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Plenty of pumpkins from the nation’s top producer

A University of Illinois Extension educator says it was a good growing season for the nation’s top pumpkin producing state.

Nathan Johanning tells Brownfield…

“Both types of pumpkins are very prevalent, although we raise at least 80%, if not more, of the processing pumpkin.”  He says, “So, if you open a can of pumpkins this fall, there’s a good chance that it was grown and processed in Illinois.”

He says pumpkin production is up this year.

“It’s been a very good pumpkin season.”  He says, “We have lots of good pumpkins. The weather has tended for good quality and size overall. It’s always nice when we have a reasonably dry harvest period.  Harvesting in a lot of mud or wet conditions, we get more issues with rot.”

Johanning says the industry touches all regions of the state.

The processing pumpkins are grown all across the state.”  He says, “A lot of that’s just to spread out the risk.  Even if it’s not good in one part of the state, hopefully it’s a little better in a different part.”

Johanning, who also grows pumpkins in Monroe County, says pumpkins are not just for decorations but are also a nutritious fall vegetable that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

October 26th is National Pumpkin Day.

AUDIO: Nathan Johanning – commercial agriculture educator with U of I Extension

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