2010 Potato Crop Progress in the United Kingdom

In the South most growers have finished lifting with only a few fields remaining.  These are where soils have been slow to dry out, or a disease problem has occurred and suspect tubers are being left to rot before harvesting the remainder.  Most stocks are reported to have good storage potential, although where high soil contamination occurred careful monitoring will be required.

In the East lifting progress was more “hit and miss” last week. Cold mornings meant a late start and  rain along the coast halted activity for a couple of days mid week.  In Norfolk some growers are struggling to finish lifting with 15% still to complete. In Cambridgeshire a few still have substantial areas to clear, with the wettest patches being left to return to later. However, weather permitting, most expect to complete by the end of this week.

In the West lifting is nearing completion, although cold mornings and some rain last week interrupted activity, particularly on heavy land. The limited area remaining however is expected to be finished this week.  Yield estimates remain varied but many crops, particularly in Herefordshire, have benefited from an extended growing season and exceeded expectations to an extent where some crops are surplus to storage capacity.

In Scotland lifting is almost completed in most regions, although in Angus particularly difficult conditions due to rain have remained, with progress slow and many fields still to harvest. Some growers are now reluctant to load free market supplies out of store, preferring to wait and see how trade develops.  Stocks appear to be keeping well at this stage, but scab is a major problem and some growth cracking is also reported.