Farmers operating pumpkin patches in the East Midlands have experienced a decrease in pumpkin yields this year, attributing the decline primarily to adverse weather conditions. Interviews conducted by the BBC with regional farmers reveal a varied situation, with some reporting reduced numbers of pumpkins or complete crop failures.
The primary cause of these diminished yields has been identified as the cold and wet conditions during the spring planting season. Jo Belcher of March House Farm in Great Dalby, Leicestershire, noted the absence of the usual "sea of orange" expected around this period. Despite the initial growth of flowers and vines, the anticipated pumpkin fruits failed to develop, marking the first year in eight without pumpkin growth at the farm.
Charlie Village of Village Pumpkin Patch in Derbyshire managed to mitigate the worst effects, despite initial concerns during planting. The farm witnessed a 50% reduction in plant survival, yet those that endured have performed well. Village remarked on the recent difficulties in farming, emphasizing the tight margins on many crops.
Conversely, Emma Curtis of Kirkby Pumpkin Patch, located east of Leicester, reported a significant drop in pumpkin numbers despite expanding the planted area. Curtis compared this year's yield unfavorably with the previous year's, attributing the decline to the cold, wet weather. Despite the challenges, the farm has not reduced its public opening days for pumpkin picking, though this may change depending on future weather conditions.
In Nottinghamshire, "Pick Your Own" Pumpkins near Oxton has seen a successful crop, according to partner Mark Hodkinson. He highlighted the importance of weather and cultivation techniques in determining yield success.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) acknowledged the critical timing of spring planting this year due to the wet weather. The NFU also noted that while some farmers have navigated the extreme weather successfully, avoiding shortages for October, the broader agricultural sector faces challenges from climate change, impacting various crops beyond pumpkins.
Source: BBC