Texas pumpkin producers are experiencing another season of yields, well below average. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert Mark Carroll, this year’s pumpkin production yields are down 20%-40% due to drought in areas where the bulk of Texas’ crop is grown.
Producers in Floyd County, also known as the Pumpkin Capital of Texas, have started to wrap up the pumpkin harvest. Pumpkins were planted in early June, and they quickly noticed drought created tough growing conditions that contributed to extremely low yields for most varieties.
“This year’s production has been a mixed bag,” said Danny Nut, owner of DL Nut Farms in Floyd County. “Some varieties have produced their usual amount, but others were extremely low in quantity.”
Pumpkins usually do well in dry conditions if they can keep moisture in the soil around them through timely rainfall or irrigation systems. This year’s crop went six weeks without rain after mid-July, which was quite detrimental.
Source: agrilifetoday.tamu.edu
