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
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
January 30, 2026 11:44 AM
·
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
January 30, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Strong blending demand continues to support ethanol use even as production and exports fluctuate.
January 30, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
January 29, 2026 12:44 PM
·
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
January 29, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
January 28, 2026 06:00 AM
·
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.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
·
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
·
Rail continues to carry a larger share of the grain load, increasing sensitivity to rail capacity, labor, and pricing conditions.
January 27, 2026 11:55 AM
·
