Unsettled Weather steers spud sector

By FWi staff

The weather continues to influence the potato market after yet another unsettled week.

There is still planting to be done in a few heavy soil areas and the cold temperatures have delayed bulking of open ground crops.

An end of season fight back in maincrop markets is being led by quality material where prices are firming as supplies run out.

Jersey exports are similar to last year at around 26,000t with daily liftings about 800t.

Multiples are starting to show renewed interest and prices in the wholesale market are firming at 15-16p/lb.

In Cornwall all poly-covered earlies are cleared with prices ranging from 200/t ex-farm up to 240/t.

Progress is well under way in Pembroke although rain last week has delayed lifting.

In the east soils remain very wet and lifting has been prevented on all but the lightest ground. In coastal areas hail and wind damage on Estima have set the crop back 7-10 days.

OLD CROP

Bulk Grade 1 material remains short and prices are firming for best crop.

Prices are mainly 60-80/t with Pipers ranging from 90/t in the Midlands up to 140/t in the east. Estima are fetching between 100-130/t.

Grade 2 material is slow with most worth 20-40/t and bag sales range from 30/t up to 140/t with the odd 160/t in the east.

The GB Weekly ex-farm average has significantly increased this week, up 5.79 to 75.64/t. This compares with 147.89/t at the same time last year.