(NDAgConnection.com) – Good weather this summer and fall have allowed for the area’s potato harvest to actually wrap up sooner than average; this even after a late start this past spring, reports Northland Potato Growers Association, East Grand Forks, Minn.

Conditions in the northern Red River Valley have been a bit more favorable than areas south of Grand Forks. Areas to the north received more late summer rain than did the south making for some higher yields and better digging conditions, but overall, growers were very happy to season wrap up without any major weather challenges.

According to USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service, the North Dakota potato harvest was 98%, well ahead of 78% last year, and ahead of 83% average. In Minnesota, potatoes harvested was reported at 98%, well ahead of 91% last year, and ahead of 92% average.