Pumpkin Shortage for West Texas Growers
By: Julie Musgrave
Updated: October 7, 2008
Floyd County may be known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the USA," but this year -- the numbers are down.
You see, pumpkins prosper there because the climate is a bit cooler and they get a little more rain than the rest of us. This year though, they had very little rain from June to August when seeds are planted.
Floyd County growers say the acreage is down from nearly 2000 acres to only 750.
The good news is each acre produces thousands of pumpkins... so you shouldn't worry about finding one that's right for you.
J.D. Ragland, Floyd County Extension Agent: "It's certainly taken it's toll on our producers, as far as economics in terms of production costs. We still have an abundant amount of pumpkins for offer, for sale, and for the public, but our acres have depleted.
Floyd county's annual Family Fun Day is this Saturday starting at 8 a.m.
Get ready for pie eating contests, live music, and of course - plenty of pumpkins to take home.
