USDA projects lower Idaho spud production
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:54 AM PST
POCATELLO (AP) — The federal Agriculture Department predicts potato harvests in Idaho this year will yield about 12 percent less in 2007. USDA statistics released Monday show the state’s spud production this fall was the lowest in nearly 20 years.
About 300,000 acres of potatoes were planted and harvested in Idaho this year.
The agency expects Idaho’s potato production in 2008 will be about 115 million units, each equal to 100 pounds of spuds. Last year, Idaho yielded 130 million of these units.
United Potato Growers of Idaho President Jerry Wright says some spud growers in Idaho set aside acres this year to yield grain, which was sold at higher prices.