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UPDATE: POTATOES – STORAGE SUPPLY NEARLY DEPLETED, NEW CROP RELIEF STILL FAR OUT

August 8, 2022

The potato supply pipeline continues to diminish as the few remaining Idaho shippers deplete their final storage stocks. The next several weeks will be the most challenging potato supply weeks witnessed. Historic pricing levels for the potato market will continue to be met daily.

Remaining Storage Stocks

  • Most Idaho shippers are experiencing a supply gap between old and new crop
  • Idaho suppliers with stock remaining will struggle to cover orders over the next few weeks; some are only able to cover as little as 50% of orders
  • Limited number of order shipments will occur each day to retain as much stocks as possible
  • Daily size substitutions will continue to be required for order fulfillment; requested ship dates must be adjusted for allocation
  • 40- to 80-count stocks remain extremely limited; 90- to 120-count supplies continue to tighten
  • The Colorado, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin seasons have concluded

New Crop Potatoes

  • Crops are not ready to be harvested in the Northwest, for many growers
  • New crop production has begun in Washington with limited volume
  • Idaho shippers in the central part of the state will begin to harvest at the end of next week in a very limited manner
  • The bulk of Idaho production will not begin until the week of August 22
  • Idaho and Washington growers anticipate early season yields to be dominated by 70- to 90-count potatoes
    • Size profile is not expected to increase until late August; there will be limited 40- to 60- count potatoes available
    • U.S. No. 2 production will be limited until potatoes are shipped out of storage, as supplies look their best straight out of the field
  • Colorado and Wisconsin production will begin in late August
  • Texas potatoes are forecast to ship the week of August 15
  • Expect elevated markets to persist until early September

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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