The Art and Science of Premium Russet Burbanks

When Blue Barn Farm expanded beyond our original Red McClure potato crop, we turned to the industry standard for versatility and quality: the Russet Burbank. This remarkable potato variety, first developed by horticulturist Luther Burbank in the late 1800s, has become our signature crop and is prized by chefs and home cooks nationwide for its consistent performance in diverse culinary applications.

Why the Russet Burbank?

The Russet Burbank isn't just any potato—it's often called the "king of potatoes" for good reason. With its high starch content, oblong shape, and relatively dry flesh when cooked, it delivers exceptional results whether baked, fried, or mashed. But growing premium Russet Burbanks requires more than just planting seed potatoes and hoping for the best.

"These potatoes are demanding," explains Hunter Sessums, our farm manager of over 35 years. "They need consistent moisture, specific nutrient profiles, and careful handling from planting through storage. But when you get it right, there's no better russet on the market."

The San Luis Valley Advantage

Our farm's location in Colorado's San Luis Valley provides distinct advantages for russet production:

"You can grow Russet Burbanks in many places," says Brett Deacon, "but the San Luis Valley imparts specific characteristics that you can't replicate elsewhere. There's a reason potato production has thrived here for generations."

The Growing Cycle: Precision and Patience

Growing premium russets is a year-round endeavor, with each phase requiring specialized knowledge and attention to detail:

Planting (April-May)

Growing Season (May-September)

Harvest (September-October)

Storage (October-July)

Quality Control: The Blue Barn Difference

What sets Blue Barn Farm's russets apart is our uncompromising commitment to quality at every stage:

"We're selecting for both external appearance and internal characteristics," Brett explains. "A beautiful potato that doesn't cook properly isn't worth growing, and neither is one with perfect cooking properties but cosmetic issues. We want perfection on all fronts."

This pursuit of excellence means:

Whether you're a professional chef seeking the perfect baking potato, a home cook preparing a family meal, or a food manufacturer requiring consistent processing performance, Blue Barn Farm's Russet Burbanks deliver exceptional results time after time.

Our commitment to quality, like the potatoes themselves, is firmly rooted in the rich soil of the San Luis Valley—a commitment that began with Doyle and Philene's first crop and continues to define everything we do today.