Demand strengthening slightly for Idaho potatoes

Potato supply from Idaho is lower than it was at this time last year.

Ryan Wahlen of Pleasant Valley Potato:

"It is a pretty significant difference relative to last year. There were fewer acres planted, and the yields last year were also pretty good. This season's yields were down."

He notes that the Russet Burbank potato size profile and pack out, even with the limited supply, is also particularly down. (Burbanks also have a packout rate that's 10-15 percent lower than Russet Norkotahs.) 

Ryan Wahlen:

"Potatoes aren't going to be scarce necessarily, but supply will tighten up."

As for demand, historically, this is a slow time of year for movement, though it did start picking up as of last week. Wahlen says this bodes well going into spring–especially as the Norkotah supply tightens and focus turns increasingly toward Burbanks. 

Pricing on potatoes

All of this is leaving pricing lower than expected.

Ryan Wahlen:

"It's fallen off since the beginning of the year. It's been slowly declining, and right now, it's the low point of the season."

Looking ahead, planting in Idaho will start in the next two weeks for the upcoming potato crop, and planting will start on time. 

Ryan Wahlen:

"Western Idaho can start a bit sooner than on the Eastern side."