The 2023 Minnesota and North Dakota potato crop appears to be about average in yields and quality, said Andy Robinson, North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota Extension potato agronomist. While areas north of Grand Forks, North Dakota and East Grand Forks, Minnesota, had some good rains, the growing area south of those cities largely missed the rains.
North Dakota and Minnesota farmers generally are satisfied with their potato production, said Donavon Johnson, Northland Potato Growers Association, president: “Considering everything, growers are pleased,” he said.
The fresh potato crop is estimated to yield about 200 hundredweight per acre and the average yield of processing potatoes is estimated at about 450 hundredweight per acre, he said.
In Minnesota, 84% of the crop was harvested as of the week ending Oct. 8, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics-Minnesota crop progress report. The potato crop in North Dakota was about 90% harvested as of Oct. 8, compared with 83% in 2022 and the average of 74%, NASS-North Dakota.
Source: agweek.com