Monte Vista Potato Growers seeing good size on 2012 crop
Monte Vista Potato Growers seeing good size on 2012 crop
MONTE VISTA, CO — Looking at a nice crop and good size this season, Monte Vista Potato Growers General Manager Steve Tillman said in late August he expects harvest to be in full swing by Sept. 17.
Potatoes will ship from October through June or early July of 2013, Mr. Tillman added.
Steve Tillman, general manager of the association.The cooperative association, one of the oldest in the state with a charter dating back to the Capper-Volstead Act of 1923 and continuous operation since that time, consists of eight growers who farm 80 percent russets and a small balance of yellows.
“Reports at this time indicate a very good crop with good size,” Mr. Tillman said, adding that his growers, who are located in a 10-mile radius of the packing shed north of Monte Vista, did not see any major weather or water problems this growing season.
“None of my growers experienced any serious problems [due to the water shortage], although water fell off somewhat late in the season,” he said.
The longtime general manager, now in his 24th year with the cooperative, said upgrades at the shed in the past year have included a new bagger to increase capacity. Pack options include a variety of check-weighed poly consumer packs starting at three pounds and electronically sized cartons.
Labels are the iconic “Peacock” along with “MVPG” and “Banner.”
Looking ahead to 2013, Mr. Tillman said one significant change in the organization will come when his son, Assistant Manager Jason Tillman, will take the reins as general manager. The senior Mr. Tillman will then become assistant manager, he said.
