From Field to Fry: The Story of Nebraska Potatoes

When most people think of Nebraska agriculture, corn and cattle often come to mind. But tucked into the sandy soils of western Nebraska is another important crop that feeds families across the country: potatoes.

From crispy fries and creamy mashed potatoes to hearty soups and holiday casseroles, potatoes are a staple on American tables. In Nebraska, they’re also an important part of our agricultural economy and a source of pride for the farm families who grow them.

Nebraska consistently ranks among the top potato-producing states in the nation. Most of the state’s potato production is concentrated in the Panhandle, where unique soil and climate conditions make it ideal for growing high-quality potatoes.

Potatoes contribute significantly to Nebraska’s agricultural economy. They support:

• Farm families and rural communities
• Local agribusinesses and equipment suppliers
• Processing facilities that create frozen and packaged potato products
• Transportation and distribution networks

Western Nebraska offers just the right combination of sandy soil, irrigation, and climate.

• Sandy soils allow potatoes to grow evenly underground.
• Careful irrigation provides consistent moisture for quality and yield.
• Warm days and cool nights help tubers develop properly.

Potatoes are planted in the spring using pieces of “seed potatoes,” each with an eye that sprouts into a new plant. While green leaves grow above ground, the potatoes develop below the surface. By late summer or early fall, they’re ready to be harvested.

After harvest, potatoes are stored in climate-controlled facilities to maintain freshness before heading to processors or grocery stores.

Potatoes are more fascinating than you might think:

• They’re nutrient-rich. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber when eaten with the skin.
• They’re efficient. Potatoes produce more food per acre than many other crops, making them an important part of global food security.
• They’re versatile. There are thousands of potato varieties worldwide, though Nebraska primarily grows varieties suited for processing and fresh markets.
• They’re family-friendly. Potatoes are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free — it’s often the toppings that add extra calories!

Nebraska potato growers combine tradition with innovation. Many farms have been family-owned for generations, with knowledge and experience passed down over time. At the same time, today’s growers use advanced technology to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Farmers use:

• GPS-guided equipment for precise planting and fertilization
• Soil testing to apply nutrients only where needed
• Water management tools to conserve irrigation resources
• Integrated pest management practices to protect crops responsibly

These practices help ensure that potatoes are grown using fewer resources while protecting the land for future generations.

For many families, farming isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life. Children often grow up helping during planting and harvest, learning firsthand about responsibility, hard work, and caring for the land.

The journey of a potato doesn’t end at harvest. After leaving the farm, potatoes may travel to processing plants where they are washed, cut, cooked, frozen, and packaged. Others are sorted and shipped fresh to grocery stores.

The next time you enjoy French fries at a restaurant, bake a potato for dinner, or add hash browns to your breakfast plate, there’s a good chance those potatoes began in a Nebraska field.

Food connects us all — from the families who carefully plant and harvest each crop to the families who gather around the dinner table. Potatoes are a reminder that even the simplest foods have a story rooted in hard work, science, and stewardship.

At Raising Nebraska, we celebrate those stories. And this month, we celebrate the farm families who grow one of our state’s most versatile and beloved crops — the humble, hardworking potato.