Q. You grow soybeans, corn, hay and pumpkins. Why not just grow all pumpkins?
A. My brother, Wayne, and I started the pumpkin business when we were 10 years old. We didn’t know at that time if we were going to continue the business past high school, or even if we would for sure be returning to the farm. My parents grew corn, soybeans and hay while we were growing up, but particularly expanded the hay business after we both chose to return to the farm after college. This was, in part, to create enough work for two additional full-time employees on the farm.
We have drastically grown the pumpkin business since starting in our farm driveway over 20 years ago. However, just operating the pumpkin business would not equate to full-time work for either of us, even though the workload is very heavy from June through October. Growing corn and soybeans as well allows us to work more months of the year, and also diversifies our farm. Making hay also adds many hours to the summer months. While I definitely have a soft spot for our pumpkin business, I appreciate the benefits of having a diverse farming operation.
Carolyn Brummel grew up on a farm near Elgin in Kane County and still grows pumpkins there. She and her husband, Scott, live near Sandwich and farm with both of their families.
See more: Find a Farm With Fun and More This Fall (VIDEO)
