Pumpkin power

Michigan ranked in top five for pumpkin production

Oct. 22, 2025

Pumpkin pies, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin spice lattes—a few symbols that capture the essence of autumn.

As the fourth largest producer of pumpkins in the U.S., Michigan plays a pivotal role in providing the U.S. the bright, generally orange, gourds that adorn yards, porches, windowsills, and planters.

Did you know?

• Michigan farmers grow approximately 20,000 pounds of pumpkin per acre and produce an annual yield of an estimated 80 million pounds of pumpkins.
• Pumpkin production in Michigan generates $9.8 million in revenue for the state annually.

Whether a carved and lighted pumpkin—also known as a jack-o-lantern—or an uncarved one, pumpkins take center stage at your grocery store generally in late September through November.

Michigan farmers begin planting pumpkin crops in late May and early June; by September they are harvesting the crop.

Despite the unusually dry growing season that many farmers experienced over the past several months, Michigan farmers have been able to harvest a high-quality pumpkin crop this year.

That’s in part due to irrigation systems farmers use to water their crops, particularly during dry spells.

“Farming is hard work and dependent upon often inconsistent weather patterns,” said Paul Meneghini, native Michigander and Enbridge manager of community engagement.

“Irrigation systems help famers protect their crops and make them less susceptible to droughts and other prolonged dry spells.”

In addition to providing the fuel that powers tractors, plows and other farm equipment, Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac transports light crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) that are essential building blocks in the manufacture of irrigation systems.

“The oil and NGLs from Line 5 are essential in the production of more than 6,000 products on which we depend,” continued Meneghini.

“In this case, the light crude and NGLs support the production of plastic tubing, pipes, drip lines, sprinkler heads, and valves that comprise irrigation systems that are essential to modern farming.”

Decorative and nutritious

 

“Hay rides, pumpkins and changing leaves are among the many things that make this time of year in Michigan special.”

—Paul Meneghini, Enbridge manager of community engagement in Michigan

In addition to dotting the landscape this time of year and serving as a staple in pies and other treats, pumpkins are nutritious, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Part of the squash family, pumpkin is filled with beta-carotene, an antioxidant the body converts to Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight. Vitamin A also supports a healthy immune system by promoting the production and function of white blood cells. It helps fight off infections and reduce inflammation.

Pumpkin also is low in sodium and cholesterol.

So, this fall when you head to a Michigan pumpkin patch and select your perfect pumpkin and support local farmers, you’ll also be aware of the power of pumpkins—keeping people healthy while adding a bit of color to the fall holiday season.