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Six states responsible for half of U.S. pumpkin production

The USDA says six states are responsible for about a half of total U.S. pumpkin production.

Illinois is the largest producer, followed by California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York.

In 2015, farmers in those states produced nearly 754 million pounds of pumpkins.

Heavy rains in Illinois significantly reduced pumpkin harvests last year, yet the state remained the leading producer by acreage and output.

Illinois accounts for almost 80 percent of acres typically devoted to production for pie filling or other processing uses.

Supplies from the remaining top-five states are targeted toward the seasonal fresh market for ornamental uses and home processing.