Pumpkin farmers across Oklahoma like Carmichael's Pumpkin Patch in Bixby feeling drought effects

BIXBY, Okla. - Don Carmichael has been helping Green Country families create memories at his patch for 36-years.

But the recent drought is making it harder to keep up with the growing prices to farm the fall treasures.

"Anytime it’s dry we had several acres that we didn’t plan or water and we lost quite a bit to the drought," said Carmichael. "You may have a shorter crop, but this year if you didn’t have water you just didn’t make anything."

Last year it was worse he says.

He's purchased gourds from other states but last year it was a lot more difficult to get your hands on them.

He estimates he lost about $30,000 on 40 acres that didn't get enough water. 

"A lot of the new pumpkins, the seed are very expensive," he said. "You get some of them, looking at $300, $400 dollars a $1,000 for others."

But he's not letting the rising cost of fertilizer, diesel or seeds affect his customers.

Carmichael chose not to raise the prices on most of his gores. And he's allowing families to take part in the patch festivities at no cost. There are camel rides, three different maze's and farm animals.

Carmichael's Pumpkin Patch is located on 171st and South Mingo in Bixby.

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