Weather challenges, market forces shape 2025 Ohio pumpkin season

COLUMBUS, Ohio - After a growing season marked by delayed planting and dry conditions, Ohioans heading to pumpkin patches this fall may notice slightly smaller pumpkins - and possibly slightly higher prices.

Despite weather-related challenges, pumpkin quality remains strong, according to experts from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). But variability in yield and shifting market forces could impact availability and price as the season reaches its peak.

"Ohio's pumpkin yield should be average to slightly below average this year due to hot, dry conditions during key growth stages," said Jim Jasinski, a professor and integrated pest management program coordinator, agriculture and natural resources, Ohio State University Extension. "Dry weather helped reduce fungal disease pressure, but it also limited fruit size and flower set on many plants, which could reduce total yield."

OSU Extension is CFAES' outreach arm.

Pumpkins are typically planted in Ohio from late May through June. This year, a wet start delayed planting in many areas, followed by a stretch of moderate drought in midsummer.

"Pumpkins and squash are about 90% water," Jasinski said. "When it's hot and dry, some fruit won't size up fully, or smaller fruit may abort altogether."

The silver lining?

Drier conditions reduced the prevalence of common fungal diseases like powdery mildew, downy mildew and Phytophthora, lessening the need for chemical management.

"While disease pressure was relatively low, growers did see increased insect pressure from pests like striped cucumber beetle and squash bug," Jasinski said. "Those are managed through crop rotation, hybrid selection and pesticide applications when thresholds are exceeded."

Acreage steady, but prices may climb

Though Ohio ranks among the top 10 pumpkin-producing states, it differs from states like Illinois that have a large pumpkin-canning sector. In Ohio, nearly all pumpkins are sold fresh - either in stores or directly to consumers at farm markets and pick-your-own patches.

That makes local demand and retail conditions particularly important.

"Unlike in states with large processing sectors, demand in Ohio is driven by agritourism and direct sales," said Gabriel Lade, associate professor in the CFAES Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics and holder of the C. William Swank Chair in Rural and Urban Policy. "Given the warm, sunny weather this fall, I'd expect an uptick in demand at local patches.

"Combined with an average to below-average crop, consumers could see some upward pressure on prices."

Lade's analysis of U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows that while Ohio pumpkin acreage has remained relatively stable over the past 10 years, revenues fluctuate widely due to weather impacts and changing market prices.

"Pumpkin prices are shaped by supply and demand. When yields drop due to drought or a wet spring, prices can spike," Lade said. "That's what happened in 2007, when a national drought led to shortages and significantly higher prices."

Economic stakes for Ohio growers

Pumpkin production is concentrated in northern Ohio, where ideal soil conditions and access to markets make pumpkins a reliable specialty crop for many farm operations. But the economic impact of a challenging season depends heavily on whether growers were hit hard by adverse weather - and whether prices rise enough to offset lower yields.

"If you had good yields and the market strengthens, it could be a profitable year," Lade said. "But for growers with poor yields, even higher prices may not fully make up the difference."

Still time to enjoy the season

Despite the challenges, Jasinski said consumers can still find good, quality pumpkins throughout Ohio this fall.

"Selection should be solid overall, though some large pumpkins may be in shorter supply or come at a premium," he said. "Prices will likely be similar to last year, or slightly higher."

Favorable weather in September and early October has also helped farm markets and agritourism operations thrive.

"Many farms have added attractions like sunflower fields, apple-picking, cider and donuts, so the experience is about more than just the pumpkins," Jasinski said.