Drought and extreme heat affecting pumpkins

The cost of growing pumpkins has increased because of environmental factors, and that’s making them more expensive at the pumpkin patch.

“It’s pretty much the lack of water and the extreme heat that we’ve had this summer. We had record-breaking 100-degree heat,” said Bonnie Simonian, owner of Simonian Farms.

Simonian is among many farmers who grew fewer pumpkins this year than in years past.

“I would say for the majority of the farmers, if you do speak to them, they will say that they lost a huge, a third or even half of their crop due to mainly this heat,” said Simonian.

Nick Rocca, owner of Dakota Acres Pumpkin Patch says he had to cut back on the number of pumpkins he grew this season.

“The drought makes every farmer think they shouldn’t be a farmer,” Rocca says. “Let me tell you, it doesn’t matter about pumpkins or almonds or grapes or oranges or not; it doesn’t matter.”

Rocca says it makes him reconsider the amount of water that is used to irrigate pumpkins.

“We got to do stuff to innovate and to use water differently in the most efficient way possible, or you will not be able to survive, and it’s crazy to think that your livelihood sits there,” said Rocca.

With a shortage of nearly everything these days, Simonian believes people understand and learn to appreciate the things they have.

“And who knows, they may have a greater appreciation to the farmer, but I also think it’s important now to realize to buy local,” said Simonian.

It may cost you a few extra dollars, but the money stays here in the Central Valley.