota 

 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 

Walsh (Grafton) 31,600 26,300 25,400 5,180,000 4,590,000 4,979,000

Pembina (Crystal) 22,800 21,600 20,100 3,840,000 4,590,000 3,662,000

Grand Forks (Grand Forks) 13,800 11,100 10,100 4,845,000 4,070,000 3,629,000

Planting: For weekending May 3, 2009 planting 

progress was listed at 1 percent complete. Week 

ending June 21 saw the potato crop 97 percent 

planted and virtually all of the planting equipment

put away for the season and cultivating equipment 

in the fields as the seasons changed. 

Growing Conditions: About 4,000 acres of 

planted potatoes were lost due to standing water in

the northeastern part of North Dakota from heavy 

rains on June 26. An additional 4,000 acres in lost 

production was expected in areas where it was too 

wet to get in the field to harvest. Earlier in the

summer there was a concern that potato blight could

threaten the crop. The disease was confirmed in 

August in Grand Forks County and growers were 

told to scout their fields and to spray a preventive 

fungicide to head off and outbreak. It was 

discovered at one of the field days so there was a 

large crowd and the word got out very quickly. 

Growers went on an accelerated fungicide spray 

program and were able to contain the outbreak very 

well. 

 
24 

Harvest: Potato harvest began in North Dakota 

with week ending September 13 showing 5 percent 

of all potato acres being harvested; with chipper and 

process varieties being harvested. Weekending 

October 18 saw the potato harvest come to 95 

percent harvested. After poor weather in October, 

nicer weather in November followed and producers 

had enough dry days in a row where they were able 

to harvest a portion of the remaining crop. Earlier 

in the fall USDA National Agricultural Statistics 

Service reported that 8,000 acres would go unharvested in North Dakota. In the end instead of 

8,000 acres probably only 6,000 acres were lost; 

because 2,000 were harvested in November. 

Minnesota growers got started on potato harvest 

week ending August 3 with 2 percent harvested that 

week. By week ending October 18 harvest was 

listed as 95 percent complete. 

Marketing: The first report of the season was 

issued the week ending October 3, 2009 and the last

report was put out week ending May 15, 2010 

compared to June 27 last year. Prices for tote bags, 

approximately 2000 pounds per cwt, size A Round 

Reds U.S. One opened at $13.00-14.00. Tote bags 

finished the season at $15.00-16.00. 

The customary trade practice in this district is to use 

the tote bags approximately 2000 pounds per cwt 

size A for Round Reds U.S. One as a base price. 

Baled 10-pound film bags were usually up-charged 

$3.50 per cwt premium and 5-pound film bags upcharged $4.50 per cwt from the tote price. 50-pound

paper sacks were $2.00 per cwt over the tote base 

price and 50-pound cartons $4.00. 

As a marketing program this year, the Northern 

Plains Potato Growers Association (NPPGA) 

utilized a pink ribbon promotion with the fresh 

potato growers. A portion of all the sales of Red 

River Valley potatoes that had a quick-lock tag with 

a pink ribbon on it went to the National Breast 

Cancer Foundation. The response from retailers 

taking part in the program was very good. Industry

leaders were very happy about raising the money 

that went to a very worthy cause. 

AVERAGE PRICE PAID TO GROWER 

 2007 2008 2009 

Minnesota All $6.10 $8.25 7.70 

North Dakota 

All $6.90 $8.30 9.45 

Fresh $8.70 $14.90 10.10

Processing $6.40 $6.80 9.25 

Shipments: Daily shipments were collected with 

the voluntary cooperation of the Red River Valley 

shippers by Idaho Falls, Idaho, Market News 

Service. Fresh market shipments of Round Reds 

began week ending September 12, 2009 and 

continued into the week ending June 12, compared 

to July 11 for the 2008 crop year. Fresh shipments 

totaled 3,183,866 cwt compared to previous year of 

4,084,000 cwt for the 2008 crop compared to 

3,911,600 cwt for the 2007 season. The Holiday 

Season showed some increases in shipments from 

other weeks. The week ending November 14 had 

shipments totaling 133,370 cwt compared to 2008 

with shipments of 1,695,000 and 1,566,000 cwt 

shipped the same week in 2007. 

Transportation Trends: The Valley often 

experiences more transportation problems than most 

other shipping areas because of its location and the 

lack of back hauls. Most trucks originate out of 

Winnipeg, Manitoba. The truck shortages that other

segments of the produce industry experienced this 

year also plagued the Red River Valley. Frito-Lay 

hauls massive amounts of chippers out of State 

during harvest and the largest turkey producing area 

in the nation is just over the North Dakota border 

into Central Minnesota. These two commodities 

take many trucks from the potato shippers. Trucks 

were in tight supply by late-October and shortages 

continued through the month of December. 
25 

MARKETING LONG ISLAND POTATOES

2009 CROP

Statistics: According to the New York Agricultural 

Statistics Service, New York growers planted 

17,100 acres of potatoes for the 2009 season, 900 

less acres than the previous season, and according 

to NASS estimates, another record low for the State. 

Harvested acreage totaled a record low 16,500 

acres, 1,300 less than the previous year. Production 

sunk to a record low 4.95 million hundredweight, 

13 percent below the 2008 crop, with an average 

yield of 300 cwt, down slightly from the record 

breaking yield of 320 cwt the previous season. 

Unofficial sources reported estimated planted 

acreage of potatoes of 2,500-2,600 acres on Eastern

Long Island. According to NASS, the average price 

for the season in New York totaled $12.80, a sharp 

decrease from the previous season ($16.20) and the 

value of production totaled $63.3 million dollars for 

the state ($92.2). 

Growing & Harvest Seasons: Planting of the 

2009 crop got off to a later start due to cooler, wet 

weather. Spring was late to arrive on the island and 

growers were plagued with several rain delays, 

cooler temperatures followed by many “gray” days. 

The excess rains during the early half of the season 

promoted growth spurts in the tubers, and fostered 

hollow heart and internal issues. A few growers 

began light harvest mid-August as nearby Delaware 

suffered many rain delays and hot temperatures. 

Harvest continued through much of October. 

Marketing Season: The first F.O.B. shipping point 

prices were issued by the Market News Service in 

early September. The season was off to a later start 

than normal due to frequent rains and earlier 

weather conditions coming up the Atlantic 

Seaboard, which delayed harvest in many regions, 

notably Delaware who directly competes with Long 

Island. A few growers were able to pack earlier to

fill in when Delaware was rained out. However, 

prices were disappointing from the onset of the 

shipping season. Round White U.S. One 50-pound 

sacks size A were first reported at mostly $7.00-

7.50, compared to $12.00-13.00 in 2008, and 

slightly better than 2007 ($6.00). Large size 50s 

were quoted at mostly $8.00 when first reported 

mid-month, compared to last season’s early trading 

at $14.00-15.00. By the end of October, 50-pound 
26 

sacks size A brought $6.25-6.75 compared to 

$10.50-11.00 the previous year and large size only 

slightly higher from $6.50-7.25 ($11.50-12.00). 

