Potato Stocks

Potato
Stocks
Washington, D.C.

Released December 14, 2007, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department
of Agriculture. For information on Potato Stocks call Cathy Scherrer at (202) 720-4285, office hours 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET.

Potato Stocks Up 4 Percent from Last Year
The 13 major potato States held 270 million cwt of potatoes in storage December 1, 2007, up 4 percent from
last year and 6 percent above December 1, 2005. Potatoes in storage account for 68 percent of the 2007 fall
storage States’ production, up 1 percentage point from last year. Klamath Basin stocks totaled 4.20 million
cwt on December 1, 2007, up 5 percent from last year. Klamath Basin includes California and Klamath
County, Oregon potato stocks. Potato disappearance, at 130 million cwt, is virtually unchanged from last
year but up 8 percent from 2005. Season to date shrink and loss, at 13.9 million cwt, is up 5 percent from
2006 and 9 percent above 2 years ago. Processors in the 9 major States have used 72.0 million cwt of
potatoes this season, down 3 percent from a year ago but 10 percent above 2 years ago. Dehydrating usage
accounts for 12.7 million cwt of the total processing, down 13 percent from last year but 7 percent above the
same date in 2005.

Pot 1-2 (12-07)

Table of Contents
Page
December Stocks .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Monthly Processing, 9 States ............................................................................................................................ 4
Stocks by Type ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Area, Yield, and Production
By Season and State ............................................................................................................................ 5
By State and United States .................................................................................................................. 8
Disposition and December Stocks 2004-2007 ................................................................................................. 10
Production, Sold, Not Sold, and Kept for Seed, United States ........................................................................ 12
Shrinkage and Loss .......................................................................................................................................... 12
Potato Objective Yield Survey Results ........................................................................................................... 12
Potato Size and Grade ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Farm Marketings ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Stocks Narrative .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Production Narrative ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Reliability ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
December Stocks: Preliminary vs. Final 1997-2007 ...................................................................................... 20

Potato Stocks
December 2007

2

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Fall Potatoes: Production and Stocks, 13 Major States,
December 1, 2006-2007 1
Crop of 2006
State

Crop of 2007

Prod

Stocks
Dec 1,
2006

%
of
Prod

Prod

Stocks
Dec 1,
2007

%
of
Prod

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

Percent

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

Percent

CA
CO
ID
ME
MI
MN
MT
NE
NY
ND
OR
WA
WI

3,870
22,686
128,915
17,980
14,190
20,400
3,518
8,730
5,700
25,480
18,533
89,900
29,370

1,800
17,200
90,000
14,400
8,100
13,300
3,300
5,800
3,000
17,300
16,000
49,000
20,100

47
76
70
80
57
65
94
66
53
68
86
55
68

4,223
20,981
131,650
16,530
14,700
20,680
3,696
7,800
5,216
23,660
20,238
102,300
28,160

2,000
15,200
94,000
12,700
9,500
13,500
3,600
5,200
2,800
14,500
18,000
60,000
19,000

47
72
71
77
65
65
97
67
54
61
89
59
67

13 States

389,272

259,300

67

399,834

270,000

68

Klamath Basin 2
1
2

4,000

4,200

Stocks include processor holdings and most of the seed to plant following year's crop. Seed usage for all seasons in 2007 totaled
26.4 million cwt.
Includes potato stocks in CA and Klamath Co. OR.

Fall Potatoes: Production and Stocks, 13 Major States, 1998-2007
Crop
Year
1998 1
1999 1
2000 1
2001 1
2002 1
2003 1
2004 1
2005
2006
2007
1

Production

Dec 1

Jan 1

Feb 1

Mar 1

Apr 1

May 1

Jun 1

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

423,170
420,567
458,827
387,033
407,085
403,181
403,587
374,298
389,272
399,834

280,910
275,100
310,300
258,750
264,485
267,900
271,100
253,800
259,300
270,000

246,230
239,910
275,270
224,680
231,490
233,590
236,700
220,500
226,100

209,640
207,150
234,260
192,090
199,020
200,230
203,490
189,100
192,600

173,650
169,620
197,670
158,590
165,210
166,280
168,020
155,500
159,700

131,220
128,410
153,520
119,950
125,770
126,110
128,900
115,700
121,000

87,895
86,915
109,160
81,200
83,040
85,000
88,550
75,900
79,050

50,270
47,220
61,270
42,990
45,880
46,020
51,700
41,560
44,460

15 major States.

NOTE: Stocks are defined as the quantity (whether sold or not) remaining in storage for all purposes and
uses, including seed potatoes that are not yet moved, and shrinkage, waste, and other losses that occur after
the date of each report. Sales of fall potatoes for all purposes for the past 5 years averaged 91.1 percent of
the total fall production. Shrinkage, loss, and home use account for the remaining 8.9 percent.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

3

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Quantity Used for Processing, 9 States, 2005-2007 1
State and
Crop Year

