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)