Canada growing conditions reversed

GROWING conditions across Canada seem to have reversed regionally from a year ago. This year the four main growing provinces in eastern and central Canada have received good moisture levels to date, while the four western provinces have been extremely hot and dry. 

Prince Edward Island
The Island crop looks excellent with canopies looking as good as many can remember. Last year’s crop was very short of water starting in June, however this crop is seeing good levels of moisture for rapid growth. Rows are reaching full closure with some fields undergoing tuber initiation and some fields even sizing. The season is a long one yet, but the crop does have great potential.

New Brunswick
The crop also looks excellent and has experienced lots of rain to date, with more in the forecast. The crop is coming along about two weeks ahead of schedule with harvest underway for the early fresh market in the southern zone of the province. Canopies have filled in nicely and more rain is in the immediate forecast.

Quebec
The potato crop in Quebec looks great after experiencing ideal growing conditions with warm temperatures and frequent showers. Early planting has allowed full row closure on most fields. The region north of Montreal is a bit drier but some supplemental irrigation is taking care of replenishing moisture. The table harvest began on July 5th with good yields and quality reported.

Source: Fresh Plaza and Potatoes Canada