Nevada

Nevada is a relatively small but distinctive potato growing region, with production concentrated in irrigated agricultural areas where water availability makes intensive crop production possible. The state’s high desert environment is characterized by low humidity, strong sunlight, warm days and comparatively cool nights. These conditions can be favorable for potato production when growers have reliable irrigation and suitable soils. Historical USDA data show that Nevada harvested between about 5,100 and 8,000 acres of potatoes annually during several years of the 2000s, with yields reaching 470 cwt per acre in 2009.

Potato production is associated particularly with northern and central agricultural areas, including Churchill County and the Fallon area, as well as other irrigated farming districts. Fallon has a long-established agricultural research and farming infrastructure, supported by irrigation development and the University of Nevada, Reno’s Fallon Research Center. The center was established as a 160-acre farm in 1906 and has supported research on soils, irrigation, crop rotation and alternative crops in Nevada’s challenging agricultural environment.

Nevada growers can produce both conventional and specialty potatoes, although the state is not among the leading U.S. potato producing states today. University of Nevada, Reno research and extension resources have evaluated potatoes suited to the state’s high desert conditions. In a 2022 high desert trial, specialty varieties including Elba, Huckleberry Gold and Red Chieftain performed particularly well, with Elba producing the highest yield among the four varieties tested. Nevada also maintains specific standards for potatoes marketed as “Nevada standard potatoes,” covering size, grading and defects.

Potatoes became part of Nevada’s irrigated agricultural development as settlers learned to cultivate crops in an otherwise dry environment. Early agricultural records demonstrate that potatoes were already being grown commercially in the state by the beginning of the 20^th century. In 1909, Nevada produced about 540,000 bushels of potatoes, while its average yield of 180 bushels per acre was considerably higher than the U.S. average of 106.8 bushels per acre. This illustrates the importance of irrigated, productive farming districts despite Nevada’s predominantly arid landscape.

The potato industry later developed a notable presence in northern Nevada, particularly around Winnemucca and other irrigated farming communities. A 1977 Nevada legislative agricultural tour described Humboldt County as a major agricultural producing area and noted potato production and processing in Winnemucca, including a potato processing plant where potatoes were processed and dehydrated. Historical agricultural research also became important through the University of Nevada, Reno and USDA cooperation, particularly in addressing irrigation, crop rotation and alkaline soil problems that influence crop production in the state.