US potato acreage could fall to lowest level since 1952

US potato plantings are forecast at 873,000 acres in 2026, down 3% from last season, according to the USDA Economic Research Service.

The reduction amounts to 29,000 acres and would mark the third consecutive annual decline. If the forecast is realized, planted area across the 13 states surveyed by USDA would reach its lowest level since 1952.

Acreage is expected to decline in eight states. Idaho accounts for around half of the national reduction, with plantings forecast to fall by 15,000 acres to 300,000 acres. Nebraska recorded the largest percentage decrease at 10%.

Lower prices received by growers during the 2025/26 marketing year contributed to the decision to reduce plantings.

USDA expects yields to remain close to the long-term trend, supported by generally favourable conditions in major growing areas. However, stronger yields are unlikely to offset the loss of harvested acreage.

As a result, total potato production is expected to decline. Tighter supplies could place upward pressure on prices during the 2026/27 marketing year, particularly in the fresh market.

source: ers.usda.gov

photo: snaped.fns.usda.gov