USDA SPRING POTATO ESTIMATES The U.S. Agriculture Department estimated 1987 spring potato production, based on April 1 conditions, at 19,267,000 cwts (100 lbs), vs 19,822,000 cwts indicated last year. The department estimated spring potato area for harvest at 79,100 acres, vs 76,700 acres estimated last month and 75,900 acres harvested last year. Spring potato yield per harvested acre is forecast at 244 cwt per acre, vs 261 cwt per acre a year ago, USDA said.