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Rhode Island

many of us have been in the hobby a long time. we have seen the records go from hundreds to thousands of pounds, increasing almost yearly.
i must admit i never thought 1,500 was attainable much less 2,000 yet here we are sitting on several pumpkins already grown over 2,000 pounds.i sure was wrong.
i do believe however that every living thing has it limits. nothing can continue forever? or can it? whats your take?
i say not more than a few hundred pound more and,thats going to take a bit of time?

heres a quick look at other thoughts for the future of our hobby.

weather and soil is the great equalizer when it come to growing conditions.look at what weather did for the napa area growers this past season. in the future more and more champions will be grown in the comfort and climate of greenhouses.where weather and conditions are not left to chance.

there are basicly be three types of giant pumpkin growers i have come in contact with over the years.we have all seen them evolve over the past years.
1.just want a pumpkin growers. satisfied with 2-500 pounders for the family to enjoy.looking for max results with minimal effort.the backbone of the hobby.they drive the seed auctions and keep the weighoffs alive.
2.just wanna win growers.never satisfied with their success, always looking to improve.willing to help everyone whos willing to work at it.holds nothing back.
3.win at all costs, suck up everything they can,share nothing, arrive just before the weigh-off starts, strut around the arena like a peacock.when they dont winn want to be loaded and out first.

closing comment ----- so long as we continue building our individual area giant growers clubs, support our gpc organization and continue to brainstorm ideas? the hobby will live forever.after all ---- nothing beats the sight of a pumpkin growing 25 to 40 poinds in a single day. --- nothing.

pap wallace

2/24/2014 12:59:11 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

The hobby will continue to grow whether or not the top weights continue to increase. In track and field/ swimming/ skiing whatever the contestents don't get bored and lose interest just because world records aren't continually set. Heck 7 out of 10 of the athletes probably don't think they have a genuine chance to win anyways- just like pumpkin growers. We can always compete against ourselves and our friends given the conditions we are delt in a given year.

Personally I do think the weights will continue to go up for quite some time. I myself have given up the quest for a world record in light of the progress others have made over the last few years. I would much prefer to have my name associated with the finest orange pumpkins on earth.

Jim Gerhardt

2/24/2014 1:25:22 PM

lookin at past-we got no were to go but up
more growers, better seeds. innovations trial and error
all going to move weights up

2/24/2014 2:45:44 PM

New England

I think the weights will continue to rise if advances can be made in genetics and grower knowledge to increase strength of walls and support of such weight.

I believe that greenhouses will never be as ample as growing outside in regular sun and environment. They are great tools but so many other factors influence when growing inside in addition to the extreme cost.


Unfortunately perfect weather will never occur for anyone so those with the most ideal weather conditions each year are going to have the best results. I think their will be greater advances in disease and pest control pertaining to different weather. Overall advances in growing techniques will continue to foster the most extreme of weights.

Carry on!

2/24/2014 3:02:26 PM

NILES , CALIF

Jim;
You have one of the finest orange pumpkin, your 811.
I have met a lot of Paps number 3 type; but the 1 and 2s
will make this sport go even farther; this year with no
rain I might be a number 4 = nothin type grower?

2/24/2014 3:17:39 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Great post pap! I think Don a couple posts up is over due and a 2000 pound plus kin could be coming from his patch sooner rather then later:)

Don't stop posting pap, I always enjoy your insight and wisdom!

2/24/2014 3:45:06 PM

North Smithfield, RI

What the future holds ? With grafting , cloning , greenhouses in Northen latitudes , better disease and bug resistance ,,, I suspect weights will continue to grow for a long time ! And don't forget the top gowers like Ron & Pap who continue to improve the genetics in these things !!!

2/24/2014 6:17:14 PM

Polson, Montana

I think that you have to add that the #3's never help or contribute to anything. Hate to say that but it is true

I think that you have to add that the #3's never help or contribute to anything. Give me the 1 & 2's they are the real winners and the building blocks of this sport.






1

2/24/2014 10:21:07 PM

Michigan,up North

Just watch ron,s dvd .injoyed it alot ,alota good info , now were to by alota kelp meal.lol

2/24/2014 10:27:33 PM

Bethlehem CT

I never thought we would see 1502 broken nor 1689 and so on. I am amazed at what has been accomplished. Paps you are a great role model to us growers. WIthout the top growers sharing info and seeds we would still be trying to get to 1500.

2/25/2014 8:50:38 AM

Central Illinois

When you still have great weight jumps in a single years time like the 2328 Meier, I dont think new WR will stop anytime soon.

A pumpkin that will hold the WR position without being broken for several years probably wouldnt happen for another 7 years or so.

2/25/2014 9:10:06 AM

Johnston, Iowa

The only thing more satisfying than bringing someone new into the hobby as a #1, is watching as they become a #2

2/25/2014 1:23:01 PM

Luskville Quebec Canada

yes indeed mr pumpkinman , so step aside mr mathison
let the games begin hehe

2/25/2014 4:24:16 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

I best fit in #1 category. I look for promising orange genetics, as the pretty ones, even though they may be smaller, seem to get more than their share of the pictures, and seem to draw in more children. I don't spend alot $ on growing, or invest a lot of time, compared to some of you. If I do get good weather, and a other things work out, I give myself a chance at growing 1000+ lbs. Currently I'm satisfied with this.

