Much has already been planted, but large differences in precipitation

In the Netherlands, planting activities for the potato season are in full swing, but growing conditions differ per region. The Gewastour farmers in the North of the country are already seeing the first signs of growth thanks to a favourable rain shower, while farmers in the South sometimes have to deal with drought.

In Midwolda (Groningen), Alex van Erp reports that his potatoes, which he planted on April 10, are already starting to sprout nicely. The shower of rain that fell there came at the right time. Gybert Doggen from Wouw (North Brabant) looks with some envy to the North: "I would have liked that shower too." In the southwest of the Netherlands it is often a challenge, he says: "Either too dry or too wet." He started planting the Gewastour plot on Monday.

In Zeeland, Brian Salomé from IJzendijke (Zeeland) has had only 1 millimeters of rain since March 7st, until last Monday, when he finally got a downpour including hail. "But it was very localized," he says, "some places only got 3 to 7 millimeters." Thanks to the 15 millimeters he got, the conditions are now ideal for tilling. He is busy: first spraying calcium, then row fertilization with nitrogen and boron. In Limburg, Ruud Steinbusch from Voerendaal (Limburg) planted the Gewastour plot last week. Since last Wednesday, 38,5 millimeters of rain fell there.

In Dronten (Flevoland) Philip Kroes is busy irrigating the potatoes to improve the conditions. He still gives some moisture because it is still quite dry at the bottom of the ridge. In Elst (Gelderland) Daan Tap expects to start milling on Friday. Last week he had to deal with a big downpour of 42 millimeters.

The differences in precipitation and growing conditions are large throughout the country. From wet beds to dry plots, it remains a challenge.

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