Potato growers have fingers crossed

Southern Alberta’s potato growers are about two weeks behind in their seeding, says Potato Growers of Alberta executive director Terence Hochstein.

“Moisture conditions are good right now, but we are about two weeks late,” he confirms. “So a lot will depend on what happens between now and Sept. 10 as far as weather goes. If we get a nice, normal summer with some June rains, we will be alright. I guess you can say we’re cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.”

Hochstein says a lingering winter and overland flooding in the region are the major reasons why farmers have gotten out into the fields late this spring. But, weatherpermitting, Hochstein says seeding should progress well over the next few weeks.

“But the end of this week, we should be about 50 per cent done,” he states, “and we should be finished seeding in the next 10 days or so.”

Hochstein also said his members are hoping for reduced heat levels this summer, and not a repeat of last year’s scorching temperatures.

“The heat last summer took its toll on the crop,” he states. “It was too warm for too long. So it turned out to be about an average year (harvest wise).”