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President - GPC

This year the GPC will sponsor our first ever International VIRTUAL Growers Convention. Much on the same format of our normal IGC, we will have grower informational sessions, Expert Panels, and Information Sharing.

The GPC would like to query the growing community for their thoughts and ideas on what they would like to see.

We are already planning an tomato expert session with top growers, A Long Ground expert session with top growers, along with our normal panel of expert sessions.

This Virtual Convention will be 2 days long, Saturday and Sunday in February, more details to follow. There will be a nominal fee for this event, and we are wanting to record it so if growers cant attend that weekend, they could still enjoy the information share.

We will not have the usual Saturday night awards presentation but will recognize our top winners during the IVGC weekend.

So what topics would you have advanced interests in? We are scheduling some top experts in their field from a noted University, but want to hear from the growing community their interests.

More Details will follow..........

Wizzy, on behalf of YOUR GPC Committee

Stay Safe & GROW BIG

9/21/2020 12:21:42 PM

Hamilton - New Zealand

This is a great initiative and it's good to see that the GPC is keeping up with the times. Great to hear you are recording it as well and will still be able to view after the event, the time differences can be hard for some people.

9/21/2020 2:40:17 PM

valtierra/spain

It's a shame, fucking pandemic.
Joe Ailts talk would be awesome. For example, the different fertilizer needs in growing, flowering, fattening and maturing. Or for example, fungicides against mycorrhizae ... I was able to see Joe's talk, in Portland, and for me it was very interesting. Joe, could you please repeat a talk?

9/21/2020 5:05:58 PM

Hawesville, ky

Me personally speaking. I went to Las vegas with Hopes of learning something to help in my future grows, I came with an empty note pad and a pencil, and left with an empty note pad and pencil. I understand everyone grows different and some like to keep it top secret. But to gain more interest from new growers in all categories. I would suggest having people that would be willing to share more information to new growers like myself and others. I looked around and I can honestly say I was the youngest person in Las vegas by a number of years. And to keep this sport going its gonna take some younger people getting interested. Because most of the guys on top aren't spring chickens. no offense you guys have earned your keep and I envy you. But for the future of the sport the new growers need a pick me up also. Thanks Nick McCaslin

9/21/2020 6:53:29 PM

Hawesville, ky

Me personally speaking. I went to Las vegas with Hopes of learning something to help in my future grows, I came with an empty note pad and a pencil, and left with an empty note pad and pencil. I understand everyone grows different and some like to keep it top secret. But to gain more interest from new growers in all categories. I would suggest having people that would be willing to share more information to new growers like myself and others. I looked around and I can honestly say I was the youngest person in Las vegas by a number of years. And to keep this sport going its gonna take some younger people getting interested. Because most of the guys on top aren't spring chickens. no offense you guys have earned your keep and I envy you. But for the future of the sport the new growers need a pick me up also. Thanks Nick McCaslin

9/21/2020 6:53:31 PM

Centennial Colorado

I would have to agree that I left their wanting more information. I also agree that there needs to be younger people presenting to younger people. The truth is that it would take weeks for the top growers to remember everything they have done. I can honestly say at the age of 16, I have a struggle remembering what went right and wrong from some years, so I don't expect someone in their 60's and 70's to have a better memory than me.

9/21/2020 7:18:52 PM

Centennial Colorado

I think it would be interesting to have someone talk about co2 in the early stages of plant growth and how much it actually helps. I am thinking of trying it next year and maybe Matt Debbaco could tell us more about his findings of the experiment.

9/21/2020 7:28:58 PM

Alex, IN

I was there Nick, are you calling me old? I was only 31 when we were in Vegas. Lol

I hear where you are coming from. And agree with your points. I think we all go looking for certain information. I have been growing for a while and therefore was looking for those little things the top growers do that put them into the top grower category. There was definitely not a lot for newer growers still building the base of their knowledge.

9/21/2020 9:24:40 PM

Topsfield,ma.

Us not spring chickens realize that and want to pass on our knowledge to the future of our hoppy. Those that will soon become not spring chickens. If you left Las Vegas or any convention with a empty note pad that's your fault. Myself and all the other old timers are more that willing to talk your ear off till you beg us to stop. All you have to do is ask. Getting back to the initial post do you like the idea of a information packed webinar, and would you plan to attend? To both of you youngsters open your ears, ask some questions, show some imitative, don't expect it to be handed to you, and see what our old memories hold.

9/21/2020 9:33:00 PM

Centennial Colorado

Mainly everyone there seemed to be not open to talk to me except for Steve Daletas and the Paton's. I have learned lots from them, but wish others wanted to talk to me.

9/21/2020 10:12:56 PM

Centennial Colorado

I just figured out why no one was open to talking. Most were frustrated because it was in vegas. I talked to my club and everyone there said they felt frantic and ripped off. That was my 1 birthday gift and I felt like it was totally wasted. I could have gotten a greenhouse at that price. It was also totally inapropriate for the 3 kids under the age of 18 who attended.

9/21/2020 10:27:21 PM

stoughton WI

Dont be discouraged folks, these are some of the best people in the world. Its tough to talk to everybody when there are so many people wanting to talk to them. They will, talk to you. Have another grower introduce you, or better yet buy them a beer.

9/21/2020 10:30:13 PM

Syracuse, NY

woods, you are the MAN! i've never doubted it - now just seemed like the right time to say it, lol---eg

9/22/2020 2:41:04 AM

Hawesville, ky

Woods, yes I am planning to attend. No offense was intended in my post to any of the generous guys that were nice enough to speak, what I was referring to was there was not a lot of information shared in the seminar for the novice grower as far as fundamentals. We all have the grower or 2 we seem to cling to for advice in our own area. I am always all ears especially to the legends of this sport. Thanks for responding i look forward to this webinar this year.

