KANSAS CITY, MO – Pumpkins are a staple of fall traditions for many Americans who pick them, carve them into jack-o’-lanterns, or bake pumpkin desserts.
Although pumpkins are grown in many States, according to the Economic Research Service (ERS), most of the production comes from only 10 States.
By acreage and weight, Illinois is consistently the Nation’s largest pumpkin producer.
However, unlike other States, most of Illinois’ pumpkins are used for pie filling and other processed foods, which receive a lower price per pound than ornamental jack-o’-lantern-style pumpkins.
Production value of pumpkins in Illinois was ranked third in 2020 at $21.3 million.
In 2020, Texas led the Nation in the value of pumpkins produced at $25.9 million, followed by Pennsylvania at $22.5 million, Illinois, and California at $20.7 million.
The majority of pumpkins produced in Texas are centered in Floyd County, where dry weather led to higher quality and lower yields, contributing to prices that exceeded those received by growers in any other State in 2020.
This year, according to Floyd County AgriLife Extension Agent Mark Carroll, growers averaged around 30,000 pounds per acre with good quality aside from early planted jack-o’-lantern varieties that matured with soft outer shells.
Retail prices for pumpkins typically fluctuate week to week leading up to Halloween.
In the second week of October 2021, the average retail price for jack-o’-lantern-style pumpkins was $4.09 per pumpkin, up 12 percent compared with the same week in 2020.