b'EYE ON THE NATION BRITISH COLUMBIA ONTARIOHugh Reynolds with Reynalda Farms Kevin Brubacher, general managerin Delta, B.C. of the Ontario Potato BoardBritish Columbia had a sunny May which allowed for the bestPlanted acreage in Ontario is expected to remain similar to last year. possible planting weather. A recent rain and the promise of more isOntario producers are expected to plant approximately 37,000 acres giving the crop a perfect start. The forest fires are mostly northeastto potatoes this year. This estimated acreage will be verified mid-July and havent bothered the potato growing region.when our planted acreage survey is complete. Early potatoes are available in all local stores. This is a goodAt the time of writing on June 14 the majority of acreage has been thing as last year planting was very late followed by no rain for theplanted. Planting in southwestern Ontario, our earliest growing summer. The light crop last year didnt fill storages, which are nowregion, got off to an early start. However, shortly after planting empty. As of June 15 were seeing good yields and quality with ourbegan, we saw extremely wet conditions bringing machinery to a limited acres. stop for seven to 10 days. With sufficient moisture in the ground and favourable weather conditions across the province, planting MANITOBA got into full swing with little interruption. Planting was completed a few days earlier than normal and producers were hoping for rain. Dan Sawatzky, general manager, Unfortunately it never came. The province was extremely dry in the Keystone Potato Producers Association month of May, causing stress on the crop. Thankfully, most of the province received much needed precipitation the first week of June. Things are looking good here in sunny Manitoba. Following aThe crop has rebounded nicely, and were hopeful for better growing drawn-out winter, summer is upon us quickly. Planting in theconditions moving forward. western part of the province began April 27, which is a few days laterThis year the Ontario Potato Board hosted the 1st Annual than normal, and the majority of the planters were in the field byOntario Potato Board Industry Social Golf Tournament on June the second week of May. The crop went in quickly and was basically28. What began as an idea to get a few growers together in a social wrapped up by the end of the month with little delay. Warm soilsetting has quickly garnered a lot of interest. The event reached full temperatures brought on rapid emergence with the first potatoes outcapacity and brought together growers, packers, processors and of the ground by the third week of May and widespread emergenceother reps from across the industry. We enjoyed having this event! If by the time of writing on June 13. Stands are looking good with theyou missed out this time, make sure to keep it in mind for next year. first fields at the hooking stage. May has been recorded as havingThe Potato Research Field Day at the Elora Research Centre the second hottest average temperature since recording began.hosted by Vanessa Currie and the Ontario Potato Field Day hosted Temperatures were 125 per cent above normal for the month andby Eugenia Banks held at HJV Equipment in Alliston, Ont. have continue to be hot in June. Dry conditions are associated with thebecome much anticipated events each summer. Were extremely heat, with rainfall being only 25 to 40 per cent of normal. The crop isexcited to host these events once again. Please reach out to the off to a much better start than last year, and the potential is there forOntario Potato Board office for details on these events if you wish to a good season.attend.Were still short on our ability to supply the needs of the processorsI wish you all a successful planting season!locally and some additional acres have been contracted outside the province. Water availability for irrigation is the limiting factor to fully supply our own needs.Within the province, contract agreements have been reached to reflect the increased cost to grow the crop. Signing will begin shortly. Wishing everyone a great growing season resulting in a bumper crop.50SPUDSMART.COMSummer 2023'