Nov 9, 2018Long potato numbers up in Idaho, down slightly in Oregon, Washington
A recent survey shows numbers of long potatoes weighing at least 10 ounces are up in Idaho, but down slightly in Oregon and Washington.
The numbers stem from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Northwest Regional Field Office’s 2018 Potato Objective Yield Survey.
Sample plots were located in potato fields randomly selected using a scientifically designed sampling procedure. Field workers recorded counts and measurements within the field and then harvested six hills per sample. Potatoes were sent to laboratories for sizing and grading according to accepted United States fresh grading standards.
Here are the results:
Idaho
- Long potatoes (Russet only) weighing 10 oz. or more comprised 32.3 percent of the total, up from 28.6 percent in 2017.
- Potatoes that met the 2.0-inch or 4-ounce minimum size and grade requirements for U.S. No. 1 potatoes were 78.3 percent of the total, down from 79.2 percent last year.
- Processing grade and U.S. No. 2 potatoes, with a 1.5-inch minimum, accounted for 14.5 percent of the 2018 crop.
Oregon
- Long potatoes (Russet, Shepody, Prospect, and Defender) weighing 10 ounces or more were 37.5 percent of the total, down from 38.7 percent in 2017.
- The percent of long potatoes meeting U.S. No. 1 standards was 79.0 percent, down slightly from 79.1 percent a year ago.
- Processing and U.S. No. 2 potatoes, with a 1.5-inch minimum, accounted for 13.7 percent of the 2018 crop.
Washington
- Long potatoes (Russet, Shepody, Prospect, and Defender) weighing 10 ounces or more comprised 37.0 percent of the total, down from 38.0 percent in 2017.
- The percent of long potatoes meeting U.S. No. 1 standards was 81.1 percent, down from 86.6 percent a year ago.
- Processing and U.S. No. 2 potatoes accounted for 12.3 percent of the 2018 crop.
For more on the 2018 harvest season, click here.
