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
Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
Stay alert for trade announcements—especially border reopening timelines, tariff threats, and developments in Brazil’s export flows.
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.

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:

Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
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.