Harvest season is now in full swing on Klamath County’s 17 million dollar potato crop…
Farmers were challenged this year with drought conditions, and a changing market.
Dan Chin of Wong Potatoes is encouraged by this year’s harvest…
“It looks like we’ll at least break even on this potato crop – and maybe make some money on it.”
Chin says drought conditions were the biggest challenge faced this year by potato farmers…
“Between Greg Addington (Klamath Water Users Association) and the Bureau of Reclamation, Jason Phillips, his group, they worked hard to get us water.”
Between the fields and packing sheds, Chin hires over 100 people during the harvest season.
Chin says that so far, the government shutdown isn’t having much of an impact…
“We have enough government regulations as it is, and maybe a government shutdown will help us – reduce some of that regulation.”
This year’s crop is headed to markets on the east coast, and Asia.
Chin notes those markets are hungry for organically grown, and ‘fancy’ varieties…
“And have gone to more yellows, reds, purples, fingerlings.”
But Chin stresses the basics still apply…
“First of all, it’s got to look good. Second of all, it’s got to taste good. Third of all, it’s got to cook good.”
Chin has now been in the potato industry for over 40 years…and it’s what he’s wanted to do, ever since he was a kid…
“I had the cowboy boots, and the cowboy hat, and I liked the dirt. It’s just a passion. I like to do this.”
Potatoes are grown on about 7000 acres in Klamath County.
The 76th annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival is coming up on the weekend of the 19th in Merrill…
Festivities include displays at the Merrill Civic Center, a parade, and a free barbecue lunch.
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