Bad weather means no pumpkin picking at Porth Farm, Powys

Farmer Gerwyn Vaughan said his normally plentiful crop of around 20,000 pumpkins at Porth Farm, Caersws has fallen victim to this summer's mixed weather.

"It’s been a difficult year; it’s just been one of them," he said.

"I’ve been speaking to growers up and down the country and some have had disasters just like myself and others have been the other way. It really is just the luck of the draw.

"It is a massive blow financially as well, but we will carry on."

Gerwyn added that the biggest downside to not being able to host pumpkin picking this year is that local charities will not benefit from donations which last year raised around £2,000.

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Pumpkins need lots of rain and a long, hot growing season, but they are tender so must be protected from frost and cold.

But Gerwyn remains optimistic saying “the party is not over yet” with plenty planned for visitors at Porth Farm this festive season - which he's keeping under wraps for the time being.

“We will be back next year, don’t worry. Some people have become familiar faces, regular customers, becoming friends almost at Porth Farm so we really do not want to let anyone down.

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"I’ve had some lovely comments and superb messages. Honestly, it’s been unreal. I couldn’t imagine half the support. It’s incredible."

Gerwyn said he would “love” charitable organisations and schools to make good use out of the good-sized pumpkins that are ready to pick at the farm. He said: “Bring children, have a great time. Contact myself first and we can organise a time.”

People have shared kind messages with Porth Farm after they were left “absolutely gutted” by the news that pumpkin picking will not go ahead this year after a tricky harvest.

One person said: “So sorry it hasn't worked this year for you, but we will wait to see what else you have planned”.

While another said: “I'm so sorry you have had a rubbish pumpkin season. Hopefully a better 2024.”

“Thank you for the straightforward honest post. Hope you have a good winter.”

But Gerwyn said now more than ever the Welsh Government needs to support farmers and growers in Mid Wales.

"We’ve got to put Mid Wales on the map with local produce," he said.

"It’s never the mid, always the south. We need support here. We’re forgotten about. Agriculture needs support in every way.

“People need food and we need to make it local food, whether that be meat or vegetables or whatever. Buy local. Buy good food."