The different trial harvest figures from the Netherlands and Belgium show the same picture. The potato harvest of 2017 is currently on average. There is still a clear dividing line between Dutch arable farmers and farmers in Belgium, who in some cases have been affected by extreme drought.
If we look at the test harvesting figures drawn up by various potato processors, a clear picture emerges. The gross yield of French fries potatoes is heading for a multi-year average plus. This concerns varieties such as Fontane, Innovator and Zorba. Where conditions are good, a plus can be expected. Across the board, there is talk of 2 to 3 tons per hectare above the five-year average.
Excellent potato weather
The main harvest of French fries potatoes still has a few weeks of growth ahead of it. August is characterized by excellent 'potato weather'. Temperatures around 20 degrees with regular rain showers. The long-term forecast is also variable. With average regrowth, the final hectare yield exceeds the multi-year average.
What is also noticeable in the figures from the factories are the relatively low underwater weights. This may show that there is still relatively much potential in the crops.
Big differences
The differences per cultivation area in Northwest Europe are large. This is also the case within 1 country. For example, farmers in Zeeland and North Brabant have a different picture of potato growth than those in Flevoland and Northern Netherlands. A similar situation can be observed in Belgium. It remains dry in West Flanders. The consequences of this are clearly noticeable. The yield expectations are better in Wallonia. More rain has fallen there. However, more reports are being made of overgrowth, which results in glassy tubers.
OWG is catching up
The yield figures of Van der Linde from Emmeloord, who has been sampling Innovators in the Noordoostpolder since week 30, complement the picture that processors paint. The average of 5 plots amounts to more than 59 tons per hectare. The five-year average is 58 tons. However, the crops are slightly coarser. The underwater weight started below average, but has since been updated.