The larger profile of the tuber due to frequent 

summer rains worked against the growers’ returns 

this year. Baled 5s started the season from $9.00-

9.50, much lower than the 2008 year prices of 

$15.00-16.00, and comparable to the 2007 season 

($8.50-9.00). By mid-October, baled 5s settled out

in the $8.00-8.50 range and remained at that level 

until after the holidays. Prices inched downward as 

baled 5s finished the season in late February from 

$6.50-7.00, much lower than the 2008 season finish 

from $12.00-13.50. 50-pound sacks size A last 

report in late February reported prices had slipped

to $5.25-6.00, while large size brought $6.25-6.75. 

There were numerous reports of internal defect and 

some hollow heart in tubers due to rapid growth 

spurts. Lesser quality in general seemed to plague 

movement on the 2009 crop. 

Movement: Early movement of the 2009 crop was 

thwarted by sluggish demand due to a later harvest 

in the southern and mid-Atlantic states and coupled

with light demand. Shipments through October 

were down sharply by 40 percent. November 

brought better demand and improved movement as 

the pace increased 15 percent over the previous 

November, and December rallied 49 percent over 

the previous year. The pace continued to accelerate 

rapidly in January over the previous year due to the 

fact that January 2009 completed the shipping 

season. However, for the 2009 crop year, 

movement continued into mid-March. The Market 

News Service reported fresh shipments from Long 

Island of approximately 635,000 cwt for the 2009 

season, compared to 640,000 cwt the previous year, 

which ended in late January due to better demand. 

The final figure was off nearly 12 percent from the

2007 season though, due to higher shrink and 

smaller acreage. 

Stocks: Stocks on hand December 1, 2009 for New 

York totaled 2.5 million hundredweight, down 4 

percent from the previous season total of 2.6 million 

cwt. Storage accounted for 51 percent of the potato 

crop, compared with 46 percent the prior year. 

Packaging: The major pack on the island is the 50-

pound sack. Many growers and brokers delivered 

to re-packers and wholesalers in New York City, 

Florida and North Carolina, and large size potatoes

to foodservice accounts along the East Coast. 
27 

NEW YORK CHIPPING POTATOES

2009 CROP

Statistics: According to the New York Agricultural 

Statistics Service, growers planted 17,100 acres for the 

2009 season, down 900 acres from the 2008 season and 

the lowest level since NASS estimates began in 1929. 

Harvested acres totaled 16,500, 1,300 less than the

previous year and another record low as reported by

NASS. Production fell 13 percent to 4.95 million cwt, 

with yields of 300 cwt, off 20 cwt from last year’s record 

yield of 320 cwt per acre. Many chip growers reported 

huge yields, especially on Andovers. Chipping acreage 

is located generally in Western and Central New York, 

in Steuben, Wyoming, Wayne and Livingston counties. 

Approximately 5,000 acres were devoted to chip stock, 

with primary varieties grown Atlantic, Snowden, 

Andover and Marcy. According to NASS, the average

price for the 2009 season totaled $12.80 per cwt, a sharp 

drop from the previous season ($16.20) with the value of 

production $63.3 million dollars. Nationally, potatoes 

used for chips and shoestrings totaled 42.9 million cwt, 

down 16 percent from the 2008 season. 

Growing & Harvest Season: Planting was underway 

in late April under cooler, wet conditions, and planting 

progress was slowed by continued wet weather across

the State. The latter part of May brought improved 

conditions that allowed growers to forge ahead. 

Although by June 1, cool, wet weather returned once

again. By mid-June, planting was completed. June and 

July continued to bring more than adequate moisture and 

cooler summertime temperatures spurred tuber growth. 

Growers were concerned with blight pressure and the

potential for storage problems as a result of these

growing conditions. Initial light harvest was underway 

at the beginning of August. The latter of the month 

brought warm and humid conditions. By midSeptember, 57 percent of the crop was harvested, 

compared to 64 percent for the 5 year average. Rains and 

cooler weather prevailed the rest of the month and 

harvest was stalled again. Harvesting continued 

throughout October under less than ideal conditions, 

including rains and frost. High solids in tubers resulted 

in bruising during the harvest, thus higher defects and 

cullage. 

Movement: Movement of out-of-the-field supplies 

began on schedule in early August and peaked in 

September with good yields. In fact, some growers had 

huge yields on Andovers and were faced with inadequate 

storage space for the huge crop. Some growers sold

excess supplies on the open market for no more than

$7.00 in the fall, $3.00-4.00 below the contract price. 

Movement during October dropped off by 32 percent 

from the previous season, as growers faced several wet, 

cool days as they tried to harvest the remaining potatoes 

in the field. According to the Market News Service, 

movement for the 2009 season totaled 2.13 million cwt, 

down 10 percent from the previous season (2.36 million 

cwt) and the largest chip season reported by Market

News in recent years. The shipping season stretched 

into mid-June, weeks longer than previous seasons also. 

The major chip buyers in New York consisted of Wise

Foods, EK Bare, Utz Quality Foods, Snyder’s of Berlin, 

Hurst, Pennsylvania Potato Co-op and Stowe Potato 

Sales, as well as several smaller regional snack food 

companies. 

Stocks on hand: New York Agricultural Statistics 

Service reported stocks on hand December 1, 2009 

totaled 2.5 million cwt, down from the 2.6 million cwt. 

the previous year. Storage accounted for 51 percent of 

the 2009 crop, compared to 46 percent the previous 

season. By April 1, 500,000 cwt remained in storage, a 

decrease of 29 percent from the previous season and 10 

percent of storage potatoes. 
28 

MARKETING EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA POTATOES

2009 CROP

Statistics: Potatoes are generally grown in the 

Coastal Region of North Carolina from the Beaufort 

area north to the Elizabeth City area. According to 

the National Agricultural Statistics Service,

harvested acreage of potatoes totaled 15,000 acres 

in 2009 compared to 14,000 acres in 2008 and 

14,500 acres in 2007. Production finished at 33,800 

hundredweight (cwt) compared to 25,200 cwt in 

2008 and 27,000 cwt in 2007. In 2009 yield was 

225 cwt per acre compared to 180 cwt in 2008 and 

186 cwt in 2007. 

Movement: According to the Market News 

Service, movement totaled 396,000 cwt for table 

stock and an additional 2,039,000 cwt of chipstock. 

The season started in mid to late June, slightly 

behind the 2008 season, and wrapped up in early 

August, also slightly later the previous season, 

which finished with shipments in late July of 2008.

