Maverick cites nice quality and sizes for 2014 potato crop
Maverick cites nice quality and sizes for 2014 potato crop
Maverick Potato Co. Co-owner Roger Christensen was spot-on going into the 2014 potato harvest when he called for good quality and sizes. Now, several weeks into the shipping season, Christensen said demand is steady for the holidays, and he and Co-owner Michael Kruse continue to see good reception in both the domestic and Mexican markets.
“Quality is nice, and we have a full range of sizes,” Christensen said from his Center, CO, facility in mid-November. “We’re somewhat limited on the bigger sizes, but we have very good supplies for our customers. Also, we have a lot of certified seed we’re using for our export markets.”
Mexico represents a strong segment of Maverick business, he said. “Although shipping has reverted back to the 26 kilometers, demand remains very steady, and our russets are very well received there. Our consumer packs are popular in the Southwest border regions. Different areas like different packs, with some preferring the 10-pound and 5-pound bags and some areas liking the bulk packs.”
He continued, “We grew a late-storing variety this year, and we anticipate shipping those into early summer.”
Maverick grows several varieties of russets, both organic and conventional, including Canelas and Norkotahs, and conventional Rio Grandes and Centennials are grown as well. The growing operation also planted additional organic yellows this season.
As the company expands its acreage, upgrades are also being made to the warehouse, where Christensen said food safety is top priority. To that end, Maverick is SCS GlobalGAP certified at both farm and shed level. The potato veterans also utilize drip irrigation and green manure rotation to mitigate water shortages that can be encountered in the San Luis Valley.
Present at the packingshed during the interview was San Luis Valley grower Mark Deacon of Circle D Farms. Deacon echoed Christensen’s assessment of good quality coming out of the Valley, noting, “We have really good consumer sizes this year, and I am personally seeing a better fingerling crop.”