Potatoes are one of the most widely grown food crops in the United States. The US produces 19,992,090 metric tons of potatoes, supplying homes, restaurants and food plants across the country. From fries and chips to frozen foods, potatoes support a large part of the national food supply chain.

This article covers the top 10 highest potato producing states in the US based on recent production data. It explains where potatoes are grown, how much each state produces and why these regions matter to farmers, food makers and buyers. All figures are shared in a clear way so they are easy to understand.

The data used here reflects commercial farm output, measured in hundredweight (CWT). One CWT equals 100 pounds.

Why Potato Production Matters in the US

Potato farming supports thousands of growers and workers across the country. Many food plants rely on a constant supply of potatoes for chips, fries, flakes and frozen foods. When production changes in one state, it can affect pricing, storage needs and transport across many regions.

Potatoes also need careful handling after harvest. Sorting, grading and storage systems play a key role in keeping quality stable from farm to factory. Because of this, production numbers are closely linked with farming methods, climate and local systems.

Knowing which states lead in potato output helps buyers, food companies and farm planners make better supply decisions.

Also read: Top 10 Potato Producing Countries in the World

Top 10 Potato Producing States in the US (2025)

1. Idaho

Idaho is the largest potato-producing state in the US, with 138.4 million CWT harvested. Most of this output comes from large farms in the Snake River Plain, where controlled irrigation and well-managed soil support steady yields.

The average yield in Idaho is 440 CWT per acre. This supports both fresh potato sales and large-scale processing. Many frozen fry and packaged food plants rely on Idaho potatoes because of stable supply and consistent size.

2. Washington

Washington ranks second with 87.2 million CWT of potato production. It also records one of the highest yields at 635 CWT per acre, showing strong farm efficiency.

Most potatoes grown in Washington are used for processing, especially French fries. The Columbia Basin provides reliable water access, which helps farms maintain even crop quality across wide areas.

3. Wisconsin

Wisconsin produces 28.8 million CWT of potatoes. While the state is known for dairy farming, potatoes are a major crop, mainly grown in central regions with sandy soil.

The average yield is 420 CWT per acre. A large share of Wisconsin potatoes is used for chips and frozen products, supported by nearby processing plants.

4. Oregon

Oregon harvests 26.0 million CWT of potatoes and records a high yield of 635 CWT per acre, matching Washington’s efficiency.

Most Oregon potatoes are grown under supply contracts for processing. Uniform size and shape make them suitable for factory use, which helps maintain consistent demand.

5. North Dakota

North Dakota produces 24.8 million CWT of potatoes, with an average yield of 355 CWT per acre. Shorter growing seasons limit yield compared to western states.

Potatoes here serve both fresh markets and processing needs. Storage planning is important because of long winters and extended transport distances.

Also read: Top 10 Potato Producing States in India

6. Colorado

Colorado farms produce 23.0 million CWT of potatoes. The average yield is 420 CWT per acre, close to the national level.

High-altitude growing areas support good skin quality and firmness. Many Colorado potatoes are sold fresh, with some used in specialty food markets.

7. Michigan

Michigan produces 20.7 million CWT of potatoes, with an average yield of 430 CWT per acre. Access to water and crop rotation supports stable production.

The state supplies both fresh markets and processing plants. Its central location helps food companies serve customers across the Midwest.

8. Maine

Maine harvests 17.4 million CWT of potatoes. The average yield is 335 CWT per acre, reflecting cooler growing conditions.

Most Maine potatoes are grown for table use. Strong storage systems allow growers to supply nearby states well after harvest season.

9. Minnesota

Minnesota produces 16.7 million CWT of potatoes and records an average yield of 420 CWT per acre.

Processing potatoes make up most of the crop. Careful timing and storage management help maintain supply during colder months.

10. Nebraska

Nebraska produces 9.9 million CWT of potatoes, completing the top ten list. The state shows a strong yield of 500 CWT per acre, even with smaller growing areas.

Most production serves regional markets, where shorter transport distances help reduce handling loss and cost.

What These Numbers Mean for Buyers and Food Plants

High production states often support large food factories that need regular and large volumes of potatoes. These states are better suited for chips, fries, flakes and frozen food plants that run year-round. Large output helps reduce supply risk and keeps factory operations stable.

Smaller producing states usually serve nearby or regional markets. They play an important role in meeting local demand and reducing transport distance. While their total output is lower, they often support fresh potato sales and short supply chains.

Yield per acre shows how much land is needed to meet demand. States with higher yields can supply more potatoes using less farmland. This matters when land, water or labor is limited.

For food processors, regular supply often matters more than raw volume alone. Climate conditions, water access, storage systems and post-harvest handling all affect how reliable that supply is. These factors shape real availability, not just production totals.

Also read: The Journey of McDonald’s French Fries From Farm to Fryer

Conclusion

Potato production in the US depends on climate, land use, water access and farm planning. Idaho and Washington lead in total output, while other states support regional supply and processing demand.

As food demand continues, production and yield data will remain important for growers, buyers and food plants when planning supply and investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Image credit: Potato Insights
Research sources:

World Population Review – Potato Production by State
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service – Potatoes

Key Highlights

• Butter Potatoes are now available across Canada
• Three types launched: Butter Golds, Reds and Russets
• No added butter needed due to natural taste
• Strong buying interest shown by Canadian shoppers

Canada now has its first Butter Potato range on store shelves. The new product comes from EarthFresh, a fresh produce supplier based in North America. The launch follows years of testing and comes after early sales success in the United States. The potatoes are now being sold nationwide in Canada in three main types.

