Halloween Pumpkins Face a Price Shock From Extreme Heat
Halloween pumpkin demand is rising, but extreme heat, drought and high diesel costs are creating challenges for some U.S. farmers. Illinois, the nation’s largest pumpkin producer, has seen uneven conditions, with lower yields in northern areas offset by stronger production in the south. In Texas, one farm went 77 days without rain and nearly lost its crop to extreme heat, forcing it to truck in pumpkins. Diesel costs have also nearly doubled for the farm. Overall production remains decent, but local fuel and growing conditions could influence prices.
