WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Potato growers now have a fresh benchmark for comparing fertilizer, pesticide, and pest-management practices across major production states. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says nine surveyed states accounted for 91.9 percent of the 902,000 U.S. acres planted to potatoes in 2025.
The survey included Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. Idaho led the surveyed states with 315,000 planted acres, followed by Washington at 140,000 acres.
Fertilizer use was widespread. USDA says nitrogen was applied to 99 percent of potato acres at an average rate of 176 pounds per acre. Phosphate was applied to 88 percent, potash to 83 percent, and sulfur to 78 percent.
Fungicides were the most common pesticide category, applied to 96 percent of planted acres. Insecticides were used on 92 percent of the area, while herbicides covered 90 percent.
USDA reports that scouting for diseases, insects, and weeds was conducted on 99 percent of planted acres, underscoring how closely potato production depends on monitoring and prevention.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Potato growers can use the survey to compare nutrient, pesticide, and scouting practices against national production benchmarks.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
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