David L. Syverson, Illinois State Senator for 35th District | Facebook
David L. Syverson, Illinois State Senator for 35th District | Facebook
Illinois remains the top pumpkin-producing state in the country, with farmers harvesting more than 485 million pounds of pumpkins in 2024, according to the USDA. The Illinois Farm Bureau reports that between 90 and 95 percent of pumpkins used for processing are grown within the state.
A significant portion of this production takes place in Morton, Illinois, which is recognized as the Pumpkin Capital of the World. Over 85 percent of canned pumpkin globally is processed there.
The harvest season started at the end of August and will continue through early November. During this period, farms and fields across Illinois are filled with pumpkins available for picking.
Residents are encouraged to visit local pumpkin patches during the fall season. For those looking to find a nearby patch, Enjoy Illinois offers a guide to some of the state's best locations.
Syverson has served as a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate since 1993, representing the 35th Senate District after succeeding Christine J. Johnson.
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