Pumpkins for fresh use are mostly purchased during October for use as jack o'lanterns. After October, demand drops off drastically. Some fresh pumpkin varieties are sold for homemade pies and as a vegetable. However, the quantity of pumpkins remaining in retail markets after Halloween is small and is usually non-existent after Christmas. Since pumpkins and squash for processing are grown under contract, growers do not need to market them.
Contracts are on a yearly basis, and price is based on weight.
Growers receive a base level for their produce plus a designated amount based on tonnage. During years of surplus production, processors may pay growers only the base level, and not buy their excess production. Squash and pumpkin production is susceptible to insect, disease, and weather factors. The long growing time required for winter squash and pumpkins increases their likelihood of being affected by such perils. While breeding has helped reduce the risks of loss to some diseases, in some States disease can still be a major factor affecting overall production levels.