US: Retail prices help boost Wisconsin’s strong potato harvest

This is due to the excellent growing conditions in virtually all potato-producing regions last year. "Throughout the season, whether here in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas, or Florida, all the growing regions had an exceptional year. That’s one of the reasons the supply chain is somewhat saturated right now," says Bulgrin.

While Gumz ships potatoes year-round through partnerships in other growing regions, the supply from its Wisconsin farms should end around March, which is usually when it finishes.

See morePotato MarketsInternational PricesclassProduction InformationSpecific pesticides and herbicidesSpecialized agricultural machineryAgronomic consulting servicesTrucks for transporting potatoesBoardCentral Market

Demand status: Demand is good, although it can vary depending on the producer. "Retailers have lowered prices in stores, which has boosted our business, as it offers a better price to the customer," says Bulgrin, noting that prices are lower than last year. "They’ve also implemented some promotions. The most important thing is the reduction in the retail price, as it increases the volume of our installations. Restaurants are also operating at a slower pace, and I think that benefits the retail sector as well."

Prices are expected to remain stable for now, although next month is Potato Lovers Month, a time when Idaho growers and shippers tend to be more aggressive with their promotions, which can affect movement in other regions.

After that, planting in Wisconsin will resume in mid-May. "I think our acreage will remain stagnant, but others have talked about reducing it," Bulgrin says. "Although other growers are talking about planting more, so I guess we’ll know when planting is over."

For more information: Tom Bulgrin, Gumz Farms, Tel: +1 (608) 981-2488 , https://www.gumzfarmswi.com/