Pumpkin production in Kentucky has gradually increased over the past several years.  This increase is due largely to producers transitioning from other crops, farm diversification, and agritourism venues.  The Metcalfe County ANR agent has been involved in pumpkin production since 1994 and has been able to take experience coupled with Extension research and help producers throughout Kentucky to have successful crops.

The Metcalfe County ANR agent has presented at the  KY Fruit and Vegetable Conference, local field days, area field days, virtual workshops , several consecutive years on multiple TV stations and worked directly with 15 pumpkin producers throughout the state on a weekly basis throughout the growing season..  He also did a feature story for KY Farm Bureau Magazine in 2024.  The combination of the above efforts has resulted in several hundred growers being reached.   Producers have been  able to gain  and apply knowledge in the areas of budgeting, variety selection, disease and insect control, fertility, plant spacing, plot design, marketing and insurance options.  Growers reached consist of beginners, experienced producers and those in between.

A large grower recently stated that growing pumpkins has allowed him to replace income lost from tobacco and has enabled him to add another viable revenue stream to his farm.  He stated that he attributes his success to the help, knowledge and guidance he has received from Extension.  While not every growing season will yield a successful crop, using research based information and applying it to production methods will always insure that crops will perform at their peak potential for the given year.