Weather delays San Luis potato harvest, good quality expected

Rain and cool weather this spring have put a delay on harvesting San Luis potatoes, but quality is still expected to be strong.

Growers agree the potato crop will be harvested seven to 14 days later than usual. 

“The conditions have been just OK,” said Jamey Higham, CEO and president of Monte Vista, Colo.-based Fresh Farm Direct LLC. “We haven’t had the number of sunny days that we are used to and need. Overall, it’s been a little cooler and wetter than usual.”

If weather cooperates leading up to harvest, growers expect quality to be good despite lower acreage and yields.

“Most are optimistic that in these last few weeks the potato crops will size up with some warm, sunny days,” said Tim Huffcutt, marketing director for Monte Vista, Colo.-based RPE Inc. 

Les Alderete, general manager for Center, Colo.-based Skyline Potato Co., said the crop has “progressed nicely,” and yields should be close to what they were a year ago.

“We haven’t had any quality problems in the field this year, so the crop looks like it’s going to be really nice,” Jed Ellithorpe, marketing director for Center, Colo.-based Aspen Produce LLC, said. 

Jim Ehrlich, marketing director for the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, said last year there was an “exceptional crop,” but with acreage down 8% he expects supply to be down 5-10% even with favorable weather conditions.

“If we don’t get good harvest weather, then our supply could be further reduced,” Ehrlich said.

Huffcutt also said yields appear to be down compared to last year.

“Potato production is down across the entire nation. This could make supplies tight as a whole,” he said.


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