BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Attendees from across the Midwest braved the triple-digit temperatures to attend Pumpkin Field Day. The biannual event welcomed growers, educators, and industry partners for a hands-on pumpkin field day that highlighted the latest research, production strategies, and on‑farm technology.
University of Illinois Extension has hosted pumpkin field days for over 20 years at various locations and times. Starting in 2022, Extension partnered with Eckert’s Orchard at their Belleville Farm. Proud of their farming heritage and diligent stewards of the land, the Eckert family has cultivated and preserved their orchard business for eight generations.
The program included a day of research-driven learning, during which Extension educators and specialists covered key areas of pumpkin production, including insect pest and pollinator management, weed and cover crop management, disease management, and nutrient management.
Growers received guidance on how to use the University of Illinois Plant Clinic to diagnose disease issues through properly collected samples, gaining clarity on when and how to submit plant material for expert evaluation.
The field day also featured demonstrations on drone technology and how the farm incorporates aerial tools for scouting, mapping, and targeted applications. Participants toured variety trials showcasing more than 75 pumpkin cultivars, offering a firsthand look at differences in size, color, shape, disease tolerance, and market potential. The afternoon concluded with time for growers to network with one another, visit with industry vendors, and enjoy a delicious meal made possible through the generous donations of event sponsors.
Those who were unable to attend but wish to learn more about pumpkin production can contact Commercial Ag Specialist Nathan Johanning at njohann@illinois.edu or 618-939-3434.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.