2017 A Mixed Bag For Northwest Potato Growers

According to the latest figures out by NASS, the Northwest Potato crop combined for a value of $1.83 billion in 2017.  Idaho reported the largest value last year, at $975 million, up 1% year over year.  Oregon potato crop value in 2017 came in at $168 million, down 7% from a year earlier.  While Washington’s potato crop was valued at $687 million, down 16% from 2016 figures.

When looking at average prices for potatoes, Idaho was $7.23 per cwt, up 28 cents year over year, Oregon came in a $7.86 per cwt, down 4 cents from a year earlier, and Washington came in at $6.92 per cwt, down $0.78 from 2016’s figures.

The combined production for the three states was 58% of U.S. fall potato production in 2017.  NASS collects variety data in seven States, accounting for 83% of the 2017 United States fall potato planted acres.  The seven States conduct objective yield surveys where all producing areas are sampled in proportion to planted acreage. Variety data are actual percentages from these surveys. In the Northwest Region, the following varieties accounted for 10% or more of acres planted in 2018.

In Idaho, the Russet Burbank variety accounted for 44.9% of the potato acreage planted. Russet Norkotah accounted for 18.0% of plantings, and Ranger Russet was 13.5%.

In Oregon, the Umatilla Russet variety accounted for 17.8% of planted acres. This was followed by Russet Norkotah at 15.4% of plantings, Alturas at 13.0 percent, Shepody at 11.9%, Ranger Russet at 11.4%, and Clearwater at 10.0% of planted acres.

In Washington, Russet Burbank accounted for 29.6% of acreage planted. Umatilla Russet accounted for 14.8% of plantings. The most common variety in the seven states conducting the objective yield survey was Russet Burbank, which accounted 37.8% of acres planted in the seven states. This was followed by Russet Norkotah at 10.8%.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com