Analyzing the potato acreage report

Farm and Ranch July 17, 2009 In its first estimate of planted potato acreage in Washington this year, the National Agricultural Statistics Service recently reported plantings of 145-thousand acres. That’s down six percent from 2008. Meanwhile in neighboring Idaho and Oregon potato plantings increased. Matt Harris, Director of Trade for the Washington State Potato Commission explains what may have been behind the drop in Washington.

Harris: “I believe a lot of it stemmed from processing contracts. Acres were cut, significantly I believe, to cause some of the reduction in our state.”

And the reason for that Harris says is the economy and reduced domestic demand.

Harris: “Seeing some of that planning by the processing industry to make sure the market is not over saturated and that the product can move.”

Harris says the dispute with Mexico that’s meant 20 percent tariffs on U.S. potato products going there could have also played a small role in the acreage reduction.

Of course acres are only one determinate of potato production. There is also yield.

Harris: “The big question mark is just the overall production per acre. Last year we were roughly 30 tons average per acre, and if we have a good year that can increase. That is the big question mark is what the overall production is going to be from the 145-thousand acres to supply the market.”

The first government estimate on that won’t be until November.

That’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I’m Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.

?