Above-average temperatures have delayed Michigan's potato harvest. Roughly one-third of the crop is in storage, while digging continues at a slower pace. The state has received little rainfall, and forecasts predict continued sunny, warm conditions. Reports suggest yields are slightly below average, and chip potato solids are also below normal. Growers have expressed concern about the storability of this year's potatoes given the hot, dry harvest conditions.
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Market reports indicate supply and demand are currently balanced, though supplies could tighten later in the storage season. Chip processors have suggested they may reduce contract volumes in early southern growing regions, citing concerns about finished product demand, which may be influenced in part by lower U.S. calorie consumption linked to the use of weight loss medications.
The USDA recently revised 2024 potato production figures for 11 of 13 reporting states. Production was raised in eight states and lowered in three. The 2024 U.S. potato crop is now estimated at 421.17 million cwt, up 930,000 cwt from January but still 18.96 million cwt below the 2023 crop.
For Michigan, USDA reports 47,500 acres (19,230 hectares) harvested in 2024, unchanged from earlier estimates. Yield estimates were increased by 10 cwt per acre to 430 cwt per acre, raising the state's crop forecast by 475,000 cwt. Michigan's 2024 crop still fell 1.14 million cwt, or 5.3%, short of 2023 production. Shipments of table and chip potatoes from the 2024 crop were down 14% year-on-year.
During the week ending September 27, 2025, U.S. packers shipped 1.593 million cwt of table potatoes, compared to 1.719 million cwt the same week last year. Michigan Packers shipped 15,200 cwt, down from 39,436 cwt a year earlier. Of Michigan's shipments, 86.7% were russets, 10.4% yellow potatoes, and 3.0% red potatoes.
In Wisconsin, packers reported selling size A russet potatoes in 10-pound bags at $7–$9 per 50-pound bale, down from $9 last week. Russet 40–70 count cartons sold at $12–$15 per 50-pound box, down from $16 the prior week. The weighted average shipping point price for new-crop Idaho Russet Norkotahs was $12.28 per cwt, compared with $12.81 the previous week.
Wisconsin yellow potato prices were steady, with 10/5-pound bales of size A at $14–$17 per bale and 50-pound cartons of size A at $14–$17. Size B yellow potatoes held mostly at $11 per 50-pound box. Red potatoes were also steady, with 10/5-pound bales of size A at $13–$14 and 50-pound cartons of size A at $11–$13.50. The USDA has discontinued price reporting for Big Lake and Central Minnesota.
© Michigan PotatoesFor more information:
Michigan Potatoes
Tel: +1 517 253 7370
www.mipotatoindustry.com
