Fresh potato planting is underway in the northern Red River Valley. Near Saint Thomas, North Dakota, farmer Allen Tucker and his family have more than 70 percent of their fresh red and yellow potatoes planted. “We got a good run in the last few days. There are two fields left that are experiencing excess moisture.” Tucker is part of Associated Potato Growers Incorporated, a potato cooperative with locations in Drayton, Grafton and Grand Forks, North Dakota. According to their CEO Mike Torgerson, only ten to 15 percent of fresh potatoes are planted for the co-op. The majority of planting is happening in the Drayton and Grafton areas. It is not getting too late for the potato crop this season but if the rains continue, there is expected to be a decline in potato acreage.
