Canadá: Early harvest of table, chip, and processing potatoes has begun in most provinces

While there is still considerable time left for many growing regions, the Canadian crop in mid-August appears to have good potential (in many but not all regions) to meet the needs of industry and rebound after reductions in yield and production experienced due to growing conditions in the previous two seasons. Early harvest of table, chip, and processing potatoes has begun in most provinces. A summary of crop progress from east to west follows:

Prince Edward Island:

The potato crop in PEI has experienced almost ideal growing

conditions for the first 90-100 days of its growing season. The

province received 130 plus mm of rainfall during the month of July, a

welcome change from the drought of previous years.

New Brunswick:

The overall health of the crop is good to excellent. The moisture level

in the northern part of the province is dry to very dry, so timely

moisture is still needed to finish the later maturing varieties.

Moisture levels in the southern area of the province have been

better but will still need rain.

Quebec:

Although the growing season has been excellent earlier on, the

excessive heat and dry conditions experienced lately have been

stressing the crop. The early table harvest got off to a great start with

potential for a high yielding crop, however later season varieties

could be negatively impacted on both yield and size. Growers who

have the ability to irrigate are busy doing so.

Ontario:

The 2021 potato crop has enjoyed a nice growing season throughout

the province. Some years would see large differentials in moisture

levels and resulting yields from the southern Simcoe county to the

northern parts of Dufferin county. This year, abundant rainfall has

taken some of the pressure off long days of running irrigation

systems.

Manitoba:

Fresh potato growing areas of the province have experienced the

most severe drought in the province, with very hot and dry

conditions. Many reservoirs in the Carmen and Winkler areas have

been drained and yield is being substantially affected at this time.

Current estimates are 50% of a normal crop. Rain is forecast for the

weekend, but unfortunately many fields will not have the benefit of

that moisture, as producers need to start top killing for harvest.

Processing

Temperatures are once again into the mid 30’s this week. Stress from

heat is beginning to show up in processing fields, particularly on

varieties like Russet Burbank which are susceptible to early dying.

Most reservoirs have run out of water but those drawing from the

aquifer or Assiniboine River have adequate water. Some rain

(between half an inch to an inch) fell over the past week with more

forecasted this week. Early harvest on Rangers began August 10th and matched or exceeded expectations for yield with good size profile.

Old crop finished over the weekend, although Simplot is planning on

bringing in additional crop from ND during this week.

Saskatchewan:

Despite the heat and drought this year, Saskatchewan has a very

decent looking crop. Growers have been able to keep up with water

demand using irrigation, which is expected to produce a better crop

than the previous two years, in terms of both quality and yield. Crop

stages are extremely varied due to the heat, and also smoke from

wildfires.

Alberta:

The province received one inch of rain this week – the first in about

two months. Hot temperatures are starting to cool off, but crop

damage has already been done. The crops do look green and lush on

top, but underneath is a very different story.

British Columbia:

The province has had record setting heat since June 15th. Most

growers have been able to keep water to the fields which should

result in a good average yield but not like the one experienced last

year. Early harvest has been going on for some time.

Click here for the full report

For more information:

Kevin MacIsaac

United Potato Growers of Canada

Kevin@unitedpotatocanada.com