The Cost of Pumpkins in New York: A Family’s Experience and Market Trends

Scaring Halloween Trick-or-Treaters Is Free, but This Pumpkin? $13.50

The Dykeman family isn’t alone in their affection for pumpkins. These vibrant symbols of autumn have also become a favorite target for pesky deer, who eagerly feast on the family’s crops. To keep these unwelcome visitors at bay, the Dykemans have devised a clever method: they smear peanut butter on electric fencing. As Mr. Dykeman explains, ā€œThey get a buzz, and the negative signal hopefully keeps them away. But every so often, you can spot the bite marks on the pumpkins.ā€

This peanut butter, which costs about $10 for an 80-ounce jar, is just one of the many expenses the couple meticulously tracks as they analyze their costs and yields per acre. They are dedicated to crunching the numbers, accounting for everything from the cost of a broken fan belt ($1,700) to the price of their beloved pumpkins.

Pumpkins, with their diverse array of sizes, shapes, and colors, thrive in nearly every U.S. state. In 2023, New York alone dedicated approximately 4,300 acres to pumpkin cultivation, reflecting an estimated value of $10 million, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While most of Illinois’s pumpkin production is processed into canned goods for pies and other treats, a significant portion of New York’s harvest consists of the Howden variety, which finds its way to front porches, lobby displays in apartment buildings, and office break rooms.

In recent years, pumpkins in various huesā€”such as white, green, and pinkā€”have surged in popularity, along with uniquely shaped varieties that catch the eye. Prices for pumpkins in the New York area can fluctuate widely based on their size, color, and place of purchase. For example, a 20-pound pumpkin might cost $50 at a suburban Westchester community pumpkin patch, while a nearby grocery store offers similar pumpkins for just $9.99. In Upper Manhattan, one grocery store even sells pumpkins for as low as $5.99.

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