Potato sourcing remains a challenge

Northwest potato supplies are struggling to meet demand as harvest is in its early stages.

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 issued a crop update September 8 laying out the issues.

Potato supply challenges persist in the Northwest. Demand continues to outpace harvest yields and pack-outs. Expect highly elevated markets and tight supplies for the next several weeks.

Current new crop harvests continue to be dominated by small-size potatoes (80- through 120-count supplies).

Size is gradually increasing as harvests progress and suppliers move into fields planted at later dates, but stocks will not reach full potential until potatoes begin to ship out of storage in mid- to late October.

Large-size order fulfillment will improve, but remain sporadic.

USDA’s FOB prices so far don’t show a dramatic price increase this summer up to now.