Canadian storages held 73.20 million cwt of potatoes on Feb. 1. That is 844,000 cwt, or 1.1%, less than the record-large inventory held on Feb. 1, 2024. Most of this year’s increase is in the Maritime Provinces, though stocks also are up in Quebec. Potato stocks intended for processing dropped by 1.02 million cwt, or 2.0%. Table potato stocks fell by 188,000 cwt, or 1.4%. Seed potato inventories increased by 3.7%.
Canada’s chip potato supply situation is mixed. Ontario had 2.2% fewer chip potatoes left in storage on Feb. 1 than it held a year earlier. The province’s January processing use exceeded last year’s pace by 34.6%. If the rapid January usage rate continues, Ontario’s chip potatoes would last through June 5. On the other hand, Quebec’s processing (chip and frozen) stocks are up 21.9%. Processing potato disappearance fell 14.4% short of January 2024 usage. At the January usage rate, Quebec’s remaining processing potatoes would last through Oct. 1.
U.S. packers shipped 1.713 million cwt of table potatoes during the week ending Feb. 8. That is up from 1.636 million cwt shipped a year earlier. Michigan packers shipped 31,140 cwt during the week ending Feb. 8. That is down from 80,250 cwt shipped during the same week in 2024. Last week’s Michigan shipments were 85.8% russets, 7.1% round white potatoes, and 7.1% yellow potatoes.
USDA reports that Michigan packers are selling size A russets in 10-pound bags for $10-$11 per 50-pound bale, unchanged from last week. They are selling size A russets in 5-pound bags for $11-$12 per 50-pound bale, also unchanged. Wisconsin packers are selling size A russet potatoes in 10-pound bags for $9-$10 per 50-pound bale, unchanged from a week ago. They are selling russet 40-70 count cartons for mostly $12-$13 per 50-pound box, also unchanged. The weighted average shipping point price for Idaho Russet Norkotahs is $16.52 per cwt, unchanged from the previous week.
Red River Valley packers are selling size A yellow potatoes in 2,000-pound tote bags for mostly $18-$20 per cwt, unchanged from a week ago. They are selling yellow creamers for mostly $26-$28 per 50-pound carton, also unchanged.
– Report by North American Potato Market News