Growing & Harvest Season: During the months 

of February and January, North Carolina received 

enough rainfall to maintain statewide moisture 

levels at mostly adequate. Average temperatures 

were normal to slightly below normal. Spring 

planting preparations for Irish potatoes were able to 

get underway during this time. Suitable soil 

moisture levels and normal average temperatures 

throughout March allowed for 87 percent of the 

crop to be planted by the end of the month 

compared to 73 percent in 2008. Planting wrapped 

up the weekending April 12. Crop conditions were 

rated as mostly good even though field conditions 

were wet during the month of April, temperatures 

were below normal, and the State was hit with a late 

frost. The State received rain throughout much of 

May. At this time the North Carolina Drought 

Management Council deemed the State as being 

drought-free for the first time in more than two 

years. Irish potato crop conditions were rated as 60 

percent good by the USDA, NASS North Carolina 

Field Office. Harvest began in June though wet 

conditions often delayed fieldwork throughout most 

the month. By the weekending June 28, 48 percent 

of the crop had be harvested compared to 50 percent

in 2008. The State experienced scattered showers 

throughout the month of July and average 

temperatures were below normal. By July 27, 97 

percent of the Irish potato crop had been harvested

compared to 98 percent in 2008 and 96 percent for 

the 5 year average. 

Marketing Season: Prices this season for Round 

White U.S. No. One, size A 50-pound sacks were 

about steady with the previous year. The first 

F.O.B. price report was on June 22. Round White 

U.S. No. One, size A 50-pound sacks were $11.00-

12.00 compared to the first price report of $11.25-

12.00 in 2008. The last prices reported were on 

July 24 at $10.00 compared to $12.00 in 2008. 

Round Red U.S. No. One, size A 50-pound sacks 

trended slightly higher in 2009 compared to 2008. 

The first F.O.B. price reported for Round Reds was 

on June 26. U.S. No. One, Size A 50-pound sacks 

were $12.00-13.00 compared to $12.50-12.75 in 

2008. The final prices reported were on July 31 at

$11.00-12.00 compared to $13.00-14.00 in 2008. 

There were no prices reported for Yellow Type U.S. 

No. One, size A 50-pound sacks due to supplies 

being in too few hands to establish a market. Chip

Potatoes are sold bulk per cwt and were marketed in

2009 generally on a contract basis. The general 

contract price on Round White Atlantics 85% or 

better U.S. No. One bulk per cwt was $10.75-11.75 

compared to $7.00-8.00 in 2008. There was a small 

amount marketed on an open market basis with 

Round White Atlantics 85% or better U.S. No. One 

bulk per cwt at $7.50-10.00 compared to $17.50-

18.50 in 2008. 
29 

OHIO CHIPPING POTATOES

2009 CROP

Statistics: Ohio growers planted 2,300 acres in 

2009, 200 less than 2008 and 900 less than 2007. 

Harvested potato acreage remained at 2,100 acres, 

although down 900 acres from 2007, according to 

the Ohio Agricultural Statistics Service. This 

acreage again set a new record low number of 

harvested acres in the state since record-keeping 

began in 1866. Yields, on the other hand, inched 

upward to 335 cwt per acre and established a new 

record high (330 cwt last season and a record high). 

Production increased slightly to 704,000 cwt from 

last season’s 683,000 cwt. The State’s chipping 

acreage was estimated around 900 acres. The 

predominant growing areas in the State were 

western Ohio, from Findlay north to Toledo and 

south of Cleveland and in the Wooster area. 

According to NASS, the average price for the crop 

year totaled $10.40 per cwt, down sharply from the 

previous season ($16.60), with the value of 

production $7.3 million dollars ($11.3). Nationally, 

potatoes used for chips and shoestrings totaled 42.9 

million cwt, down 16 percent from the 2008 season. 

 

Movement: The 2009 State’s chipping potato 

movement totaled 168,880 cwt, up 24 percent from 

the previous seasons finish of 134,154 cwt, and the

largest shipping season since 2006 (187,930 cwt), 

according to the Market News Service. No open 

market sales were reported during the season as 

growers grew only previously contracted volume. 

Growing Season: Initial planting was underway in 

early April and progressed slowly due to below 

normal temperatures and wet conditions that 

persisted for much of the spring months. By May 

10, only 50 percent of the planting was completed, 

six days behind last year and the 5 year average. 

Wet conditions continued to stall planting efforts 

and most growers finally finished in late June, 

several days later than normal. 

Harvesting Season: Light harvest was underway 

in late July under moderate temperatures. By the 

end of August, harvest was on schedule with 31 

percent of the crop out. In early October, frost 

across several northern counties was reported. At 

the same time a period of wet cool weather began 

and slowed harvest for much of the month. Most 

growers did not finish harvest until late October, 

much later than desired. 

Stocks on hand: The National Agricultural 

Statistics Service discontinued monthly potato 

stocks reports for Ohio for the 2005 season. 
30 

PENNSYLVANIA CHIPPING POTATOES

2009 CROP

Statistics: Pennsylvania harvested 9,500 acres of 

potatoes, the same as the previous season and again

the lowest harvested acreage on record, according to 

the Pennsylvania Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Approximately 3,000-3,400 acres were planted in 

chipping potatoes, with the predominant plantings 

in the Northwestern, East Central and Central 

districts of the state. Production of 2.9 million cwt 

increased 17 percent above the previous crop year 

(2.5 million cwt) with record yields of 310 cwt per

acre compared to 265 cwt/acre the previous season. 

Predominant chipping varieties grown were 

Atlantic, Snowden, Pike, Andover and Marcy. 

According to NASS, the average price received for 

the 2009 crop was $12.70 cwt, down from $13.30 in 

2008 with a decrease of 5 percent. The value of 

production totaled nearly $33.5 million dollars for

the crop year. Nationally, potatoes used for chips

and shoestrings totaled 42.9 million cwt, down 16 

percent from the 2008 season. 

Growing Season: Planting was underway the 

latter half of April with variable weather patterns; 

rainy, frost and temperatures that reached 80 

degrees around the state. Showers in early May 

slowed planting progress as only 24 percent of the 

crop was planted by May 10, compared to the 

previous season’s progress of 47 percent and the 5 

year average of 54 percent. Conditions improved 

and the next two weeks brought great strides to 

planting as 72 percent of the crop was in, compared

to last year’s 57 percent. Scattered showers 

throughout the state slowed progress only slightly 

as the crop was completed in early June, just 

slightly ahead of normal. Near ideal weather 

conditions with adequate moisture throughout the 

summer produced heavy yields, although growers 

were concerned with potential of blight outbreaks. 

Harvesting Season: Initial harvest of field 

supplies began on schedule the first week of 

August. By the end of the month, 27 percent of the

crop had been harvested, ahead of the 5 year 

average (22 percent). The weather cooperated and 

the harvest continued at a brisk pace; by midSeptember, 71 percent was completed, far ahead of 

the previous season and the 5-year average (46 

percent and 51 percent). Rains and colder 

temperatures slowed the remaining harvest and 

progress lagged behind the previous season and 5-

year average considerably. By mid-October, 94 

percent of the crop was under cover, compared to 

the 5 year average of 98 percent. Wintry weather 

settled in and brought harvest to a close. 

