Montana

Montana has a distinctive position in the U.S. potato industry, particularly as a major producer of certified seed potatoes rather than as one of the country's largest fresh market potato producers. The state’s high elevation valleys, relatively short growing seasons, dry climate in many production areas and geographic isolation help growers produce high-quality seed with comparatively low disease pressure. Montana seed potatoes are an important source of planting material for commercial potato production in other states, including potatoes destined for processing.

Potato production is distributed across several regions of Montana, with important seed growing areas extending from the southwestern part of the state into the northwest. Gallatin, Beaverhead and Madison counties are prominent in the southwest, while Lake County is an important production area in the northwest. The Gallatin Valley around Manhattan, Amsterdam and Churchill has developed a particularly strong seed-potato industry. Montana’s cool mountain valleys are well suited to producing smaller, high-quality seed tubers, while irrigation supports consistent crop development in many production areas.

Montana's modern potato industry is strongly focused on seed quality, varietal purity and disease management. Montana State University operates the Seed Potato Certification Program, which includes field inspections, laboratory testing, post-harvest testing and maintenance of potato lines through tissue culture. The state also requires shipping point inspection of seed potatoes, with certified seed required to meet prescribed quality and disease standards. In the 2025 crop, Montana certified 10,702 acres of seed potatoes, with Russet Burbank, Clearwater Russet, Umatilla Russet, Ranger Russet and Alturas among the leading varieties.

Potato cultivation in Montana developed substantially during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, with production eventually spreading through many of the state's mountain valleys and irrigated agricultural areas. By 1922, Montana had about 29,000 acres of potatoes, most of which were commercial production. The state's seed potato certification system subsequently became an important part of the industry, helping growers improve seed health and maintain reliable planting material. Historical records indicate that Montana had continued certified seed-potato acreage throughout the 20^th century, even as the total potato area shifted from broad commercial production toward specialized seed production.

Montana also has an important connection with Russet Burbank, one of the world's most significant processing potato varieties. A russet skinned sport of the Burbank potato was identified in Montana in 1902 and became known as Netted Gem and later Russet Burbank. The variety eventually became particularly important for French-fry production. Montana's seed industry continued developing through the 20^th century, with production concentrated in valleys such as Gallatin, Flathead, Deer Lodge and the southwestern mountain valleys. Today, the state remains an important source of certified seed potatoes, with rigorous certification and disease management practices supporting markets well beyond Montana.