Dec 1

Jan 1

Feb 1

Mar 1

Apr 1

May 1

Jun 1

Season

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

ID & OR-Mal
2005
2006
2007

22,840
27,090
26,230

29,300
34,070

35,970
41,350

43,300
48,940

50,820
56,650

57,830
63,680

65,030
71,220

77,360
85,630

1,365
1,755
1,695

1,880
2,360

2,485
2,910

3,090
3,465

3,800
4,185

4,450
4,810

5,130
5,470

6,825
7,560

WA & OR-Oth
2005
2006
2007

30,310
30,980
28,995

35,895
37,060

40,545
42,190

48,290
49,930

55,320
56,690

61,855
63,170

69,360
70,410

78,550
77,355

Other Sts 3
2005
2006
2007

11,055
14,270
15,120

14,070
17,695

17,005
21,290

19,895
24,545

22,520
28,040

25,270
31,370

27,740
34,830

35,535
43,315

Total
2005
2006
2007

65,570
74,095
72,040

81,145
91,185

96,005
107,740

114,575
126,880

132,460
145,565

149,405
163,030

167,260
181,930

198,270
213,860

Dehydrated 4
2005
2006
2007

11,920
14,590
12,740

15,655
19,250

19,225
23,635

22,765
27,885

26,605
32,210

30,065
36,480

34,130
40,915

41,625
49,370

ME 2
2005
2006
2007

1
2
3
4

Total quantity received and used for processing regardless of the State in which the potatoes were produced. Amount excludes
quantities used for potato chips in ME and WI.
Includes Maine grown potatoes only.
CO, MN, NV, ND, and WI.
Dehydrated products except starch and flour. Included in above totals. Includes CO, ID, NV, ND, OR, WA, and WI.
Fall Potatoes: Stocks by Type as Percent of Total Stocks,
10 Selected States, December 1, 2006-2007
Potato Types
State

CO
ID
ME
MI
MN
NY
ND
OR
WA
WI
10 St Avg
1

Reds

Round Whites

Yellows 1

Long Whites

2006

2007

2006

2007

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

3
2
2
1
12
5
15
1
2
4

4
2
3
1
12
16
14
1
3
4

13
38
87
4
90
17
2
1
14

42
86
8
69
16
4
4
34

4

4

10

11

Russets

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

3
2

3
1

11
1
2
1

2
13
2
2
5

4
2
7

1
1

2

3

2

84
96
60
12
82
5
66
95
92
82

82
94
52
12
80
2
66
92
85
62

84

80

Estimates began in 2007.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

4

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Seasonal
Group and
State

Potatoes: Area Planted, Harvested, Yield, and Production
by Seasonal Group, State, and United States, 2005-2007
Area Planted
Area Harvested
2005

2006

2007

2005

2006

2007

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

Winter 1
CA
FL 2

14.0
6.0

12.0
5.7

11.5

14.0
5.8

12.0
5.5

11.5

Total

20.0

17.7

11.5

19.8

17.5

11.5

4.3
15.1
23.6
17.3
6.3
15.5
9.5

3.9
15.3
23.1
17.0
6.1
17.7
10.7

4.0
15.5
27.8
16.5
11.3
16.0
9.7

4.3
15.1
23.2
17.0
6.2
15.0
9.1

3.9
15.3
22.6
16.6
6.0
15.5
10.2

4.0
15.5
27.2
16.2
11.0
14.5
9.2

68.0

70.7

73.0

66.7

67.5

70.4

Spring 1
AZ
CA
FL 2
Hastings
Other FL
NC
TX
Total
State

Yield

Production

2005

2006

2007

2005

2006

2007

Cwt

Cwt

Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

Winter 1
CA
FL 2

250
240

260
250

215

3,500
1,392

3,120
1,375

2,473

Total

247

257

215

4,892

4,495

2,473

275
405
281
280
285
190
225

300
395
285
285
285
210
280

280
395
284
280
290
190
320

1,183
6,116
6,527
4,760
1,767
2,850
2,048

1,170
6,044
6,441
4,731
1,710
3,255
2,856

1,120
6,123
7,726
4,536
3,190
2,755
2,944

281

293

294

18,724

19,766

20,668

Spring 1
AZ
CA
FL 2
Hastings
Other FL
NC
TX
Total
1
2

Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.
Winter potatoes combined with spring potatoes in 2007.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

5

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Seasonal
Group and
State

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested by Seasonal Group, State,
and United States, 2005-2007
Area Planted
Area Harvested
2005

2006

2007

2005

2006

2007

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

Summer 1
AL
CA
CO
DE
IL
KS
MD
MO
NJ
TX
VA

1.6
6.2
5.0
3.3
5.7
5.1
3.5
6.5
2.1
9.4
5.0

1.7
6.3
3.7
3.0
6.5
6.0
4.0
7.8
2.5
10.5
6.0

1.5
7.0
3.0
2.0
6.3
4.5
3.0
7.0
2.3
11.2
6.0

1.3
6.2
4.9
3.1
5.5
5.0
3.4
6.3
2.1
8.7
4.9

1.6
6.3
3.6
2.1
6.3
5.7
2.9
7.6
2.5
9.7
5.6

1.3
7.0
2.8
2.0
6.1
4.4
3.0
6.7
2.3
8.9
5.8

Total

53.4

58.0

53.8

51.4

53.9

50.3

7.6
58.2
325.0
21.0
304.0
57.5
2.5
43.0
46.0
10.7
19.5
5.5
4.7
20.5
92.0
3.7
37.3
3.8
33.5
11.5
0.5
154.0
68.0

8.6
59.9
335.0
21.0
314.0
58.5
3.1
43.5
51.0
10.6
19.5
6.6
5.0
20.6
100.0
3.3
35.0
3.5
31.5
11.0
0.5
156.0
66.0

