Indiana Pumpkin Crop Faces Severe Shortage After August Floods

August floods have led to a major pumpkin shortage in Indiana this season. Hodge Family Farm in Eastern Indiana reported that the flooding destroyed a large portion of the crop, which constitutes the bulk of the business’s revenue. The losses occurred because the water damaged the foliage, leading to sunburn, and increased soil moisture allowed pathogens to infect the plants.

The farm typically harvests about 1100 bins of pumpkins, but this year the expected harvest is less than 200 bins. The current sales are unlikely to cover the costs of planting, indicating a significant revenue loss for the business.

Severe storms caused flooding in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, prompting government agencies to respond to the agricultural crisis.