MIDDLEBURG — Potato chip producer Ira Middleswarth & Son may soon see the end of the potato shortage that slowed their July production to a crawl, according to a company official.

Thanks to Midwestern crop shortages, the Middleburg-based chip maker endured three consecutive weeks of little work. Vice President Jeff Goth said the slow down has left Middleswarth struggling to meet demand.

“I don’t know what’s created such a demand — sales have been better than normal. But because we haven’t been working full weeks, it’s hard to keep the shelf space filled,” said Goth, who noted that Middleswarth potato chips are sold throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Potato farmers in Indiana, North Carolina and other states suffered weak yield this year because of a lack of rainfall.

Goth believes chip production will return to normal in the coming weeks, as Middleburg looks away from the Midwest and toward Pennsylvania and New York — where crops are still plentiful — for its potatoes.

Middleswarth has only ever experienced one other potato shortage in its 66-year history, Goth said.

“I hope we’re past the worst of the potato shortage,” said Goth, “but I’m not taking anything to the bank.”