Harvest 2026: Main crop potatoes will be heading for farm stores this week
The harvesting of main crop potatoes has taken on an added dimension with growers now committing to put produce into store for the first time this season.
Up to this point, crops have been lifted for direct retail and processing use.
Teagasc tillage specialist, Shay Phelan confirmed: “There will be a wide range of yields this year.
“We won’t get a handle on how crops have actually performed until the results of trial digs, that are due to be completed over the coming days, are fully assessed.”
According to the Teagasc representative, potato yields in 2026 will be determined by a number of factors.
The over-arching driver will be the impact of the drought.
But within this scenario, issues such as soil type and crop location must also be factored in.
Phelan explained: “The availability of irrigation has also made a real difference in determining yields.
“Overall, the quality of new season potatoes is holding up well.”
Commenting on prices, Phelan pointed out that market pressure is growing for the likes of salad and chipping potatoes.
He added: “These are varieties that are grown increasingly in Ireland. However the market is still heavily dependent on imports.”
Harvesting conditions
Meanwhile, potato harvesting conditions remain excellent, despite heavy rain in many parts of the country last weekend and earlier this week.
The weather forecast for the coming days points to high pressure building across Ireland. This should further facilitate the main crop potato harvest.
Growers will be striving to get all their potatoes out of the ground before the weather breaks.
As is the case within the cereals’ sector, final yields will determine the economics of Irish potato production in 2026.
This year has seen growers incurring enhanced land rental costs in tandem with significantly increased, fertiliser, fuel, machinery and labour costs.
Meanwhile, the Irish Farmers’ Association is confirming that markets, for the most part, remain stable in terms of consumption and retail sales.
With the cost of living crisis, consumers are buying smaller pack sizes at higher frequency. There is good demand for new season crop as they come available.
Yields are reported to be variable around the country. The cost of production continues to dominate grower discussions, especially the cost of diesel as harvest is underway.
The market is strong for any remaining potatoes destined for the peeling market.
