Old favorites, new pressures
Potato growers across North America are refining their cultivar choices with an eye toward yield, disease resistance and adaptability.
According to Spudman’s annual Cultivar Survey, russet varieties continue to dominate commercial acreage, but growers are exploring new options that offer better stress tolerance and market flexibility.
The 2025 survey gathered responses from growers representing operations of all sizes, from less than 100 acres to more than 5,000. The results reveal which cultivars are thriving, which are falling short and how growers are making decisions amid changing weather patterns and market pressures.
RUSSETS LEAD THE PACK
When asked which cultivars they grow, respondents overwhelmingly pointed to Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet and Clearwater Russet. Together, russet types accounted for about 60% of all cultivars mentioned, reaffirming their continued importance for both processing and fresh markets.
Several growers also highlighted red- and yellow-skinned options such as Dark Red Norland and Kennebec — the latter appearing among top responses for the first time this year.
“Grow what’s best for the end use and climate you have,” one survey respondent advised.
YIELD TOPS THE LIST
Growers made it clear that yield and productivity remain their highest priorities, followed by disease resistance and drought or stress tolerance.
Many referenced the need for cultivars that can perform under hotter, drier conditions — nearly 20% of respondents specifically noted that drought tolerance is a key factor in cultivar selection.
When describing the most important attributes in a cultivar, one respondent wrote, “Efficiency. Varieties that grow with low inputs. Drought tolerance, strong plant resistance to disease and viruses.”
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Respondents most frequently cited Clearwater Russet, Ranger Russet and Russet Burbank as their top performers, followed by Colomba, Reveille, Fontane, Actrice and Kennebec.
While longtime staples like Burbank remain widely planted, newer russets are steadily gaining ground among growers looking for improved quality and consistency.
“Dakota Pearl produces very consistently in yield and quality,” one grower noted. “It’s reliable year after year.”
Others emphasized that performance depends heavily on region, management and intended use, as there’s no one-size-fits-all variety.
TROUBLESOME VARIETIES
Some familiar names also appeared on the “problem list.”
Russet Burbank drew multiple mentions for early dying and stress sensitivity, while Yukon Gold was criticized for “hollow heart, low yield and disease proneness.”
Kennebec was noted for “fusarium wilt” and oversized tubers, Chieftain for poor skin set and Lehigh for inconsistent yields.
These responses highlight how the same cultivar can succeed on one farm and struggle on another depending on conditions, management and markets.
SHIFTS AHEAD
About 60% of growers said they plan to try a different cultivar next season — up 3% from last year.
Among those exploring new options, named russet varieties such as Reveille, Clearwater, Camas and Caribou were mentioned most often (54%).
Another 31% are looking at red- and yellow-skinned cultivars such as Ruby Red, Dakota Rose, Yellow Rose and Camilla, while 23% remain undecided.
“Haven’t found a good replacement yet,” one respondent admitted. Another said, “We have many new varieties in production, focusing on resistances and efficiencies.”
Growers said they’re learning about potential replacements through a mix of traditional and hands-on sources. Nearly half cited print and online magazine articles as key information channels, while others pointed to variety trials, brokers and direct experience as their main resources.
One respondent noted “seed grower trials,” while another referenced “customers and processor communication” as a source of insight.
EVOLVING DECISIONS
Overall, this year’s findings point to an industry balancing tradition with experimentation. Russet cultivars remain dominant, but environmental pressures, production costs and buyer preferences are prompting growers to diversify.
As one respondent summarized, “It’s not the location or climate — it’s the variety, intended use and farmer that makes a variety work.”
