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Potato growers around the country have begun lifting their main potato crops over the past week.
Progress is staggered, with just a small number of growers reporting that they have finished their harvest, while many have yet to commence.
Estimates suggest around 20% of the 18,000ac of potatoes planted this year is now harvested. Yield data is limited so far.
Initial grower reports suggest significant variations in crop performance, largely depending on soil type, variety and whether or not the crop was irrigated.
Many earlier-sown crops which were planted into heavier ground and which received irrigation are performing well, yielding between 15 and 18 tonnes per acre (variety dependant), with little scab reported.
However, of the early crops harvested, those which have received no irrigation and are on particularly dry ground appear to be suffering substantial yield drops of 30-40% in some cases.
Reports suggest crops have been slow to mature this year and achieving suitable dry matters is also proving to be an issue.
Growers also fear that ground conditions may deteriorate as the season progresses.
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