PENDLETON, Ore. – Potato farmers in the Columbia Basin are expecting a better-than-average harvest this fall.
The Oregon Potato Commission CEO Bill Brewer said early spring conditions helped encourage this year’s crop’s growth, while summer was cool enough to keep plants thriving. He said most farms have finished harvesting ahead of schedule.
Statewide, Oregon farmers grew nearly 1.22 million tons of potatoes in 2015, worth $176.45 million. Brewer said this year farms should be producing at or above average.
Threemile Canyon Farms manager Greg Harris said early season growing conditions have made for an excellent crop this year. He estimated production was about two tons per acre higher than usual.
