Central Illinois pumpkin producer seeing smaller harvest due to wet summer

Posted on September 13, 2021
Radar said the farm grows over 45 different kinds of pumpkins and gourds. (Photo courtesy: Radar Family Farms)

By Blake Haas

NORMAL – Halloween is around the corner, and pumpkin farmers are beginning to harvest their crops around Central Illinois.

According to Adam Rader, with Rader Family Farms in Normal, heavy rain earlier this summer will hamper this year’s crop.

“Well, the pumpkin crop is looking alright. We’re pretty fortunate; I know some areas they got into some (inaudible) and some other things that really wiped out their crop. Fortunately, ours is looking pretty good. There’s been a lot of back and forth this year with really wet then pretty dry, then really wet again, so the plants have struggled to get ahold.

I’m seeing a lot less pumpkins per plant than we usually get. So I don’t think the harvest is going to be as great. There are pumpkins that are looking fairly good, which is great.”

Radar said the farm grows over 45 different kinds of pumpkins and gourds.

“We’re really looking forward to getting out in the field at the end of this weekend to bring out our harvest,” Radar told WJBC’s, Marc Strauss.

Radar added that the farm, located at 1312 Ropp Rd. in Normal, is holding various events on the weekend, including different games and activities.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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