Pumpkins/Squash
Illinois, home of two processing plants, leads US pumpkin production
Pumpkins are in high demand in America during the fall and winter holidays, whether to be used as decoration or as a key ingredient in various desserts. Illinois leads the country in pumpkin production overall, growing... more »
Ark Foods makes packhouse purchase in historic farming community
Brooklyn, New York-born vegetable company Ark Foods has purchased and opened its first-ever owned property, a 12,000-square-foot packhouse within the historic farming community of Immokalee, Florida. According to a news release, the Ark Foods team... more »
Farmer’s inspiration drives large squash donation to Central California Food Bank
West Side farmer John Diener had flash of inspiration. Why not plant butternut squash? Diener is a long-time research cooperator with UC Cooperative Extension specialist Jeff Mitchell, who has studied innovative, sustainable farming practices for 21... more »
Prize-winning pumpkin weighs in at more than a quarter ton
More than 25 pumpkins were submitted to Georgia 4-H's 2020 statewide pumpkin-growing contest, with the largest pumpkin, cultivated in north Georgia’s Union County, weighing in at a whopping 548 pounds. All Georgia 4-H youth were... more »
Florida Cucurbit Growers’ Conference to be held virtually Nov. 18
The Florida Cucurbit Growers' Conference will be held virtually Nov. 18. This is a virtual conference with plans for future in-person conferences. It will address the fundamental aspects of nutrient and pest management in cucurbit... more »
10 states produce most of the value of America’s pumpkins
Pumpkins are one of the most famous symbols of fall. Many consumers enjoy traveling to local farms to pick out their own pumpkins from a patch, carving Halloween jack-o’-lanterns, or making pumpkin desserts. According to... more »
California’s world heavyweight championship of Godzilla gourds is on
Where there's a will there's a weigh! Bring it on beefy, burly behemoths! The excitement is building in Pumpkintown as the World’s Greatest Gourd Growers and their mind-blowing, Volkswagen-sized orange orbs hope to squash the world... more »
Winter squash for extended sales pursued
Growers with CSAs, sales to schools and institutions, or restaurant customers should consider storing and marketing winter squash. Winter squash include a wide range of types including butternuts and neck pumpkins, acorns, spaghetti squash, buttercup... more »