The pumpkin harvest in Ohio has started briskly, fueled by a hot summer with very little rainfall. As a result, growers said the season started earlier than usual and volume is high.
"Pumpkins have been ready for some time," said Ken Holthouse of Doug Walcher Farms in North Fairfield. "We experienced a hot and dry summer, which pumpkins love and the harvest started in mid August. Most of our growers are reporting excellent yields this season."
Demand yet to take off
The hot summer weather lingered in Ohio, including during the start of the pumpkin harvest. As a result, demand has been slow so far. The last week though, saw a turn in the weather with cooler temperatures entering the region. Producers predict that this sign of fall will jumpstart the market and see demand take off.
"Throughout September, temperatures have hovered between 85 and 90 degrees so people haven't really been in the mood for pumpkins," Holthouse observed. "Last weekend however, temperatures dropped with crisp nights. It feels like fall now and consumers are turning to squash, with lots of orders coming in on Monday."
Holthouse added that the market has been steady and prices have been close to the average for this time of year. "Prices have been between $100 and $110 FOB for a bin, which is normal for this time of year," he said. "This price is very steady at the start of fall, although costs continue to rise and pricing doesn't seem to keep up."
Heirloom pumpkins in demand
Consumers in the United States are increasingly looking to buy pumpkins with different and often quirky shapes for fall and Halloween decorations. Many supermarkets now have a large display out the front of the store with numerous different pumpkin shapes and sizes. "There is now a massive variety of pumpkins with unusual shapes and demand has really taken off," Holthouse noted.
This year, supply of these varieties might be challenged due to the weather conditions at the particular time of their growth. But growers also hope that the effects will be mitigated from the cooler weather the region is currently experiencing.
"Heirloom pumpkins were challenged this year by hot weather which proceeded directly after a period of rain in late August, early September," Holthouse explained. "Quality is a bit challenging right now but this should turn around with the cooler weather. Overall, it's going to be a great pumpkin season and we anticipate a very busy month ahead."
For more information:
Ken Holthouse
Doug Walcher Farms
Tel: +1 (419) 744-2427
ken.holthouse@dougwalcherfarms.com
www.drwalcherfarms.com