b'NEW BRUNSWICK SASKATCHEWANJean-Maurice Daigle, director of marketAnita van Loon, administrator of the information for Potatoes New Brunswick Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers Association Inc.With harvest starting, growers are praying for drier weather. TheThe 2023 season was mostly hot and dry with a lot of irrigation done crop got off to a great start at planting and received timely rainsby growers. Depending on the area, the crop looks decent to good. during the first part of the season, but the province has receivedSome of the growers expect a lower yield compared to previous years. more that the needed amount of rain in the month of August andGrowers are reporting they see ozone damage due to all the smoke the first part of September. Growers began harvesting the off-fieldfrom forest fires.processing crops the week after Labour Day and have had to workOur annual field day at the Canada Saskatchewan Irrigation around rain fall events and less than ideal digging conditions toDiversification Centre showed us the research of growing sweet deliver the crop to processors. Initial reports of the early varietiespotatoes in a short season. The research is done in high tunnels, are showing average yields, low tuber count and higher than averageunder row cover, and in regular ground.hollow heart. Ten feet digs of the storage varieties are showing theMost of the growers are busy with top killing, and some have same low tuber count and a few quality issues. started with harvest as of mid-September.The growing seasons weather meant that growers had to beWe at the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers Association wish all vigilant and keep on top of spraying the crop. Growers managed tothe growers across Canada a good and safe harvest.keep disease at bay in the field and are hoping that the conditions improve during the harvest in order to ensure the storability of the crop.HELPING YOU TAKE CONTROL THROUGHAUTOMATIONwww.ezratek.comCRATE FILLERST: (204) 331-3000BIG BAG FILLERS CONVEYORS PALLETIZERSSPUDSMART.COMFall 202359'