How many chances does the potato harvest get?

According to an estimate from Aviko Potato, 80% of the potatoes grown for the processor had been received last weekend. For the Northern Netherlands, 20% of that percentage can be deducted. According to the company, the harvest there is only 60% complete.

A lot of work done
A lot of work was done in 1 week. On October 13, Aviko estimated the percentage harvested in the Netherlands at more than 45%. About 1 week later, 35% was added. Extensive clearing has taken place in all areas. Within a 7-day period, many areas shed or delivered more than a fifth of their acreage.

Last year the image was mirrored. Then the North was ahead of the South of the Netherlands. More was harvested in the south this autumn than in the previous two years. Only in 2 the harvest was well ahead of schedule. In the northern provinces, harvesting is lagging behind slightly. That is not yet worrying. The fact that quite a bit of clearing still needs to be done in the east and northeast is reflected in the statistics every year.

Friesland very wet
This week the weather is expected to be changeable. The precipitation isn't too bad. However, after last week's rain, it will take a while before the machines can return to the field. It is especially wet in Friesland. October has so far brought 100 millimeters of rain against and in the Noordoostpolder. It is also wet in East Flevoland. It is slightly better in the southwest. It is striking that East Brabant and Limburg are spared the rain. The harvesting is progressing smoothly there. In the southwest, areas can also be cleared again.

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It is very wet, especially in Friesland and the NOP.In the southwest, arable farmers have had to wait a long time for tubers affected by water damage to rot. According to insiders, most plots are now suitable for harvesting. An advantage is that due to the moist soil and ideal temperature, little or no harvesting damage occurs. This was different last year with the dry conditions.

The chance of night frost increases
In the long run expected the KNMI colder weather. Temperatures drop to 10 degrees during the day and the chance of precipitation increases. At night the temperature fluctuates between 6 and 7 degrees. This reduces the number of workable hours for the potato harvest. In addition, more harvesting capacity is available because more and more companies are ready. The first night frost for this year has now been registered. Closes in clear skies DCA Agroweer Local ground frost should not be removed before the end of October and the beginning of November. However, opinions are strongly divided about the temperature progression.

Harvest in Europe went smoothly
According to Aviko's statistics, the Netherlands has the dubious honor of having to harvest the most potatoes, although the Polish harvest is also around 80%. In France, Belgium and Germany, 95% have arrived. Growers in the United Kingdom still have to harvest 15%. No special situation. Only in Scotland is the tail end of storm Ophelia causing problems. Looking at previous years, the European harvest is significantly ahead of other years.

Quality significantly lower
In the north of Germany, where most potatoes are still in the ground, arable farmers were also able to make good progress last week. It was estimated that half still had to be cleared. The weather has also been good there, so a lot of work has been done. The rain does have consequences for the quality. Lots that do not keep well have been put on the market early, putting strong pressure on table potato prices.