Potato crops across Canada are looking for the most part pretty good with some regions seeing more moderate yields, an Aug. 11 news release from the United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) said.
In British Columbia there has been over two months without rain, however reports so far have potato crops at above average yields and quality. The report noted harvest for all potato crops is now going full volume.
In Alberta chip growers were digging for about three weeks as of Aug. 11 with Ranger harvest for processing expected to start that week, UPGC said. So far yields have been reported as very good with a big set at 10 days ahead of schedule.
“The southern areas have not had rain and are now curtailing irrigation leaving a lot of time between now and storage crop harvesting expected around Sept. 5,” the report noted.
There’s still lots of old crops in processing plants with the majority of plants shutting down before transitioning to new crop. Further north in the Edmonton, Alta. area the seed crop is looking good as more rainfall has fallen there.
In Manitoba, there has been hot and dry conditions with little rain except for localized thunder storms keeping the pivots running, UPGC said. Early test digs are showing OK size and average yields.
“Some growers have started killing and may dig soon for the early market. If the province does receive more rain in the coming weeks later season varieties may yield better,” the report noted.
In Ontario some areas of the province have received abundant precipitation similar to Quebec. Most regions are fairing well with good yields being reported on early harvested spuds. The report noted that all growers are keeping an eye out for late blight as it has been found in a few fields.
“Early potatoes for the fresh market are in full swing in whites; reds and yellows are also moving well; russets will be a few weeks,” UPGC said.
In Quebec, there was heavy rainfall the week before Aug. 11. UPGC noted the rainfall is giving cause for concern as it has persisted for several consecutive weeks with the ground saturated in several places. The rainfall has delayed spraying of fungicides and harvesting of early varieties.
“The situation is particularly critical in the black soils and heavier soils in most areas of the St. Lawrence lowlands. The more northern and western regions have not been hit has hard with rain and the crop is looking good with early harvest expected mid-August,” the report said.
Harvest has started in the central and Lanaudiere regions with yields reported at anywhere from five to to 15 per cent below average. South of Montreal, Que. harvesting of early varieties is continuing with moderate yields being reported, while crop development is within seasonal averages.
In New Brunswick there has been lots of rain with recent weather as of Aug. 11 seeing temperatures in the low 20 C range and not a lot of sunshine.
“The crop is looking good with full canopies, but need more sun and heat. Test digs of shown an okay set, yield and quality okay as well, but some are concerned about storability if the rains continue,” UPGC said.
On Prince Edward Island old crop demand and prices remain strong with the shipping pace slowing, the report noted. The first loads of new crop yellow potatoes were shipped off the Island the week of Aug. 11. The new crop is looking good with good top growth and crop bulking happening.
Throughout the growing season the western half of the province saw average rainfall but it was drier than average in the West Prince County area. In the eastern half of the Island there was above average rainfall.
“There is concern about disease pressure (ie late blight) given wetter than normal conditions but farmers are staying on top of the issue and no late blight has been observed in fields to date,” UPGC said.
The report noted there’s potential for a decent crop, but it all depends on growing conditions for the rest of the season.
Related Articles
Potato Crop Development Varies Across Canada
