North American Potato Market News (NAPMN) now expects Canadian growers to produce a record 130.6 million cwt of potatoes in 2026. That is 4.7 million cwt, or 3.7%, more than the country produced during 2025. Late-summer growing conditions have been variable across Canada. In general, conditions have been favorable in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario. Crops received the rain needed to finish bulking. On the other hand, excessive rainfall has taken a toll on crops in PEI and in the Prairie Provinces. Alberta’s harvest was at a standstill last week, due to wet and muddy fields. Harvest is ramping up across the country this week. Based on current conditions, we are projecting an average yield of 336 cwt per acre. That is up from last year’s yield, 320 cwt per acre. If realized, it would also exceed the 2023 record, 332 cwt per acre.
Chip potato supplies are expected to increase in Ontario and Quebec. Though we do not have the exact split between potatoes for each sector, total combined production in those provinces could be up 6.2%. Chip potato production in the Maritime Provinces should be sufficient for local needs.
U.S. packers shipped 1.693 million cwt of table potatoes during the week ending Sept. 19. That is up from 1.569 million cwt shipped a year earlier. Michigan packers shipped 41,460 cwt during the week ending Sept. 19. That is up from 27,414 cwt shipped during the same week in 2025. Last week’s reported Michigan shipments were 100% russets.
Wisconsin packers are selling size A russet potatoes in 10-pound bags for mostly $10 per 50-pound bale, unchanged from last week. They are selling russet 40-70 count cartons for mostly $20 per 50-pound box, also unchanged. The weighted average shipping point price for Idaho Russet Norkotahs is $21.68 per cwt, down from $22.49 per cwt the previous week.
— This report was compiled by North American Potato Market News (NAPMN) for the Michigan Potato Industry Commission