MORTON, Ill. (25 News) – The Village of Morton is synonymous with pumpkins.
But, one pumpkin farm in Morton is closing to the public.
25 News reports Ackerman Family Farms will close its gift shop and agritourism section in November. It’s been in operation since 1999.
Co-owner John Ackerman says it’s because of rising costs and increased minimum wage.
“Labor’s our single largest expense, and the minimum wage has almost doubled in the last six years,” Ackerman said. “Not that it’s wrong, but it affects us and other expenses.”
Ackerman said tariffs on gift shop items have also put a strain on the farm’s finances.
Ackerman said he and his wife considered letting someone else run the business, but said it might be better off to close.
“it’s not an easy way of life necessarily, it’s a wonderful way and we love it, but it’s a lot of hours and sometimes there are good returns and other times it’s a pretty thin year,” Ackerman said. “I’m not sure I’d encourage someone to jump right into this.”
Ackerman Family Farms will open to the public August 27 and permanently close November first.
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