US: NAPMN predicts an increase in spring planting for fall crop

Bruce Huffaker, editor and publisher of North American Potato Market News and consultant for the United Potato Growers of America is predicting a small but concerning increase in U.S. fall crop planted acres this spring. Huffaker warns that the additional acres and a return to trend-line yields could again over-supply the market.  Unknowns include french fry contract volume and Mexican access which could both influence market demand. Huffaker is projecting a 7,100 acre planting increase (0.8%) for the U.S. fall crop which includes a 1,000 acre increase in both North Dakota and Minnesota; up 1.2% and 2.1% respectively.
Other notable states: Idaho up 3,000 acres (0.9%), Wisconsin up 1,500 acres (2.4%), Washington up 2,000 acres (1.3%), Oregon up 1,000 acres (2.5%), Colorado flat and Michigan up 500 acres (1.1%) and Maine down 4,000 acres (7.3%) largely due to Cavendish Farms discontinuing fresh operations in that state.
Look for a continued shift in acres to reds and yellows across the country in anticipation of more strong demand. (Source: Potato Bytes, Northern Plains Potato Growers Association)