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Potato harvest underway in Wisconsin

The potato harvest is underway in Wisconsin. 

Jeff Huber with Alsum Farms and Produce says, “We started digging yesterday and they’re probably heading out to the stores today.” Huber tells Brownfield they’re starting harvest about two weeks earlier than usual, and they’re starting slow, only sending a couple of semis of fresh bagged potatoes to grocery stores every day for now. “For our early crop, we’re running about a 450-475 bag (per acre) yield here. I expect the yield to grow as the later crop comes on.”

Huber says it’s a busy time of year in Wisconsin’s golden sands region as harvest is underway for more than potatoes. “With the partner farms that we rent and rotate with, there’s cucumbers within a mile and sweet corn just across the field, also.”

Huber says he’s expecting good yields but possibly a few minor quality issues. “We’re waiting for some to size up yet, and we’re hoping to start digging some russets here within the next couple of weeks, also, but the early yellows are here and the neighboring farm is growing some reds, so we’re looking forward to them.”

Wisconsin ranks third nationally in potato production behind Idaho and Washington.

Wisconsin also ranks third nationally for growing sweet corn, peas, and carrots, fifth for growing cucumbers, seventh for cabbage, and second behind New York for sauerkraut production.  Wisconsin is the nation’s top snap bean and cranberry producer.

USDA’s latest crop progress report says about 11% of Wisconsin’s potatoes have been harvested so far.

Audio: Jeff Huber with Alsom Farms and Produce discusses the potato harvest with Brownfield’s Larry Lee