Monte Journal

DeJong Pumpkins helping families enjoy the fall season

10/7/2026

A large DeJong Pumpkins sign greets customers stopping at the business near Montezuma. The business first opened in 2006 and moved to the family farm at 1126 480th Ave. northwest of Montezuma, in 2020. The pumpkin farm offers pumpkins gourds, squash and occasional Ornamental Corn.

By J.O. Parker

A Montezuma-based family pumpkin business is the go-to place for hand-picked pumpkins, gourds, squash and occasional Ornamental Corn for all those fall and Halloween decorations.
Located at 1126 480th Ave., northwest of Montezuma, DeJong Pumpkins was founded in 2006 by Holly DeJong.
Holly, a stay-at-home mom at the time, was looking for some extra income. She began growing pumpkins in her backyard and selling them on a trailer in Montezuma. She ran the business for several years before deciding to take a break from the pumpkin growing enterprise.
A few years later in 2014, Holly’s daughters, Madelyn and Sadie, were looking for a way to make some extra money as a future college fund. They took the reins of pumpkin business and started it back up.
“In 2020 due to covid, we decided to change up how we sold the pumpkins by selling them directly on the farm,” said Madelyn. “This has been a great move for us as it has allowed us to expand and offer more to our customers.”
Continuing, Madelyn said, “We are able to give the customers a fun, fall experience while also allowing them to see where the pumpkins actually come from.”
The business is under the direction of Madelyn and Sadie along with Dad, Cory, and Mom, Holly. The family raises about one acre of pumpkins each fall and sells them directly to the customer.
“We have done all of the planting, weeding, harvesting and selling since we began,” noted Madelyn. “My husband (Tommy Thompson) now helps also when he is not busy with harvest on his family farm.”
The business is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. starting in mid-September through October. On occasion or due to the weather, the family will be open at other times during the fall season.
For business information, check out DeJong Pumpkins Facebook page for updates and any other company business.
The money that the family has raised helped put Madelyn through Iowa State University where she graduated in 2024 with a degree in Agronomy. Sadie is currently attending Northwestern College, majoring in Graphic Design.
When asked about any plans to expand the business, Madelyn said the family is always looking for ways to grow and add more fun things for their customers.
Take for instance, the family will have a booth at the Fieldside Mercantile’s Fall event on Oct. 10 in Bondurant.
“We have some new ideas in the works for next year, so be on the lookout to see what those are,” said Madelyn.
When asked what the biggest pumpkin they’ve raised and sold at the business is, Madelyn said they have raised and sold the Atlantic Giant pumpkins that are usually between 75 – 100 pounds.
As for the smallest pumpkin, the business offers the Jack-Be-Little pumpkins that are mini in size.
“They can fit in the palm of your hand,” said Madelyn.
Madelyn said she and her family love helping people get in the fall spirit and seeing how they are able to take something they grow an turn it into a beautiful fall display at their homes.
“No two pumpkins or growing seasons are the same,” said Madelyn. “It is so much fun to see the fruits of our labor and the uniqueness in each pumpkin we grow.”
Madelyn said she and her family are so grateful for Montezuma and surrounding communities for supporting the business and coming back year after year.
“DeJong Pumpkins would not be what it is today without our amazing customers,” she said.

Pictured are some of DeJong Pumpkins used to decorate a porch. The pumpkin business started in 2006 by the DeJong family and has grown into a thriving local Montezuma business just north of town off Highway 63.