Due to their great demand and low production costs, pumpkins are one of the crops that small farmers find to be the most lucrative. They are simple to grow, take up little space, and have a high rate of return on investment. The USDA estimates that the price of pumpkins in 2020 will be $0.34 on average per pound, with an average production of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre.
Pumpkins are utilized in food, including the creation of pies, bread, and soups, in addition to being used as Halloween decorations. A profitable crop for small farmers, pumpkin has seen an increase in demand for its products in recent years. To secure the greatest possible profit, growers must arrange their harvest in accordance with the potential seasonality of the pumpkin market.
The price of giant pumpkins might vary according to the location and size. According to Home Depot, a large pumpkin cost on average $6 to $10 in 2020. Prices, however, might change based on supply and demand.
If kept in a cool, dry environment, pumpkins can last for several weeks. Curing pumpkins before storing them will increase their shelf life. This entails exposing the pumpkins to the sun for a number of days in order to harden the skin and lengthen their shelf life. Farmers can increase their revenues by ensuring that their pumpkins are still sellable weeks after harvest with the help of proper storage and curing.
The price of pumpkins is anticipated to increase this year, taking market trends into account. This fall, many people are choosing outside activities such as visiting pumpkin patches and other outdoor events due to the COVID-19 epidemic. As a result, pumpkin demand is anticipated to increase and farmers can anticipate better harvest prices.
In light of this, a truckload’s price for pumpkins can change based on the quantity and caliber of the pumpkins. According on market conditions, the average truckload of pumpkins can cost between $2,500 and $10,000 or more and contain up to 2,500 pumpkins. However, before buying a truckload of pumpkins, growers must make sure they have a steady market for their produce.
In conclusion, thanks to their high demand and low production costs, pumpkins are a lucrative crop for small producers. Farmers can take advantage of the seasonal demand for pumpkin products and increase their profitability by carefully planning and cultivating their fields. Farmers should anticipate making a high return on their investment by farming pumpkins, even though prices can vary based on the region and market conditions.
The story doesn’t mention whether pumpkins cost extra when purchased from a pumpkin patch. But the article underlines that because of their great demand and low production costs, cultivating pumpkins may be a viable small farm crop.