North American Potato Production Falls on Lower Acreage

In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.

Carol_Ann_Sayle_05_27_16_USA_TX_Boggy_Creek_Farm_001.jpg red potatoes in a basket

FarmHER, Inc.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Potato production across North America slipped in 2025, largely because growers planted fewer acres rather than because yields collapsed. New U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data from the annual potato survey show tighter supply conditions forming across the region.

Combined U.S. and Canadian potato production is estimated at 539 million hundredweight, down 2 percent from 2024. U.S. output alone fell to 413 million hundredweight, also down 2 percent, as growers sharply reduced planted acreage amid rising costs and uncertain returns.

Across North America, total potato acreage in 2025 marked the smallest footprint since the mid-2010s, reinforcing a broader trend of cautious planting decisions highlighted in the USDA’s annual potato survey.

U.S. potato plantings declined to roughly 902,000 acres in 2025, the lowest level in nearly ten years. While yields improved modestly from the prior season, they were not enough to offset the acreage pullback, keeping total production under pressure. Canada‘s production edged 1 percent lower despite expanded planted acreage, as yields slipped year over year.

However, Mexico moved in the opposite direction in 2024, increasing potato output due to higher yields and a larger harvested area, partially offsetting declines in the north.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Fewer planted acres — not yield losses — drove lower potato production.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist

(Tags: Potatoes, Acreage Trends, Crop Production, USDA Data)
//////////

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
Record corn and sorghum crops boost feed grain supplies, while reduced soybean and cotton production tighten outlooks for oilseeds and fiber markets.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.