At R.D. Offutt Farms, we believe that good farming is about more than just raising a crop—it’s about caring for the land, our neighbors, and the next generation. That’s why every year, we roll up our sleeves and take part in the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) Program, which helps us measure how we’re doing and where we can do even better.
The 2024 national results are in, and we’re proud to share how our farm stacks up—alongside hundreds of other potato growers across North America.
What We’re Doing Well
- Soil Health: We’ve always said, “Take care of the soil, and the soil will take care of you.” Our long-term conservation plan is working: keeping erosion and runoff in check earned us a leadership-level score. We’re using less tillage and finding ways to keep our fields healthy for years to come.
- Water Impact: Water is precious, and we’re making every drop count. Our farm achieved a high score, with robust irrigation planning and working with neighbors to keep our local watersheds strong. Nearly every potato grower in the PSA program now has a water stewardship plan, and we’re proud to be part of that movement.
- Biodiversity & Habitat: We scored at the high leadership level, thanks to efforts like maintaining and restoring habitat for pollinators and planting trees. We’ve joined in on regional conservation efforts—though there’s always more we can do.
- Community Leadership: Farming isn’t just about crops—it’s about community. Our farm’s commitment to community engagement, education, and supporting local organizations is reflected in a high PSA score. Whether it’s a school visit or a field day, we love connecting folks to where their food comes from.
- Optimal Production: We’re always tinkering and trying new things—farm management systems, precision tech, and energy audits help us grow more with less. It’s all about working smarter, not harder. Our leadership-level score here shows the value of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Human & Animal Health: Safety comes first. We maintain high standards for safe pesticide use, and make sure our team and neighbors are protected, earning a high score in this area.
How We Compare: Potato Sustainability Alliance 2024
- Big Picture: In 2024, 474 growers covering 640,000 acres joined the PSA Program—about half of all potato acres in the U.S. and Canada! The industry’s overall sustainability score jumped from “Medium” to “High,” thanks to improvements in soil health, water, production, and community leadership.
- What Most Growers Do: Nearly everyone scouts for pests, rotates crops, and keeps equipment in tip-top shape. These basics are the backbone of sustainable farming.
- Room to Grow: The PSA report says we can do even better by planting more cover crops, teaming up on conservation, and using new tools to save energy and water.
- Regenerative Highlights: Most growers keep living roots in the ground for over 130 days a year, which helps the soil and keeps our farms resilient.
Looking Ahead We’re proud of our progress, but we know the work never ends. Every season brings new challenges and new chances to learn. With the help of our team, our partners, and the Potato Sustainability Alliance, we’re building a future where potato farming is good for the land, good for people, and good for business.
