Wisconsin Growers Expect High-Quality Potatoes Despite Weather Challenges

Despite an abnormally dry stretch this summer, Wisconsin potato growers are anticipating a high-quality product and average yields. Potato planting was delayed 7 to 10 days due to cold weather in early spring, quickly followed by warmer temperatures by late May. June yielded dry conditions and warm temperatures, with as much as 90% of the state classified as abnormally dry.

The hot temperatures are likely the culprit of what could have been stellar yields with the rainfall Wisconsin received in June and July. Growers are expecting about 420 cwt per acre, according to Dana Rady of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association in Antigo, Wisconsin. Labor remains a challenge for the state’s potato sector, with prices as a welcomed bright spot for the 2022 – 2023 seasons.

Read more on potato production in Wisconsin here.