8.2
59.2
350.0
21.0
329.0
57.1
2.7
42.5
50.0
11.3
20.5
7.5
5.5
19.0
97.0
3.2
36.5
3.5
33.0
10.5
0.6
165.0
64.5

7.6
58.0
323.0
21.0
302.0
56.2
2.4
42.8
43.0
10.6
19.4
5.5
4.2
20.1
82.0
3.6
37.1
3.8
33.3
11.0
0.5
154.0
68.0

8.6
59.7
334.0
21.0
313.0
58.0
3.1
43.0
48.0
10.5
19.4
6.6
5.0
19.0
98.0
3.1
35.0
3.5
31.5
10.5
0.5
155.0
66.0

8.2
59.1
349.0
21.0
328.0
57.0
2.7
42.0
47.0
11.2
20.0
7.5
5.5
18.3
91.0
3.0
36.5
3.5
33.0
10.0
0.6
165.0
64.0

967.7

993.7

1,010.8

949.0

983.0

997.6

1,109.1

1,140.1

1,149.1

1,086.9

1,121.9

1,129.8

Fall
CA
CO
ID
10 SW Co
Other ID
ME
MA
MI
MN
MT
NE
NV
NM
NY
ND
OH
OR
Malheur
Other OR
PA
RI
WA
WI
Total
US
1

Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

6

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Seasonal
Group and
State

Potatoes: Yield and Production by Seasonal Group, State,
and United States, 2005-2007
Yield

Production

2005

2006

2007

2005

2006

2007

Cwt

Cwt

Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

Summer 1
AL
CA
CO
DE
IL
KS
MD
MO
NJ
TX
VA

150
355
375
260
380
360
260
340
255
465
210

150
335
360
240
395
320
320
315
240
440
270

120
360
360
260
400
345
300
305
255
420
185

195
2,201
1,838
806
2,090
1,800
884
2,142
536
4,046
1,029

240
2,111
1,296
504
2,489
1,824
928
2,394
600
4,268
1,512

156
2,520
1,008
520
2,440
1,518
900
2,044
587
3,738
1,073

Total

342

337

328

17,567

18,166

16,504

435
395
366
470
359
275
260
325
410
325
425
425
420
260
250
240
594
450
610
250
210
620
410

450
380
386
475
380
310
240
330
425
335
450
445
420
300
260
325
530
435
540
260
260
580
445

515
355
377
490
370
290
295
350
440
330
390
390
420
285
260
325
554
455
565
220
300
620
440

3,306
22,910
118,288
9,870
108,418
15,455
624
13,910
17,630
3,445
8,245
2,338
1,764
5,226
20,500
864
22,023
1,710
20,313
2,750
105
95,480
27,880

3,870
22,686
128,915
9,975
118,940
17,980
744
14,190
20,400
3,518
8,730
2,937
2,100
5,700
25,480
1,008
18,533
1,523
17,010
2,730
130
89,900
29,370

4,223
20,981
131,650
10,290
121,360
16,530
797
14,700
20,680
3,696
7,800
2,925
2,310
5,216
23,660
975
20,238
1,593
18,645
2,200
180
102,300
28,160

403

406

410

382,743

398,921

409,221

390

393

397

423,926

441,348

448,866

Fall
CA
CO
ID
10 SW Co
Other ID
ME
MA
MI
MN
MT
NE
NV
NM
NY
ND
OH
OR
Malheur
Other OR
PA
RI
WA
WI
Total
US
1

Estimates for current year carried forward from an earlier forecast.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

7

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

AL
AZ
CA
CO
DE
FL
ID
IL
KS
ME
MD
MA
MI
MN
MO
MT
NE
NV
NJ
NM
NY
NC
ND
OH
OR
PA
RI
TX
VA
WA
WI
US

Potato Stocks
December 2007

Potatoes: Area Planted and Harvested by State
and United States, 2005-2007
Area Planted

Area Harvested

2005

2006

2007

2005

2006

2007

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1,000 Acres

1.6
4.3
42.9
63.2
3.3
29.6
325.0
5.7
5.1
57.5
3.5
2.5
43.0
46.0
6.5
10.7
19.5
5.5
2.1
4.7
20.5
15.5
92.0
3.7
37.3
11.5
0.5
18.9
5.0
154.0
68.0

1.7
3.9
42.2
63.6
3.0
28.8
335.0
6.5
6.0
58.5
4.0
3.1
43.5
51.0
7.8
10.6
19.5
6.6
2.5
5.0
20.6
17.7
100.0
3.3
35.0
11.0
0.5
21.2
6.0
156.0
66.0

1.5
4.0
42.2
62.2
2.0
27.8
350.0
6.3
4.5
57.1
3.0
2.7
42.5
50.0
7.0
11.3
20.5
7.5
2.3
5.5
19.0
16.0
97.0
3.2
36.5
10.5
0.6
20.9
6.0
165.0
64.5

1.3
4.3
42.9
62.9
3.1
29.0
323.0
5.5
5.0
56.2
3.4
2.4
42.8
43.0
6.3
10.6
19.4
5.5
2.1
4.2
20.1
15.0
82.0
3.6
37.1
11.0
0.5
17.8
4.9
154.0
68.0

1.6
3.9
42.2
63.3
2.1
28.1
334.0
6.3
5.7
58.0
2.9
3.1
43.0
48.0
7.6
10.5
19.4
6.6
2.5
5.0
19.0
15.5
98.0
3.1
35.0
10.5
0.5
19.9
5.6
155.0
66.0

