National Potato Day

August 19 was National Potato Day in the United States which provides an excellent excuse to recognize the work of Nebraska’s potato producers. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates 21,000 acres of potatoes were planted in Nebraska this year. One-half the acres were planted to white potatoes and the other half to russet. Last year’s potato production was 965 million pounds. Typically, about one-third of the potatoes produced in the state are processed into chips and the remainder go to table stock, seed, or processing. So, whether you prefer potatoes chipped, fried, baked, mashed, or totted, the next time you indulge, know it could be a Nebraska grown potato you are enjoying.