Rainy weekends impacting local farms during fall harvest season
The weather this year is putting a damper on things. It has rained the past five Sundays, which has led many farms to close their doors to visitors, costing them a lot in lost revenue.
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This year has not been a kind year to farmers. From a late winter freeze, to raising fuel costs, to a wet fall, farmers a struggling to get by because of the weather.
Normally in October, families can be seen heading to their local farms to pick apples and pumpkins.
The weather this year is putting a damper on things. It has rained the past five Sundays, which has led many farms to close their doors to visitors, costing them a lot in lost revenue.
Assistant production manager and co-owner of Alstede Farms in Chester, Rebekah Modgery says the fall season generates up to 60% to 70% of the business. She adds that they are now looking at a 20% to 30% dip based off how September and October have gone.
"We are really just looking ahead to the next three weekends in October and we are just really hoping people start coming out," Modgery said on Sunday.
Farmers spend a lot of money planting in the spring and hope to earn it back during the fall harvest period. Tim Stockel, farmer and owner of Happy Day Farm in Manalapan affectionally says he makes his money in pumpkins. Columbus Day weekend is big business for Stockel and losing business due to the weather is costing him a lot.
"Hundreds of thousands [of dollars]. Definitely hundreds of thousands," Stockel said. "As farmers and the orchards, we do about 35% of our business that Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It's a four-day weekend for us. Yeah, it's heartbreaking.
But the fall season isn't over yet. Both Modgery and Stockel have the same goal: to see more sunshine and crowds coming in the door.
"If I can share a message with anyone, it would be support your local farmers. Don't go buy your pumpkins from Home Depot or ShopRite. Come out and buy them from us," Modgery said.
A 2022 Department of Agriculture census found there are nearly 10,000 farms across the Garden State.
Those who are looking for a way to enjoy the rest of the harvest season are recommended to visit their local farm.
Both Alstede Farms and Happy Day Farm will be open on Columbus Day on Oct. 12 for anyone interested in a day at the pumpkin patch.
