R.D. Offutt Company's Proud Local History
We are a family-owned and operated potato farm headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota. In the early 1960s, our founder, Ron Offutt partnered with his father to grow potatoes.
Today, Offutt family members serve on the Company Board, with Ron's daughter, Christi, serving as Company Chair, and Ron as Chairman Emeritus.
The initial idea for R.D. Offutt Farms began when Ron saw the opportunity to produce more uniform potatoes by developing irrigation and growing in Minnesota’s sandier soils. Then, after recognizing the need for a consistent demand for his potatoes, Ron decided to enter the processing side of the business and purchased a small french fry factory.
As a family business, R.D. Offutt Farms remains driven by integrity and humility, using them as the foundation for all of its operations. Employees at all levels of the business are encouraged to make their own decisions, to find solutions for their customers, to celebrate team and individual successes and to be innovative and entrepreneurial.
Quick Farm Facts
- Farm Footprint: Together with our partners, R.D. Offutt Farms operates more than 15 potato farms across four Midwest states: Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.
- Field by Field Farming: Every single year is different and every field has its own characteristics. We adapt to current conditions and farm field by field, using science-driven, regenerative practices that produce great yields and protect the environment.
- Potato Varieties and Growth Cycle: We grow between 7-15 varieties of potatoes every year, with Russet Burbank being the most popular variety. Typically, the potato growth cycle in the Midwest is approximately 150 days. Generally, planting takes place in mid-April to early May and potatoes are harvested in September and October.
- Fresh and Frozen Potato Markets: We sell potatoes to several processing facilities in the upper Midwest, which are turned into a variety of fresh and frozen products such as french fries, hashbrowns, and tater tots. Those products can be found at grocery stores, quick serve and traditional restaurants, school cafeterias and more.
