CROSS PLAINS, Tenn. – Drought conditions have severely impacted pumpkin production across the United States, leaving many farmers with significantly smaller yields. Pumpkin farmers are dealing with the effects of two consecutive dry seasons, which has led to reduced harvests and concerns over the availability of pumpkins for the fall season.
Stephen Freeland, a pumpkin farmer in Cross Plains, Tennessee, reported that his 14-acre pumpkin patch has been hit hard by the drought. He said that many of his pumpkins are struggling to survive the dry conditions, with estimates suggesting a drop of 15 to 20 percent in production. Freeland emphasized that the unpredictability of rainfall has made the situation even more challenging, as pumpkin plants typically rely on consistent water supply for proper fruit development.
Other farmers, such as Katie Osborne, have also reported significant reductions in their pumpkin output. Osborne’s farm, which includes 20 acres of pumpkins and 70 head of cattle, has seen a 30% decrease in production compared to previous years. She pointed out the importance of timing when planting, as the upcoming months will see more rain, which could help with planting the next season’s crops.
The impact of the drought is also being felt in the market, as farmers are forced to consider raising prices, despite the reduced volume. Freeland noted that the smaller size of pumpkins may make them less marketable, which could affect consumer demand. Despite the challenges, some farmers are adapting by implementing drip irrigation systems to conserve water and help their crops survive the dry period.