Planted potato acreage in Washington, Idaho and Oregon is down this season compared to last year, which should be a bit of a relief to potato grower-shippers.
“There was a large oversupply last season, which depressed prices for most of the season,” says Ryan Schols, chief financial officer at Norm Nelson Inc., Burlington, Wash., which markets Double N brand potatoes.
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates that potato planted acreage nationwide is down 29,000 acres — 3.2% — from 902,000 acres in 2025. Washington’s acreage will drop to about 140,000 acres, Idaho will drop 15,000 acres from 315,000, and Oregon should remain flat at about 41,000 planted acres.
“I think everybody always hopes prices will be up over the previous year,” Schols says. “This year in particular after the over-supply of last season.”
The next few weeks will reveal what to expect for the 2026-27 season, Eric Beck, director of marketing for Wada Farms Marketing Group, Idaho Falls, Idaho, said in early July.
“At this stage of the growing season, the crop is tracking within normal expectations and still developing nicely,” he says. “Warm temperatures and astringent water mitigation are all variables that could affect yield as we finish out the growing season.”
Pricing will be driven by supply and demand dynamics across the market, he says, adding that “at this time, we expect conditions to remain competitive, but it’s too early to forecast specific pricing trends.”
Wada Farms harvest timing will follow its normal seasonal schedule, beginning in mid-to-late summer and continuing into fall. The company hopes to have the harvest wrapped up by early October.
The grower-shipper offers a full range of potato varieties, including russets, reds, yellows and other specialty types such as chippers.
“Russet potatoes remain our top seller, driven by steady retail and foodservice demand,” Beck says. “Yellow and red varieties continue to perform well, particularly in retail channels focused on versatility and flavor.”
Eagle Eye Produce, also based in Idaho Falls, offers russet, red and yellow potatoes for retail, foodservice and export customers, says Coleman Oswald, director of sales.
Norkotah russet potatoes are the firm’s biggest sellers.
“They’re versatile products that work well for everything from grocery stores to restaurants, so they’re the backbone of many of our programs,” Oswald says.
Yellow potatoes continue to gain acceptance.
“We’re seeing more demand for both smaller convenience packs and larger bag sizes as shoppers look for both convenience and value,” he says.
The company also offers microwave baking potatoes, steam-in-bag potatoes, tray packs and other retail packaging options.
“We’re seeing more shoppers look for products that are quick and easy to prepare, and
those items continue to grow in popularity,” Oswald says.
So far, the growing season has been close to ideal for Double N, Schols says: “It’s not too hot and not too wet.”
The company grows all the colored potato varieties on its farm, including red, yellow, white and a few purple potatoes.
“Yellows seemed to be climbing in popularity for about 10 years, but I think they’re reaching their plateau as far as how much the market needs,” he says.
The company, which ships potatoes from early September and usually continues through the end of April, sells across the U.S. and Canada and works with an export company for overseas loads, Schols says. Volume should be similar to last year.
Changes and Improvements
All three companies continue to strengthen their operations and say they strive to maintain a high standard of service for their customers.
Eagle Eye Produce has been working on a multimillion-dollar upgrade to its Idaho Falls red-and-yellow potato facility over the past several months, Oswald says.
“The new line includes AI grading and sorting technology along with new automated packing equipment that will help us improve quality and increase capacity,” he says.
Wada Farms continues to focus on operational efficiency and consistent product quality, Beck says.
“Over the past year, we’ve made targeted investments in equipment and facility improvements to enhance packing-line throughput and maintain product integrity,” he says. “We’ve also continued refining our packaging offerings to better align with retail and consumer preferences, particularly around convenience and sustainability.”
Double N has acquired a new sales manager. Last year was Eric Schuh’s first year with the company, Schols says.
“He’s been in agriculture a long time, but this was his first foray into potatoes,” he says. “He hit the ground running adding some new accounts.”
