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Pumpkin crop finished strong for Illinois grower

A central Illinois pumpkin grower says despite a challenging growing season, they are harvesting a good crop.

Ackerman Farms grows 30 acres or about 30,000 pumpkins in Morton, Illinois. John Ackerman tells Brownfield 50 days of no rain in May and June had him concerned the crop would not germinate.

“Fortunately, we got a decent set of rains in late June, early July, and it really saved the crop. There are a few varieties that I didn’t think came out as good as I wanted them to, but in general I’ve been really pleased with what we have.”

He says the drought helped lessen fungus and disease pressure this year.

“I’ve heard of just a couple of disasters, but generally people are thinking it’s at least an average crop or better in this area, and I think that’s also true with the canning or processing pumpkins. My friends that grow those seem to be having at least an average year, if not an outstanding year.”

Ackerman says so far, they have had an adequate supply of pumpkins for their customers. Ackerman Farms mostly sells their pumpkins directly off the farm to the public.

*Featured photo of John and Yvette Ackerman provided by Ackerman Farms