b'ALBERTA SASKATCHEWANTerence Hochstein, Executive Director, Matthew Lawless, President, SaskatchewanPotato Growers of Alberta Seed Potato Growers AssociationIn December 2016, it was announced Cavendish Farms would be building a newThe 2019 growing season was a challenge for Saskatchewans seed potato growers. state-of-the-art processing plant in Lethbridge, Alta. Here we are in OctoberIn the west-central area of the province, growers were faced with an abnormally wet, 2019 and the plant is now officially up and running. The potato industry in Albertacool, and humid summer. In the east, dry weather led to significant crop stress, and appears to be alive and well, so much so that it continues to expand and become airrigation reservoirs were run down very low as growers tried to keep water on their bigger player in potato production in Canada. crop. Conditions in the north were the polar opposite, as heavy rainfall made crop The year 2019 will be remembered with one wordFRUSTRATING. Ourmanagement difficult, and this rainfall continues to significantly impact the harvest-seed growers in central and northern Alberta, in some cases, have had a summerability of the potatoes.of extreme moisture, some up to twice the normal amount. Given the situation,Harvest in Saskatchewan began in mid-August, and has been progressing well it appears the acres that were harvested have produced an excellent, althoughever since with favourable weather (the exception being in the northern section of the somewhat smaller, profiled yield. The average summer temperature in Edmontonprovince). Our members are reporting a below-average yield with good quality. Our was reported to be about 16 C, some 78 C below normal. This, too, may have ledneighbours in the table sector are reporting below-average yield and size, with good to the somewhat smaller yielding crop. quality. Our members would like to wish our fellow potato growers across Canada a The processing industry has had its own share of challenges this summer with asafe harvest season, with weather much kinder than that experienced in 2018.major hailstorm going through the Taber-Barnwell area Aug. 6. Over 3,500 acres of potatoes were affected with some acres having to be written off. As of the last weekThe very best in quality, service, of September, the south needs about one week to finish off harvest. A major weatherand Northern Vigor from an event is predicted for much of Western Canada with 15 to 20 centimetres of snow and single digit freezing temperatures. If we can survive the weekend without toointernational leader in high much damage, most growers feel they will have an average yielding crop. generation seed potato productionThe PGAs Annual Potato Conference and Trade Show is coming up Nov. 19 to 21 at the Cambridge in Red Deer, Alta. If you plan on attending, please register soon by checking out the registration page on our website at www.albertapotatoes.ca.BC VegetableBRITISH COLUMBIAMarketing Commission Hugh Reynolds, Reynelda Farms, Delta, B.C.British Columbia has had an excellent growing season and we have been shipping2019 Varieties Available:wonderful potatoes and other crops. We have a great crop of potatoes to dig. Start-Clearwater RussetShepodyRanger Russeting mid-September, a cold low has stuck off our coast, giving us showers every Russet BurbankLudmillaMilvaRiver Russet couple of days. The potatoes are still in great shape, but the trucks are having SunshineBordeauxRed AppleBonnata trouble in the field and tractors with wagons are slow on the road. I am submitting Russet NorkotahWisconsin Norlandthis report Sept. 20, and at this time, the future is unpredictable. The weather can go either way and at this time we need three good weeks out of the next six to getPlease contact us to discuss tonnage this crop inside. required, pricing, and timing of deliveryHarry Meyers306 221 9286Matthew Lawless306 867 4478www.truenorthseed.com Heather Larson306 867 5499Northern Vigor is a registered trademark of the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers Association Inc.FALL 2019 SPUDSMART.COM 61'