Shipments peaked with field supplies late August 

through October. The shipping season continued 

slightly longer than normal and was completed midApril with a total of 815,585 cwt, a 3 percent 

increase from the previous year (791,753 cwt) 

according to the Market News Service. No open 

market prices were reported this year as most 

growers planted for contracted sales only. 
31 

MARKETING VIRGINIA POTATOES

2009 CROP

Harvesting & Marketing: Harvest of 

the 2009 Virginia potato crop began in 

mid-June although supplies were light 

until later in the month. Virginia Market 

News Service began reporting shipping 

point prices on June 22 with the first 

F.O.B. Eastern Shore price quoted at 

$12.00 per 50-pound sack of Round 

White, U.S. One, Size A potatoes. At 

the start of the harvest, demand was 

moderate and prices remained at $12.00 

until June 29 when sales were reported 

as a range of $11.00-12.00. By July 2, 

demand was fairly light and the price 

was $11.00 although some sales were 

made a lower levels. On July 6, prices 

decreased to $10.00 per 50-pound sack 

and many growers complained about 

slow movement of the crop. Prices 

remained at mostly $10.00 until the 

middle of the month and demand was 

generally fairly light to moderate. On 

July 20, the price decreased to mostly 

$9.00 per 50-pound sack due to fairly 

light demand. Prices remained at mostly 

$9.00 until early August. By August 10, 

supplies were light and in too few hands 

to establish the market as practically all 

growers had finished harvesting. 

Demand for Round White potatoes was 

disappointing in 2009, particularly after 

the excellent year Virginia growers had 

in 2008. Overall, prices were fairly high 

during 2009 but movement never got to 

the levels that growers had hoped for. 

Prices for the large 23⁄4 to 41⁄2 inch 

“Chef” Round White potatoes were first 

reported on June 22 at $14.00 per 50-

pound sack. Demand was reported as 

moderate. Prices remained at mostly 

$14.00 until July 6 when a range of 

$13.00-14.00 was reported. By July 8, 

prices were $12.00-14.00 and on July 9, 

were mostly $12.00. By the end of July, 

prices were $11.00-12.00. The final 

reported price was on August 6 at 

$11.00. 

Russet potatoes continue to be an 

important crop for many Virginia 

growers; however, 2009 was a 

disappointing year for Russet potatoes 

on the Eastern Shore. Heavy supplies of 

inexpensive storage Russets in Western 

States caused demand for Virginia 

Russets to be light and, as a result, prices 

were low. During 2009, 50-pound sacks 

of Size A Russets were generally $6.00-

8.00 compared to $13.00-14.00 in 2008. 

Prices for tote bags were generally 

$10.00-14.00 per hundredweight in 2009 

compared to $23.00-28.00 in 2008. 

Round Red prices were first reported on 

July 2 at $12.00 for 50-pound sacks of 

U.S. One, Size A and $16.00 for Size B. 

Unlike Round White and Russet 

potatoes, demand ranged from fairly 

good to good for Red potatoes 

throughout most of July. By the end of 

July, demand did decrease and was 

generally moderate. The final reported 
32 

price was on August 6 with Size A 

remaining at $12.00 and Size B at 

$16.00. 

Yukon Gold potato prices were first 

reported on July 7 at $18.00-20.00 for 

50-pound sacks of U.S. One, Size A. 

Prices were mostly $18.00 from July 8 

until the end of the month and demand 

ranged from moderate to fairly good. In 

many previous years, prices for Yukon 

Gold potatoes have dropped significantly 

as the harvest progressed but for the 

second consecutive year, prices held up 

well for the Yellow potatoes. The final 

reported price was on July 31 at $18.00 

with moderate demand. Tote prices for 

Yellow potatoes throughout 2009 were 

generally $35.00 per hundredweight. 

Weather: Weather conditions were 

fairly good for Virginia potato growers 

during 2009. A cool and wet spring 

delayed progress in some areas but 

overall the crop was in good condition. 

Heavy rainfall in late July caused some 

major harvest delays and a few quality 

problems arose as a result of the wet 

conditions. 

The major factor related to weather in 

2009 occurred during the spring in 

Florida. Extremely heavy rainfall in the 

Bunnell and Hastings areas caused major 

damage to the Florida crop. Many 

growers in those areas suffered 

catastrophic losses. Had it not been for 

the crop losses in Florida, supplies of 

potatoes would have been even higher 

during summer and, in turn, would have 

lowered demand for Virginia potatoes. 

 

Production & Quality: Total Virginia 

production in 2009 was estimated at 

1,764,000 hundredweight (cwt) by the 

National Agricultural Statistics Service, 

compared to 1,254,000 cwt in 2008, 

1,134,000 cwt in 2007, 1,512,000 cwt in 

2006, 1,029,000 cwt in 2005, and 

1,200,000 cwt in 2004. The increase in 

production during 2009 can be attributed 

to an increase in acreage and improved 

yields. 

For the most part, quality of the 2009 

crop was good. Late in the season, there 

were a few isolated reports of soft rot 

due to rainfall and heat. Overall, 

growers produced a high quality crop 

with very few problems. 

 

Shipments: Shipments of Virginia 

potatoes were higher compared to 2007 

and 2008. Approximately 1,761 truck 

lot equivalents (50,000 pounds) were 

shipped in 2009. Shipments were down 

from 2006 but exceeded the totals of 

2005 and 2004. The primary reason for 

the increase in shipments was due to an 

increase in planted acreage which 

resulted in an increase in production. 

Shipments during June 2009 accounted 

for approximately 10.5 percent of the 

crop, totaling 187 loads compared to 201 

loads in June 2008 and only 93 loads in 

June 2007. In July 2009, 1,245 loads 

were shipped compared to 1,263 loads in 

July 2008 and 972 loads in July 2007. 

July 2009 shipments accounted for 70.5 
33 

percent of the crop. During August 

2009, 19 percent of the crop or 329 loads 

were shipped. It was a big change from 

2008 when movement of the crop was so 

good that the harvest was practically 

finished by the end of July. In 2009, 81 

percent of the crop was shipped by the 

end of July, compared to 99 percent in 

2008, 73 percent in 2007 and 84 percent 

in 2006. 

Packaging: Potatoes were sold in 50-

pound sacks, baled 5- and 10-pound 

bags, loose 10-pound bags and canvas 

totes. Both paper and poly bags were 

utilized. In the past few years, growers 

have seen a decline in demand for the 

smaller consumer packages but during 

the 2009 season, a small increase was 

noted. During 2009, approximately 16 

percent of inspected potatoes were sold 

in 5-pound or 10-pound bags compared 

to only 10 percent in 2008. Mark-ups 

for packaging fluctuated but were 

typically $2.50-3.00 per cwt for loose 

10-pound bags, $3.00-4.00 per cwt for 

baled 10-pound bags and $5.00-6.00 per 

cwt for baled 5-pound bags. 

