Apr 10, 2017Northwest potato planting delayed two weeks
Northwest Farm Credit Services said in a recent press release that growers in the northwest are looking forward to getting back into their fields after a cold, wet winter, however, lingering snow and rain is delaying 2017 potato planting and fieldwork. A cool, wet spring has delayed Northwest potato growers’ fieldwork and planting by as much as two weeks later than normal.
Delayed planting may influence early season processing potato supplies. Although contracted potato growers remain profitable, most uncontracted potato producers’ returns are below breakeven. Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook for profitability includes slightly profitable results for contract potato growers and continued pressure on uncontracted potato growers’ profits.
With many storms and ample precipitation, Winter 2017 has been one for the record books in the northwest. In January, a severe snowstorm followed by heavy rain led to the collapse of as many as 50 onion storage and processing buildings in the Treasure Valley of Oregon. There have not been any reports of damage to potato facilities.
