Idaho Potato Commission's Ross Johnson Provides Season Update

IDAHO - Fresh supplies of Idaho potatoes will soon be making their way to grocery store shelves. With growers preparing to harvest, I had the chance to connect with Ross Johnson, Vice President of Retail at the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), who gave me an overview of the season.

“The crop is progressing well and is currently in the important sizing and bulking stage. Growers will begin harvesting early-season potatoes soon, with the main harvest starting in the next couple of weeks. The majority of our potatoes are harvested in September and early October,” Ross began telling me. “At this point, early indications are encouraging, and we’re optimistic about the crop’s development. Early reports are very positive about the quality of this year's crop.”

Ross went on to explain that Idaho planted approximately 300,000 acres of potatoes this year, a reduction of 15,000 acres, or nearly 5 percent, from last season. That reduction is expected to help bring supply into better balance with demand.

“While overall volume is expected to be lower than last year, Idaho will still produce a substantial crop capable of supporting our retail and foodservice customers throughout the season,” he noted. “It is still early to make definitive statements about finished quality and yield, but what we are seeing in the fields gives us reason to be positive. The majority of Idaho growers are generational, and they have growing down to an art, producing the quality, consistency, and reliability customers expect from the Idaho® potato brand.”

Regarding weather conditions, Ross informed me that Idaho potato growers are experts at navigating seasonal challenges.

“We experienced two early-season frost events that temporarily slowed crop development in some growing areas, but the effects appear to have been localized. More recently, we have experienced periods of summer heat; however, Idaho growers are highly experienced in managing those conditions through irrigation and careful crop management,” Ross pointed out. “Overall, growing conditions have been favorable, the crop has continued to develop well, and we remain positive about its overall progress.”

On a final note, Ross highlighted Idaho’s commitment to quality assurance.

“Idaho is the only potato-producing state with onsite, third-party USDA shipping-point inspectors working at packing facilities. That independent inspection process, combined with Idaho’s strict grading and sizing standards, gives buyers confidence that they will receive the consistent quality represented by the ‘Grown in Idaho®’ seal. Overall, we believe the acreage reduction is a healthy adjustment for the industry, and we remain hopeful for better returns for our farmers this season compared to last year's abundant crop,” Ross concluded.

As the Idaho potato season continues to get underway, our team at AndNowUKnow will bring you the latest updates.