In the northern Red River Valley, fresh potato planting has begun. Allen Tucker and his family have planted more than 70% of their fresh red and yellow potatoes near Saint Thomas, North Dakota.
“We got a good run in the last few days. There are two fields left that are experiencing excess moisture,” the farmer said, according to Red River Farm Network.
Associated Potato Growers Incorporated, a potato cooperative with locations in Drayton, Grafton, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, employs the potato grower.
Only 10 to 15% of fresh potatoes are planted for the co-op, according to their CEO Mike Torgerson. The majority of the planting is taking place in Drayton and Grafton.
It is not getting too late for the potato crop this season but if the rains continue, there is expected to be a decline in potato acreage.