2/26/2014 8:44:57 PM

Rhode Island

agree wholeheartedly dan,
give me all the ones and twos and lets hope we never get like number three.(i was very impressed with all the growers i came to rub elbows with again this year through their oaf seed donations and /or purchases )
cant wait to get my fat ass out in the garden.im goin crazy.
pap

2/26/2014 8:56:56 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Make sure to keep us newer guys reminded about " OAf " when the time comes:)

2/26/2014 9:08:57 PM

Eugene,OR

Genetics are an incredible thing. Probably the most exciting thing about being a competitive pumpkin grower in this era is the fact that we keep growing bigger pumpkins by leaps & bounds each year. We are constantly amazing ourselves, and win or lose, that is fascinating. I recently was talking to a dairy farmer & was interested to learn that 20 years ago his typical cow produced 8 gallons of milk a day. Today his typical cow produces 14 gallons a day. The biggest change in his program has been genetics. There have been other changes, but constantly improving genetics have been the real game changer. Very interesting.

2/26/2014 10:36:22 PM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

I'm most decidedly a "1", but someday when I can spend less time working I want to become a "2". Sadly I have gone six years now without a personal best. But I cannot ever see giving this up. It's just fun no matter what happens. No world records here, but I do own the Pocatello record! Woo!

As for the world record, who knows? That is, until we start to see the weights level off we just don't know. I had my jaw on the floor for 10 minutes when I heard of the 2300+. We haven't even visited 2100 or 2200 yet!!!

2/27/2014 2:57:52 PM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Oh by the way, I still do envision, someday, a nationally televised event. About five north american growers who are certified as taping (some number, 2500+ ?) will have their expenses paid to (Kansas City) and ESPN will televise the weighoff. If ESPN can do hot dog eating contests, they can do this. The Super Bowl of weighoffs.

2/27/2014 3:13:57 PM

Arden, NC

Cliff good thought! Write ESPN a letter.

2/27/2014 5:01:41 PM

Going Green

When I look back at 7 years of Giant Pumpkins, Squash, Cantaloupe and Tomato it is the people like Howard Dill and Pap that make me so proud to be involved in this hobby. I was going to grow a thousand pounder my first year and I really had the seeds to do it but alas the soil wasn't there. The hobby will always continue as we are always seeking to beat ourselves and our mentors and to gain our 10 minutes of fame! But when you think about it...it is the people like Pap that make this a great hobby! Love you Pap and Ron!

3/2/2014 4:42:57 PM

Omaha, Ne.

I wonder where the sport would be if it wasn't for men like you. Who has their own category. Who continues to give back to the sport/hobby so selflessly, who lovingly cares for nurtures and sacrifices for the passion of so many. And will have earned the best reward of all, the admiration and love of others.


In the years to come the one thing I know for sure, that it will continue to create excitement and smiles to all ages.

3/2/2014 6:10:52 PM

Colorado

Hey papster-missed you in Orlando.As the weather is warming up(a little),I'm getting that pumpkin itch to grow. Lots of interesting fun to try growing a biggen'. As long as I'm having fun-I'm going to grow.Wheres the hobby going-who knows -that's half the fun. 2009,2032,2328 "that's just crazy"

3/5/2014 5:43:28 PM

Concord, CA.

Here's an early season prediction;
The first metric ton........CALIFORNIA 2014!!

3/5/2014 7:01:18 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Can we say west coast Brad:) There's a few guys in that state above us with a few tricks up their sleeve that may pop some really good ones this year:)

Boy,,,,,,,,,,, am I getting the itch too Cojo!

3/5/2014 7:27:01 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

If I was betting, the new title goes back to the upper Midwest somewhere like Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois etc.

3/5/2014 9:16:56 PM

Rhode Island

weather is always the great equalizer. all the skill in the world does not matter if mother nature decides to take a dump on your season.
we need it all - soil-seed-plant health-weather-a little luck thrown in for good measure.
napa gang has nothing left to prove. they stand right up there with the top growers of the past dozen or so years.
pap

3/7/2014 10:36:35 AM

President - GPC

Another year kickin off....another fun filled year...I for one cant wait...Look forward to setting some new recordZ this year...LetZ GrowZ'em BIG! ... 1500 lbs or BUST....

3/7/2014 11:46:41 AM

Minnesota

Ice cold Beeeeer! good thinking pap! looking over your patch and realizing your holding your last beer is not the way to go, start stocking up now!<-kidding. One question up there, will Ron Wallace be the first to 2,500? 1,500, then 2,000, will he be the first to 2,500, maybe to early for that question.

3/7/2014 2:18:32 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Yeah Richie, I'd have a coldie or 12 with you one day. Future is bright for you to answer the question. Thanks for serving.

3/7/2014 8:57:20 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

here is my opinion! For every year that the WR AG gets broken...a once obtainable dream gets farther and farther out of reach for the majority of growers.As stated..all the skill in the world means nothing if your climate is not exceptional.I believe that before long there will be very few growers capable of growing a WR simply because of location.So in my mind..eventualy you will have the same handfull of growers year after year trying to at the least break their PB. A WR 2 consecutive yrs in a row..Now that is saying something lol

3/8/2014 6:30:46 PM

Bethlehem CT

Donkin no doubt weather is important, but can't a grower make up for weaknesses in climate by providing an artificial one? Look at Beni Meier in Europe. Or yourself for example, your 1811 was nearly a world record at the time. What keeps me from breaking a world record is me. I have limits as to time and money that I am willing to spend growing. Another key factor a world record holder will posess is that they are able to take in information from others, process it and apply it in their patch. We didn't get to 2032 by each going our own way. Reinventing the wheel with each world record.

3/10/2014 7:31:00 AM