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North Ga

Sorry Tom. Just my opinion!

9/25/2002 6:58:21 AM

Knopp, Germany

Geez, don't be sorry Pappy. I'll bet that there are at least 100 replies both for and against how you feel. Being a newbie, it puts a real sour taste in my mouth for the potential hazards of having a pumpkin official weighed. I for one will always recognize Tom's pumpkin as the Indiana state record, and no one can change that.....specially after the fact....owen

9/25/2002 7:24:19 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

What Happened now! I just went through the board what did I miss. You can't take away a state record! who did! I feel like a mushroom...Beach if there's any truth to this Man you got the record! That's mushroom food....Pappy your right! Yikes! Just said to myself the good news was sarting with Tom setting a record and the 5th coming up we would here all the guys who got there's through till the end! AHH that's disgusting! Chuck

9/25/2002 7:35:10 AM

Ga.

Tom,,,I'm with Brian on this one..A record is a record!!!!!

9/25/2002 7:41:37 AM

Webster, NY

What happened?????

9/25/2002 8:01:07 AM

Paradise Mountain, New York

his pumpkin split open when it was on the scales at the weigh off. proably the guys that lifted it and then set it down to hard

9/25/2002 9:01:15 AM

Utah

This was posted on Hort.net pumpkins list.

Dear Growers,

The IPGA Board has came to a decision on Tom Beachy's New state record. We will not be recognizing this as the new record . Our ruling has been a hard decision . Tom is one of the top
growers in Indiana & the first 1000+ in state . Under the rules this pumpkin passed an intial
inspection but it started leaking pumpkin juice on the scale. This we feel as a group is not a sound fruit. The weight was recorded at HUBERS weigh-off & won first prize. The judges at the show allowed the weight to stand at the show. As a fairly new growers association we do not want the integrity or credability of our group to be comprimised with the "judges" decision making. Hopefully all will understand our decision at this time.

Thanks,
Bruce Gatewood
President IPGA

ref:
http://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/sep02/msg00529.html

9/25/2002 9:59:12 AM

Southern Illinois

did you look to see if it was leaking on the ground before you moved it to the scales,if it was not leaking before the handlers grab a hold of it,you should not punish tom for his hard work,you can not just rule one way and not another.

9/25/2002 10:16:43 AM

Sask, Canada

What a crock of Sh$#...

Who elected the IPGA (Idiot Pumpkin Growers Association)
Supreme ruler of pumpkin growing. what a joke...

From what I heard the fruit was damaged after being placed on the scale and was judged sound prior to it being moved there. The judges ruling at the event is final regardless of what any one thinks a week later.

Bruce if you read this, think about this "a fairly new growers association" with rulings like this you'll be lucky to be an association for very much longer.

Don't you people have guidelines set out like one I believe every grower at every weigh-off abides by....
"The judges decision is final" not the IPGA or the GPC or the NWPGA and the list goes on and on.

I have one for every one on the site the NEW "AGPGA" (Atlantic Giant Pumpkin Growers Association) any one wishing to join e-mail me at [email protected] and we will set it up. It is about time this sport had some standards and common sense rules. If the other Associations don't want to follow suit well they won't be around for long.

I'm not joking on this one, e-mail me...

Sorry all but I'm just so flipp'in mad about always hearing about these bull @#$% opinions, rulings etc. etc.

TTYL
Ernie Pearce
President
AGPGA

9/25/2002 10:55:52 AM

Kuna, Id.

Pappy,
You said it best, As a new grower I'm getting real tired of seeing hard working growers get the shaft.If it was leaking before the scales well thats easy..not sound. But if it was set on the scales by the movers and they all turned lose of it with no leak,still sound. Now they grab hold to move it a little and it splits,Not Toms FAULT!!!!! I'm still new at all this and from what I no Tom is a young talented grower.I will be interrested in seeing what comes out of the patches of the people who made this decision,could it be they are a couple hundred pounds under Tom?
I hope not,one of these ASSociations needs to show us new growers a reason to deal with them. If this affends anyone I'm sorry, I have a bad habit of speaking my mind. In short Tom got SCREWED.
Ken

9/25/2002 11:06:28 AM

Connecticut, USA

This is what I would like to know:

Tom, when you cut open the fruit, were there obvious signs of rot? Or was it a clean break.

