Colorado potato growers seek solutions as surplus tops 100 million pounds

Potato growers in Colorado's San Luis Valley are facing a massive surplus of potatoes that they will have to dispose of, with estimates of over 100 million pounds that need to be destroyed. The warm spring weather, an oversupply, and the loss of a key processing facility have all contributed to the problem, which growers say is a long-term issue that needs both short-term and long-term solutions.
 

Impact on San Luis Valley growers

The potato industry is a major economic driver in the San Luis Valley, and the inability to process or sell the excess potatoes could have significant financial impacts on local growers. The disposal of such a large volume of potatoes also raises environmental concerns that county governments are being asked to help address.
 

Surplus exceeds 100 million pounds

Potato growers have approached county commissioners in Alamosa and Rio Grande counties seeking assistance in disposing of the excess potatoes. Tara Artho of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee estimates the cull pile could exceed one million hundredweight, or 100 million pounds. Jeff McCullough, who operates a potato packaging and distribution company, says it would take two full-time employees, a large tractor, and a front loader to help transport and dispose of the potatoes. The warm spring weather has also caused quality issues with potatoes currently in storage, exacerbating the problem.

The potato growers presented the issue to county commissioners on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The 2026 potato harvest is expected to be lower due to drought conditions, but the loss of a processing facility and soft domestic market will continue to create storage issues for the next couple of years.
 

Growers and officials respond

Tara Artho, Executive director, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee:

"This is a 'how do you eat an elephant one bite at a time,' problem." 

Jeff McCullough, Operator, The Spud Seller:

"I think we need to start as soon as we can to help to manage these cull piles and get them down. The longer we hold them (in storage), the worse it gets."

Vern Heersink, Alamosa County Commissioner:

"How do we justify this as a county problem as opposed to an industry problem?"

Tara Artho:

"Our guys want to be compliant. They don't want to have this be a problem for their neighbors, for their own warehouses, for themselves, and they're trying to come together with a community-minded solution here on giving them an option."

Counties consider support options

County commissioners in Alamosa and Rio Grande counties will need to determine if they can provide financial and logistical support to help potato growers dispose of the excess crop. The Colorado Department of Agriculture will also be involved to ensure the potatoes are disposed of properly and in compliance with state regulations.