Rising costs and drought stress the potato industry

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Potato harvesting season is in full swing, with many farms hunting for this Idaho treasure. For some, the harvest may feel like a chore, but for many families, it has become a tradition.

"It's pretty much the same crew every year," Marc Thiel, Thiel Brother's Land & Livestock, said. "My mother's been cooking lunch for us for 60 years, so we joke that's the only reason they all come back, is for my mom's lunches."

Friends, family, and neighbors all come out to lend a hand on the Thiel's farm as well as grab a bite to eat. Once they are all harvested, these potatoes will soon be on their way to the East Coast.

"My dad always really took pride in knowing that this shed is known for packing good quality potatoes," Marc said. "They send them to a lot of those real high end restaurants in New York City."

However, sharing this Idaho gem has been more of a struggle this year. From rising Diesel costs and low potato prices are putting more pressure on farmers. The American Farm Bureau estimates potato farmers nationwide could face more than $700 million dollars in losses this year.

As the number one producer of potatoes in the U.S., contributing nearly 33% of the nation's potatoes, Idaho is feeling that pressure.

"It's stressful," Marc said. "A year like this where it was hot and dry, short of water, you got a lot invested in them. But it's always worth it at the end. Especially when you got a nice crop."

Potato farming dates back to the 1830's in Idaho and has been a centuries long staple for multiple families across the state. Even with increasing prices, many wish not to part with this tradition. The Thiel family has been farming their land for 114 years and every harvest is proof of a long family legacy.

"I really enjoy growing potatoes," Marc said. "It's real satisfying. At the end of the year if you've got a good crop. There's just nothing like seeing those things boil out of the ground. And it's enjoyable. We've always had potatoes forever. I've always had them."

Multiple families across the region are still harvesting potatoes or have already completed their harvest. Many rural school districts have let students out for Harvest Week.

Many of these schools are already back in session but Madison School District, Shelley Joint School District, Firth School District, West Jefferson School District, and Snake River School District are still on their Harvest Break.