Drought-Induced Shortfall Drives Up Texas Pumpkin Prices
The Lone Star State's pumpkin harvest has been hit hard by drought, leading to a notable increase in prices at local markets.
Pumpkin enthusiasts in Texas may find themselves paying a bit more this autumn, as reported by local media outlets. The price hike can be traced back to a lower-than-average harvest, which was significantly impacted by prolonged drought conditions during the growing season 12.
This year’s pumpkin crop saw a reduction of around 30 to 40 percent compared to previous years, largely due to the dry spell that gripped the region 2. The drought, classified as moderate to severe in areas like Floyd County near Lubbock, created challenging conditions for farmers, affecting both the quantity and quality of the pumpkins harvested 1.
The impact on local businesses has been notable. Caleb Neri, owner of H-Town Pumpkin Patch, competes with major retailers such as Sam’s Club, Costco, and H-E-B for pumpkins. He must secure his supply by placing orders in September or early October, making the timing crucial for ensuring a steady flow of pumpkins to meet demand 2.
Climate experts attribute these harsher weather patterns to climate change, noting that warmer atmospheric temperatures lead to increased evaporation and more frequent and intense droughts 2. This trend not only affects the pumpkin harvest but also causes heat damage to the pumpkins, resulting in spoilage before they reach the market 2.
What we know
- - Pumpkin prices in Texas have risen 12
- - The pumpkin harvest was below average 12
- - Drought conditions affected the growing season 12
- - The harvest was reduced by 30 to 40 percent 2
- - Floyd County experienced moderate to severe drought 1
- - Neri competes with large retailers for pumpkins 2
- - Neri places orders for pumpkins by September or early October 2
- - Drought conditions are linked to climate change 2
- - Warmer temperatures cause increased evaporation and more intense droughts 2
- - Pumpkins are experiencing heat damage and spoilage 2
- - Caleb Neri is the owner of H-Town Pumpkin Patch 2
- - Floyd County is known as the Pumpkin Capital of Texas 2
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 71%, weighted across 12 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely Pumpkin prices in Texas increased. (71%)
- likely The pumpkin harvest was below average. (71%)
- likely Drought conditions affected the pumpkin growing season. (71%)
- likely The current year's pumpkin harvest in Texas was reduced by 30 to 40 percent due to drought. (71%)
- likely Floyd County, near Lubbock, experienced moderate to severe drought during the early part of the pumpkin growing season. (71%)
- likely Neri competes with large retailers such as Sam's Club, Costco, and H-E-B for pumpkins. (71%)
- likely Neri needs to place orders for pumpkins by September or early October. (71%)
- likely Drought conditions in Texas are attributed to climate change. (71%)
- likely Warmer atmospheric temperatures cause increased evaporation, leading to more frequent and intense droughts. (71%)
- likely Pumpkins in Texas are experiencing heat damage, causing spoilage. (71%)
- likely Caleb Neri is the owner of H-Town Pumpkin Patch. (71%)
- likely Floyd County is recognized as the Pumpkin Capital of Texas. (71%)
Sources
- www.kera.org (Texas) — Texas pumpkin prices rise following lower than average harvest due to drought
https://www.kera.org/2026/10/29/texas-pumpkin-prices-rise-following-lower-than-average-harvest-due-to-drought/ - Houston Public Media (Texas) — Texas pumpkin prices rise following lower than average harvest due to drought
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/environment/2026/10/28/565523/texas-pumpkin-prices-rise-following-lower-than-average-harvest-due-to-drought/