In spite of lower yields per acre, the latest crop report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service projects a rise in US potato production for 2011.

The report, released last week, pegged 2011 potato production at 426 million cwt. This represents a jump of 5% over 2010's production of 404 million cwt, reported Fresh Plaza.

The higher production figure coincided with more acres planted and harvested during 2011. The acreage harvested rose by 7% from 2010 to 2011.

Rises in production and acreage harvested offset lower acreage yields in 2011. The yield per acre in 2010 was 401 cwt. The yield per acre dropped in 2011 to 397 cwt.

The report also noted that the Russet Burbank was the most popular variety harvested with 44% of acreage planted dedicated to that variety in top potato-producing states. The second most popular variety was the Norkotah.