Market Report September 27, 2023

North America’s fall potato harvest is progressing rapidly. Approximately 60% of Michigan’s potatoes have been harvested. Reports indicate that yields are above average. Growers have been pleased with the quality of this year’s crop. The weather has been favorable, though it has been a little warm. Growers have had to stop digging in the afternoon until temperatures cool down. Some growing areas received rain yesterday, which improved harvest conditions. The upcoming Michigan forecast calls for 10 days of excellent harvesting weather.

Wisconsin’s potato harvest is nearly a week ahead of schedule. Most of the state received rain last week. Wisconsin has been extremely dry. The rain should improve digging. More than 70% of Wisconsin’s potatoes have been harvested. Chip potato markets are quiet. Movement is slow and steady, typical for this time of year. 

U.S. packers shipped 1.735 million cwt of table potatoes during the week ending Sept. 23. That is down from 1.534 million cwt shipped a year earlier. Michigan packers shipped 31,600 cwt of potatoes during the week ending Sept. 23. That is down from 30,525 cwt during the same week in 2022. Last week’s Michigan shipments were 100% russets.

Wisconsin packers are selling size A russet potatoes in 10-pound bags for mostly $12-$13 per 50-pound bale, unchanged from last week. They are selling russet 40-70 count cartons for mostly $15-$16 per 50-pound box, down from $15-$18 per 50-pound box a week ago. The weighted average shipping point price for Idaho Russet Norkotahs is $19.04 per cwt, down from $20.45 per cwt last week.

Wisconsin packers are selling 10/5-pound bales of size A yellow potatoes for mostly $16-$17 per bale, unchanged from a week ago. They are selling 50-pound cartons of size A yellow potatoes for mostly $16-$17 per 50-pound box, also unchanged.

– Report by North American Potato Market News