b'EYE ON THE NATION NEW BRUNSWICK QUEBECMatt Hemphill, executive director of Sarah-Maude Larose, project officer for Les Potatoes New Brunswick Producteurs de pommes de terre du QubecThe potato crop in New Brunswick faced significant challengesIdeal digging conditions helped alleviate the pressure exerted from this year primarily due to excessive rainfall. The excessive rain ledthe heavy rainfalls received this summer. Low lying areas and to waterlogged fields, hindering proper potato growth and reduceddrown outs were left unharvested. For some, a significant drop yields and quality.in yield was observed most likely due to nutrient leaching from Compounding these weather-related challenges, the poorexcessive rainfall. Overall quality in heavier soils is somewhat down payables on the processing crop added financial strain to potatofrom past years, with more growth cracks, hollow hearts, misshapen farmers in New Brunswick. Insufficient returns for their efforts andpotatoes present. Lower yields, lower pack out rates and storage investments in cultivating potatoes for processing created economicissues are raising concerns over supply tightness. Seed potato difficulties, affecting the sustainability of potato farming operationsquality and supply is also a concern due to the growing conditions. in the region. Our annual seed day will be held on Feb. 15, 2024 in Quebec City. This combination of adverse weather conditions and financialAs a significant portion of the crop required specific attention constraints posed a dual threat to the potato industry in Newgoing into storage to mitigate spoilage, processors and packers Brunswick, emphasizing the need for support and adaptive strategiesare utilizing the stored raw to the best of their abilities. However, to mitigate the impact on both the agricultural and economicholding numbers show that utilization is higher than expected. The aspects of the sector. industry is working together to move the crop as our thoughts begin to look toward spring.SASKATCHEWANAnita van Loon, administrator of the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers Association Inc.Generally speaking, the potato harvest in Saskatchewan this past fall was decent. Weather was cooperative and most growers have been reporting average yields, to slightly above average yields on some varieties. Seed quality is very good.The fall and first part of winter have been unusually mild in Saskatchewan. Some growers reported having to run refrigeration until mid-November to adequately cool storage bins.Hopefully we will soon see some moisture on the ground. Most potato growing regions in the province have had very little or even no snow accumulation.The growers and staff of the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers Association wish all potato growers and industry personnel across Canada a happy new year. May 2024 be safe and productive for all of us.54SPUDSMART.COMWinter 2024'