Potato

With the cold temperatures and snowy conditions as of late, growers may not be thinking about disease pressures and pest management.  But potato growers are encouraged to think about pests like Colorado potato beetle now to ensure a great harvest in 2023.   ...

A new assistant professor at the University of Idaho is trying to tackle a big problem before the potato industry; reducing post-harvest losses.  Gustavo Teixeria said as the global population continues to increase, and resources become more limited, it’s vital that post-harvest losses are minimized or removed.   "The o...

According to NASS, the value of all potatoes sold last year in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, totaled $1.92 billion.     Washington's 2021 potato crop sold was valued at $666 million, down 5% from 2020.  The marketing year average price for fall potatoes was $7.75 per cwt, up...

According to NASS, Hay acres across the Northwest increased 6% year-over-year, while, potato acres dropped 4% from 2021. Idaho potato acres are estimated at 290,000, down 8% from the previous year.  Harvested area, at 289,500 acres, is also down 8% from the previous year.  In...

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Basket Survey, the average cost of a summer cookout for ten people is $69.68, which breaks down to less than $7 per person. AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan said the overall cost for the cookout is up 17% year over year, for a variety of reasons. “One o...

Potato Sustainability Alliance will host their first-ever Summer Symposium in Boise in July.  John Mesko, PSA Executive Director said the purpose of the four-day event is to move the industry forward when it comes to quantifying and reporting sustainability. “...

Earlier this spring, the University of Idaho unveiled its new multimillion dollar Seed Potato Germplasm lab on the Moscow campus.  Jenny Durrin, Director of the Seed Potato Germplasm Program, noted the state of the art facility actually got its start in 2016 when school and industry officials started conversations to address growing needs for producers statewide.  Du...

The first shipments of U.S. fresh potatoes made their way through the Mexican border and to Mexican consumers this month, wrapping up one of the longest trade disputes in USDA history. For over 25 years, regulatory and legal obstructions have kept U ...

When the Idaho Potato Commission found out they would need a new leader, they turned to one of their own. Jamey Higham, a 5th generation grower from the Shelly area became the new President and CEO of the commission on January 1st. He noted he has been an admirer of the commission for a long time ...

Potato growers have a lot to address in 2022, outside of weather and growing conditions. Blair Richardson, CEO of Potatoes USA said like the entire farming community, potato growers are trying to overcome logistical issues, inflation, rising input costs as well as the war in Ukraine ...