Spudman

Last year, 65% of potato growers named input costs as their top challenge in shifting agricultural landscape. What’s changed in 2026 — and what’s ahead for the potato industry? Spudman is proud to partner with the National Potato Council once more for the 2027 Spud Sector Survey, and we want to hear from you. Your insights help shape industry advocacy, guide research priorities and strengthen the future of U.S. potato production. Make your voice heard.

Fertilizer and crop nutrition company TIMAC AGRO USA has named a new CEO of its U.S. subsidiary. Stephanie Vrakas Bagshaw will lead the company’s growth and operations as longtime executive Jacob Tanis IV moves into the chief operating officer role. Vrakas Bagshaw brings more than 15 years of experience in business leadership, strategy and growth across U.S. and global industrial businesses.

Canadian growers can expect a record harvest in 2026, according to a report compiled by North American Potato Market News (NAPMN) for the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC). Growers will 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, according to the report. Late-summer growing conditions have been variable across Canada.

Another Senate Agriculture Committee vote on the farm bill could be on the calendar soon. Committee chair John Boozman told Politico on Sept. 10 that he plans to hold another committee vote in the next week. Agri-Pulse reported on Sept. 14 that the vote will happen Sept. 16. An August attempt to pass the bill stalled because of Democratic opposition to cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the absences of Republican Sens.

An irrigation analytics company is among four agricultural startups advancing to the final round of the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, where the businesses will compete for a top prize of $100,000. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, named Seismi and Nave Analytics of Nebraska, Swinergy of Minnesota and Good Agriculture of Georgia as finalists. Each received an initial $10,000 prize after advancing from a group of 10 semifinalists.

Spuds are celebrating a decade at the top. A new study found that potatoes have remained America’s favorite vegetable for the 10th consecutive year, ahead of broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus and corn. The  2026 Consumer Attitudes & Usage study (.pdf), sponsored by Potatoes USA, also found that consumer perceptions of potatoes’ nutritional value continue to improve. Seventy-two percent of the 2,000 respondents agreed that potatoes provide nutrients, while 65% agreed that spuds are healthy.

In the four years since the Mexican market fully opened to U.S. potatoes, exports to the country have increased 123% in volume and 84% in value. Export volume grew from 123,000 metric tons (MT) valued at $68.2 million in marketing year 2021-22 to 274,000 MT worth $125.3 million in 2025-26, according to national promotion board Potatoes USA. The fresh shipment of fresh potatoes from the U.S. crossed the Mexican border on May 12, 2022, marking the end of decades of disputes and legal obstructions.

A new USDA modernization plan aims to reduce producer reporting burdens while improving the timeliness, accuracy and usefulness of agricultural data. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said USDA would expand its use of administrative data, improve mobile survey access and explore prefilled information to reduce duplicative requests. The plan also calls for greater coordination across the department.

Edwin Camp, CEO of produce grower, packer, processor and shipper D.M. Camp & Sons, will be recognized with Western Growers’  2026 Award of Honor at the organization’s 100th Annual Meeting in November. The award, Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement, is given annually to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.

Spudman is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Impact Awards, recognizing individuals whose innovation, leadership and dedication are making a meaningful impact on the North American potato industry. From growers and researchers to processors, suppliers and industry advocates, the awards shine a light on the people working every day to strengthen and advance the industry. Nominations are open to individuals across all industry segments.