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:

Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.
Potash has seen the most significant decline, falling 11 percent over the same five-year period.
China’s buying decisions continue to be a critical factor in shaping cotton prices and export opportunities worldwide.
Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Transportation challenges are mounting as droughts lower Mississippi River levels and push freight rates higher.
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.