FFA Student Turns Pumpkin Project Into A Fulltime Career

FFA Student Turns Pumpkin Project Into A Fulltime Career SPECIALTY/SERVICES Twelve years ago Kevin Heagy began growing and selling pumpkins as part of a supervised FFA project Now in his mid-20’s Heagys Pumpkins and Produce is a profitable full-time business Upon graduating high school in 2014 Heagy built on his FFA experience and started farming professionally on his family property Today he manages 4 acres of growing space that produces more than 40 varieties of pumpkins as well as mums and garden produce like cucumbers tomatoes eggplant peppers potatoes melons and more The rest of the family’s property is used for beef cattle and corn wheat soybeans and alfalfa hay Heagy manages the property with his sister Megan Hostetter selling at their farmstand just north of Lebanon Penn It’s open year-round 6 days a week Almost everything sold is grown on the farm within the fields or high tunnels Kevin’s mom Eileen Heagy uses some of the farm bounty to sell pumpkin treats at the stand Heagy also sells a small amount of produce at local auctions in Lebanon and Lancaster while his mums do well in local stores The farm sells pumpkins suited for every fall activity including Gladiator pumpkins for those looking for a traditional jack-o-lantern neck pumpkins for baking pies and custards and small white pumpkins well-suited for painting projects It’s also well known for its stacking pumpkins available in various shapes and sizes for shaping into perfect porch décor While some shoppers enjoy spending an hour or longer combining pumpkins in different arrangements Heagy also sells them pre-stacked for extra convenience While Heagy hasn’t expanded his growing space beyond the original 4 acres he’s succeeded in increasing his yield each year Fall remains the busiest time of year at the farm stand with early summer’s strawberry season a close second Fresh produce options are understandably limited in the winter but the stand stays supplied with eggs and baked goods Advertising has mainly been from word of mouth and a few large signs leading into Lebanon The farm’s Facebook page also keeps local shoppers in the know about what’s coming into season Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Kevin Heagy Heagys Pumpkins and Produce 917 Kochenderfer Rd Lebanon Penn 17046 Facebook: Heagys Pumpkins and Produce

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.