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
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.

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:

Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
Shrinking sheep numbers contrast with gradual goat expansion, signaling tighter lamb supplies but steadier growth potential for meat goats.
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.