UK Farmers Warn of Halloween Pumpkin Shortfall

Drought and scorching summer conditions have left some pumpkin growers in Britain expecting substantially smaller Halloween crops. Berkshire Farm Girl grower Eleanor Gilbert estimates her farm has lost about half its usual yield, with surviving pumpkins often undersized; poor maize growth has also forced her to build a more expensive bale maze. The shortfall and rising costs threaten the profitability of seasonal events, and Gilbert says she may be unable to continue farming pumpkins if she cannot afford the losses.