National Potato Council Releases New Report on Economic Potential of U.S. Potato Exports

Clint Thompson potato

WASHINGTON – The National Potato Council (NPC) revealed its latest report on the economic impact of the U.S. potato industry. The report assessed the economic contribution of U.S. potato and potato product exports and analyzed the role that expanded trade opportunities would have on U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and jobs. “The Current and Potential Impact of Expanded Potato Exports,” …

Bayer Announces Luna® Pro Fungicide

Web Admin Disease, potato

Luna® Pro fungicide, a premium premix fungicide that provides control of foliar and soilborne diseases in potatoes, is the latest release from Bayer. It utilizes prothioconazole, a DMI (DeMethylation Inhibitors) foliar fungicide, and fluopyram, an SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) fungicide. The combination of the two proven active ingredients offers a defense against early blight, white mold and other key potato …

Potato Production, Price Update

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Potato production was down in 2022 as planted acres and yield production dropped, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report. Production is down 3% from last year due mostly to a decrease of 2% in planted acres. It is the first time that annual potato production has declined five straight years since 1866. …

UF/IFAS Research: Phosphorous Rate Change for Potato Producers

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The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Plant Nutrient Oversight Committee has implemented a provisional change to the UF/IFAS phosphorous fertilizer recommendation rate for the upcoming potato season. The change was based on recent research and states that regardless of soil test phosphorous value, commercial producers may apply phosphorous fertilizer to a maximum recommended rate of …

Syngenta Product: Archive Last Line of Defense for Potato Producers

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Clint Thompson A fungicide product from Syngenta provides potato growers a last line of defense before their crop is placed into storage. Since potatoes are susceptible to diseases, especially as they can be stored up to nine months, farmers would benefit from Archive. It provides farmers an extra layer of protection right after harvest and before storage, said Chris Clemens, …

Nematode Control in Potatoes

Web Admin Disease, potato, Research

By Clint Thompson Potato producers need to be diligent in applying nematicides. Nematode control is essential every year, especially for farmers in Northeast Florida, says Zane Grabau, assistant professor of nematology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “The main thing is you can’t take a year off from applying a nematicide. If you do, …

Potato Production: Demand is Greater Than Supply

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By Clint Thompson Demand for potatoes is high, while supply remains low. That could be good news for Florida producers hoping to take advantage this spring, said John Toaspern, chief marketing officer for Potatoes USA. “(Florida’s) just coming into the market right now. They’re coming into a strong market for table-stock potatoes. Reds and other potatoes coming out of there …

Tri-County Growers Gather for Hastings Field Day

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By Frank Giles Faculty and staff of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hastings Agricultural Extension Center were excited to host growers for their 2022 spring field day in April. The event had been on hiatus the past two years due to COVID-19. Much of the tour focused on potato production, which is a significant …

Inputs a Major Concern for Potato Producers

Web Admin Agri-business, potato, Trade

By Clint Thompson Potato producers are not immune to the supply chain woes befallen other specialty crops. Kam Quarles, Chief executive officer of the National Potato Council, discusses the issues that are concerning to the potato sector. “For this past year, it’s been a really tight market. I think the challenge going forward is in regard to inputs. Fertilizer prices …

Late Plantings This Year Helps Potato Producers

Web Admin Agri-business, potato, Weather

By Clint Thompson A planting delay for some Florida potato producers this year might have saved some from a damaged crop due to the Jan. 30 freeze event. Lincoln Zotarelli, associate professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), confirmed delays due to seed arriving late amid the current supply chain shortage. Seed that would …