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:

Producers across the country spent the week balancing spring planning with tight margins and uneven moisture outlooks. Input purchasing stayed cautious, while marketing and cash-flow decisions remained front and center for many operations.
Income support helps, but farm finances remain tight heading into 2026.
Federal assistance has helped, but the most recent row-crop losses remain on producers’ balance sheets.
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
Strong supplies and rising stocks point to continued price pressure unless demand accelerates.
Seasonal price patterns can inform soybean marketing timing, particularly when harvest prices appear unusually strong or weak.
Agriculture Shows
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD Network explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.
Created by former Louisiana Farm Bureau PR Director and former host Regnal Wallace, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” is one of the state’s longest-running TV programs.
From the rapid technological advances in the business of farming to the policy that helps shape the industry, growers get unparalleled perspective from these guys. Max Armstrong, Mike Pearson and Greg Soulje: the names producers have long known and trusted for agriculture news, weather, and commentary.