Jul 29, 20092009 Planted Acres Increases from Last Season
Area planted to fall potatoes in 2009 is estimated at 932,900 acres, up slightly from the 2008 crop year, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Harvested area is forecast at 922,700 acres, also up slightly from 2008.
Idaho growers increased planted area 5 percent from last year but these are the lowest acres planted since 1986. As of July 5, crop conditions were rated 95 percent good to excellent. Washington producers planted 6 percent fewer acres than a year ago. Cool, wet conditions delayed planting throughout the state. Significant planting did not begin until early-April but high temperatures late in the month enabled progress to advance quickly. By late-May, virtually the entire crop was in the ground.
Oregon growers increased planted area 2 percent from last year. The crop got off to a good start without any widespread delays to planting. In Colorado, planted area dropped 2 percent from the previous year as growers continued to voluntarily limit acreage for water conservation and supply management. Planting finished slightly ahead of schedule and the crop was rated in mostly
good condition.
Fall potato planted area remained unchanged from last year in California, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. Potato growing areas in Maine received frequent and intense rain events during June after a cool, dry planting season. Northern areas of Aroostook County did not receive as much rain as southern locations and excellent crop conditions were reported. Further south, conditions ranged from fair to good, depending on moisture levels.
Michigan’s planted area increased 5 percent from 2008. Plants were in good to excellent condition, benefiting from above normal rainfall this season. Planted area also increased in Nebraska, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada and New Mexico.
Growers in North Dakota planted 2 percent fewer acres than last year. Planting began later than normal and remained behind average throughout the planting season. As of June 28, crop condition was rated 63 percent good to excellent. Planted area also decreased from last year in New York and
Minnesota.
Production of summer potatoes is forecast at 14.5 million cwt, up 6 percent from 2008. Harvested area is estimated at 42,500 acres, 5 percent below last year. Average yield is forecast at 341 cwt. per acre, up 11 percent from 2008.
Production is expected to be up in California, Delaware, Maryland, Missouri and Virginia. The largest increase was noted in Missouri, where yields were expected to return to normal levels after last year’s rainy weather which negatively impacted the crop. In Virginia, timely spring rains and hot temperatures during June allowed for good growth. Crop condition was rated as good to excellent.
States forecasting a decrease in production are Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey and Texas. Texas growers expected the largest decrease in summer potato production, due to the large decline in harvested area. Fewer acres were planted in 2009 due to drought conditions. In Colorado, the crop was progressing slightly behind schedule. Moderate temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms have delayed crop development.
