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Alaska

I've been growing giant vegetables for nearly 25 years and when I hear someone crying about how secretive this person or that person is about what they are doing it makes me cringe. It reminds me of a time when nobody could beat Bernard Lavery so they tired to ban him from competition. Is that where we are headed? THIS IS NOT 4H! This is the PRO CLASS! Growers have every right to protect the hard earned growing knowledge/secrets they've worked so very hard to figure out. Here's one BIG TIP for the sour grape bunch, you get out of it what you put into it! Quit whining and just do it!

5/22/2012 1:02:25 PM

Alaska

Look at it this way. Do the Broncos give away their play book before the season starts? NO they don't.

5/22/2012 1:12:10 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Scott, I must agree. Guess if growers have questions they will have to be asked privately by email or phone, cuz this board has just went way down hill.

5/22/2012 1:36:49 PM

Canton Ohio

Spudley that is quite the obnoxious post and I think you have missed the point. It's not sour grapes to reflect upon the changes in the mindset of certain growers who now wish to guard their giant vegetable growing techniques to give themselves a better chance of beating out anyone who is a new grower or hasn't been growing for 25 years. If someone is so desperate for money that they would misguide or refuse to give advice then quite frankly they might as well inject their watermelons with heavy water and be a legend in their own mind. As for me, this is only a hobby and I'm certainly not a Pro Class Grower whatever you think that is.

5/22/2012 2:32:23 PM

formerly RGG

Frankie,I don't know of anyone who grows pumpkins or watermelons because he is "so desperate for money". Last year was my best year. I won $150 at Allardt. That might pay me back for about 10% of what I spent growing the melon. I doubt if there is anyone in this sport who is doing it to try to improve their financial situation. Am I wrong ? I grow for pride. I just want to be good at something. :o)

5/22/2012 3:57:20 PM

Okla

Scott I have to agree with you, this is why they call it a competition, right.
I believe a lot of what sponsorship helps take care of is basically these events don't run themselves, takes money(oh my gosh there is that bad word again). Without money you can not run an event, PERIOD! Takes more these days than what you realize to support a good event. Thanks to those who are actively seaking new sponsors to help out with what it takes to put on the many weighoffs that it will help support. What is left over will go back to those who are dedicated enough to grow a huge melon and make it to the weighoffs, not enough to make any money off of but maybe will help with the expenses to go to the weighoffs. SO WHAT if they win a prize with some money in it, big deal!
Like Scott is trying to say> ENOUGH is ENOUGH with the negative postings! If you DO NOT have something positive to say don't say anything at all. Do you go fishing and catch a lot of fish someplace new then go tell everyone where you caught them and how? Didn't think so.
Now anyone have any funny jokes or stories, bring them on. LOL

5/22/2012 5:41:10 PM

President - GPC

I remember....one time...me and ole BiZ use to fish......We would go up to Wyoming...and fish the Miracle Mile.... with 4-5 guyZ.. have theZe contests....who could catch the heavist and biggest fish?.....Everyone put $10 buckZ in the pot. Bryan...waZ the one who told us of hiZ fishing spot.. at the mile...We pulled many a fish out of that stretch... Bryan never would beat us...He would alwayZ be giving us hiZ money......One day we found

5/23/2012 9:13:31 AM

President - GPC

and dumped a bunch of sinkeer weightZ out of a fish....he was trying to beef up on.....He had stepped on it too.....trying to get past 22 inches... We had to watch that boy.... We stopped going fishin...
and started punkinating...
We've heard many timeZ from Ole Bryan....he'Z been fishin alot since.... Everyone he's caught...been over 22"....lol or so he sayZ.....

5/23/2012 9:16:51 AM

President - GPC

Scherber...my melonZ going beat your melon thiZ year.....no sinker weightZ allowed dude.....

5/23/2012 9:18:23 AM