1.3
4.0
42.2
61.9
2.0
27.2
349.0
6.1
4.4
57.0
3.0
2.7
42.0
47.0
6.7
11.2
20.0
7.5
2.3
5.5
18.3
14.5
91.0
3.0
36.5
10.0
0.6
18.1
5.8
165.0
64.0

1,109.1

1,140.1

1,149.1

1,086.9

1,121.9

1,129.8

8

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

Potatoes: Yield and Production by State
and United States, 2005-2007
Yield 1

Production

2005

2006

2007

2005

2006

2007

Cwt

Cwt

Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

AL
AZ
CA
CO
DE
FL
ID
IL
KS
ME
MD
MA
MI
MN
MO
MT
NE
NV
NJ
NM
NY
NC
ND
OH
OR
PA
RI
TX
VA
WA
WI

150
275
353
393
260
273
366
380
360
275
260
260
325
410
340
325
425
425
255
420
260
190
250
240
594
250
210
342
210
620
410

150
300
359
379
240
278
386
395
320
310
320
240
330
425
315
335
450
445
240
420
300
210
260
325
530
260
260
358
270
580
445

120
280
363
355
260
284
377
400
345
290
300
295
350
440
305
330
390
390
255
420
285
190
260
325
554
220
300
369
185
620
440

195
1,183
15,123
24,748
806
7,919
118,288
2,090
1,800
15,455
884
624
13,910
17,630
2,142
3,445
8,245
2,338
536
1,764
5,226
2,850
20,500
864
22,023
2,750
105
6,094
1,029
95,480
27,880

240
1,170
15,145
23,982
504
7,816
128,915
2,489
1,824
17,980
928
744
14,190
20,400
2,394
3,518
8,730
2,937
600
2,100
5,700
3,255
25,480
1,008
18,533
2,730
130
7,124
1,512
89,900
29,370

156
1,120
15,339
21,989
520
7,726
131,650
2,440
1,518
16,530
900
797
14,700
20,680
2,044
3,696
7,800
2,925
587
2,310
5,216
2,755
23,660
975
20,238
2,200
180
6,682
1,073
102,300
28,160

US

390

393

397

423,926

441,348

448,866

1

Derived

Potato Stocks
December 2007

9

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

Fall Potatoes: Production, December 1 Stocks, and Farm Disposition,
13 Storage States and Fall Season States, 2004-2007 Crop Years
Total
Farm Disposition
Used
Where Grown
Crop
Stocks
Production
For
Year
Dec 1
Seed, Feed,
Shrinkage
Fall
Home Use
and Loss
Seed
1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

Sold
1,000 Cwt

CA
2004
2005
2006
2007

3,648
3,306
3,870
4,223

3,000
1,600
1,800
2,000

213
249
210

1

292
331
480

3,355
2,975
3,390

2004
2005
2006
2007

23,791
22,910
22,686
20,981

18,000
17,200
17,200
15,200

1,513
1,498
1,480

1,300
1,200
1,140

2,286
1,650
2,056

20,205
20,060
19,490

2004
2005
2006
2007

131,970
118,288
128,915
131,650

93,500
85,000
90,000
94,000

7,150
7,370
7,875

1,250
1,230
1,188

10,902
7,800
8,200

119,818
109,258
119,527

2004
2005
2006
2007

19,065
15,455
17,980
16,530

15,000
12,500
14,400
12,700

1,231
1,264
1,236

190
242
228

4,900
1,183
1,482

13,975
14,030
16,270

2004
2005
2006
2007

13,650
13,910
14,190
14,700

8,000
7,900
8,100
9,500

860
1,044
961

194
182
180

1,656
1,728
1,800

11,800
12,000
12,210

2004
2005
2006
2007

18,920
17,630
20,400
20,680

13,000
13,500
13,300
13,500

837
1,040
1,190

100
140
250

1,750
1,600
1,700

17,070
15,890
18,450

2004
2005
2006
2007

3,551
3,445
3,518
3,696

3,500
3,400
3,300
3,600

257
244
270

156
156
180

276
210
130

3,119
3,079
3,208

2004
2005
2006
2007

9,288
8,245
8,730
7,800

6,300
5,600
5,800
5,200

519
515
521

212
231
200

906
834
775

8,170
7,180
7,755

2004
2005
2006
2007

5,184
5,226
5,700
5,216

2,300
2,900
3,000
2,800

451
453
460

100
100
100

513
491
480

4,571
4,635
5,120

CO

ID

ME

MI

MN

MT

NE

NY

--continued

Potato Stocks
December 2007

10

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

Fall Potatoes: Production, December 1 Stocks, and Farm Disposition,
13 States and Fall Season, 2004-2007 (continued)
Total
Farm Disposition
Used
Where Grown
Crop
Stocks
Production
For
Year
Dec 1
Seed, Feed,
Shrinkage
Fall
Home Use
and Loss
Seed
1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

