The cold and wet spring pushed potato movement on the Eastern Shore forward about a week for Dublin Farms Inc. in Horntown, VA.

But David Hickman, vice president of the company, told The Produce News in late May that the crop is catching up quickly now that the days are warm and sunny.

“We’re quickly making up for lost time,” said Hickman. “We don’t expect a glut or gaps of any kind because the entire East ran a little late.

“Red potato prices in Florida have improved, so that’s encouraging,” he continued. “But we’re still competing with a lot of stored product. Potatoes can last about 12 months in storage.

“As the end of that year encroaches there tends to be a lot of smaller size russets competing with our white rounds,” Hickman continued. “Prices are cheaper on stored because people want to move them. Large russets are not plentiful, so prices are good. Chefs especially seek out the large sizes.”  

Dublin Farms continues to promote its Produce Traceability Initiative system installed last year. The barcode system gives the GPS location of the field where every potato is grown, improving traceability on products and keeping the company on the leading edge of food safety.

In 2010 the company was Good Agricultural Practices-certified and it has recertified every year. In 2013 it was certified under the new GAP Harmonized audit.

Dublin Farms grows, packs and ships potatoes for the fresh market. The company also grows snap beans for processing and corn, soy beans and wheat for the poultry industry. These crops are also beneficial for rotation purposes. Hickman noted, “It’s all about taking good care of the earth.”

The company sells to retailers, including chainstores, as well as to wholesalers, repackers and brokers at terminal markets. It distributes from Miami to Montreal, according to Hickman.

In the early part of the season the company ships heaviest into Northeastern cities. When North Carolina and other Southern states stop shipping, it begins moving potatoes in those directions.

Dublin Farms updated its packing facility last year, and installed a new sizer for B size potatoes. Hickman explained that the sizer ensures uniformity.

Dublin Farms also has launched a new website design that provides daily photos of what the company is currently shipping so customers can see the quality and color of the potatoes. It also provides daily prices and enables customers to place orders

“I feel it’s still important to connect with our customers directly,” said Hickman. “The website is a convenience tool, but nothing beats a one-on-one conversation.”

The company produces several varieties each of round white, redskin and yellow flesh potatoes. Its potato movement runs through mid-August in what Hickman said is a six-week deal.

The company digs, packages and refrigerates its potatoes overnight prior to shipping. It deals only in fresh potatoes, feeling that stored potatoes never have the great flavor of a fresh one.

Dublin Farms’ Eastern Shore movement will begin on July 1, and it will be “going full-bore by July 4,” said Hickman