NA Potato Output Drops 1.9% to 537.9M Cwt
North American potato production falls 1.9% in 2025 to 537.9 million cwt. U.S. output drops 2.2% to 412.1 million cwt. Idaho bucks trend with 2.3% rise. Potato Country reports storage down 1.5% on Dec 1.
Key Numbers
Changes This Week
Total production drops 1.9% from 2024 per Potato Country Feb 23 update. U.S. output falls 2.2% week-over-week from prior estimates. Idaho rises 2.3% while Oregon dips 0.5%. Storage stocks decline 1.5% to 270.3 million cwt on Dec 1 versus last year.
Supply Analysis
Growers plant fewer acres at 902,000 in U.S., lowest in 10 years. Yields rise modestly to 461 cwt per acre nationally. Idaho holds steady at 315,000 acres with 440 cwt yield. Lower acreage drives 2% U.S. decline despite yield gains. Potato Country notes Idaho up 2.3% to 138.4 million cwt. USDA NASS confirms storage at 270.3 million cwt Dec 1.
Demand Signals
Processing usage rises slightly in some states per Potato Country. Processors use 38.9 million cwt in Idaho, down slightly from prior year per USDA NASS Feb 2025. Fresh shipments drop to 1.885 million cwt week ending Jan 10. Bearish market direction signals tighter supplies ahead.
Regional Snapshot
lowest impact: Oregon, price stable, output down 0.5% | highest impact: Idaho, production up 2.3%, strong yields | stable: Washington, acreage down, yields offset decline
Policy Risks
USDA NASS tracks acreage and yields quarterly. Farmers apply for crop insurance subsidies via USDA Farm Service Agency within 15 days of harvest. No new policies announced. Risks include storage losses from weather; Idaho stocks hit 73 million cwt Feb 1 2025 per USDA. Supply chain faces tighter conditions from lower acreage.
FAQs
Q: What causes 2025 potato production drop?
A: Fewer acres at 902K U.S. offset yield gains per USDA NASS.
Q: How much potatoes stored in Idaho now?
A: 95M cwt on Dec 1, 73M cwt Feb 1 per Potato Country, USDA.
Q: Idaho potato acreage in 2025?
A: 315K acres steady from 2024 per Idaho Farm Bureau.
Q: Current U.S. potato prices trend?
A: Bearish from 1.9% supply dip per Potato Country.
Q: Government aid for potato farmers?
A: USDA subsidies via Farm Service Agency post-harvest.