Halloween is less than a week away and pumpkin growers across the U.S. have dealt with many supply chain issues throughout this year. From invasive fungus, finding trucking capacity, to extreme weather it definitely has been a challenge for pumpkin growers this year.
John Hamby, who is a co-owner of Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers Inc., says, they have faced unique challenges this year, “We ship from a kind of a remote area where there’s not a lot of freight nearby. We’re in a situation where trucks often have to deadhead from Phoenix or Albuquerque, New Mexico, to pick up the loads at the Pumpkin Patch.” According to Freightwaves, Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers Inc. is based in Greensboro, North Carolina and operates a pumpkin farm in Farmington, New Mexico. They also ship millions of pumpkins every year to organizations in over 40 states, including churches and other nonprofits.
Another issue Hamby mentioned was the lack of trucking capacity on top of higher rates, which in turn has caused some delays in getting shipments out. “We’re trying to ship 50 or 60 loads a day out of a remote area so getting that many trucks here, we’re competing with other growers and whoever else is shipping out of Mexico,” Hamby says. Hamby also mentioned they have struggled to source pallets and cardboard, which has been an additional shipping issue for them.
Of course, it doesn’t make things easier when weather conditions and invasive fungus is involved as well. According to Mark Carroll, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for agriculture and natural resources told Freightwaves, “Pumpkin growers [in Floyd County] had to spray over fungus more this summer because of the rainfall. Some pumpkin producers had to spray fungicide twice.” Pumpkin growers in Illinois also experienced an unusual amount of heavy rain, which caused fungus to spread.
All things considered, majority of pumpkin growers have been able to get their shipments and product out, even with the supply chain issues at hand. Hamby mentioned that they are all caught up with their schedule now and are able to get their product out. If you would like to learn more today, contact a team member today!
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