NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — U.S. vegetable markets posted mixed results in 2025 as record yields for several crops helped offset lower acreage, while grower prices weakened across much of the fresh market sector. USDA’s latest Vegetables and Pulses Outlook highlights how weather, productivity gains, and shifting demand shaped outcomes heading into the 2025–26 marketing year.
Potatoes remain a key example of this dynamic. USDA forecasts 2025 U.S. potato production at 412.1 million hundredweight, down 2 percent from last year, as harvested acreage declined 3.5 percent. That reduction was partially offset by a record-high average yield of 461 cwt per acre. Despite the smaller crop, fresh potato grower prices during the first two months of the marketing year trailed year-ago levels, reflecting ample supplies and softer demand.
Fresh market vegetables broadly faced lower prices in 2025. Lettuce, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery all posted lower year-to-date average grower prices through October compared with 2024, driven by more favorable growing conditions. Some price improvement emerged late in the season, but it was insufficient to offset earlier declines.
Processing vegetables showed more resilience. California processing tomatoes, which dominate the processing sector, are expected to post record yields, largely compensating for reduced contracted acreage and stabilizing overall output.
Beyond traditional vegetables, mushroom production continued to grow modestly, with total sales volume rising 2 percent in 2024/25 and total value reaching $1.1 billion. Pulse crops experienced sharp production increases due to higher yields, although grower prices trended lower as supplies expanded.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Record yields are cushioning production declines, but softer prices underscore the importance of cost control and market timing for vegetable growers.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
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