The latest AgWest Market Update notes that the 2026 potato crop is expected to be smaller than 2025 due to reduced acreage and weather-related yield challenges in several major growing regions. In Idaho, summer heat pressured yields, while lower planted acreage further reduced open-market potato supplies. Washington’s Columbia Basin was one of the few production areas to benefit from favorable growing conditions, resulting in strong yields and good crop quality.
Tighter supplies have supported stronger prices compared to a year ago. Russet shipping-point prices remain well above 2025 levels, reflecting improved grower bargaining power and expectations for a smaller crop. As a result, grower return indices have strengthened significantly from year-earlier levels. International trade continues to provide additional support. U.S. fresh potato exports reached record levels during the 2025-26 marketing year, driven largely by strong demand from Mexico and Canada.
Looking ahead, export demand is expected to remain an important outlet for U.S. production, although expanding Canadian production could increase competition in certain fresh potato markets during the coming season. In the Pacific Northwest, processing potato supplies are expected to be better aligned with demand than in recent years, reducing the likelihood of large surplus volumes entering the open market.
