Illinois tops U.S. in pumpkin production despite recent decline in value

Illinois is far and away the leader when it comes to one Thanksgiving dinner staple.

Nathan Johanning, Commercial Agriculture Educator for the University of Illinois Extension, said at least 80% of the pumpkin found in stores comes from Illinois.

Illinois led the nation by producing about 485 million pounds of pumpkins in 2024, or about as much as the next four leading states combined.

The total value of U.S. pumpkin production grew from $234 million in 2021 to $274 million in 2024, but Illinois saw a 10 percent decline during the same period.

Story from Illinois Radio Network