Sold
1,000 Cwt

ND

OH 1

2004
2005
2006
2007

26,765
20,500
25,480
23,660

19,600
14,000
17,300
14,500

1,794
1,900
1,853

240
240
240

2,825
1,810
2,290

23,700
18,450
22,950

2004
2005
2006
2007

1,080

200

73

6

33

1,041

2004
2005
2006
2007

19,775
22,023
18,533
20,238

17,000
19,000
16,000
18,000

955
837
880

241
255
260

1,264
1,392
1,020

18,270
20,376
17,253

2004
2005
2006
2007

2,640

1,600

253

39

216

2,385

2004
2005
2006
2007

93,810
95,480
89,900
102,300

50,000
52,500
49,000
60,000

3,850
3,900
4,290

240
240
240

5,600
6,000
5,500

87,970
89,240
84,160

2004
2005
2006
2007

30,450
27,880
29,370
28,160

20,100
18,700
20,100
19,000

1,360
1,452
1,430

260
300
245

1,985
1,380
1,925

28,205
26,200
27,200

2004
2005
2006
2007

403,587
374,298
389,272
399,834

271,100
253,800
259,300
270,000

21,316
21,766
22,656

4,529
4,516
4,451

35,404
26,409
27,838

363,654
343,373
356,983

2004
2005
2006
2007

410,253
382,743
398,921
409,221

21,593
22,415
23,337

4,549
4,545
4,482

35,923
27,115
28,576

369,781
351,083
365,863

OR

PA 1

WA

WI

13 States 2

Fall States

Klamath Basin 3

2004
2005
2006
2007
1
2
3

4,000
4,200

Stock estimates discontinued in 2005.
15 Storage States in 2004.
Estimates began in December 2006. Includes potato stocks in CA and Klamath Co. OR.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

11

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Potatoes: Production, Sold, Not Sold, and Kept for Seed,
United States, 2002-2007
Fall Potatoes
Crop
Year

Production

Sold

Sold
as % of
Prod

Not Sold

Not Sold
as % of
Prod

Amount Used
for Seed
All Seasons
Following
Year

1,000 Cwt

1,000 Cwt

Percent

1,000 Cwt

Percent

1,000 Cwt

2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007

413,581
410,588
410,253
382,743
398,921
409,221

Crop
Year

To
Dec 1
Million Cwt

2004
2005
2006
2007
1

1

15.5
12.7
13.2
13.9

378,796
371,755
369,781
351,083
365,863

91.6
90.5
90.1
91.7
91.7

34,785
38,833
40,472
31,660
33,058

8.4
9.5
9.9
8.3
8.3

Potatoes: Shrinkage and Loss, 13 Fall Storage States, 2004-2007
To
To
To
To
To
Jan 1
Feb 1
Mar 1
Apr 1
May 1
Million Cwt

19.1
15.0
16.1

Million Cwt

22.0
16.8
18.4

Million Cwt

24.8
18.4
20.4

Million Cwt

27.3
20.2
22.3

Million Cwt

29.7
22.0
24.0

28,149
26,687
24,768
25,659
26,437

Total
Jun 1

Season

Million Cwt

Million Cwt

32.5
23.7
25.5

35.4
26.4
27.8

15 Fall Storage States.

2007 Potato Objective Yield Data
The National Agricultural Statistics Service conducted potato objective yield surveys in the 7 major fall
producing States in 2007. These 7 States account for 84 percent of the fall potato production. Sample plots
were located in potato fields that were selected on a random basis using a scientifically designed sampling
procedure. Field workers recorded counts and measurements. Survey data from the objective yield counts
are presented in the following two tables and are provided to show information about the crop and trends in
production.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

12

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Fall Potatoes: Harvest Loss by Type, Seven Objective
Yield States, 2006-2007 1 2
State

Crop
Year

ID

2006
2007

ME

2006
2007

MN

2006
2007

ND

2006
2007

OR

Reds

Whites

Yellows 3

Russets

All Types

Cwt per Acre

Cwt per Acre

Cwt per Acre

Cwt per Acre

Cwt per Acre

31
26

30
27

20
18

23
16

21
17

10
10

28
15

24
30

20
21

13
17

21
22

38
34

28
27

2006
2007

18
44

36
29

34
30

WA

2006
2007

15
14

20
20

19
19

WI

2006
2007

10
13

13
11

14
11

1
2
3

24

Potatoes left in the field at time of harvest. Based on counts in potato fields selected for postharvest samples.
Missing data represents insufficient number of samples.
Field counts began in 2007.
Fall Potatoes: Number of Hills by Type, Seven Objective
Yield States, 2006-2007 1 2
Reds
Whites
Yellows 3
State

ID

Crop
Year

Number
of
Samples

Avg No.
Hills
per Acre

Number
of
Samples

Avg No.
Hills
per Acre

Number
of
Samples

Russets

Avg No.
Hills
per Acre

Number
of
Samples

Avg No.
Hills
per Acre

2006
2007

6
3

13,811
17,356

4
8

12,019
14,131

4

13,626

276
264

12,480
12,134

2006
2007

5
6

14,532
12,874

70
63

12,689
13,098

11

13,418

64
68

10,208
9,629

MN

2006
2007

36
43

12,331
12,936

10
5

12,158
11,070

84
82

12,498
12,293

ND

2006
2007

21
29

11,257
10,741

42
23

10,511
11,367

78
81

11,977
12,105

OR

2006
2007

21
25

14,496
14,051

95
91

13,239
12,409

ME

3

13,042

WA

2006
2007

13
6

16,358
16,271

27
18

13,801
14,292

151
154

14,409
15,087

WI

2006
2007

13
11

15,372
14,950

36
34

14,717
13,823

73
77

12,973
12,875

1
2
3

Based on row measurements and counts in potato fields selected for objective yield samples.
Missing data represents insufficient number of samples.
Field counts began in 2007.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

13

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Potato Size and Grade
Size and grade measurements came from potatoes harvested in the objective yield survey sample plots.
Potatoes were harvested from six hills per sample randomly selected in each State using a scientifically
designed sampling procedure. Potatoes were sent to laboratories for sizing and grading according to
accepted U.S. fresh grading standards. The following tables contain percent measurements as they actually
occurred.

