While there was a 5 per cent drop in UK potato production this year, Scottish growers had a better season with production north of the border up 9 per cent on last year.
Scottish yields were above the GB average this year - 46.4 tonnes per hectare compared to 44.9t/ha, however this year's Scottish average is still down on the last couple of years (47.8t/ha in 2015 and 46.9t/ha in 2014). The increase in production can be attributed to an increase in the area planted, up from 23,600ha to 26.300ha, resulting in output of 1,223,000 tonnes.
AHDB Potatoes Analyst Arthur Marshall said: "With the smaller GB crop this year, prices have already reacted and are at higher levels than last year. So, for example, Scottish Grade 1 packing whites were averaging £208/t ex-farm in the first week of December, compared to £155/t in the same week a year ago.
"Also, the price differential between Scottish and English packing whites, and Maris Piper, is widening - while Scottish prices have been rising, English prices have been rising faster. The wider the difference gets, the more likely Scottish supplies are to head south as English-based buyers look towards cheaper supplies."
After Maris Piper, the most popular potato planted in Scotland this year was Hermes, which is generally destined for more exotic locations.
Hermes remains a popular seed potato as it is one of our top export varieties. Rob Burns, AHDB's Head of Crop Trade Market Development, explains: "It grows particularly well in hot climates and so is appreciated by growers in Egypt. They need varieties which grow well in high temperatures and are free from diseases such as Dickeya which can cause major crop failure in hot climates."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 66 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of 239p per kg and an average of 206p (+2.3p on the fortnight), while 81 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 246.5p and levelled at 216.3p (+7.7p). Twenty-six store, B&W bullocks sold to 147.8p and averaged 139.3p (+7.3p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 6096 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £104 per head and 253p per kg to average 168.5p (+0.5p on the week).
The firm also had 5047 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £156 for Texels and averaged £73.37 (+£4.97), while light ewes peaked at £65 for Blackfaces and levelled at £40.72 (+£5.75). Rams sold to £128 for a Leicester and averaged £82.87.
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