Sue Rezin, Illinois State Senator for 38th District | Facebook
Sue Rezin, Illinois State Senator for 38th District | Facebook
Illinois remains the leading state in pumpkin production, with farmers harvesting over 485 million pounds of pumpkins in 2024, according to the USDA. The Illinois Farm Bureau reports that the state produces more pumpkins than any other place globally, and 90 to 95 percent of pumpkins used for processing are grown within its borders.
Morton, Illinois is a central hub for this industry. Known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World, Morton processes more than 85 percent of the world’s canned pumpkin.
The harvest season began at the end of August and will continue through early November. During this period, farms and fields across Illinois are filled with pumpkins ready for picking.
Residents interested in visiting local pumpkin patches can find recommendations on Enjoy Illinois’ guide to pumpkin patches throughout the state.
Rezin, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2010 to represent the state's 38th Senate District, replacing previous state senator Gary G. Dahl.