News and Stories

Norkotah fresh-run potatoes are now the sole variety on the market. Availability is currently peaking on large-size potatoes (40- through 70-count stocks). Growers are shipping fewer small-size supplies (90- through 100-count potatoes) at this time. The majority of fresh-run potatoes will be packed in U.S. No. 1 cartons as supplies will look their best straight out of the field. This will limit U.S. No. 2 potatoes and shift demand toward U.S. No. 1 stocks, especially 90- and 100-count sizes.

Storage crop Burbank supplies have been depleted. New crop, fresh-run Burbank stocks will be available by mid-September; supplies will increase through October. Markon First Crop Burbank Potatoes will begin shipping in early November (once they complete the sweat process). 

What to expect with new crop fresh-run potato shipments now through mid-September

• Strong demand for small-size U.S. No. 1 cartons (90- and 100-count supplies) will persist, pushing up prices over of the next several weeks; the market will ease once more sheds produce new crop potatoes
• Prices for small-size U.S. No. 2 packs (6 oz. bags and cartons) will also rise while shipments are packed out of the field; this market will inch down once potatoes begin shipping out of storage
• Expect prices for large-size potatoes to remain steady over the next few weeks
• Once Burbank potatoes hit the market mid-September, the market will ease once again as there will be two varieties available
• Growing temperatures have been warm; pulp temperatures are high 
• Store potatoes at 40 to 50 degrees; adequate air flow is recommended 
• Product should not be wrapped tightly in plastic nor stored where it cannot breathe well
• New crop supplies have not gone through the sweat process yet
• Potatoes may release moisture as they cool, causing very light, white surface residue that can be easily brushed off and does not pose any quality problems
• The white residue will dissipate as potatoes dry
• During this time of the season, sheds will pack boxes heavier-than-normal by adding more potatoes because they sweat/release excess moisture and condensation that is absorbed by the corrugated carton; this action step ensures weight specifications are met
• Markon anticipates less moisture in potato shipments by late September  

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

©2015 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.