High temperatures at the end of August have caused the Belgian potato yield to stagnate somewhat. This shows test harvesting figures. The difference between the yields in Wallonia and Flanders attracts each other. The yields are therefore average.
On September 4 and 5, 21 Bintje plots and 24 Fontane plots were again sampled by Fiwap and PCA/Inagro. On September 4, Bintje's yield averaged 47 tons per hectare in size 35mm+. In Wallonia the yield is 5 tons above that in Flanders, 49 to 44 tons per hectare. Fontane averages 50 tons 35mm+. The difference is reversed here: 52 tons in Flanders and 47 tons for Wallonia.
Bintje yield average
Bintje's average yield between 2011 and 2016 was 47 tons per hectare. The 2017 result is therefore exactly on this line. In 2016, this was considerably less, at 40 tonnes. Only in 2014 was the cultivation yield even higher, at 52 tons per hectare.
Fewer historical figures are known about Fontane. In 2016 the yield was 45 tons per hectare. In 2015 that was 49 tons. The current result is therefore slightly above that.
Hot weather takes a toll
The trial harvest figures show that growth at Bintje stagnated at the end of August. This is dedicated to the high temperatures. The ripening process varies greatly. On average, 60% of the crops have died, but the figures vary between 7% and 100%.
The crops have also grown slightly in size, but 20% of the sampled plots do not yet reach 60% in size 50mm+. The OWG increased to 375 grams, but in 6 of the plots the level is not yet above 360 grams. This is mainly the case in Flanders. Floats and other defects are rare in Bintje.
Space for regrowth
The Fontane plots show an average of 5 tons of growth in 2 weeks. Good for 375 kilos per day, after 145 growing days on average. The crops are now 26% dead. Considering the precipitation and temperatures, the Fontane's can still produce new growth.
However, the line between too much precipitation is thin and plots must also be sprayed to avoid disrupting harvest planning. About 85% of the plots now have 60% of the tubers in size 50mm+. The OWG increased to 400 grams. An underwater weight that is too low only occurs in 2 sampled plots.
First listings Belgapom and Emmeloord
Belgapom won a prize for Bintje for the first time this season on Friday, September 8. The quotation starts at €4 per 100 kilos. The quotation for early potatoes remained at €3 in a weak mood. This week, the Emmeloord exchange recorded a price for ex-country delivery of French fries potatoes for the first time. This amounts to €4 to €5 per 100 kilos. However, the Belgian quotation applies to 35mm+, while in Emmeloord it is 40mm+.