Potatoes sold in 50-pound sacks totaled 

approximately 33 percent of inspected 

potatoes compared to nearly 40 percent 

in 2009. Potatoes shipped in bulk 

accounted for approximately 51 percent 

which was practically unchanged from 

2008. Use of canvas totes, each 

weighing approximately 2,000 pounds 

when full, continues to account for a 

significant amount of shipments. 

Markets & Competition: Unlike 2008 

when shortages of potatoes in competing 

areas improved market conditions for 

Virginia growers, supplies of potatoes 

were plentiful during the summer of 

2009. In fact, acreage increases in many 

areas, including Virginia, led to an 

approximate 6 percent increase in 

production in the spring and summer 

growing areas. The increase in new crop 

potato supplies in California and North 

Carolina, compounded with heavy 

supplies of low priced storage potatoes, 

made it a struggle at times for Virginia 

growers to market their potatoes. Had it 

not been for major crop losses in Florida 

due to heavy rainfall, supplies in 

competing areas would have been even 

higher. 

Canada has been an important market for 

Virginia potato growers for many years. 

Unfortunately, shipments to Canada 

continued to be fairly low in 2009 but 

were an improvement over the previous 

two years. Virginia potato growers 

shipped 108 loads (50,000 pounds) to 

Canada in 2009 compared to 61 loads in 

2008 and 94 loads in 2007. Over the 

past five years, Virginia growers have 

shipped an average of 115 loads per year 

to Canada. Of the loads shipped to 

Canada, 39 percent were 50-pound 

sacks, 36.5 percent were bulk, 21.5 

percent were loose 10-pound bags and 3 

percent were baled 5-pound bags.
34 

VIRGINIA CHIPPING POTATOES

2009 CROP

Chipstock potatoes continue to be a very 

important part of Virginia’s potato crop 

and in 2009 they represented 

approximately 40 percent of the total 

shipments. The vast majority of 

chipstock sales were preseason contracts 

and were mostly in the $11.25-11.75 per 

cwt price range. The increase in contract 

price was necessary to offset higher 

input costs including fuel, fertilizer and 

seed. A few open market sales occurred 

early at $9.50 per cwt but later fell to 

$8.50 per cwt before finishing the season 

at $7.00 per cwt. Open market prices 

were down significantly from 2008 

when prices were mostly $20.00 per cwt; 

however, they were an improvement 

from $5.25-5.50 in 2007 and $4.00-4.50 

in 2006. For the most part, yields and 

quality were good although there were a 

few reports of internal defects. Heavy 

rainfall in late July caused harvest delays 

and reduced 

production late in the season. 

Varieties: Of the 135.16 loads (50,000 

pounds) of seed imported and inspected 

during the 2009 season, Superiors 

accounted for 22 percent of the total, 

once again making it the most popular of 

all varieties grown in Virginia. The next 

most popular Round White tablestock 

potato was the Envol, an early maturing 

variety. Envols increased to 11.5 

percent in 2009 compared to 10 percent 

in 2008 and it was the third most popular 

of all varieties grown. 

Chipping varieties accounted for the 

fourth, fifth and sixth most popular with 

FL-1867, a Frito Lay variety, at 7.4 

percent, Atlantic at 6.8 percent and 

Snowden at 6 percent. The Andover 

variety, used for both tablestock and 

chipstock, was eighth most popular at 

5.1 percent. 

Russet potatoes, including the second 

ranked Norkotah and seventh ranked 

Gold Rush accounted for over 21 percent 

of the seed in 2009, compared to 20 

percent in 2008, 13 percent in 2007 and 

15.5 percent in 2006. It was the highest 

total ever for Russets which have seen a 

significant increase the past two years. 

Red potatoes continue to play an 

important role for Virginia potato 

growers with the Red Norland the tenth 

most popular at 3.5 percent. All Red 

varieties accounted for approximately 8 

percent in 2009, a decrease from 10 

percent in 2008. Red potatoes have 

generally ranged between 7 and 10 

percent since 2003 after accounting for 

14 percent in 2002. 

The Yellow flesh Satina and Yukon 

Gold varieties were the eleventh and 

twelfth most popular at approximately 2 

percent. Yellow potatoes accounted for 

5 percent of the potatoes grown in 2009, 

almost identical to the 2008 total. 

Yellow flesh varieties have generally 

ranged between 4 and 6 percent during 

the past eight years after accounting for 

9 percent in 2001. 
35 

VIRGINIA SEED POTATO IMPORT TOTALS

CARLOT TOTALS – 50,000 LB UNITS 

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

140

150

50,000 LB

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

YEAR 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 

TOTAL 96.4 94.8 112.6 128.6 125.3 108.5 125.8 120.4 105.2 135.2 

Seed Potatoes Imports By Origin: Maine 

continued to be the leading supplier of seed potatoes 

to Virginia but only by a very slight margin. Maine 

shipped approximately 40 percent of the seed that 

was inspected during the 2009 season which was a 

substantial decrease from the previous five year 

average of 58 percent. Shipments from Maine 

accounted for 57 percent in 2008, 57 percent in 

2007, 52 percent in 2006, 60 percent in 2005 and 64

percent in 2004. Canada was the second most 

popular origin and also supplied approximately 40 

percent of the seed in 2009. Shipments from 

Canada were up considerably compared to the five 

year average of 21 percent. Canada supplied 24 

percent in 2008, 25 percent in 2007, 30 percent in 

2006, 12percent in 2005 and 15 percent in 2004. 

Wisconsin and New York both shipped 

approximately 9 percent of the seed in 2009 which 

was very near to the five year average. Seed from 

Wisconsin totaled 12 percent during 2008, 8 percent

in 2007, 5 percent in 2006, 17 percent in 2005 and 8 

percent in 2004. Seed from New York accounted 

for 7 percent in 2008, 10 percent in 2007, 12 

percent in 2006 and 9 percent in both 2005 and 

2004. North Dakota shipped approximately 3 loads 

of seed in 2009 and accounted for 2 percent of the 

total. 
36 

MARKETING COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON – 

UMATILLA BASIN OREGON POTATOES

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, Columbia Basin 

Washington planted acreage was 145,000 acres in 

2009, a slight decrease from 2008s 146,500 acres. 

Harvested acreage in 2009 was 133,000 acres, a 

nine percent decrease from 2008s 146,500 acres. 

Columbia Basin Washington’s yield per acre in 

2009 was 625 hundredweight (cwt), a two percent 

increase from 2008s yield of 612 cwt. Columbia 

Basin Washington’s production in 2009 was 

83,130,000 cwt, a seven percent decrease from 

2008s production of 89,685,000 cwt. Umatilla 

Basin Oregon planted and harvested acreage was 

11,000 acres in 2009, an increase of 2008s acreage 

of 10,000 acres. Umatilla Basin Oregon’s yield in 

2009 was 635 cwt per acre, a fifteen percent 

increase from 2008s yield of 550 cwt per acre. 

