2016 A Bounceback Year for Pumpkin Production

Those who enjoy all things pumpkin, from pie and other spiced treats to Jack-O-Lanterns, should have plenty to choose from this fall.

Production of both commercial and ornamental pumpkins bounced back this season after getting squashed by weather issues last year.

“After a disappointing 2015, we’re happy to share that this year’s harvest forecast indicates that the national pumpkin shortage is over,” said Evan Lunde, marketing manager for Libby’s. “Consumers can be confident that there will be plenty of Libby’s canned pumpkin for their baking needs this season.”

Record rainfall during June 2015 drowned out many pumpkin vines and reduced last year’s commercial harvest by half.

Libby’s boosted pumpkin acreage this year and more cooperative weather in June helped produce a more bountiful crop. Harvest kicked into high gear in recent weeks with some initial yield reports around 22 to 23 tons per acre.

“Mother Nature is on our side in 2016 and growing conditions have been favorable,” said Jim Ackerman, ag manager for Nestle/Libby’s canning facility in Morton. “In fact, we have received average to above-average yields this year.”

Libby’s grows a special variety of pumpkin, Dickinson, known for its delicious taste, creamy texture and recognizable orange color.

Pumpkin production, like other crops, always varies around the state due to localized weather. But, in general, ornamental pumpkin producers also report a growth in production this year.

“This pumpkin crop has been terrific. One of the best in years,” said Lloyd Goebbart of Goebbart’s Farms, a family-owned pumpkin patch and farm market with locations in Hampshire (Kane County) and South Barrington (Cook County).

“It rained a lot (this season), but at the right time,” he continued. “We never really got flooded out.”

Mac Condill of The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur (Douglas County) said this year’s crop production increased in his area as well, despite the presence of some diseases that affect the longevity of the fruit.

“Our crop is way better than last year,” Condill said. “But that’s not saying much. Last year was the worst crop we had in 28 years.”

Condill, who was invited to decorate the Governor’s Mansion with the fall bounty next month, expects a steady supply of good-looking pumpkins throughout the fall season.

As of last week, he was just waiting on the hot, rainy summer season to wind down and give way to milder autumn conditions to help boost sales.