North American Potato Production Slips as Acreage Declines

Higher yields are cushioning lower acreage, but reduced production could support firmer potato prices into 2026.

Carol_Ann_Sayle_05_27_16_USA_TX_Boggy_Creek_Farm_001.jpg red potatoes in a basket

FarmHER, Inc.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — North American potato production edged lower in 2025, reflecting reduced acreage and uneven yields across major producing countries. According to a new report (PDF Version) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), combined U.S. and Canadian potato production totaled 538 million hundredweight, down 2 percent from 2024.

U.S. potato output was estimated at 412 million hundredweight, also down 2 percent year over year, driven largely by a sharp reduction in planted and harvested acres. Harvested U.S. potato acreage fell to about 895,000 acres, the lowest in a decade, even as average yields climbed to a record 461 hundredweight per acre, helping limit the production decline.

In Canada, potato production dipped 1 percent to 126 million hundredweight, as higher acreage was offset by lower yields. Mexico moved in the opposite direction, with 2024 potato production rising 7 percent to 46.8 million hundredweight, supported by steady acreage and improving yields.

Across North America, total potato acreage declined in 2025, while productivity gains helped stabilize supplies. Price data for 2025 remain incomplete, but earlier years show elevated values following tighter supplies.

The top three U.S. potato-producing states include Idaho, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Idaho, by far the largest producer, typically accounts for about one-third of total U.S. potato production. Idaho leads in both acreage and total output, driven by irrigated production and processing demand. Washington is the second-largest producer, with strong yields and a heavy focus on processing potatoes (frozen fries, dehydrated products). Ranking third is Wisconsin, supplying both fresh and processing markets, particularly in the Upper Midwest.

Related Stories
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
Preserving equity through active risk management remains critical in a volatile, supply-driven market.
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.
Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.

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:

Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
Higher energy costs ripple through local farm supply chains.
Strong export demand supports barge markets, but weather risks remain.
A stalled World Trade Organization appeals body increases long-term trade policy risk for U.S. agriculture.
Policy awareness is becoming part of everyday risk management.
Nick Westgerdes of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers breaks down farmland values, rental rates, and sales trends in Illinois, while previewing the upcoming land values conference for 2026.
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.