Umatilla Basin Oregon’s production in 2009 was 

6,985,000 cwt, a twenty-seven percent increase 

from 2008s production of 5,500,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Shipments for the 2009 season for 

Columbia Basin Washington were 7,126,000 cwt, 

of which 1,276,000 cwt were exports. This was a 

ten percent decrease from 2008s shipments of 

7,919,000 cwt, of which 1,155,000 cwt were 

exports. Shipments for the 2009 season for 

Umatilla Basin Oregon were 1,830,000 cwt, of 

which 201,000 cwt were exports. This was a five 

percent decrease from 2008s shipments of 

1,938,000 cwt, of which 154,000 cwt were exports. 

The peak shipping month was August 2009 with 

1,111,000 cwt shipped for the Columbia Basin 

Washington, and August 2009 with 193,000 cwt 

shipped for Umatilla Basin Oregon. 

Crop & Weather: One percent of Columbia Basin 

Washington potatoes had been planted by the end of 

March, compared to nine percent in 2008. The 

growing area received snow rain and wind during 

the first week of April, average temperatures were 

cooler than normal. During the weekending April 

12, temperatures remained typically cool in 

Franklin County. There was negligible potato 

emergence. In Adams County, the area had a 

couple days of very warm temperatures midweek, 

before the weekend closed out with a good 

beneficial rain. During the weekending April 19, 

fifteen percent of the crop had been planted 

compared to forty-three percent in 2008. 

Emergence was at three percent, compared to four 

percent in 2008. In Franklin County, temperatures 

were cooler than normal during the week. Light 

rain was received early in the week and on the 

weekend. The cool week caused slow emergence 

and growth in all the spring planted crops. Potato

planting was expected to begin soon in Grant 

County. 

Weekending May 3 in Franklin County, 

temperatures were right around normal. Spotty 

light rain was received during the week and county 

wide rain was received on Saturday, May 2, 2009. 

More planted potato acreage is being reported than 

expected. In Klickitat County, despite a couple 

nights that dipped near freezing, nighttime 

temperatures were mainly in the 30s and 40s. 

Home gardeners were planting potatoes. During the 

weekending May 10 in Franklin County, 

temperatures were at or a little below average for 

the period. The area received several good showers

at the beginning and in the middle of the week. By

mid-May, planting was ninety-five percent 

complete, compared to ninety percent in 2008. 

Emergence was thirty-nine percent, compared to 

forty-two percent in 2008. During the weekending 

May 24, potatoes had emerged in Klickitat County 

home gardens and the crop looked promising in 

Franklin County. By the end of May, the crop was 

one hundred percent planted and eighty-eight 

percent emerged. 
37 

By mid-June, potatoes began blooming in home 

gardens in Klickitat County. By the end of the third 

week of June, emergence was one hundred percent. 

Harvest began the weekending July 5 with two 

percent of the crop harvested. Klickitat County 

gardeners were also digging new potatoes. During 

weekending July 12, Walla Walla weather was cool 

early in the week and then turned hot with 

thunderstorms over the weekend. During the 

weekending July 19, in Franklin County, the week 

started out with a mix of light precipitation and 

thunderstorms. Windy conditions and cooler 

weather immediately followed, moving to hot 

temperatures from mid-Monday throughout the 

remainder of the week. Temperatures hit triple 

digits on one or two days by early afternoon. 

Irrigation was continuous on potato fields. Some 

open market potatoes were being harvested. 

By mid-August, thirty-five percent of the crop had 

been harvested, which was the same as in 2008. In 

Franklin County, temperatures were near normal the 

first half of the weekending August 16. One 

thunderstorm came through the beginning of the 

week. Some potatoes were harvested. Many of the 

potato field foliage were applied with broadleaf in

preparation for upcoming digging operations. In 

Grant County, potato harvest was expected to begin 

soon. 

By mid-September, temperatures in Franklin 

County ran from normal to above normal. There 

were breezes in the morning but were quiet by midday. No precipitation was received. Potatoes were

still growing and progressing nicely with good 

growing degree days. Harvest continued (mostly 

open market) largely at the south end of the county. 

Potato harvest continued in Grant County. 

During the weekending October 11, potato harvest 

was in full swing in Grant County. Home gardeners 

in Klickitat County were digging potatoes. In 

Walla Walla County, potato harvest was close to 

completion. Harvest was mostly complete by the 

end of October. 

In Oregon’s Umatilla Basin, potato planting was 

just finishing the weekending May 4. It had been 

cool until mid-April. The week had average 

temperatures and some rain. Precipitation hit 

almost all parts of the State due to scattered rain

storms, causing conditions to be cooler and damp in

comparison to the previous week. 

By the end of May, temperatures had warmed up 

but crop growth was still about 2 weeks behind 

normal. Warmer, drier conditions were experienced 

throughout the State. 

By mid-June, potato growing conditions had been 

very favorable. Conditions were generally mild 

throughout the State. 

By the end of July, crops were mostly in average 

condition. The potato harvest had been delayed 

because of abundant stock piles. Harvest started the 

end of June but in July it was light. It was expected 

to be heavy in August. 

During the first week of August, heat was brutal to

potato fields. Ranger yields were expected to be 

down ten percent. The Shepody potato harvest was 

complete. Heat may affect late season potato 

qualities like Russet Burbank. Temperatures were 

in the triple digits. 

Marketing: The first report of Round Reds was 

issued during the weekending July 25, 2009. 50-

pound cartons of U.S. One size A was $14.00-

16.00. The last report was issued during the 

weekending August 8, 2009 at $12.00-14.00. 

The first report of Yellow Type was issued during 

the weekending July 25, 2009. 50-pound cartons of 

U.S. One size A was $16.00. The last report was 

issued the weekending August 8, 2009 at $16.00. 

The first report of Russet Norkotahs was issued 

during the weekending August 8, 2009. 50-pound 

cartons of U.S. One 70s was $13.00-15.00. The last

report was issued during the weekending July 24, 

2010 at $11.00-12.00. 
38 

MARKETING NORTHWEST WASHINGTON POTATOES

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, Skagit County 

Washington planted and harvested acreage was 

10,000 acres in 2009, an eighteen percent increase 

from 2008s 8,500 acres. Skagit County 

Washington’s yield per acre in 2009 was 410 

hundredweight (cwt), a five percent increase from 

2008s yield of 390 cwt. Skagit County 

Washington’s production in 2009 was 4,100,000 

cwt, a 24 percent increase from 2008s production of

3,315,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Shipments of fresh-table stock potatoes 

out of Northwestern Washington for the 2009 crop 

was 1,452,500 cwt total which includes 47,400 cwt 

shipped by piggyback,1,405,100 domestic by truck, 

and 180,800 export by truck. The 2009 crop 

shipments by variety are: Round Red 847,900 cwt 

domestic, 75,800 export; Yellow Type 211,400 

domestic, 38,200 export; Long White 161,600 

domestic, 66,800 export; Russet 3,400 domestic, 0 

cwt export; and Mixed Varieties 4,800 domestic, 

3,700 export. These variety shipments do not 

include anything shipped by Piggyback. 2009 saw 

shipments peak seasonally for the Holiday’s, the 

weeks ending November 21 and December 19. The 

majority of the potato crop out of this District is of 

the Round Red variety. Also grown, packed and 

shipped are Yellow Type, Long White, and a small 

amount of Russets. The first shipments for the 2009

season were moved on the weekending September 

5, 2009 and the last shipments of the season were 

on weekending April 5, 2010. The Round Reds 

shipped throughout the season. The Long Whites 

were not moved this season until mid-February, and 

Yellow Type by early May. The week-ending 

December 19 was the biggest shipping week of the 

season with 55,600 cwt shipped. 

