World's highest potato yield per acre, world record in Washington State

June 5, 2024

Olympia, Washington, United States--The Washington State holds the top spot for highest potato yield per acre; with more than 300 farmers grow potatoes in Washington and the annual harvest averages 30 tons per acre, twice as much as the average yield in the United States, setting the world record for the World's highest potato yield per acre, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Widespread potato production in Washington State is a relatively recent phenomenon. Currently potatoes in Washington are grown primarily in eastern Washington and the Skagit Valley," the Washington State Potato Commission says.

"The climatic conditions, rich volcanic soil, availability of water and long growing season result in Washington State producing the world’s highest potato yield per acre. Though the number of commercial growers number approximately 300, together they plant more than 160,000 acres annually, harvesting averages of 30 tons per acre, twice as much as the average yield in the United States. Washington State produces 20 percent of all U.S. potatoes.

"Today, Washington potatoes are shipped to all parts of the United States and exported to the world marketplace. At least nine out of every ten Washington potatoes are marketed outside of Washington State, with a significant portion of these going to overseas markets. Japan purchases approximately 65 percent of the french fries made from Washington potatoes that are exported each year."

"The estimated total world production for potatoes in 2022 was 374,777,763 metric tonnes, up 0.3% from 373,787,150 tonnes in 2021.

"China was the largest producer, accounting for 25.5% of world production, followed by India at 15.0%. Dependent territories are shown in italics." (Wikipedia)

"Looking around the world, Washington state in the USA is a standout performer, with an average above 70t/ha," the Farmers Weekly says.

"And triple-digit yields have already been seen in the UK. An irrigation trial in 2013 achieved 125t/ha with the variety Volare, although Dr Firman says that came at the expense of dry matter content.

"He believes the more impressive performance was for a 114t/ha crop in a Washington State University variety trial, equating to a dry matter yield of 26t/ha."

"Although Washington ranks second in the nation behind Idaho in potato production, many people would be surprised to learn that Washington ranks first in yield per acre. The rich volcanic soil, long growing season, availability of water and climatic conditions in Washington State combine to produce the world’s highest potato yield per acre. Growers harvest an average of 30 tons per acre, twice as much as the national average in the United States," the Agribusiness Trading Group says.

"Ninety percent of Washington potatoes are processed, mostly into frozen french fries. Potatoes are primarily grown in Eastern Washington and the Skagit Valley.

"More than half of Washington’s annual harvest is exported overseas because of its proximity to Asia. Federal agriculture officials announced in February 2020 that they had reached an agreement to export U.S. potatoes to China for processing, a deal which is expected to add about $20 million worth of exports per year."

"There are many different kinds of potatoes grown in Washington. Most of them are brown-skinned with white flesh, and are called “russets," the Washington State Potato Commission says.

"Russet Burbank is the most common variety of russet potato. It is grown for French fries and for the fresh market. Other russet varieties include Ranger Russet (grown for French fries) and Russet Norkotah (grown for fresh potatoes sold by supermarkets and baked by restaurants). Other varieties grown in Washington produce yellow, red, and blue potatoes. Other varieties are grown specifically to be made into potato chips.

"Prior to planting, growers determine how fertile the soil in their field is. They have the soil analyzed to determine how much nitrogen, phosphorous, and other essential plant nutrients it contains. Then the grower orders a fertilizer mix specially tailored to the needs of their particular field. This will allow them to grow a high-quality potato crop without wasting fertilizer (which costs them money)."

"With more and more potatoes to sell, Washington growers and processors worked to expand the market for their products, increasingly looking overseas. In the 1950s, potato growers organized the Washington State Potato Commission, authorized by the legislature and overseen by the state agriculture department, to help market Washington potatoes around the world," the HistoryLink.org says.

"At the time, few of the state's potatoes were exported but, with fast-food chains spreading globally, demand for french fries was rising. Frozen fries could easily be transported and Washington producers were well-positioned to serve growing demand from Asian countries.

"The state's ports, the closest in the continental U.S. to Asia, had a long history of trade with the region and were soon shipping large quantities of Washington potato products across the Pacific. With marketing efforts ongoing, the percentage of Washington potatoes shipped overseas, mostly as frozen french fries, climbed to more than half the annual harvest."

"The state ranks second nationally in potato production, but holds the top spot for highest potato yield per acre, thanks to a favorable climate, rich volcanic soil, water availability and long growing season. More than 300 farmers grow potatoes in Washington and the annual harvest averages 30 tons per acre, “twice as much as the average yield in the United States,” according to the commission," the tricitiesbusinessnews.com says.

"After plants emerge, which occurs between two and six weeks after planting, the fields must be kept thoroughly watered. Irrigation watering, mostly through the use of pivot machines, is sometimes required 24 hours a day during the hottest summer weather.

"Some of the state’s potato growers use laser-guided planters, or tractors that navigate fields using satellites, and irrigation equipment that monitors and delivers only the amount of water needed."