# Illinois is America’s pumpkin capital; here's why

> Illinois grows 90% of U.S. canned pumpkins due to ideal climate, soil and Libby’s factory partnerships.
- Title: Illinois is America’s pumpkin capital; here's why | Shortify
- Summary: Illinois grows 90% of U.S. canned pumpkins due to ideal climate, soil and Libby’s factory partnerships. Illinois produces 535 million pounds of pumpkin…
- Keywords: illinois, pumpkin, libby's, morton, canned pumpkin, dickinson pumpkins, regenerative agriculture, pumpkin festival, news, local, America, capital
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2026/10/16/illinois-pumpkin-capital-united-states-morton-libby
- Published: 2026-10-16T10:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: illinois, pumpkin, libby's, morton, canned pumpkin, dickinson pumpkins, regenerative agriculture, pumpkin festival, news, local
## Illinois is America’s pumpkin capital
Illinois grows 535 million pounds of pumpkin annually, more than the next four top pumpkin-growing states combined.
## Why Illinois leads pumpkin production
The region offers 120 days of summer heat, warm nights, moderate rainfall, and deep-rooted partnerships with farmers for over 60 years.
## Libby’s factory dominance
About 90% of U.S. canned pumpkin comes from a 60-mile radius around Morton, Illinois, where Libby’s operates its processing plant.
## Pumpkin farming traditions
John H. Ackerman, a fourth-generation farmer in Morton, says he can hear pumpkins growing when conditions are right.
## Giant pumpkin growers
Joe Adkins has grown giant pumpkins for 51 years, with some varieties selling for $1 to $2 per pound.
## Pumpkin festival in Morton
Morton hosts a five-day September festival featuring pumpkin pie-eating contests and giant pumpkin weigh-offs.
## Pumpkin odor controversy
Residents near Libby’s factory report a 'pumpkin vomit' smell from waste lagoons, though Libby’s claims they’ve reduced odors significantly.
## Pumpkin vs. squash debate
Libby’s uses a proprietary Dickinson squash strain that some chefs argue tastes more like butternut squash than pumpkin.
## Regenerative farming practices
In 2025, nearly 90% of Libby’s pumpkins were grown using regenerative agriculture techniques to improve soil quality and biodiversity.
## Decorative pumpkin market
Frey Farms sells flat pumpkins for decoration at stores like Costco and Walmart, marketed as 'Heirloom Stackers' for social media trends.
## Pumpkin seed business
Ackerman grows experimental seed pumpkins for a Chinese company, Sunshine Produce USA, with thin hulls for better seed quality.
## Pumpkin pie culture
Chef Sarah Stegner uses her mother’s pumpkin pie recipe and highlights the flavor and tradition of homemade pumpkin dishes.
## Global pumpkin use
Pumpkins are used in Indian cuisine, but Americans often overlook their culinary potential beyond carving.
## Pumpkin farming challenges
Pumpkin farmers face odor complaints from nearby residents, though Libby’s claims they’ve reduced the smell through dredging and repairs.
## Pumpkin festival highlights
Morton’s festival includes pumpkin ice cream, chili, and cake pops, showcasing the versatility of pumpkins.
## Key takeaway

Illinois produces 535 million pounds of pumpkin annually, supplying 90% of U.S. canned pumpkins through optimal growing conditions and Libby’s canning operations.