Crop & Weather: April 2008 was reported to have 

ended the month with above average rainfall. 

Planting started on time at the end of April and was 

going at full steam by weekending May 9th. 

Weekending June 8 saw warmer temperatures for 

the week and a rarity for Western 

Washington...irrigation. Most producers have 

finished planting and the crop is growing nicely. 

June was a very dry month for Western Washington 
39 

with only very light rain arriving the weekending 

June 28. 

July continued with good temperatures but little 

rain, requiring most producers in Western 

Washington to use supplemental irrigation. 

Measurable rain arrived finally during weekending 

August 8. Potato vines were being mowed down 

and harvest was expected to begin by the end of the

month. 

By weekending September 21 potato harvest 

continued, with conditions still drier than expected. 

Harvesting: Weather is an extremely important 

factor in growing and harvesting the Northwestern 

Washington potato crop around the Mount 

Vernon/Burlington area of Skagit County. Seasonal 

rainfall for that area is normally 26 inches per year. 

Much of the soil type in the area used for potatoes is 

a sandy loam. Many fields also have drainage 

systems installed. Growers are able to harvest 

potatoes even in wet rainy weather, because they 

have grown the potatoes in sandy soil in fields that 

have the drainage systems. Also, most of the Long 

White variety are not harvested and put into storage. 

They are harvested and packaged late into the year.

Often, harvest of Long Whites continues the 

following spring. The Long Whites do not store 

well and quality cannot be maintained. Most of the 

Northwest Washington potato crop is put into 

storage. 

Marketing: The USDA, AMS, Fruit and 

Vegetable Market News reported prices out of 

Northwestern Washington from weekending 

September 5, 2009 through April 5, 2010 on Round 

Red; August 31, 2009 through November 21, 2009 

on Long White; and Yellow Type ran from August 

31, 2009 through the week of March 6, 2010. 

Round Red 50-pound cartons started out at $13.00-

14.00 per carton, finishing at $13.00-15.00. The 

season basically did not deviate from the start to 

finish, with long periods from November to January 

were the price held steady at $13.00. Long White 

50-pound cartons started at $18.00 weekending 

September 5, 2009 and finished at $16.00-18.00 

weekending November 21, 2008. The Long White 

price never deviated from the $18.00 throughout the

season. Yellow Type 50-pound cartons started out 

at $16.00-18.00 per carton. The season finished at

the same $16.00-18.00. Supplies of Russet 

Norkotah and Fingerling were in too few hands to 

establish a market.
40 

MARKETING CENTRAL WISCONSIN POTATOES

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: According to 

the USDA National Agricultural 

Statistics Service, Wisconsin potato 

planted acreage in 2009 was 63,500 

acres, equal to 2008s 63,500 acres. 

Harvested acreage in 2009 was 63,000 

acres, up from 2008s 62,000 acres. 

Yield per acres was 460 hundredweight 

(cwt) in 2009, an increase from 2008s 

yield of 415 cwt. Production in 2009 

was 28,980,000 cwt, a thirteen percent 

increase from 2008s production of 

25,730,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Shipments from Central 

Wisconsin in 2009 were 8,178,800, a ten 

percent increase from 2008s shipments 

of 7,466,000 cwt. The peak shipping 

month was November at 804,299 cwt. 

All of the potatoes were shipped by 

truck. There are no rail shipments out of 

Wisconsin. 

Crop & Weather: Dry fields greeted 

producers during the weekending April 

20 when planted began. Average 

temperatures were close to normal with 

average highs from the mid 50s to 60 

degrees and average lows ranging from 

high 30s to low 40s. The previous 

months were some of the driest on 

record, with much of the state well 

below normal rainfall for the year. 

During the last week of April, most areas 

of the State saw some sort of 

precipitation, but not enough to 

counteract the early part of the year. 

Potato planting was reported to be on 

track with a good pace at the end of 

April. 

During the first week of May rainfall 

arrived, but not the warmer temperatures 

needed to dry the ground, slowing the 

pace of planting in some areas. Average 

high temperatures ranged from 61-71 

degrees by weekending May 11, but 

more rain once again slowed planting. 

Potato planting continues to progress 

during the week ending May 18 even 

with cooler temperatures and rain around 

the state. Drier conditions during the 

weekending May 27 with temperatures 

averaging 72-77 allowed for planting to 

continue at a good pace. 

By the weekending June 8 some 

producers had reported to be finishing up 

potato hilling. Cooler temperatures had 

slowed growth with average highs 5-7 
41 

degrees below normal. The weekending 

June 22 the heat arrived with average 

high temperatures from 79-82 degrees. 

By the end of June, potatoes were 

blooming and showing good growth 

despite low precipitation levels. 

By mid-July, potatoes were doing well 

but still in need of rain. During the 

weekending July 25 the first Round Red 

potatoes were harvested and shipped. 

Dry conditions persisted but cooler 

temperatures helped reduce stress on the 

plants. Average high temperatures 

ranged from 73 to 77 degrees, with 

average low temperatures ranging from 

53 to 60 degrees. 

Fresh potato harvest began in earnest at 

the beginning of August. By the 

weekending August 8, harvest continued 

with potatoes looking and producing 

good yields and quality. Harvest 

continued throughout the month of 

August and into September. By midSeptember, harvest was just starting in 

one west-central Wisconsin county, 

while late harvest was underway in the 

central part of the state. Harvest 

continued through September. 

Marketing: The first report of Round 

Reds was issued during the week-ending 

August 8, 2009. 50 pound sacks of U.S. 

One size A was $19.00-20.00. The last 

report was issued during the weekending 

February 20, 2010 at $6.50-7.00. 

The first report of Round Whites was 

issued during the weekending August 

29, 2009. 50-pound sacks of U.S. One 

size A was $6.00-6.50. The last report 

was issued during the weekending 

September 12, 2009 at $6.00-6.50. 

The first report of Yellow Types was 

issued during the weekending August 

15, 2009. 50-pound sacks of U.S. One 

size A was $15.00. The last report was 

issued during the weekending October 

10, 2009 at $10.00-12.00. 

