- Location
- West Suffolk
Thinking about the rest of the spud season prospects and the implications to sale price (in the growers favour) -
Pro’s
1. 2023 GB crop was planted late leading to very variable yields and in general less crop.
2. Less potatoes were planted due to poor returns and the ever increasing cost/risk to growing them.
3.There was no carry over of 2022 stock therefore never a glut in the market.
4. Very strong end to 2022 crop price due to shortage.
5. The crop had very variable growing conditions leading to some small samples and others over size with greens, hollow heart and growth cracks.
6.Small percentage of the crop was left to over winter, weather conditions since have not lent to favourable field conditions, we can conclude that nearly all of these potatoes will be unsaleable.
7.Due to wet harvesting conditions, many late lifted crops have had to be moved early due to breaking down in store. Also crops with high dirt adhesion will not store as well long term.
8. Some growers moved crop earlier due to high storage costs.
9. All of the above applicable to the North European potato crop.
10. Seed for 2024 in very short supply and oversize to normal. Will lead to less acres planted and less speculative plantings.
11. Possible late 2024 crop planting due to field conditions.
Con’s
1. Lack of demand due to cost of living crisis and in general less potatoes consumed per person
2. Higher cost to end user, therefore they cut down on quantity.
3. Growers holding stocks back due to perceived higher sale price later in the season.
4. High end user price will hurt future sales as they turn away to alternatives.
5. In the chip shop job, shops closing due to lack of profits and ever increasing costs in general.
Where do we see prices peaking and when?
Please add any thought you have?
Cheers
Gary Harrison
Pro’s
1. 2023 GB crop was planted late leading to very variable yields and in general less crop.
2. Less potatoes were planted due to poor returns and the ever increasing cost/risk to growing them.
3.There was no carry over of 2022 stock therefore never a glut in the market.
4. Very strong end to 2022 crop price due to shortage.
5. The crop had very variable growing conditions leading to some small samples and others over size with greens, hollow heart and growth cracks.
6.Small percentage of the crop was left to over winter, weather conditions since have not lent to favourable field conditions, we can conclude that nearly all of these potatoes will be unsaleable.
7.Due to wet harvesting conditions, many late lifted crops have had to be moved early due to breaking down in store. Also crops with high dirt adhesion will not store as well long term.
8. Some growers moved crop earlier due to high storage costs.
9. All of the above applicable to the North European potato crop.
10. Seed for 2024 in very short supply and oversize to normal. Will lead to less acres planted and less speculative plantings.
11. Possible late 2024 crop planting due to field conditions.
Con’s
1. Lack of demand due to cost of living crisis and in general less potatoes consumed per person
2. Higher cost to end user, therefore they cut down on quantity.
3. Growers holding stocks back due to perceived higher sale price later in the season.
4. High end user price will hurt future sales as they turn away to alternatives.
5. In the chip shop job, shops closing due to lack of profits and ever increasing costs in general.
Where do we see prices peaking and when?
Please add any thought you have?
Cheers
Gary Harrison