Texas Drought Shrinks Pumpkin Patch by 40%

This past summer's extreme drought has severely impacted pumpkin yields in Floyd County, Texas, the state's leading pumpkin-producing area. Farmers in Floyd County reported a 30% to 40% reduction in their harvest, marking 2026 as the driest year in decades for the region. The lack of rainfall meant no subsoil moisture, making irrigation systems insufficient to compensate for the drought. Growers planted approximately 1,200 acres this year, a figure that typically fluctuates annually. The harvest, which usually begins around September 1, was expected to conclude this week, one to two weeks earlier than usual due to the diminished crop. Despite the lower yields, the drought did offer a benefit by reducing the need for fungal disease prevention sprays. Texas is known for its diverse decorative and culinary pumpkin varieties, producing over 200 types. While overall pumpkin prices have remained consistent for the past three years, producers continue to grapple with high input costs, which compress their profitability.