Pumpkin yields are expected to be lower than average this year, according to a report from Purdue University’s Agricultural department.
Although yields look lower and harvest was delayed for some farmers, consumers shouldn’t be impacted much if at all.
Read more: Harvest check-in: early reports average due to weather
Perry Fowler, owner and operator at Fowler Pumpkin Patch on the outskirts of Bloomington, says his crops took a hit this year.
“On our end, pumpkins weren't very good because of the drought,” he said. “We had a really, really dry June, very low emergence on our pumpkins. So, they came up about two to three weeks late.”
According to Fowler, pumpkins are a volatile crop. Deer, weeds and bugs can all wreak havoc on the crop if not tended to properly.
Pumpkins are typically planted in late spring/early summer in order to be harvested in the fall. That means the June drought had a major impact on many farmers. Pumpkins can be resistant to dry weather, but only after they get growing.
Luckily for Fowler, secondary growers were able to fill the void and keep the pumpkin patch going steady this year. Business is booming, and he’s already looking forward to next year.
“This year is not nearly as good as last year,” he said. “Farming is a business where you have to be optimistic. And it's kind of like being a Cubs fan. There's always next year.”
Read more: IU studies cover crops as climate resource through $1.6 million shared grant
