Sales and consumption are reported to be steady this week. Some rain was welcome in certain areas last week to correct dry matter levels, however, some areas received more than expected. There are continued reports that yields are disappointing especially on later planted crops. It will be another few weeks before any significant volumes are lifted into store especially north of Dublin.
Across Europe, some recent test digs show that the yields of later plantings have been catching up and the overall crop could be close to average. Markies is reported to be lower yielding in Belgium with high tuber numbers but higher than average in Northern France. Following on from the storm a few weeks ago, in Poland, the worst area affected was in the southwest which is not a major production area. In all the affected areas, losses in store may be an issue.
Source: IRA