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Potato harvest drags on

Continued wet weather has made potato harvest in Michigan slow work for growers.

Dr. Kelly Turner with the Michigan Potato Industry Commission tells Brownfield early harvested potatoes have gone straight into processing to avoid spoilage.

“We have lost some potato acreage due to flooding and rot already, unfortunately,” she shares.  “Fortunately, the yield has been pretty outstanding so I think those two things will balance themselves out.”

She says cool nights and ideal soil conditions are needed for digging.

“The pace of harvest is frustratingly slow for many,” she says.  “With all of the wet conditions, they’re definitely not optimal, and then with the weird temperature swings, they are definitely harvesting when they can.”

Turner says weather issues globally and increased demand for additional potato products however have created solid marketing opportunities this season.