Washington's pumpkin and squash crop is looking on par with last year's crop in both yield and quality. "We're seeing consistent performance across the board, which is encouraging given the seasonal variability," says Lindsey Lance of Bay Baby Produce. "The growing season has been excellent for pumpkins. The consistent warmth and minimal rainfall have supported strong plant development and vibrant coloration."
© Bay Baby Produce
This year, the harvest of pumpkins began in the second week of August–timing that aligned closely with last year's schedule. "We anticipate wrapping up by early October for pumpkins, depending on weather and varietal maturity. We hope to have a dry autumn to also continue to ship our organic winter squash," says Lance.
© Bay Baby Produce
New varieties added
In its ornamental pumpkin line, this year the grower-shipper is growing several new varieties, including Luna and Eclipse pumpkins, both of which are featured prominently in its premium painted pumpkin line. "We're also trialing a few new ornamental items and are eager to see how they perform in the market," says Lance.
© Bay Baby Produce
As for demand, it's steady and also comparable to last year. Meanwhile, pricing has seen a modest increase this season. "This is primarily driven by higher labor and material costs. We're working to balance these pressures while maintaining value for our customers," says Lance, adding that labor remains a persistent challenge. "Particularly in sourcing skilled workers for both harvest and warehouse operations. It's an ongoing issue we're actively working to address through training and recruitment efforts."
For more information:
Lindsey Lance
Bay Baby Produce, Inc.
Tel: +1 (360) 755-2299
[email protected]
www.baybabyproduce.com
