Positive Potatoes: Spuds are on the right track to have another good year

Potatoes are another heart-healthy food grown across rural America. Industry leaders are preparing for another good year.

“2025 looks good. We have a lot of great programs that we have in the market and will continue to have in-market to reach these audiences. The food service has lagged since the COVID period or since the pandemic period, but we’ve some indications that it’s coming back. Consumers are eating out more,” said Kim Brashears.

Exports are another big part of their outlook. Values reached a record $2.3 billion last year, with Mexico as a large buyer.

Related Stories
China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
Falling livestock prices, combined with higher input costs, continue to squeeze farm profitability heading into 2026.
Strong rail demand and higher fuel costs raise transportation risk even as barge and export flows stabilize.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the state’s latest efforts to prevent the New World screwworm from reaching Texas.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman “GT” Thompson is pushing a “Farm Bill 2.0.”
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us with important insights on drug safety and rural health during the winter months.
Quinn Rutt of Upstream Ranch previews the Nebraska cattle operation’s 49th Annual Production Sale where buyers can expect standout sire groups and a blend of long-standing ranch practices with modern genetic selection.
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
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.