Roca Berry Farm talks about drought’s affect on pumpkin yield

ROCA, Neb. (KLKN) – Within the next month and a half, thousands will go to Roca Berry Farm.

But with the drought in southeast Nebraska, will there be enough pumpkins for everyone?

“During June, we were really, really nervous because we weren’t getting any rain,” said one of Roca Berry’s managers, Jeff Knopik. “Then July hit, and we had lots and lots of rain.”

SEE ALSO: Lots of rain for Lincoln in July, but farmers say it may be too late to help

Knopik said the ups and downs in the weather were the biggest challenge.

When it wasn’t raining, the farm was using drip irrigation to keep the pumpkins hydrated.

But the more than 5½ inches of rain in July raised another issue.

“Pumpkins actually like the dry, sandy weather,” Knopik said. “But when you get too much rain, you start having to worry about fungus and things like that.”

SEE ALSO: Hail, wind and drought form a devastating blend for Nebraska farmers

Roca is harvesting pumpkins now, and Knopik said the owner has noticed a reduction in the number of pumpkins used to make pies.

But the other types of pumpkins have done well despite the weather.

Knopik said the farm normally has plenty of pumpkins left over every year, so it will have enough for all of the customers this fall.

SEE ALSO: Drought is hurting Nebraska’s economy, and the impacts could ripple worldwide

The corn maze also had a tough time when winds tore through the area.

“Roca really got hit,” Knopik said. “The entire maze was flattened. And because the roots had not really established yet, it kind of blew over.”

Luckily, the farm had waited until later in the season to plant it, so the corn was still young enough that it stood back up.

SEE ALSO: ‘We haven’t seen anything like this’: Nebraska drought causes cattle feed shortage

The opening day is Sept. 16.

This year, the farm has added new attractions for families, including two amusement rides.

Knopik also said many new food items will be revealed on opening day.

Pathways around the farm have also been paved to make it more easily accessible.

Visit the farm’s website for more information.