Idaho potato crop looking good despite high August temperatures
Idaho potato crop looking good despite high August temperatures
Idaho growers will harvest approximately 328,000 acres of potatoes this year, yielding nearly 12 billion pounds.
Overall, the crop appears to be uniformly smooth and consistent. The extremely warm weather in early August did not have an adverse effect on the crop -- in fact it may have accelerated the harvest.
The Idaho potato industry's irrigation system ensures that despite high temperatures and even drought, the crop is managed quite effectively because irrigation is the primary water source.
The total number of acres planted this year was the same as the total acreage planted in 2004 (328,000 acres). This was the first full year that the state's new potato co-op, United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho, was able to institute its recommendation that acreage be reduced so as to better align supply with demand.
According to Frank Muir, president and chief executive officer of the Idaho Potato Commission, this planted acreage adjustment has worked very well, and the industry expects to sell everything it grows this season, thus helping keep prices up and revenue on track for an increase.
The harvest season is generally a four-week period falling sometime during September and October.
Just in time for the harvest, the Idaho Potato Commission is set to debut two new national television commercials featuring Denise Austin, spokesperson and national fitness icon. Along with the nutritional messaging in the commercial, Ms. Austin directs consumers to look for the "Grown in Idaho" seal when they are shopping for potatoes.
The Idaho potato industry contributes approximately $2 billion to the state's economy each year and accounts for roughly one-third of the U.S. crop. Idaho's rich volcanic soil, climate and irrigation system are directly responsible for the high quality and taste of the state's potatoes. Idaho potatoes have a high-solids content, which translates into potatoes that are fluffier mashed, crispier fried and lighter baked.
Roughly 60 percent of the total Idaho crop comes from the eastern region of the state, one of the richer potato-producing regions in the world.
Once harvested, the Idaho potato crop is typically utilized as follows: 62 percent is used to make processed potatoes, such as frozen and dehydrated; 29 percent are shipped fresh; 9 percent are for certified seed; and the remaining crop is used on the farm or is unusable.
In terms of geographic distribution, New York boasts the highest usage, followed by Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the "Grown in Idaho" seal.
Both words "Idaho Potatoes" and the "Grown in Idaho" seal are federally registered certification marks that certify to consumers that they are purchasing genuine Idaho potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.
Overall, the crop appears to be uniformly smooth and consistent. The extremely warm weather in early August did not have an adverse effect on the crop -- in fact it may have accelerated the harvest.
The Idaho potato industry's irrigation system ensures that despite high temperatures and even drought, the crop is managed quite effectively because irrigation is the primary water source.
The total number of acres planted this year was the same as the total acreage planted in 2004 (328,000 acres). This was the first full year that the state's new potato co-op, United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho, was able to institute its recommendation that acreage be reduced so as to better align supply with demand.
According to Frank Muir, president and chief executive officer of the Idaho Potato Commission, this planted acreage adjustment has worked very well, and the industry expects to sell everything it grows this season, thus helping keep prices up and revenue on track for an increase.
The harvest season is generally a four-week period falling sometime during September and October.
Just in time for the harvest, the Idaho Potato Commission is set to debut two new national television commercials featuring Denise Austin, spokesperson and national fitness icon. Along with the nutritional messaging in the commercial, Ms. Austin directs consumers to look for the "Grown in Idaho" seal when they are shopping for potatoes.
The Idaho potato industry contributes approximately $2 billion to the state's economy each year and accounts for roughly one-third of the U.S. crop. Idaho's rich volcanic soil, climate and irrigation system are directly responsible for the high quality and taste of the state's potatoes. Idaho potatoes have a high-solids content, which translates into potatoes that are fluffier mashed, crispier fried and lighter baked.
Roughly 60 percent of the total Idaho crop comes from the eastern region of the state, one of the richer potato-producing regions in the world.
Once harvested, the Idaho potato crop is typically utilized as follows: 62 percent is used to make processed potatoes, such as frozen and dehydrated; 29 percent are shipped fresh; 9 percent are for certified seed; and the remaining crop is used on the farm or is unusable.
In terms of geographic distribution, New York boasts the highest usage, followed by Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the "Grown in Idaho" seal.
Both words "Idaho Potatoes" and the "Grown in Idaho" seal are federally registered certification marks that certify to consumers that they are purchasing genuine Idaho potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.
