There is a war brewing over potatoes. Some farm groups say they are vegetables, while others want them to be classified as grains.
The National Potato Council says the whole debate has become too much.
“There is no doubt that, from a nutrition standpoint, potatoes and grains are different. They have different nutrients. They have some of the same, but they also have very different nutrients. I would say that advocates are there to promote their particular perspective, and they, for whatever reason, believe they don’t have a bias, while the industry does have a bias. I think, again, that’s very inaccurate because they interpret the research the way they choose to interpret the research,” said Beth Johnson.
Potatoes were big business earlier this month at this year’s Potato Expo. Leaders say it was the second-largest crowd since the event began.
Producers across the country spent the week balancing spring planning with tight margins and uneven moisture outlooks. Input purchasing stayed cautious, while marketing and cash-flow decisions remained front and center for many operations.
February 09, 2026 03:17 PM
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Federal assistance has helped, but the most recent row-crop losses remain on producers’ balance sheets.
February 09, 2026 01:07 PM
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Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
February 09, 2026 12:05 PM
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The EPA has approved over-the-top dicamba applications for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons, outlining new rules that impact herbicide use for U.S. crop producers.
February 09, 2026 11:32 AM
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Strong supplies and rising stocks point to continued price pressure unless demand accelerates.
February 09, 2026 10:45 AM
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Seasonal price patterns can inform soybean marketing timing, particularly when harvest prices appear unusually strong or weak.
February 09, 2026 10:30 AM
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