The Shadow
Richmond, Va. (VR) – Virginia grown pumpkins from third generation family-owned Dark Leaf Farm were delivered to the Virginia Executive Mansion today and presented to First Lady Suzanne Youngkin.
“The Governor and I look forward to the annual Virginia pumpkin delivery as it marks the autumn harvest in the Commonwealth. Thank you to the Jones family for sharing their bounty, and adorning the Executive Mansion with beauty,” said First Lady Suzanne Youngkin.
The pumpkin delivery is an annual tradition organized by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Virginia Pumpkin Growers’ Association to celebrate fall and recognize October as Virginia Pumpkin Month.
Dark Leaf Farm owners, Bruce and Joanne Jones, traveled from the farm in Appomattox and Campbell counties to deliver the pumpkins with help from their four children, Bruce, Savannah, Colton, and Blake. First Lady Youngkin presented the Jones family with a proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin designating October as Virginia Pumpkin Month.
There are nearly 400 pumpkin growers who cultivate and harvest pumpkins in the Commonwealth. In 2024, Virginia farmers harvested approximately 4,700 acres of pumpkins with fresh market production valued at $14.7 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Virginia ranks eighth nationally in pumpkin production. Pumpkins are grown statewide, with most of the commercial pumpkins production in Southwest Virginia where there are higher elevations and cooler temperatures
“Virginia farmers grow a variety of pumpkins in just about every size, shape and color for carving and cooking,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “Virginia is fortunate to have a favorable environment for growing pumpkins, which brings many opportunities for consumers across the state to enjoy fall festivals, pick-your-own pumpkin activities, and so much more.”
Farmers began harvesting pumpkins around Labor Day and will continue until Halloween. Plan a family visit to a Virginia pumpkin farm to pick pumpkins, gourds, apples, and late season berries, select mums, and other fall décor items, and enjoy hot apple cider and delicious apple cider donuts. Visit the Virginia Tourism website for a list of some of the farms offering on-farm fall activities.
