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The effects of Idaho’s freeze event in early October are beginning to be realized, causing delays in packing and eventually loading trucks. Due to limited supplies, the 6- and 10-ounce No. 2 cartons will be packed at a slightly lower quality than normal Markon Essentials (ESS) Potatoes. ESS Potatoes will still meet the US No. 2 grade specifications, but will be slightly below ESS specifications in order to increase overall supplies.

Allowable Defects on No. 2 Grade Potatoes:

• A total of 12% defects are allowed in No. 2 grade supplies, but not more than 10% can be permanent defects
  • A permanent defect is one which will not continue to become/grow larger, including growth cracking, side knobs/growths, hollow heart, air check, and cut ends
  • 8% total are allowed for external defects, including not more than 6% for permanent external defects
  • 8% total are allowed for internal defects, including not more than 6% for permanent internal defects
  • Not more than a total of 2% for frozen or soft rot/wet breakdown

External Defects:

• External defects are those that are limited to the outside of the potato
  • Air checks
  • End cuts
  • Freezing injury
  • Growth cracks
  • Side cuts
  • Surface cracks

Internal Defects:

• Internal defects are those that are on the inside of the potato and cannot be detected without cutting
  • Hollow heart
  • Internal black spots
  • Net necrosis

The below pictures show the potential defects potatoes may have in No. 2 grade packs.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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