Pumpkin shortages in Madison County
The 2026 pumpkin harvest in Madison County has faced severe losses due to historic summer flooding and heavy rainfall, resulting in a major local shortage. I suggest you shop early for optimal selection.
Madison County Crop Impacts
- Crop Damage: Heavy flooding in Anderson and surrounding Madison County areas dumped over 20 inches of rain onto local fields, leaving large portions underwater for days.
- Significant Losses: Local farmers, such as Michael Hodge in Madison County, lost more than 80% of their pumpkin crops due to root rot, vine disease, and severe sunburn on pumpkins left unprotected after floodwaters destroyed the leafy plant canopies.
- Financial and Yield Impact: Yields dropped from an anticipated 1,000 bins down to roughly 200 bins on severely affected farms, translating to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in budget shortfalls. Many local fields have been described as unharvestable graveyards of rotting fruit.
- Eastern and Central Indiana Shortages: Areas east of US 31 (including Madison and parts of surrounding counties) have been hit harder by the wet conditions than parts of western Indiana.
- Early Availability: Because local wholesale and pick-your-own supplies are severely depleted—with regional auctions noting a rapid depletion of inventory—remaining pumpkins are selling out fast.
- Consumer Advice: Residents looking for pumpkins are strongly encouraged to shop early or check with local farm stands before heading out.
If you are looking for pumpkin patches inside Madison County, you have a few excellent local family farms to choose from for your fall harvest experience:
Hodge Family Farm is a family-owned, 13-acre conventional farm located at 76 E 1300 N, Alexandria, IN 46001. Managed by Mikkal Hodge alongside his wife Jennifer and their family, the farm focuses on providing fresh produce with minimal, as-needed chemical treatments.
Located right in northern Madison County, this small family farm is a fantastic spot in October. They feature a U-pick pumpkin patch, a great selection of pumpkins (including specialty colors like white and green), apples, cider, and a haunted corn maze as Halloween approaches. They even offer self-service options.
The Smith Family Farms in Pendleton features two distinct community destinations: a seasonal pumpkin patch and a year-round, farm-to-table meat market. This multi-generational family farm spans thousands of acres and is deeply rooted in local agriculture.
🎃 The seasonal pumpkin patch is a classic fall tradition. It is located at 7055 W 675 S, Pendleton, IN 46064.
- Hours & Admission: Open Saturdays and Sundays during October only, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. General admission is $6 per person (children 2 and under enter free). Pets are strictly not allowed.
- Activities: Features a genuine you-pick pumpkin patch, a corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, playgrounds, a straw pile slide, and live music from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Landess Farm
6000 W CR 700 S. Daleville, IN
Just minutes east of Chesterfield and Anderson, this multi-generational farm hosts its popular “Fall Fun on the Farm” events. Your admission includes access to a non-haunted corn maze, a tractor-pulled hayride, yard games, and a personal-sized pumpkin. They are open Sunday through Friday and closed on Saturdays.
Fall Fun On The Farm Sunday Oct. 4, 11, 18, & 25. Open Monday through Friday during daytime hours for those that would prefer a smaller crowd and groups. Tickets can be purchased upon entry.
