National Tater Day
March 31st is National Tater Day! First celebrated in 1843, spud enthusiasts throughout the country have taken the day to enjoy this classic starchy vegetable. Not only can we appreciate all the delicious foods made with potatoes, but we can also look at the advancements in farming practices that bring our spuds from farm to table.
Florida Potato Production
Potatoes in Florida are planted in the winter and harvested in the late spring, making them one of only two spring potato producers in the country, alongside California. Potatoes were grown on approximately 20,000 acres of land in 2022, resulting in over $110 million in sales. Since demand for potatoes remains relatively steady throughout the year, Florida spring potatoes are highly valued.
Potato Irrigation
Irrigation is important in potato farms since ‘taters are especially sensitive to over and underwatering. Too much water without proper drainage can flood the roots and starve them of oxygen, while too little water can stress the roots and stunt the growth of the plant. Farmers must find balance in their potato field’s water level through their irrigation system.
In Florida, Seepage irrigation is the most common type of potato irrigation. Farmers run water through shallow ditches called furrows. Seepage irrigation is very low cost for farmers, but water is easily evaporated away, and crops far between the furrows don’t always get as much water as crops right next to the furrows.
Drain tile irrigation is less common than seepage. While it can be expensive to install, it has benefits for potato crops. In this irrigation system, perforated pipes are laid underground. Water pumps through the pipes and out of the holes directly to the potato root zone. This way, there is more land to grow potatoes on, which increases yield. Since the water is delivered underground, less water is lost to evaporation.
Learn more about the differences between seepage and drain tile irrigation in this Choices Magazine infographic.
Advancing irrigation methods are just one of the ways that farmers can become more efficient and bring more potatoes to our plates! When you enjoy baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, French fries, or potato chips this National Tater Day, thank your farmers!
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