A South Dakota Farm’s Animals Are Feasting on Leftover Halloween Pumpkins
(Linda Bielko / Getty Images)
The jack-o’-lanterns have retired, and the farm animals are ready for their turn. A full trailer of leftover Halloween pumpkins, corn cobs and hay bales arrived at a family farm near Garretson, South Dakota, on Wednesday night, and “a feast was had!” according to Dakota News Now.
The haul came from Sioux Falls Christian Schools, Dakota News Now reported. Volunteers gathered the pumpkins, cobs and bales over the past two weeks, and the effort kept them out of the landfill.
The farm is Glean for Good, which Travel South Dakota describes as a working farm with sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, cows, cats and chickens that also hosts events such as goat yoga. It was founded by Beth Jensen, a family physician with Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, so her patients would have sustainable access to food, per the tourism site.
The report does not say which animals dug into the pumpkins, how many pumpkins arrived or how they were served.
Pumpkins are generally good livestock food. The Livestock Project at Iowa State University says pigs, chickens, goats, sheep and cows can get nutrients from them, including vitamins A and E, folate and fiber, per its guide to Halloween and livestock. It also advises skipping jack-o’-lanterns with candle wax inside or paint outside, and starting with small amounts for animals that don’t usually eat pumpkin.
Related: These 32 Pumpkin Facts Are Simply Sweeter Than Pie
The idea is catching on. A Canadian town that built a giant pumpkin trail this fall offered its leftover pumpkins and hay to residents for livestock feed through Nov. 11, according to a recent story on its pumpkin trail.
Glean for Good isn’t done collecting. After the holidays, the farm will likely seek donations of live Christmas trees, according to Dakota News Now.
Related: A Florida Firefighter’s Family Adopted the Kitten He Helped Rescue From a Storm Drain
This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: Nature
