8-2 FB Crop Outlook

 I got a report from Northwest Farm credit services and the headline said crop outlook positive after cool wet spring. That certainly sounds good for  Idaho ag producers so I called up Michael Stolp to get the lowdown. 

Talk about an articulate guy. Here’s Northwest Farm Credit Services Michael Stolp with an update on some important Idaho crops.

Potatoes:  Potato crops throughout the Northwest are delayed, but in good condition. Weather and growing conditions across the next 90 days will determine final yields. Processors and the fresh market are competing for tight old crop potato supplies. Producers are benefitting. Northwest potato markets mirror national markets, where prices are strong. Given the late 2011 crop, processors may experience August supply gaps.

Sugar Beets:  Sugar beet crops look good with fewer acres replanted due to the wet spring. Industry analysts generally agree sugar prices will remain strong throughout the year, supported by tight supplies and growing demand.

 Hay:  Hay supplies in the Pacific Northwest are tight. The 2011 season began with low hay inventories, and the cool, wet spring significantly delayed the first cutting. Although the region is now moving toward the second cutting, hay yields and quality have been impacted by adverse weather. Strong demand for new crop hay is driving prices toward levels not seen since 2008.

Wheat:  Northwest wheat producers have dealt with an unfamiliar challenge this spring — too much rain. Regardless of the area, producers cite hurdles surrounding planting, crop disease and a delayed harvest. These challenges are by expectations far above average yields and prices.