The current state of this year’s potato harvest in Ireland and the UK has seen significant challenges. A primary concern is the slow progress due to persistent poor weather conditions, with an estimated 20-30% of the national main crop yet to be harvested. Fields in southern and eastern UK are particularly affected, with farmers experiencing similar difficulties to those in the Netherlands.

Waterlogged soils have severely impacted the speed of harvesting, which in turn has led to widespread instances of soft and pink rots in crops, especially in areas with a high water table. Crop specialists advise avoiding these waterlogged areas to prevent further complications and damage to equipment.

Potato growers are advised to store crops from high-risk areas, such as tramlines and wet headlands, in separate boxes for easy access if needed. The dropping temperatures during the season will further complicate the drying and curing processes, increasing the risk of gangrene.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com