Johnson speaks with WAGM about this year’s potato crop

WAGM (Channel 8 in Presque Isle) spoke with Steve Johnson, a professor and crops specialist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, for a report about this year’s predicted potato crop. This planting season has started slowly for many farmers, with temperatures remaining below average, deep into June, according to the report. Johnson said crops could catch up, but it depends on the weather. “We could be right where we need to be quite soon, but the next 30 days could be quite important to get good growing conditions and warm weather,” Johnson said. This year’s delay may have some positive effects, the report states. “Some of the best results as far as the seed growers and virus levels have been when they delayed planting for a couple weeks and missed the first flush of aphids that come through. So that may be a blessing for this year as well, too,” Johnson said. Fresh Plaza and Potato Grower also quoted Johnson, citing the WAGM story.