Sangamon Sun

Illinois state Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) has echoed the sentiments of state Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) by expressing his pride in the sheer number of pumpkins that are grown in the state each year.

Butler took to Facebook to share his thoughts on Pumpkin Spice Day.

"What he (State Rep. Mark Batinick) said," Butler said in the Oct. 1 post. "Proud to rep a district that is the home of the greatest area of pumpkin production on earth!"

Butler shared Batinick's Facebook post that detailed facts about pumpkin growing in Illinois, including that 564.5 million pounds of pumpkins were produced in the Prairie State in 2020. Batinick's post read, in part, that "Tazewell, Peoria, Stark, Moultrie, Woodford, Kane, Madison, La Salle, Henry Counties led the nation in square miles of pumpkins harvested." Batinick also noted that Mason County had 6.73 square miles of pumpkins harvested, which was the most in the nation.

WCIA reported that 2020 data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture showed Illinois is consistently "the largest producer of pumpkins, the majority of which are used for pies and processed foods." The report also noted that pie pumpkins range from 2 to more than 30 pounds, while traditional jack-o-lantern pumpkins are used for fall decorations or baking as well. Pumpkins can weigh anywhere from 1 pound to over 1,000 pounds depending on growing conditions and the variety of pumpkin being grown.