The business of pumpkin production

by Deidre Woollard, Posted Oct 20th 2005 @ 9:01AM

In advance of our Great Pumpkin Day, I've been browsing around for pumpkin info. Which state produces the most pumpkin? I would have guessed that it was an Eastern state but actually Illinois is the state that produces the most pumpkin. This article breaks down some of the logistics of pumpkin growing, which can be a lucrative industry for some farmers. Pumpkin farmers sell pumpkins by the ton and usually get 8 to 12 cents a pound wholesale, although they make more if they sell directly to the consumer . The climate in Illinois is good for growing pumpkins and farmers can often grow pumpkins after the harvest of another crop. Illinois also processes the most pumpkins. According to this article, the trend is toward little pumpkins and also the stem (or handle) is an important selling feature in the pumpkin because those who are choosing pumpkins often pick them up.

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Filed Under: Business, Newspapers, Ingredients
Tags: fruit, midwest rural