Type
and
State

Fall Potatoes: Grading Categories by Type and State,
2006-2007 1
No. 2 or
No. 1
Processing Usable
Cull 4
2
2 Inch Minimum
3
1 1/2 Inch Minimum

Total

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

2006

2007

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Round Red
Potatoes
MN
ND 5
WI 5

66.3

77.9
70.2
79.8

24.5

17.3
23.2
18.8

9.2

4.8
6.6
1.4

100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0

78.1

89.1
67.5
90.0
77.6

9.6

8.7
17.7
8.9
20.9

12.3

2.2
14.8
1.1
1.5

100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

Round White
Potatoes
ME 6
ND 5
WA 5
WI

80.5

19.2

0.3

100.0

Yellow
Potatoes 7
ME 6

12.2

82.0

100.0

5.8

Long
Potatoes:
(Russet
and
Shepody)
ID 8
ME 6
MN
ND
OR
WA
WI
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

77.0
62.9
70.7
65.8
75.3
80.2
80.8

71.9
68.8
73.1
70.9
73.4
76.0
83.0

21.8
20.3
19.9
23.1
23.7
18.0
18.3

27.1
18.6
19.4
21.1
24.9
22.1
16.0

1.2
16.8
9.4
11.1
1.0
1.8
0.9

1.0
12.6
7.5
8.0
1.7
1.9
1.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

Gross yield basis.
Potatoes which meet the requirements for US #1, as stated in United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes, United States
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service.
Potatoes which meet the requirements for US #2, as stated in United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes, United States
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service.
Potatoes not meeting the requirements for US #1 or US #2, as stated in United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes, United
States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service.
For 2006, data were not published due to insufficient number of samples.
Percent of net yield - adjusted for field loss.
Lab counts began in 2007.
Russets only.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

14

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Year
Type
State
and

Round Potatoes: Size Categories by Type and State,
2006-2007 1
Inches
1 1/2
1 7/8

1 7/8
2

2
2 1/4

2 1/4
2 1/2

2 1/2
3 1/2

3 1/2
4

4 Inch
and
over

Total

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

2006
Red
Potatoes
MN
ND 2
WI 2

5.2

3.4

12.8

19.9

57.1

1.2

0.4

100.0

2.1

10.8

18.5

63.7

4.2

0.7

100.0

3.0

2.8

8.6

13.4

62.8

8.1

1.3

100.0

5.7
7.4
7.9

4.3
6.0
5.8

14.3
13.9
16.0

22.3
18.5
20.4

52.7
50.1
44.6

0.5
4.1
5.3

0.2

100.0
100.0
100.0

0.9
6.6
3.2
3.1

1.3
7.6
2.5
3.2

10.5
16.1
8.5
9.9

20.8
23.9
11.7
14.5

60.7
41.7
61.5
64.8

4.9
2.6
10.9
4.2

0.9
1.5
1.7
0.3

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

1.5

2.5

8.4

12.5

65.5

9.6

White
Potatoes
ME 3
WA 2
WI
Yellow
Potatoes 4
ME 3
2007
Red
Potatoes
MN
ND
WI
White
Potatoes
ME 3
ND
WA
WI
Yellow
Potatoes 4
ME 3
1
2
3
4

100.0

Gross yield basis.
For 2006, data were not published due to insufficient number of samples.
Percent of net yield - adjusted for field loss.
Lab counts began in 2007.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

15

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Long Potatoes (Russet & Shepody): Size Categories
Maine, 2006-2007 1
Ounce

Inches
Crop
Year

1 1/2
1 7/8

1 7/8
2

2 in.
or
4-6

6-8

8-10

10-12

12-14

14
and
Over

Total

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

2006

5.5

6.3

32.7

18.6

13.4

8.3

5.5

9.7

100.0

2007

6.3

5.4

33.6

20.7

14.6

7.9

5.6

5.9

100.0

1

Percent of net yield - adjusted for field loss.

