Pumpkins in the field
There are still a lot of pumpkins in the field. At this point, there is a lot of powdery mildew knocking down the vines. Once the pumpkins have turned yellow, it is a good idea to cut the stem. If the stem is not cut, the powdery mildew will weaken the stem. As we all know, a pumpkin without a stem is worth less. People want a strong stem to carry it out of the field with.
If you are not doing pick your own, it is a good idea to get the pumpkins out of the field. With all the rain, standing water will bring out phytophthora and distroy the pumpkins. Also, squash bugs and cucumber beetles build up and feed on mature fruit so damage can come that way too. At the very least, gather up the pumpkins on high, dry ground away from where the diseases and insects can get to them.