Red River Valley potato yields up, quality very good

Barring any weather surprises, the majority of Red River Valley potato harvest should be completed by mid-October, says Ted Kreis, administrator for the Red River Valley Fresh Potato Growers Cooperative.

Red River Valley Fresh Potato Growers is affiliated with the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association and the United Potato Growers of America, with the mission of the co-op to allow growers to accumulate and share information, such as size and condition, and market analysis to help organizations make more-informed decisions.

Kreis said overall potato acreage in the Red River Valley is up slightly. Yields are expected to be higher, especially in the northern Red River Valley.

"Quality so far looks very good,” he said.

Compared with five years ago, Kreis said yellow potatoes continue to take a larger share of the region’s fresh output.

“Easily the most noteworthy thing going on is the growth of yellow potato acreage, production and consumption,” Kreis said. “Trendlines tell us yellow potato usage will surpass red potatoes in the near future should this trendline continue.”

Marketing plans

While marketing opportunities were somewhat limited last year because of a very small crop, promotion opportunities should expand this year.

“After a late spring, it has been one of the most trouble-free growing seasons for some time and is very welcome after two straight tough years weatherwise,” he said

With inflation a concern to consumers, Kreis said potatoes are a good commodity to promote.

“We would urge retailers to be reactive to the lower prices they are now paying for potatoes compared to this summer, when those prices skyrocketed because of very low inventories nationwide,” he said. “This price drop gives retailers [the opportunity] to advertise attractive prices while still keeping a good profit.”