State
and
Year

Long Potatoes (Russet & Shepody): Size Categories
by State, 2006-2007 1
Ounce

Inches
1 1/2
1 5/8

1 5/8
1 7/8

1 7/8
2

2 in.
or
4-6

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

1.6
1.5
1.0
1.7
0.9
0.8

6.8
6.3
6.6
5.3
4.3
5.2

3.6
5.4
4.8
3.1
2.5
4.5

26.1
25.8
28.0
21.9
23.6
28.1

9.6
10.8
10.8
8.4
9.0
11.2

9.0
9.5
9.1
9.8
9.6
9.1

7.0
8.5
8.4
7.7
8.7
8.3

6.4
6.6
6.3
6.7
7.3
7.6

5.3
5.3
5.2
7.1
6.2
5.3

4.7
4.6
4.7
4.9
5.2
4.4

3.5
3.1
3.8
3.9
4.5
4.3

3.1
3.3
2.3
3.6
2.7
2.7

13.3
9.3
9.0
15.9
15.5
8.5

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

1.9
1.3
0.8
1.3
0.9
0.3

6.5
5.2
6.5
4.2
3.8
4.4

3.8
4.9
3.5
3.3
2.9
3.6

22.8
22.3
25.8
21.5
22.0
23.7

10.0
11.0
11.8
9.3
9.5
10.3

9.1
10.8
10.2
8.5
9.1
8.3

7.2
7.9
9.4
8.6
8.2
9.3

6.2
7.1
8.1
6.7
7.5
8.2

5.9
6.1
5.9
6.3
6.6
5.4

5.3
5.9
5.1
5.6
5.8
5.0

4.1
3.4
3.5
5.1
4.7
3.3

2.9
3.4
2.2
3.6
3.8
3.2

14.3
10.7
7.2
16.0
15.2
15.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14
and
Over

Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent

Total

Percent

2006
ID 2
MN
ND
OR
WA
WI
2007
ID 2
MN
ND
OR
WA
WI
1
2

Gross yield basis.
Russets only.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

16

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Fall Potatoes: Farm Marketings, Selected States and United States,
2004-2006 Marketing Years
State

Marketing
Year

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent

CA
2004
2005
2006

8
4
9

9
14
15

21
22
11

13
10
15

8
11
10

14
12
11

12
12
12

7
8
9

8
7
5

3

5
5
6

7
8
7

9
10
9

10
10
9

10
10
10

8
8
9

12
11
10

10
10
11

11
12
11

11
10
11

7
6
7

CO
2004
2005
2006
ID
2004
2005
2006

6
2
3

9
11
11

10
13
12

11
8
8

7
7
7

6
8
8

6
7
8

9
11
10

10
10
10

9
10
9

10
6
7

7
7
7

2004
2005
2006

1

9
5
8

6
11
7

7
8
8

10
9
9

10
10
9

10
9
8

11
12
13

15
15
13

10
10
12

7
6
7

4
5
6

1
1
1

10
8
9

11
11
12

11
13
13

12
12
12

12
12
12

11
12
12

8
10
7

10
10
11

9
8
7

5
3
4

8
6
7

8
4
7

6
7
7

6
15
7

7
12
8

8
12
9

13
14
11

7
9
10

9
3
10

10
6
11

9
5

5

9
7
8

2004
2005
2006

4
2
4

16
14
15

19
14
14

16
12
12

13
13
14

10
10
16

9
12
7

8
14
10

5
7
4

2
4

2004
2005
2006

1
2
3

20
25
27

9
13
11

6
5
6

6
9
6

8
9
11

7
9
5

11
8
7

11
10
10

7
7
9

8
2
4

6
1
1

2004
2005
2006

12
17
12

11
10
10

16
13
13

8
5
5

6
7
7

4
5
7

9
8
7

10
9
10

9
10
10

8
8
8

4
4
7

3
4
4

18

16

15

8

15

8

6

5

6

2

18
14
15

14
13
11

21
23
25

6
7
7

5
6
6

5
4
5

7
6
7

6
7
6

6
7
6

6
7
6

5
5
5

1
1
1

6
6
6

14
16
15

12
11
10

12
10
10

9
10
10

9
9
9

9
9
9

11
10
11

10
8
10

6
8
6

2
2
3

9
7
7

11
12
12

13
14
14

9
8
8

7
8
7

7
7
8

7
8
8

9
10
9

9
9
9

8
8
8

7
5
6

ME

MI
2004
2005
2006
MN
2004
2005
2006
NY

ND

OR

PA 1

2004
2005
2006

1

WA
2004
2005
2006
WI
2004
2005
2006

1
1

US
2004
2005
2006
1

4
4
4

Farm Marketing estimates discontinued in 2005.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

17

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

December Potato Stocks Up 4 Percent from Last Year
The 13 major potato States held 270 million cwt of potatoes in storage December 1, 2007, up 4 percent from
last year and 6 percent above December 1, 2005. Potatoes in storage account for 68 percent of the 2007 fall
storage States’ production, up 1 percentage point from last year. Klamath Basin stocks total 4.20 million cwt
on December 1, 2007, up 5 percent from last year. Klamath Basin includes California and Klamath County,
Oregon potato stocks.
Disappearance of 130 million cwt from the start of harvest to December 1, is virtually unchanged from last
year but up 8 percent from 2005. Shrink and loss, at 13.9 million cwt, is up 5 percent from the previous year
and 9 percent above the same date in 2005.
Processors have used 72.0 million cwt of 2007 crop potatoes so far this season, down 3 percent from a year
ago but 10 percent above 2 years ago. Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon total processing decreased
3 percent from a year ago, Maine’s total processing was 3 percent below the same date in 2006, and
Washington and the rest of Oregon total processing was down 6 percent from last season. Dehydrating
usage accounts for 12.7 million cwt of the total processing, down 13 percent from last year but 7 percent
above the same date in 2005.
Western States held 193 million cwt of potatoes in storage on December 1, up 9 percent from last year and
8 percent above 2005. Idaho’s potato stocks are up 4 percent from last year, Washington’s potato sheds held
22 percent more than last year, and Oregon’s stocks increased 13 percent from last season. Montana’s
potato sheds held 9 percent more stocks than last year and California’s potato stocks increased 11 percent
from last season. Colorado’s potato stocks declined 12 percent from last year.
Central States accounted for 61.7 million cwt of potato stocks on December 1, down 4 percent from last year
but 3 percent above the same date in 2005. Wisconsin’s potato stocks declined 5 percent from last year,
North Dakotas’s sheds held 16 percent less, and potato stocks in Nebraska are 10 percent below last season.
Minnesota’s potato stocks are up 2 percent from last year and Michigan’s potato sheds held 17 percent more
than on the same date in 2006.
Eastern States stored 15.5 million cwt of potatoes on December 1, down 11 percent from last year but up
1 percent from December 1, 2005. Maine’s potato sheds held 12 percent less than last year, while New
York’s potato stocks declined 7 percent from a year ago.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

