Northern Colorado Pumpkin Patch Cancels Season Due to Drought

Winter 2025 and most of 2026 have been weird weather-wise. Practically no snow at all this past winter, and barely any rain has been rough for everyone. Watering restriction signs, brown lawns, and drought conditions are all a result of the lack of moisture.

READ MORE: When Was The Last Time Colorado Was Drought Free?

While summer hasn't officially arrived in Northern Colorado, some farmers are already looking ahead to fall, and not in a positive way. The lack of moisture has already wreaked havoc on some Colorado farmers.

Sonrise Farm Cancels 2026 Pumpkin Patch Due to Drought

Since 1964, a farm in Northern Colorado has been serving residents with pumpkins for Halloween and the fall season. This year, it's going to be a little different for Sonrise Farm in Severance.

According to a Facebook post by the farm, pumpkin season this fall will not exist.

It is with heavy hearts to announce that Pumpkin Patch 2026 is canceled. We announced this before, but then were given hope, so planned to move forward. However, pumpkins need water in late August, and our ditch company days no August irrigation. This is 100% due to the current drought. Our farm does not have wells to draw from.

Sonrise Farm says that the pumpkin patch will return in the fall of 2027 and that there is no plan to throw in the towel.

READ MORE: Colorado Farmers are Bracing for a Long Drought

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the vast majority of Colorado is experiencing drought conditions ranging from moderate to exceptional. Currently, most of Weld County has severe or extreme drought conditions.

Types of Drought Conditions and What They Mean

Moderate Drought Conditions

• Dryland crops suffer
• Rangeland growth is stunted, with very little hay available
• Wildfires increase

Severe Drought Conditions

• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Land suffers
• Farmers reduce planting, and producers sell cattle
• Fire season is extended
• Snowpack is low, surface water levels are low, and river flow is reduced

Extreme Drought Conditions

• City landscapes are dying
• Grasshopper and insect infestations are noted
• Large fires develop
• Pasture conditions worsen
• Rafting, fishing, hunting, and skiing are reduced, and fish kills occur
• Reservoirs become extremely low, and mandatory water restrictions are enacted

Exceptional Drought Conditions

• Agricultural and recreational economics losses are significant
• Dust storms and topsoil removal are widespread

Currently, 13 counties in Colorado are experiencing exceptional drought conditions in parts, and the entirety of Eagle County is under exceptional drought conditions.