Plenty Of Pumpkins Being Harvested This Year

Oct 01, 2020

Manitoba's pumpkin harvest is underway.

Scott Friesen operates Snowland Vegetable Farms near Halbstadt.

"So far, so good. The weather is really helping to facilitate the harvest this year. We can go pretty much everyday without pulling or tugging anything off the field in the mud and the pumpkins come off clean and it's easier to wash."

He notes while yields might be down a bit, the pumpkins seem to be bigger in size.

"Quality is very good. The pumpkins are sized quite nicely. I'm leaving lots of smalls out there, which is normal."

Friesen says demand for pumpkins is a bit slower this year.

"So far, maybe slightly slower. I think the buyers are just a little hesitant to take in stock early."

He notes the uncertainty around COVID-19 and Halloween is also playing a role.

Snowland Vegetable Farms grows about 40 acres of pumpkins, in addition to sweet corn, carrots, beets and other vegetables. The pumpkins go to Peak of the Market in Winnipeg and are then distributed to wholesalers from there.

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