9/22/2020 7:04:25 AM

Nampa

I'd like to hear the difference between growing 2k pumpkins consistently vs just getting lucky. I suspect it has to do with doing the basics better and not just having a secret sauce.

9/22/2020 10:16:06 AM

Central NY

As a young up and comer, I would love to just sit in and listen too a handful of growers reaching 2000lbs talk pumpkins. Where we’ve been, how we got here, where we are headed. ?...I dunno... this all sounds fun to me.

9/22/2020 10:49:06 AM

Colorado

Alex noels talk was real good last spring.It was for advanced growers.I agree Chop the more "how I grew a 2000er" presenters the better. I'd love to hear from Ruben all he does to get a giant pumpkin though the hot Spanish season.

9/22/2020 11:30:31 AM

Centennial Colorado

I think all of you would benefit from people in the rocky mountain region like Joe Scherber, Andy Corbin, Marc Sawtelle, and Chad New. None of these people have grown a 2,000 pound pumpkin, but all have grown some of the top pumpkins in their region. I think it would be interesting to have one person present from each region who is in the top of their region and learn how they dealt with their climate. I find that the techniques in Colorado are more advanced than the ones that have grown 2000 + in easier climates. With that being said, I also think the person who does the best in each region should be rewarded instead of the few in a near perfect environment that get 7 awards for the same pumpkin. Imagine working so hard in your patch that you get a heat stroke and only get a 500 lbs pumpkin. That was me last year. This year I have a shot a 1000. The fact is someone in Colorado, even in a greenhouse, will never get a world record due to the harsh climate.

9/22/2020 11:33:58 AM

Grittyville, WA

Thumbs up gpc. I would be interested in hearing the results from the guy who wanted to study the diversity of genetics in AG's. Maybe that project didn't go anywhere... but if it did it would be a good talk.

9/22/2020 1:02:47 PM

Central NY

I heard nick sat down with Reuben to take notes on a Friday evening and woke up 3 days Later in Tucson.

9/22/2020 1:15:33 PM

Lakewood, WA

Sounds like an affordable and germ-free alternative, thank you, GPC!

Any seminars about soil nutrients and/or soil microbial health would be appreciated.

9/22/2020 1:31:04 PM

Lakewood, WA

That's where Nick found those giant melons.

9/22/2020 1:33:47 PM

Hawesville, ky

Rubens is the man!!!!!!

9/22/2020 3:59:33 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Anyone know the date of this year's get together? It has been a good while since I grew pumpkins but I have an interest in hearing what JacK LaRue has to say about his tremendous year growing tomatoes, not so much Porkchop or Iceman......

9/22/2020 4:35:30 PM

valtierra/spain

Porkchop that was really ...Nick our beers at the casino was the most incredible moment in Las Vegas, seriously. Leonardo, Salvador, Ruben Frias, you and me .. I have a video that we made that is the best. I hope to see you in Boston in 2022, we will double the beers. :)

9/22/2020 6:22:43 PM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Get Marv to do a talk about Cucumbers

9/22/2020 6:47:49 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Iceman, everything you need to know is on the Cucumber Board. Check it out.

9/22/2020 6:57:53 PM

South Dakota

Ron Wallace talking basic organic techniques to growing AG.

9/22/2020 7:37:07 PM

Central NY

I would also be interested in marvs presentation.. I can see it in lights!....”Dr Meisner: soft spots on your cucumber.”...

9/22/2020 8:13:39 PM

Lakewood, WA

These presentations all need beer! Woot!

9/22/2020 8:18:49 PM

Plattsburgh, NY

I was unable to go last year but did attend Green Bay the year before. I took notes on every presentation. I'm not sure how you were unable to take notes on the presentations but I refer back frequently.

I found people to be very willing to talk to me. Sometimes it just takes breaking the ice, we all probably have a little apprehension approaching strangers - top grower or not. I can tell you that I had not one person act like talking to me was a bother. Both Steves, RonW, the Patons, Woody, Joe Ailts, Andy Wolf - all were willing to chat with me. I just would walk up, introduce myself and ask away. In fact, I never stopped asking questions of Steve G, Ron and Joe - all are incredibly responsive to emails.

I hope you have a better experience next time and are able to connect with more growers. If nothing more, I'll grab ya and give you a lesson on how to cultivate a bumper crop of powdery mildew!

9/25/2020 10:56:20 AM

Deer Park, WI

Thank you Rmen and others for the kind words. I'd be happy to present at the conference this year and am open to suggestions on which topics carry the most interest.

9/27/2020 8:16:13 AM

Keaau, Hawaii (Big Island)

Missed this message some how, but majorly excited to see this post!...Although I'm really bummed that COVID has cancelled many events for me over the last 7-8 months and will leave me stuck on my little island for at least the next year...I just LOVE that you guys are considering doing a virtual seminar...I never can get enough from this conference, but you know what?...that is what gets me coming back for more the next year!...you guys rock at putting on a great conference...I like the idea of having a session on tomatoes and long gourds!...I hope too that the platform you decide to use will also allow for some sort of break out rooms for us to use on down time for growers to visit too...I'm sure whatever ideas you guys come up with for the sessions it will be terrific!...one suggestion I'd like to throw out there is to have the times be in the Hawaii time zone (j/k)...Look forward to hearing more about it when plans are ready!

10/4/2020 9:32:30 PM