Despite challenges with labor and reduced acreage, Colorado’s potato industry anticipates steady yields, while local farms introduce new packaging and celebrate the harvest with community events.

Colorado continues to uphold its reputation as one of the nation’s top producers of fresh-market potatoes, a crop that ranks first in the state in terms of both volume and dollar value. Colorado’s farmers grow over 70 different varieties of potatoes, with these varieties being carefully evaluated at Colorado State University’s research farm before becoming available to the public. Marilyn Bay, executive director of the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, highlights the significance of potatoes to the state’s agricultural economy.

Among the diverse types of potatoes cultivated in Colorado are russets, reds, yellows, and fingerlings, according to Jessica Crowther, assistant director of the Monte Vista-based Colorado Potato Administration Committee. Newer varieties such as the Reveille, developed by Texas A&M University, have also gained popularity. One standout variety is the Purple Majesty, known for its striking purple hue inside and out. “It’s a really delicious potato,” Crowther noted.

For the current season, production is projected to remain stable at around 14.8 hundredweight, similar to last year’s figures. However, there has been a reduction in acreage, as some growers decided to cut back on planting, Crowther explained. Despite this, favorable weather conditions—including early rains and warm days—are expected to enhance the overall yield. Colorado’s organic potato sector remains robust as well, with growers producing approximately 381,000 hundredweight.

Farm Fresh Direct of America, based in Monte Vista, kicked off its late-summer harvest of yellow and russet potatoes on August 19. Cindy Adkins, the company’s director of sales, expressed optimism about the quality of the crops this season. “Quality on the golds and quality on the russets look very, very promising,” she said. The russet variety, in particular, will see an increase in size, with a larger percentage of the potatoes weighing over 10 ounces compared to previous years.

As The Packer reports, Farm Fresh Direct will begin its fall harvest on September 10, continuing through early October. The company is committed to providing both conventional and organic varieties of yellow, russet, red, and gold potatoes throughout the year, collaborating with partners to ensure a steady supply. Adkins anticipates slightly higher yields for the season.

Meanwhile, Lenz Family Farms in Wray, Colorado, a long-established potato producer, was scheduled to begin its 2024 harvest at the end of August. The company, which specializes in yellow-flesh potatoes, expects to match last year’s production levels.

According to Bevan Lenz, owner of the family-run farm, the weather has been relatively consistent, with occasional fluctuations between cool and hot conditions. Harvesting is set to continue until mid-October, with Lenz predicting that while the initial crop may be smaller in size, the storage crop will yield potatoes with a solid size profile.

Labor remains a critical issue for many potato growers in Colorado. According to Lenz, labor costs have almost doubled over the past eight years, largely due to inflation-linked wage increases. “We try to be more efficient and get more hundredweight per hour through the shed to reduce the costs,” he said. Despite these challenges, Lenz Family Farms has managed to maintain its operations effectively. Adkins echoed similar concerns, noting that even with higher wages, finding sufficient labor continues to be a challenge.

In addition to agricultural activities, Farm Fresh Direct is undergoing a significant rebranding effort, set to be unveiled later this year. The company’s Growers Reserve brand, first introduced in 2009, will feature new, visually striking packaging designed to bring a fresh, colorful look to the typically brown-toned potato section. As part of this rebranding, the company is also upgrading equipment at one of its packing sheds and launching a revamped website.

In conjunction with the start of the harvest season, the Colorado Potato Administration Committee is hosting a community event over the Labor Day weekend. The celebration will feature food, crafts, and activities for children at a local park. “It’s a fun way to celebrate our community and give back to them,” Crowther said. The event aims to honor both the local community and the contributions of the potato industry to Colorado’s agricultural landscape.