What Makes Butter Potatoes Different

Butter Potatoes are grown to have a rich, creamy taste without the need for added butter. The range includes Butter Golds, Butter Reds and Butter Russets. Each type is meant for a different use in the kitchen.

Butter Golds work well for mashing. Butter Reds are suited for roasting. Butter Russets are best for baking. All three types share a smooth texture and even cooking results. According to the company, the potatoes keep their soft feel no matter how they are prepared.

Each batch is graded to keep size, taste and texture consistent. A taste and texture test was carried out by trained reviewers. The potatoes were scored out of 100, with results shared to help buyers choose the right type for their needs.

Also read: Top 10 Potato Producing Countries in the World

Years of Work Behind the Launch

Jessica Anderson (Hughes), Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at EarthFresh, said the launch follows more than ten years of research and testing. She said the goal was to offer something clearly different from regular potatoes found in stores.

The Canada-wide rollout is a major step for the company. EarthFresh says the product is aimed at both home cooks and professional kitchens that want consistent quality and simple prep.

Chef Support and Recipe Use

To show how the potatoes can be used, EarthFresh worked with chef Yann Nury on recipe development. He said the potatoes cook evenly and work well across many dishes, from simple meals at home to restaurant plates.

The company believes this ease of use will help the potatoes fit into daily cooking without extra steps.

Strong Interest From Shoppers

Before the launch, a shopper study was carried out to test interest in new produce items. The research, done by IMI International, found that 83 percent of Canadian shoppers showed interest in buying Butter Potatoes. The result was higher than normal results for new produce items.

Butter Potatoes had earlier sold in selected U.S. stores, where early stocks ran out quickly. The product has since returned to the U.S. market with new packaging and wider reach.

Butter Potatoes are now available across Canada in 5 lb bags. With strong shopper interest and steady supply, the new range is set to test whether Canadians are ready for a different kind of potato on a regular basis.

Image credit: Earth Fresh Foods
News source: Perishable News

Key Highlights:

• China leads in total potato processing capacity
• Supply chain gaps continue to hurt efficiency in developing regions
• Energy, water and waste management remain major concerns
• Study urges global shift toward smarter, resource-saving methods

A new scientific review has taken a close look at how the global potato processing industry is changing. The study, published in the journal Food by researcher X. Hu and team, shows both the progress made in efficiency and the serious sustainability issues still holding the industry back. Drawing from data across Asia, Europe and North America, the authors describe an industry standing at an important moment where technology and environmental practices will decide its next steps.

The review shows that China now has the largest potato processing capacity in the world. This growth comes from rising local demand and government support for food manufacturing. Europe and North America remain strong in high-value products such as frozen fries, potato chips and dehydrated items.

Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany are leading exporters, while the United States operates one of the most organized systems connecting farmers directly with major processors. India and other fast-developing countries are quickly growing their local processing sectors, but many still face problems such as limited storage and irregular supply of raw potatoes.

The study points out that stable and uniform potato supply is key to smooth processing. Yet in many developing regions, this is still a major weakness.

Frequent issues include:

• Different potato sizes causing trimming and waste
• Poor or unmanaged cold storage that harms quality
• Weak ties between farmers and processors, leading to supply uncertainty

These gaps increase waste, raise energy use and make it harder for factories to run all year without breaks.

Potato processing uses a lot of water and energy, especially during peeling, blanching and drying. The study found that many plants still depend on heating systems that lose too much energy. In addition, wastewater from starch recovery and washing is often released without proper treatment, harming the environment.

The authors note that byproducts like potato peels, pulp and leftover water are underused. Some plants are now trying to turn them into useful materials such as fiber, protein or bioenergy, an idea that could make the entire system more sustainable if adopted widely.

Several modern technologies are showing promise for making potato processing cleaner and more efficient:

• Membrane and filtration systems that recycle process water
• Infrared, microwave and vacuum drying that lower energy use
• Smart control systems and sensors that detect product defects in real time
• Enzyme and microbe-based methods to convert waste into valuable compounds

Although most of these are still in early testing, the report suggests they could reduce costs and waste if scaled up globally.

Consumers everywhere are asking for healthier snacks and meals. Lower salt and fat levels are now common targets for potato processors. But reformulating products without losing taste or texture adds cost and complexity, particularly for smaller processors.

At the same time, demand for frozen and ready-to-eat foods is rising quickly, especially in cities. This trend continues to attract investment in processing capacity, making the sector a key growth driver in many regions.

According to Hu and the team, the industry must focus on:

• Closer links between farms and processing plants
• Better cold storage and transport networks in Asia and Africa
• Wider use of energy- and water-saving systems
• Full sustainability checks for processed potato products

The study also highlights missing data from parts of Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, areas where processing is growing fast but research is still limited.

For producers in mature markets, the message is clear. Those who invest in efficient heating and drying systems and who find new ways to reuse waste, can lower both costs and emissions. Companies that delay such improvements may struggle as global standards on environment and resource use become stricter.

The study presents this decade as a key moment for the potato processing world, a time to move from large-scale volume production toward smarter and more sustainable systems that save both energy and money.

Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Image Credit: Pexels, by Alena Shekhovtcova