Picking the pumpkin patch

Pumpkin harvest is in full swing north of Ames at the Horticulture Research Station, where more than 1,400 of the orange gourds will be plucked from the patch by the end of next week. Above, agriculture specialist Cole Hopkins (right) hoists one of about 350 pumpkins harvested Monday to agriculture specialist Amanda Groleau. About 1,200 pumpkins will go to Reiman Gardens to be carved for its Halloween event, Spirits in the Gardens, Oct. 10-12. The remaining 200-300 pumpkins will be sold Friday, Oct. 10, at the farm's weekly produce sale (11 a.m.-1 p.m., Kildee Hall atrium, next to the Meats Lab). Parking is available in Lot 39; enter through Dock B. 

Below, student employee Sophia Dilley stands ready to hand off a newly harvested pumpkin.