Processing of 2012 potatoes in Idaho and Malheur County, Ore., was down 5 percent from the prior year through Nov. 1, according to USDA.

Of the total 19.5 million cwt of 2012 crop used, 15.4 million cwt came from Idaho, a decrease of 300,000 cwt, according to the report.

Dan Hargraves, executive director of Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative, considers the Idaho numbers to be "essentially flat" and the report to be positive for the industry. "We're maintaining the significant volumes we had a year ago," Hargraves said, noting processing volume made a large jump between 2010 and 2011 that appears to be continuing.

Processors in Washington and other Oregon counties used 26.3 million cwt, up 9 percent.

SOURCE: John O’Connell, Capital Press

http://www.capitalpress.com/newsletter/JO-SpudProcessingBrief-112712