Idaho Harvest Getting Good Start

Idaho's 2004 potato harvest is getting a good start with cooler weather and high expectations.

Harvest in the southwest part of the state was nearing the half way point as the week started. This compares to 22 percent harvested to this date in 2003 and an average of 17 percent.

South central and eastern Idaho are just getting started on early potatoes.

On a statewide average, about 5 percent of the crop has been harvested which is right on average from past years.

The crop is described by state Idaho Agricultural Statistics Service officials as being in 96 percent good to excellent condition. About 45 percent of the states' potato vines have been killed or are dying.

With late summer showers, most growers should get their crops through to harvest with very few acres not having enough water.