Colorado Pumpkin Man Predicts End of Family Business Due to Drought, Labor, and Water Issues
Pumpkin growers in states like Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado are facing water challenges due to drought and heat extremes exacerbated by human-caused climate change. Farmers are dealing with reduced water allotments, high irrigation costs, and unpredictable weather, resulting in lower yields and financial losses. Labor costs and inflation are also impacting profitability. The rising cost of irrigation, coupled with groundwater depletion, is a long-term concern for farmers in the region. The combination of these challenges is leading some farmers to abandon pumpkin farming altogether, with concerns about the future viability of their businesses.