Russet prices rising

Long-sluggish russet markets are beginning to strengthen, and prices should continue to rise as the 2011-2012 deal enters its homestretch this summer.

Strong processing demand was beginning to tip the scales in March in what has been a year of abundant fresh-market supplies and low prices, said Kevin Stanger, senior vice president of sales for Wada Farms Marketing Group LLC, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

“The reports always indicated that we’d have a few more spuds this year, but that the dehi and fry markets would be a hair short, and that’s coming to fruition,” he said March 13.

Processing buyers have begun buying large amounts from fresh shippers, Stanger said. As a result, inventories have tightened, packing lines have slowed down and prices have risen.

Dick Thomas, vice president of sales for Idaho Falls-based Potandon Produce LLC, agreed.

“The market has been very active recently, and we’ve seen an uptick in pricing,” Thomas said March 13. “We foresee very strong markets going through the summer.”