How quickly a market can change!  Soon after I wrote the February Farmer’s View when prices seemed to have stabilised, the market started strengthening again. Prices have risen steadily over the past few weeks and now, suddenly, there has been a major leap upwards.

I had wished for an early spring but the weeks of very cold weather has completely put paid to that hope. This has meant that farmers all over the country and in northern Europe have not been able to plant because of the cold ground. This in turn, means that last year’s crop, which as you will know was very poor and estimated to be 24% less than the previous year, will somehow have to last several weeks longer than in a normal year. In most seasons we expect to see a dribble of new crop set-skin bakers in the middle of July but this year it is more likely to be August.

What has made the situation more difficult throughout the year is that last year’s crops produced very few baker sized potatoes. The poor growing season meant that most crops matured before the tubers reached a good size.  Imported potatoes have helped the market situation to an extent this year but as with UK crops the size has been poor. Currently the supply has almost dried up and the stocks offered now seem to be exceptionally small in size.

It looks as though the next few months are going to be very difficult with price rises and possible shortages on the cards.  As usual we will do our best to keep you informed.