b'the Elora Research Centre and the Ontario Potato Field Day heldAcreage is projected to increase to meet the processing needs, at HJV Equipment in Alliston have become much anticipatedchip is expected to remain flat, and a slight acreage increase in the events each summer. We are extremely excited for the day we arefresh and seed sectors are expected. Seed shipping was a busy time, able to once again host these events safely and see everyone inand there didnt seem to be any open seed available either.person. Please feel free to reach out to the board office for detailsAs for the 2020 crop, a few of the larger packers will just make and updates on these events as the summer progresses. it to new crop. Holdings are in tight supply and quality seems to be good overall. The pandemic has brought a very welcomed increase in demand from the retail sector. We are optimistic the foodservice industry will rebound as the restrictions are NEW BRUNSWICK being lifted for restaurants and other group gatherings. If the foodservice demand does a strong come back, the tight Jean-Maurice Daigle, director of marketinventories of the old crop could be an issue.information for Potatoes New Brunswick Mother Nature is ever challenging, we wish every grower timely rains!Optimism reigns in 2021 as glimpses of a return to normal (pre COVID-19) market conditions are apparent in future sales and contract volume increases. Potato growers in New Brunswick saw an earlier arrival to spring than they are used to. A mild winter and very little frost meant growers were on the fields 10 to 14 days ahead of normal and planting being over 95 per cent done by the first of June. Growers were also informed by the processors late last fall that the contract volume would return to crop 19 levels and thus as a result, planted acres in the province will be up 15 to 18 per cent compared to last year as a result in increased contract demand. These spring conditions are a welcome change from the previous year where COVID-19 was causing havoc on demand. Processors were wondering what to do with the excess processing potatoes in storage and cutting volume to reflect loss sales.Following a very difficult crop year in 2020 due to drought conditions throughout the province and reduced yield, therePotato Handling & Transportation Equipmentis hope amongst the growers that 2021 will shape up to be a normal year. Although there is still a lot of growing season left,Self-Unloading Bulk Bedsthe start is certainly a pleasant welcome. -18-30 LengthThe forecast is calling for needed rain and growers are busy-Painted Steel or Stainless Steelwith hilling operations. It remains to be seen what the crop year-Several Unloading Belt Options will bring, but fingers are crossed Mother Nature cooperates and-Various Tarp Options helps the growers produce a quality crop.QUEBECSarah-Maude Larose, project officer for Les Producteurs de pommes de terre du QubecSpring arrived early for most regions of Quebec, and we had-30-36wide Telescoping Boomnearly ideal planting conditions as well. Spring has beenPlanter Fillers and Mini Pilers-Gensets Available For on Field Usegenerally dry and windy, but most regions did receive some much-needed rainfall at the end of May. Conveyors Available in 30-48 width Scan QR code toOverall, crop development is progressing well. Germination-Straightvisit our and growth have been challenged at a variety of temperatures.-Telescoping website or call us at:-Pivoting/Telescoping P: 204-362-0731Maximums above 30 C were recorded in May, while other days and-Trough Design Available TF:1-866-325-9374nights the temperature dipped causing frost damages. Damaged-Custom Design Available E:[email protected] should send up new growth within 10 to 14 days.SPUDSMART.COM Summer 202143'