Potato market pressure eases

Northwest potato harvest continues, improving a low-supply/high demand situation from earlier this month.

Small sizes are abundant, leading to a wide range of prices based on size, from a low of $10 per 50-pound carton of 100-size russets up to the low $40s for sizes 40 and 50, according to USDA.

On September 21, Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 issued a crop update:

Fresh-run, new crop Markon First Crop (MFC) Norkotah Potatoes are currently be shipped out of Idaho and Washington. Prices for large sizes remain elevated; markets for smaller sizes have eased.

Norkotahs
Large-size Idaho Norkotah supplies (40- through 60-count) remain tight; small-size potatoes (70- through 100-count) are ample
Large-size order fulfillment is improving, but will remain sporadic
Norkotah quality remains good; skinning and excess moisture may be observed in fresh-run potatoes
MFC Norkotah Potatoes will begin to ship out of storage in mid-October

Burbanks
New crop Burbank harvesting will begin in late September; packer label cartons will be available to ship
MFC Burbank Potatoes will be available once the sweat process is completed, approximately late October/early November