Texas pumpkin yields and quality up despite hot summer

The 2024 growing season was good for Texas pumpkin producers, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert and pumpkin farmers. Yields and quality were up for most growers compared to last year.

Mark Carroll, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Floyd County, said this year’s pumpkin yields remained below average but were an improvement over last season when output was down 20%-40% on average due to drought.

“We were lucky to have good rains around planting but then part of July and most of August were extremely hot,” Carroll said.

Retail prices for pumpkins typically fluctuate week to week leading up to Halloween, but Carroll said there should be plenty of pumpkins to purchase throughout their annual peak demand. If you want to support local growers, Carroll said to look for stickers identifying “Texas grown” pumpkins when purchasing at a market, nursery or pumpkin patch.

Producer perspective

Floydada, about 50 miles northeast of Lubbock, is known as the “pumpkin capital of Texas.” Its annual pumpkin festival will be held Oct. 12.

Jacob Reddy, a grower and partner at Pumpkin Pyles in Floydada, said the drier months and extreme heat resulted in average- to slightly smaller-sized pumpkins, but that quantity and quality were excellent this year.

“Our bloom set was pretty good, and although more rain would have been nice over the summer to reduce irrigation, our crop is better than last year,” he said. “There are plenty of pumpkins of every size available, and we’re also really happy with the shape and variety this year.”

Reddy said there were no significant pest or disease pressure and it was a pretty smooth year for his operation. Texas pumpkin growers like Reddy send their product to Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, in addition to supplying Texas markets.

Texas continues to be a top producer of pumpkins

Data available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service shows Texas is consistently among the  top six pumpkin producing states. In 2020, Texas led the nation in pumpkin crop value at $25.9 million. Dry weather that year led to higher quality and lower yields, which contributed to higher pumpkin prices than in other states. In 2021, Texas produced 108 million pounds of pumpkin.

Illinois is consistently the country’s top pumpkin producer, but most of its crop is for pie filling and other processed foods. Those pumpkins demand a lower price per pound than decorative jack-o’-lantern-style pumpkins and ornamental gourds.

While precise statistics for the past few years aren’t available, Carroll said pumpkin acres and production in Texas is increasing and expanding to counties outside the traditional growing regions.

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

Central

The weather was hot and dry with pockets of light rain. Pastures continued to decline due to elevated temperatures, shorter days and limited moisture. As fields dried, plowing and planting of cool-season grazing began, and a few oat fields were planted. The cotton harvest was underway, with reports of good quality. Armyworms began to show up in healthier Bermuda grass fields, and their presence could pose a threat to emerging small grains. The pecan harvest started for early varieties. Livestock were in good condition on pastures, but cattle prices dropped. There were reports of a historically bad horn fly outbreak.

Rolling Plains

Conditions in the district remained unchanged, but producers were hopeful with cooler temperatures in the forecast. The area’s cotton crop started to mature; however, there were reports of some plants not carrying any bolls. Grasshoppers continued to be an issue in several areas, and some counties began to report the presence of armyworms.

Coastal Bend

Scattered showers throughout the week helped improve pasture conditions across parts of the district, though temperatures remained high. More moisture was needed in some areas. Topsoil moisture declined in areas without rain. Field activities continued with stalk destruction, disking and putting up rows. Some producers were still baling hay, though haying was interrupted by showers in certain areas. Winter pasture planting preparations were underway. Corn and rice harvests were complete. Range and pasture conditions gradually declined due to dry weather, though some pastures continued to produce forage. Livestock were in good condition and continued to gain weight. There were reports of armyworms in hay fields and pastures. With the lack of rain, supplemental feeding increased for some producers, and there was one report of sick stocker calves.

East

The conditions across the district varied. Some areas received adequate rainfall and soil remained at good moisture levels. Other areas continued to need more rain. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Hay production continued, although growth slowed significantly. Armyworm infestations remained a big problem in some counties and some producers reported lost forage. Wild pigs were on the move in search of water sources. Livestock were in fair to good condition.

Southeast

Portions of the district remained dry with excessive temperatures but were not under a burn ban. Some rainfall was reported in some counties. Soil moisture levels were very short to adequate. Range and pastures began to show some stress but were sustaining grazing with ratings ranging from very poor to excellent. Outbreaks of fall armyworms were reported. Corn harvest wrapped up. while hay harvesting continued, and some producers hoped to get a third cutting. The rice harvest progressed. The cotton harvest was getting underway, and wheat was planted. Stocker ponds were full.

South Plains

A weather system came through causing extensive damage to crops. Rainfall ranged from 1-3 inches across the area. There were reports of many acres of cotton being completely defoliated due to hail in some areas, along with excessive wind and rain damage in others. Some cotton had been sprayed with defoliants earlier in the week. Silage continued to be chopped, and wheat was being planted. Pumpkins planted early in the growing season were harvested, and farmers were now moving into later-planted fields. The rain delayed some pumpkin harvesting for a few days. Farmers geared up for the cotton harvest coming up in a few weeks. The black-eyed pea harvest was about halfway finished, with yields varying widely. There were many reports and discussions about armyworms. Producers reported average corn yields as harvest continued. Cattle were in good condition, and the majority of pastures still had forage.

