Pumpkin crop
Delaware pumpkin crop fared better than crops in other states
8:52 a.m., Oct. 12, 2011--“Hurricane decimates Northeast pumpkin crops.” “Halloween staple could be scarce.”
Recent headlines describe dire conditions for this year’s pumpkin crop. In places like upstate New York, some farmers have had total crop loss. But, to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the pumpkin’s demise has been greatly exaggerated – at least here in Delaware.
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“Our crop is about average this season. We’ve certainly had worse years,” reports Stewart Ramsey, owner of Ramsey’s Farm in north Wilmington. “We’ve had more rain in the last six weeks than I would have liked but we’ve been helped by the fact that our silt-loam soil sheds water easily. Another reason our soil drains more rapidly is because we grow no-till pumpkins; we don’t till our fields before planting.”
At Fifer Orchards, in the middle of the state, there are plenty of pumpkins in the U-Pick fields as well as in the country store, says co-owner Mary Fifer Fennemore. “We’ve had some rot in the fields and we did experience some loss. But we also have good quality pumpkins that we’re harvesting, packing and shipping.”
The orchard has seen more than its share of rain but Fennemore says they have been luckier than other growers, even those nearby.
“The rain has been spotty this season,” she says. “For example, one day last week, we had a half-inch of rain while parts of the Eastern Shore had two inches.”
Pumpkins equal fall for many people, says Ramsey. “We open up our farm to the public on the last weekend in September. We get early birds out then, eager to enjoy an autumn hayride and pick a pumpkin. But, once the calendar flips to October, boom, it signals that fall is really here. Everyone wants to come get their pumpkins.”
Ramsey’s Farm and Fifer Orchards rely on far more than pumpkins to draw in the crowds this time of year. Both are in the business of agritourism and for both, October is the single most important month of year. (Commercial sales also are an important part of Fifer’s operations. The orchard sells many crops on the wholesale market, including peaches and apples.)
“I make the vast majority of my revenue in October,” notes Ramsey, who also holds a job off the farm as an agricultural economist.
On weekends, the attractions at Ramsey’s include corn mazes, hayrides, scarecrow building and pumpkin painting. On weekdays, school groups visit for educational tours. Ramsey works with local educators to ensure that tours meet curriculum standards for science and math for several different grade levels. During the week and on weekends, evenings are busy with Scout troops, community groups and corporate events.
“My corporate business increased by 20 to 30 percent this year over last, and last year was strong,” says Ramsey. “I think what attracts companies and groups are our reasonable rates and the corn maze, especially, is popular for team-building activities.”
At Fifer Orchards’ Fall Fest, activities include a petting zoo, hay and pony rides, live entertainment, straw slides, a straw castle and pumpkin painting. One of the biggest draws is the six-acre corn maze. New this year is an observation deck where you can watch maze participants try to find their way out.
Fifer Orchards and Ramsey’s Farms are two of 14 local farms and related agribusinesses taking part in a Harvest Trail sponsored by the Delaware Agritourism Association. A diverse range of businesses is featured on the trail, including farms specializing in lavender, ice cream, and sheep and wool. Learn more at delawareagritourism.org.
Ramsey's Farm
Ramsey’s Farm is open to the public Fridays, 1-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. through Oct. 30. Call ahead, 302-477-1499, because activities are weather-dependent. Ramsey’s Farm is at 330 Ramsey Road in Wilmington’s Beaver Valley.
Fifer Orchards
Fall Fest is open daily through Oct. 29, except Sundays. Not every activity is offered on weekdays. Hours are 10-4 on weekdays; 10-5 on Saturday. Admission $7 per person; $30 per family. Fifer’s is at 1919 Allabands Mill Road in Camden-Wyoming. Call 302-227-8680.
Article by Margo McDonough