The first report of Russet Norkotahs was 

issued during the weekending August 

22, 2009. 50-pound cartons of U.S. One 

70s was $14.50-15.25. The last report 

was issued during the weekending June 

26, 2010 at $10.00-11.00. 

No prices were issued for chipper 

potatoes in the 2009 season as most 

movement was contracted or open sales 

were in the hands of too few grower, 

with too few prices reported to establish 

a market. 
42 

MARKETING NEW BRUNSWICK POTATOES

2009 CROP

Production: According to Statistics 

Canada, New Brunswick potato 

production totaled 14.7 million 

hundredweight, up 7 percent from the 

2008 season total of 13.77 million cwt 

and down 8 percent (16.0 million cwt) 

from the 2007 season. The July 2010 

production report placed harvested 

acreage at 54,500 acres, the same as the 

previous season and 4,000 acres less 

than 2007. Yields increased slightly (10 

cwt) to 270 cwt per acre over the 

previous season. Total Canadian 

production of 100.9 million cwt was 

reported for the year, down 2 percent 

and 8 percent respectively from the 

previous two crop years. 

Movement: Early movement 

(September-December) to the U.S. 

(752,546 cwt) was down (10 percent) 

from the 2008 season total of 838,190 

cwt. These figures were compiled with 

data issued from the U.S. Commerce 

Department, Agriculture and Agri-Food 

Canada and finalized by Statistics 

Canada. The season total through July 

2010 of just under 2.0 million cwt 

dropped measurably from the previous 

year’s movement to the U.S. of 2.37 

million cwt The U.S. was the number 

one destination for much of New 

Brunswick potatoes, namely Russet 

varieties. Access to the States is made 

through the major border crossing at 

Houlton, Maine, with lighter shipments 

entering through Fort Fairfield and 

Bridgewater, Maine. Light shipments 

of the 2008 crop continued into early 

August by a few shippers. New 

Brunswick has predominantly been a 

processing (french-fry) region, with 

nearly 60 percent of production devoted 

to this market. It is also the original 

home of McCain Foods, one of the 

giants in the fry industry. There are two 

McCain processing plants in the 

province, Grand Falls and Florenceville. 

Growing & Harvest Season: Planting 

was off to an earlier start than the 

previous year in early May, due to cool, 

dry soil conditions. However, continued 

cooler and cloudy days continued, which 

slowed progress and emergence. 

Planting was completed in early June. 

The summer months brought warmer 

temperatures and wetter conditions that 

spurred rapid growth and created some 

late blight issues in a few fields. In early 
43 

August, warm and dry conditions that 

persisted well into September. Yield 

potential was thwarted, especially on 

processing Burbanks, due to hot arid 

conditions. Bruising and nicks were 

more apparent due to these weather 

issues as well. Initial light harvest of 

Round white and Yellows was underway 

by September 1 for domestic usage, 

while Russet harvest commenced in 

latter September. October brought 

cooler temperatures, persistent showers 

and frosts which slowed harvest. By the 

end of the month, most of the crop was 

undercover. 

Marketing Season: The U.S. 

Department of Agriculture Market News 

Service issued the first F.O.B. shipping 

report on Russet Norkotah late-October 

with U.S. One or CD One washed 2 

ounce or 4 inch minimum baled 10 5-

pound film bags from $11.00-12.00, 

sharply above the 2007 season start of 

mostly $6.50-7.00 (US dollars) per bale 

or $9.00-10.00 per cwt more. Prices 

slipped slightly by the first of the New 

Year to mostly $10.00-10.50, still 

sharply higher than a year earlier, when 

reported for baled 5s was $5.50-5.75. 

As the season progressed, prices 

continued to fall to $8.00-8.50 by lateApril and remained at this level at the 

time of the last report issued around June 

1, somewhat similar to the finish of the 

2007 season for consumer packages. 

Carton demand was slow for much of 

the season, with early prices on Russet 

Norkotah 70s and 80s from $15.00-

16.00. By January 1, carton demand 

remained sluggish and prices suffered: 

60s and 70s sold from $11.00-13.00, 

with 90s and 100s $10.50-11.00. Little 

change was seen in these prices until late 

April when 60s and 70s brought mostly 

$10.00-10.50 and finished at these prices 

by June 1. This was just the opposite 

from the 2007 season when carton prices 

shot up sharply beginning in May with 

60s and 70s from $9.00-9.50 and 

finished in mid-July at $20.00-22.00 per 

box. 

 

Stocks on hand: New Brunswick’s 

potato holdings on December 1, 2009 

totaled 11.4 million cwt, up sharply (31 

percent) from December 2008 holdings 

of 8.7 million cwt. However, 

adjustments to the province’s holdings 

were made and by June 1, stocks on 

hand were 2.47 million cwt compared to 

the adjusted total of 2.83 million cwt, a 

respectable drop of nearly 13 percent. 

A few fresh shippers continued to pack 

lightly for the US market into early 

August. 
44 

Commodity Name POTATOES Sum of 100000lb units Column Labels Row Labels Aug-09 Sep-09 Oct-09 Nov-09 Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 ARIZONA 7 44 308 6 CALIFORNIA-CENTRAL 430 98 98 195 226 164 30 811 1602 CALIFORNIA-IMPERIAL VAL 122 355 189 23 CALIFORNIA-NORTH 54 20 88 101 82 81 65 90 91 103 113 CALIFORNIA-SOUTH 126 65 75 40 30 60 35 14 24 CANADA 240 197 322 363 433 463 398 552 139 675 244 COLORADO 540 1144 1372 1502 1592 1423 1387 1715 1412 1418 1451 DELAWARE 155 80 31 FLORIDA 76 218 551 709 576 IDAHO 2249 2371 2646 3116 3078 3120 2911 3449 2972 3171 3309 KANSAS 637 147 46 MAINE 5 56 104 282 335 331 315 342 258 131 62 MICHIGAN 56 271 453 330 271 319 254 256 159 98 44 MINNESOTA 914 649 224 151 177 186 137 140 81 61 9 NEBRASKA 311 414 403 364 331 223 124 159 136 192 235 NEVADA 79 60 134 88 68 99 74 74 77 92 37 NEW MEXICO 50 119 153 180 116 62 31 7 NEW YORK 27 90 117 143 131 78 46 11 NORTH CAROLINA 7 75 NORTH DAKOTA 29 218 356 351 345 367 494 232 78 OREGON 201 188 227 270 338 293 270 318 275 288 255 PERU 0 0 0 TEXAS 544 154 111 138 105 127 100 105 95 51 21 VIRGINIA 133 40 WASHINGTON 1186 1169 986 816 745 623 583 606 557 517 377 WISCONSIN 486 890 993 1015 965 838 679 834 553 518 280 Grand Total 8437 8211 8703 9353 9343 8897 8016 9536 7987 9410 8783