By: Stephen McCollum; Photos by Don L. Rogers

Kline Family Farms took another step toward diversification this year by planting 126 acres of pumpkins. 

Kline agronomist Kyle Brumley explained that some friends in southern Indiana who grow a variety of produce suggested pumpkins. They knew that Kline Family Farms’ proximity to a WalMart distribution center would be a plus. 

“We planted a variety of pumpkins,” said Brumley. “There were the traditional jack-o-lanterns, whites (volleyball-size), pie pumpkins (small, softball-like), and a five-variety heirloom that grows in a mix of colors, including stripes.”

Planting began in early June. The first harvest was Labor Day weekend, and the last pumpkins were shipped in mid-October. While planting is done mechanically, pumpkins have to be harvested by hand. A crew of 95 workers from the southern Indiana farm handled the harvest. 

The pumpkins are boxed for shipping in cardboard bins designed for each size and type of pumpkin. 

“Pumpkins are a specialty crop and a bit more labor intensive than the traditional row crops, like corn and soybeans,” Brumley said. 

The Kline Family Farms Partnership’s motto is “Innovative Farming with Integrity.”

Jim Kline, who joined his father in the family business after graduating from Purdue, said, “We’re really fortunate to have great workers.” 

In addition to pumpkins this year, Kline Family Farms is in its second year of growing hemp and hopes to have about 10 percent of its business in organic crops soon. 

In 2011, Kline Farms was recognized as Top Producer of the Year by Top Producer magazine, which reports on the top 10 percent of American and Canadian farmers in agricultural output and gross farm income.

Currently there are eight full-time and four part-time employees, with seasonal workers hired as needed.