18

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Fall Potato Production Up Less than 1 Percent from November
Production of fall potatoes for 2007 is forecast at 409 million cwt, up less than 1 percent from last month and
3 percent above last year. Area harvested, at 997,600 acres, is virtually unchanged from November but up
1 percent from last year. The average yield is forecast at 410 cwt per acre, up 1 cwt from last month and 4
cwt above the record high set last year.
Western States production is forecast at 288 million cwt, up 6 percent from last year. Area harvested, at
642,000 acres, increased 4 percent from last year, and the average yield of 449 cwt per acre is up 6 cwt from
2006. Idaho’s yield is forecast at 377 cwt per acre. If realized this would be the second highest yield on
record, 9 cwt below the record yield set in 2006. Hot weather during the summer reduced the quality of the
crop. Incidences of the Potato Virus Y were more frequent than normal which adversely affected yields. In
Washington, harvest progressed normally this year. The quality of the crop is acceptable but not as good as
in previous years. In Colorado, a severe wind storm followed by a late freeze in mid-June damaged plants
that were already emerged. The earlier planted crop was slow to recover from the damage, leading to
increased yield variability. Oregon’s crop progressed at a normal pace with no major problems reported. In
California, favorable weather conditions resulted in excellent crop quality and yields.
Central States production is forecast at 96.0 million cwt, down 3 percent from last year. Harvested area, at
267,000 acres, is down 4 percent, while the average yield, at 359 cwt per acre, is up 2 cwt from a year ago.
Overall, the Wisconsin crop progressed ahead of normal. Growers reported a good quality crop with harvest
completed on time or early. In North Dakota, crop condition was rated fair to good throughout the growing
season. Michigan and Minnesota’s yields are forecast at 350 and 440 cwt per acre, respectively. If realized,
these would be record high yields.
Eastern States production is forecast at 24.9 million cwt, down 9 percent from last year. Area for harvest
totaled 88,600 acres, 3 percent below last year, while the average yield, at 281 cwt per acre, is down 18 cwt
from last season. In Maine, excellent growing and harvesting conditions resulted in a high yielding, high
quality crop. In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, above average temperatures and below average
precipitation forced growers in many locations to irrigate. New York planted acreage is at the lowest level
since estimates began in 1929.

Potato Stocks
December 2007

19

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Reliability of December 1 Stocks Estimates
To assist users in evaluating the reliability of the December 1 stocks estimate, the “Root Mean Square
Error,” a statistical measure based on past performance, is computed. The deviation between the December
1 stocks estimate and the final estimate is expressed as a percentage of the final estimate. The average of
squared percentage deviations for the latest 20-year period is computed. The square root of the average
becomes statistically the “Root Mean Square Error.” Probability statements can be made concerning
expected differences in the current estimate relative to the final end-of-season estimate, assuming that factors
affecting this year’s estimate are not different from those influencing recent years.
The “Root Mean Square Error” for the December 1 stocks estimate is 2.4 percent. This means that chances
are 2 out of 3 that the current estimate of 270 million cwt will not be above or below the final estimate by
more than 2.4 percent or approximately 6.48 million cwt. Chances are 9 out of 10 (90 percent confidence
level) that the difference will not exceed 4.1 percent or approximately 11.1 million cwt.
The 20-year (1987-2006) record of differences between the December 1 stocks estimates and the final
estimates averaged 4.20 million cwt, ranging from 7.77 million cwt above the final to 14.5 million cwt
below the final. During the 20-year period, the December 1 estimate has been below the final estimate 16
years and above 4 years.
Reliability of December 1 Fall Potato Estimates
Root Mean
20-Year Record of Difference
Square Error
Between December 1 and Final Estimate
90% Confidence
Level

Estimate
Percent

Percent

Stocks
Production

Crop
Year

2.4
1.5

Quantity

Avg

Small

Large

Million Cwt

Million Cwt

Million Cwt

Million Cwt

4.1
2.7

11.07
11.05

4.20
4.38

Potato Stocks
December 2007

0.11
0.05

14.50
13.46

Fall Potato Stocks: Preliminary and Final December 1 Stocks,
United States, 1997-2007
Preliminary
% of
Stocks
Final
1,000 Cwt

1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007

Number
of Years

Quantity

Percent

274,250
281,020
274,870
309,520
266,520
265,190
267,160
271,600
253,400
252,300
270,000

16
15

Above
Final
4
5

Final
Stocks
1,000 Cwt

98.4
100.0
99.9
99.7
103.0
100.3
99.7
100.2
99.8
97.3

20

Below
Final

278,830
280,910
275,100
310,300
258,750
264,485
267,900
271,100
253,800
259,300

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

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