Potato processors in the United States (US) continue in top gear, according to the stock and processing figures. The larger volume of potatoes helps, although it is now being thinned out quickly.
The American potato industry processed 1 million tons of potatoes between February 1 and April 3,2. This means that the total processing is slightly lower than in the same period last year. This was not due to chip production, which was 8,5% higher. In 8 weeks, approximately 2 million tons of potatoes were processed into chips. Factories are therefore running in top gear.
Volatile figures
The segments 'table market', 'seed potatoes' and the closing item 'other' are much lower in terms of purchase; on April 1, 197.000 more tons were in storage. However, the USDA adjusted the numbers significantly in some cases between 2014 and 2018. The figures for 2018 are expected to be corrected, because they are significantly out of step with the current scenario. It creates some uncertainty.
April 2019 inventory figures include approximately 35% of the total U.S. potato crop. The stock/processing ratio is therefore the same as 1 year earlier. The potato states of Idaho and Washington obviously have by far the most potatoes in stock. Compared to 2018, this is 8% and 10% more respectively.
Potato State Idaho
The chip producers operated at full speed mainly in February, because in March production was 2% lower (year on year). This is partly due to the fact that not all factories can supply sufficient raw materials. Only in Idaho, the largest potato state in the US, do buyers have plenty of potatoes. If the current high stock of 2,5 million tons of potatoes is maintained (355.000 tons above 2018), processing for the 2019/2020 season will start later.
This is also the case for the 'Columbia Basin' region. Potato stocks in Oregon and Washington are higher, causing the harvest to start an estimated 2 weeks later; processors have more old harvest to rely on. In this area, as well as in the state of Idaho, Russets are mainly cut into French fries. The table market purchased fewer potatoes.
Progress of planting season
On the grain market, figures show that spring in the US is lagging behind other years, which is mainly due to extremes in the weather. In the Pacific Northwest, which includes Idaho, Washington and Oregon, conditions are more favorable. Planting was slightly delayed here (due to rain).
It is expected that most potatoes will be in the ground by the end of April. Delays are only increasing in parts of Idaho. In the Midwest, rain causes more delays in planting. This is not causing any major concerns at the moment.