35 Years of Pumpkins: How One Ohio Farm Turned Agritourism Into a Family Traditio

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan is joined by Shelly Lehner of Lehner’s Pumpkins in Ohio for a conversation about family farming, agritourism and what it takes to keep a farm going through changing times.

Shelly shares the history of Lehner’s Pumpkins and how what began as a family farming operation grew into a destination built around pumpkins, seasonal activities and community traditions.

Doug and Shelly talk about the evolution of agritourism and why farms increasingly rely on experiences that bring the public directly onto the property. From pumpkin patches and family activities to giant pumpkin contests and seasonal events, Shelly explains how Lehner’s has adapted while staying connected to its farming roots.

The conversation also gets into the realities facing family farmers today, including economic pressure, labor demands, changing customer expectations and the challenge of balancing wholesale and retail sales.

Shelly shares stories from the pumpkin patch, including what it takes to grow massive pumpkins, why a 1,300-pound pumpkin creates its own set of problems and how contests and farm events have become part of the farm’s identity.

Doug and Shelly also discuss diversification, community involvement, volunteer help and the role social media now plays in connecting farms with customers and keeping agriculture visible.

Through it all, Shelly offers a candid look at why farmers continue even when the work is difficult and the economics are challenging.

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