By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin potato crop is looking above average this year, with growers reporting high yields and large spuds. However, the abundance of products is raising concerns about meeting demand.
Mike Carter, CEO of Bushmans' Inc. and chairman of Potatoes USA, says that growers across the country are seeing strong yields and good quality. In Wisconsin, the size profile of the crop is particularly large.
Traditionally, large potatoes go for a premium. However, the abundance of products means that growers are having to be creative with storage. Carter's farm is maxed out on storage, but he has been able to leave potatoes in the ground until space opens.
The real challenge for growers is making sure that there is strong demand for potatoes so that prices do not plummet. Carter believes that demand is high enough to support the large supply, but there is still some uncertainty.
In an interview with Mid-West Farm Report, Carter outlined how Potatoes USA is working to grow demand for U.S.-grown potatoes across the globe.
Photo Credit: istock-martijnvandernat
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables