As about half of Aroostook County’s potato crop has been dug up, some farmers are already using extra storage they set up after last year’s bumper crop. In 2021, some growers even sought storage space at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone because there were so many spuds they ran out of places to put them.
Maine’s No. 1 crop brought in sales topping $209 million last year, up from $152 million in 2020. After a stellar 2021 crop that yielded 20 percent above normal, growers have to be wondering if it can happen again. Whether it does or not, farmers are preparing extra storage just in case.
Aroostook was the only Maine county that didn’t suffer from drought during the summer. That was good for the potatoes. Despite a wet planting season and a rainy June in Aroostook, the rest of the summer provided moderate rainfall and the slightly cooler temperatures that potatoes favour. Pests and diseases remained low and growers are reporting good quality so far thanks to a good growing season.
Source: bangordailynews.com