Idaho may always be famous for its potatoes, never to be confused as a Corn Belt state. For the past two years, however, Gem State growers have planted more acres of corn than spuds. That trend will continue in 2012, unless potato growers increase planting from last year by more than 30,000 acres.
Spud growers who add corn to rotations report slight yield increases and significant improvements in quality and size, thanks to soil benefits of corn residue. They can also pocket transportation savings when they sell to nearby cattle operations, which would otherwise import from out of state.