After a warm, dry growing season, farmers have been dealing with some cool, wet weather as the harvest winds down. Nearly 85 percent of Maine's potato crop has been harvested and it looks like a quality crop. That’s the word from Don Flannery, executive director of Maine Potato Board. Flannery said, “A quality crop is going into storage with somewhere close to average yield.”

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Flannery also pointed out  that Maine farmers have not been affected by the severe drought conditions that have plagued the Midwest.  And the fresh potatoes now in storage should store well until they can get to market. 

Maine farmers planted about 59,000 acres of potatoes this year, according to the Department of Agriculture.  Commissioner Walter Whitcomb said, "Maine has approximately 380 potato farmers, and although the majority of family-owned potato operations are located in Aroostook County, commercially, potatoes are grown statewide.”

Potatoes are Maine's largest agricultural crop. The industry employs over 2,600 people directly and 2,400 indirectly.   Maine potatoes have also inspired some of the coolest videos, as you can see here:

 
For more information, visit the Maine Potato Board.

 What's your favorite way of preparing Maine potatoes?  Leave your comments on our Facebook and we'll add them to this post.

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