Panhandle

The district received scattered showers late in the week, which were helpful for wheat stand establishment. Overall, soil moisture levels were very short to adequate, and pasture and range conditions varied from very poor to fair. Overall, crop conditions were poor to good. Wheat planting continued, while cotton harvest remained a few weeks away, with cotton bolls opening. The harvest of corn and grain sorghum continued. Livestock producers were feeding hay and cubes to supplement nutrition for their animals.

North

Overall, soil conditions remained dry with high temperatures reported. Some counties reported scattered showers, but the rain was not sufficient to alleviate drought conditions. The heat and drought affected the forage base, and conditions were too hot and dry to plant small grains. Pastures and rangelands were in poor to good condition. The subsoil and topsoil were short to adequate. Livestock were in fair to good condition. Counties reported that most summer crops were harvested, while fig and okra harvests continued. Some peanut harvesting was likely to begin soon. Some oats and wheat fields were planted for forage, with rye planting expected to begin in coming weeks after the heat subsided. Hay production was below expectations given the early rains this year. Fall armyworms and grasshoppers were impacting grass production, and their populations were increasing in many parts of the counties.

Far West

The weather was seasonable with average highs around 100 degrees and lows at 69 degrees. A shower late in the week brought trace amounts of rain up to 1 inch to sporadic areas of the district. The cotton harvest was quickly coming to an end, with more defoliation of fields expected over the next few weeks. Cotton yield prospects were declining, but conditions were favorable for sowing small grains. Wheat planting continued and should increase with the most recent rain. Range and pasture conditions remained in good shape. Livestock were in fair condition. Producers continued to feed wildlife and livestock. In the Rio Grande Valley, conditions differed drastically. Pima and upland cotton were on the last irrigation. Pecan producers were in the process of preparing the ground for a last irrigation and eventually for harvest starting with the Pawnee variety soon in some areas. There was some above-normal late-season black aphid activity in pecans, and farmers sprayed with ground rigs and airplanes. Alfalfa was progressing under optimal conditions, with great irrigation, favorable weather and low pest activity.

West Central

The majority of the district received rain late in the week, which should benefit field and pasture conditions. The weather was hot and humid and moisture decreasing rapidly in some areas. Many farmers halted wheat planting as moisture was no longer adequate. Producers were waiting for good moisture to create optimal germination for their plantings. Some producers continued to plant into adequate moisture. Wheat that had emerged looked good but needed rain. Some hay fields were being cut and baled again, and fertilizer applications followed. Pawnee pecans were ready to harvest and looked good. There was a lot of mature weed growth in rangelands, dominated by broomweed and woolly croton. Pasture and rangeland conditions were also affected by insect pests, with reports of fall armyworms and grasshoppers. Recent moisture had rebounded rangeland and pastures, leading to green growth and improved grazing conditions. Livestock were in good shape, benefiting from the recent moisture that greened up pastures.

Southwest

Light showers brought rain, with reports ranging from traces up to nearly half an inch. Warm temperatures persisted across the district, with nighttime lows remaining in the 70s. Daytime highs reached the low- to mid-90s. A burn ban was in place due to dry conditions. The hot, dry conditions began to degrade rangelands and pastures, preventing cool-season forage from germinating or breaking dormancy. Warm-season hay production concluded, and baling was complete. Sudan hay had yet to be cut but was expected to begin soon. Small grains were still waiting for additional rain. Vegetation was enhanced by recent moisture and cooler temperatures. The cotton harvest slowed down but was nearing completion, with yields much better than last year. Livestock sought shade and stayed close to water but were grazing on pastures with some supplementation. Wildlife, including white tailed deer, were actively browsing for acorns that were beginning to fall. Migratory birds were observed, though not in the numbers expected.

South

Temperatures were in the high 90s in most of the district with triple-digit temperatures reported in some areas. Most of the lush from two weeks ago turned light green to tan. Several counties reported 0.5 to 3.5 inches of rainfall. Some field activity was delayed due to wet conditions. Runoff from the rains helped replenish stock tanks, but some producers still reported their tanks were low. Topsoil and subsoil declined in many areas due to the hot, dry weather. Cotton harvest continued. Row crop farmers started to return to the field to prepare for next year’s crop. Peanut digging began and harvest was expected to begin soon. Some peanut fields continued to progress toward maturity under irrigation. Sesame looked very good and most acres were harvested. Vegetable producers planted cold season crops and harvested fall veggies. Citrus and cool-season vegetables looked good. Hay was being harvested with a large volume of hay across the county and some hay producers prepared for another cut. Hay continued to sell for $75-$100 per round bale. Bermuda grass pastures in areas with moisture were expected to continue yielding well for the next two months until they go dormant. The arrival of armyworms had hay producers scrambling to complete their last cutting or control the pest. Turfgrass continued to be harvested, and new acres entered production. Cattle and wildlife conditions were good but showed a slight decline due to heat and humidity stress. Cattle marketing increased and prices remained strong. Dove hunting activity picked up with the opening of the regular dove season. Reports on dove were below expectations due to the recent rains, while reports on quail were good.