Storage crop potato harvesting in North Dakota could wrap up in just under two weeks. "So far the crop looks like it's got good quality and we probably have a little above average yield," says David Moquist of O. C. Schulz & Sons.
© O.C. Schulz & Sons
While the harvest began at the usual time, higher temperatures proved to be a challenge and continue to be. "I don't know if we've dug a whole day yet–one day we're digging until noon, the next until 2 or 3 p.m. because of the heat. I think harvest in the Red River Valley generally is behind schedule because of the heat and rain. We had one rain delay, though in the long run, we needed the rain," says Moquist, noting that the northern River Valley where its crops are situated have been quite dry for most of the summer.
Potato harvest timeline
Moquist estimates that harvest could take another 10 days though again, that's temperature-dependent–they could be 10 half days of harvest or several whole days.
© O.C. Schulz & Sons
Meanwhile, shipping for O.C. Schulz & Sons will begin in about a month. As for demand, that's still largely to be determined though Moquist notes that the demand for red potatoes could be a little slow, even though the pricing has been stronger lately.
In general, he notes that pricing will be adequate this coming season.
For more information:
Dave Moquist
O.C. Schulz & Sons
Tel: +1 (701) 657-2152
[email protected]
www.ocschulz.com