Every fall, pumpkins are the center of the season, from front porch decorations to delicious pies, but did you know Illinois is one of the nation’s leading pumpkin producers?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Illinois produced approximately 533 million pounds of pumpkins in 2025, more than any other state and exceeding the combined production of the next four leading pumpkin-producing states.
Pumpkin harvesting in Illinois typically begins in late August and continues through early November. The state is also responsible for growing an estimated 90 to 95 percent of the nation’s pumpkins used for processing, including those used in canned pumpkin and other food products.
Whether you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern for Halloween, enjoying a pumpkin spice latte, or baking a pie for Thanksgiving, Illinois farmers play a major role in making these fall traditions possible.