By Andi Anderson
The pumpkin crop is looking good in most parts of the country this year, despite dry conditions in some areas. Texas pumpkin growers have seen yields down 20%-40% due to the drought, but the crop is doing well in most other states, including the top pumpkin-producing state of Illinois.
Illinois farmers grow pumpkins for both decorative and processing purposes. The state is home to Nestle-Libby's pumpkin cannery in Morton, which produces most of the pumpkin puree used in the United States.
The pumpkin harvest season typically starts in early August and lasts until it gets too cold for pumpkins to survive on the vine. But for sellers of decorative and jack-o-lantern pumpkins, there will be an abrupt drop-off in demand after Oct. 31.
Many farmers donate their leftover pumpkins to hog farms after Halloween. The hogs benefit from the nutrient-rich pumpkins, and the farmers help to reduce food waste.
Overall, the pumpkin harvest is looking good this year, despite some challenges in Texas. Pumpkin lovers should be able to find plenty of pumpkins to choose from this fall.
Photo Credit: gettyImages-digitalvision
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables