Springdale, Ark. – Owner Trey Parsons of Farmland Adventures is confronting an unusually dry growing season by supplementing his pumpkin crop with a large wholesale purchase. The farm, a popular destination for school field trips, grew an estimated 100 pumpkins this year but bought about 10,000 additional pumpkins to make up for the shortfall.

Dry weather forces a major purchase

“The hardest thing this year is that we didn’t get any rain. It’s just hard to grow pumpkins without any water,” Parsons said. The lack of precipitation limited the farm’s ability to cultivate a sufficient harvest, prompting the decision to acquire roughly 50 % more pumpkins than the farm typically purchases.

Keeping the field‑trip program alive

Farmland Adventures welcomes thousands of children each year for educational field trips that include hands‑on farming activities and a chance to pick pumpkins. With only about 6,000 pumpkins remaining on site after the bulk purchase, Parsons expressed concern that the reduced inventory could affect the experience for upcoming school groups.

Seasonal sales and pricing

Sales through September were slow, a trend Parsons attributes to the region’s scorching 100‑degree temperatures. However, with Halloween fast approaching, he expects a surge in visitors over the next two weeks. To encourage purchases, the farm has lowered the price of its larger pumpkins from $8 each to $6.

Looking ahead

Despite the challenges posed by the dry spell, Parsons remains optimistic about the remainder of the season. Farmland Adventures plans to stay open through November 1, giving families and school groups ample time to enjoy the pumpkin patch before the holiday rush.

Parsons’ proactive response illustrates how local agricultural businesses can adapt to weather‑related setbacks while continuing to serve the community’s educational and seasonal needs.

Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.