Tyler, Texas – As the autumn season approaches, pumpkin patches sprouting across East Texas are confronting a new challenge: higher diesel fuel costs. The increase is forcing growers to make tough decisions about pricing, but many are choosing to shoulder the expense themselves to keep pumpkins affordable for local families.
Farmers absorb the cost
Jill Graves, co‑owner of Blueberry Ridge Farm in Mineola, explained the dilemma. “A lot of people drive from distances to get here, and we thought, ‘Well, they’re already paying more for gas, if we raise our price we might get less business,’” she said. “We just figured we’d eat it.” Graves and other growers are opting to absorb the higher fuel costs rather than raise prices, hoping to maintain steady foot traffic during the busy pumpkin‑picking season.
Churches notice the price shift
Local churches that rely on pumpkins for seasonal events are also seeing the impact. Senior Pastor Jeff Gage of Lane’s Chapel Methodist Church in Tyler noted that the smaller pumpkins they receive from suppliers have become more expensive. “They told us coming into this year to be ready, that there would be some price increases,” Gage said. “I can’t drive up Old Jacksonville Highway and not see the gas prices have gone up.”
Youth director Jaden Gorham at First Christian Church in Tyler echoed the sentiment, observing that while standard orange pumpkins remain roughly the same price, the smaller varieties have risen in value. “Our little pumpkins have gone up a little bit in value. The standard orange pumpkins are about the same value,” Gorham said. “A pumpkin that might have been $2 estimated value is probably $3 this year.” He added that the average pumpkin now sells for between $10 and $15.
Broader market context
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service reports that more than 200 pumpkin varieties are cultivated throughout the state, underscoring the importance of this crop to both agricultural producers and community traditions. While the price increase is modest, it reflects broader inflationary pressures affecting farm inputs, from diesel to fertilizer.
What this means for families
For families planning Halloween decorations or school‑yard activities, the slight uptick in pumpkin costs may be noticeable but not prohibitive. Local growers’ decision to keep prices stable helps preserve the tradition of pumpkin picking as an affordable, family‑friendly outing.
Looking ahead
Farmers remain hopeful that the market will stabilize as the season progresses. By absorbing the current fuel cost surge, they aim to maintain strong community engagement and support the local economy that thrives on seasonal agriculture.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
