'Everyone laughed' when he started a pumpkin farm—now it brings in $2 million a year
Kelly Schultz bought a pumpkin farm in 1996. He transformed it into a seasonal attraction that draws in 100,000 visitors each fall.
TL;DR
- The Great Pumpkin Farm, owned by Kelly Schultz, generates $2 million in annual revenue and attracts over 100,000 visitors each fall.
- Schultz faced initial ridicule when he started the farm in 1993 with no prior farming experience.
- The farm's growth was significantly boosted in 1996 by hosting a World Pumpkin Weigh-Off, which featured a world-record pumpkin.
- Attractions include a pumpkin-themed train, corn maze, pie-eating contests, hayrides, and more, with admission costing $20 on weekends.
- Halloween-related spending is a significant economic driver, projected to reach $13.5 billion in the U.S. in 2026.
- The farm employs over 100 seasonal workers and is managed as a family operation, with plans to continue its expansion and success as a generational business.