Rot doesn't set in durring a weigh-off.

Either way, it is still an incredible achievement. I wonder what he has on tap for the 5th..

9/25/2002 12:02:13 PM

South Hill, Virginia

I agree with John. Hopefully Tom has an even bigger one so the ruling on this one won't make any difference.

TomMan....just move to Virginia. We'd love to have those kind of state records here:)

9/25/2002 12:38:32 PM

Knopp, Germany

Ernie,

After having read your email. I decided to get with the board of directors of the KAGPGA (Knopp Atlantic Giant Pumpkins growers Association) and we have decided to join you and the AGPGA in your cause.

Gosh, I wish it was that easy. I will never be remembered for saying this, but, "someone complained that Tom set the record". I can't believe that politics can go so low.

So Ernie, either we are partners, or, we are continents apart :-)

Owen Olsen
Director, Treasurer and Official Ruler of the KGPGA
Knopp Atlantic Giant Pumpkins Growers Association

9/25/2002 12:39:03 PM

colorado

Tom, that is terrible!!!!!! Tom no matter what, you know us on BP are behind you 100%!!! We know you have the true Indiana state record, and so do you, and for that you should be so proud of what you have accomplished.
Great achievement Tom!!!

P.S. Indiana State Record:TOM BEACHY 1097lbs.!!!!!!!!!!! Steve

9/25/2002 4:55:53 PM

a formal protest is in order! i can't believe this has happened.

9/25/2002 5:14:52 PM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

Well, here's my take. As with every contest on the planet, the judges decision is final, and thereby if the board of the IPGA were not the official judges of this event, then the decision of said judges stands and is irrevocable by any other human being, group or organization. However, in light of this event and extremely unfortunate circumstances, I believe a more concise, clear and indisputable set of rules needs to be written, not only by the IPGA but the GPC and WPC so that the outcome of any possible scenario can be decided by these 'revised' rules. It seems obvious that the rules of present day were written on the premise that this was an enjoyable, gentlemans sport where sportsmanship could never be questioned and political nonsense would not overshadow common sense. Todays Giant Pumpkin Competition environment has obviously strayed from this original guideline. It has become necessary to spell out every letter of every rule for every possible scenario, whether it makes these said rules look on paper longer than 'War and Peace'.

9/25/2002 5:43:24 PM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

I believe as I'm sure many will that if something is not specific and left loosly to interpretation, the outcome will inevitably be controversy at some point. There was has been sintuations in the last two years that have stirred the ire of many a grower, proof positive that the ugly head of politics without full thought has invaded our beloved sport. Simply put, if this is what competition within the giant pumpkin community has become, then a detailed and distinct clarification of the rules that can account for any situation is in order. Organizations are established to provide guidance and leadership...so be it gentlemen, now is the time that your position calls for action. How many more individuals will toil and put their heart and soul into a true champion fruit, only to be crushed by the hand of politics because of rules that were written in the name of good, clean fun. When the fun is gone and it becomes hardcore, then rules to reflect such an atmosphere are in order.
My hat is off to you Tom Beachy, you are a champion to all who remember the spirit of this hobby.

9/25/2002 5:43:51 PM

Key West, FL

this is my first year with any of this and man this weigh off stuff sounds like no fun at all. i think some people just try to take the fun out of it and get to serious. this is a bunch of poopy poo!

9/25/2002 5:49:50 PM

Roanoke Il

Tom sorry to here about your record fruit being rotten. But if it was judged a sound fruit before it got weighed the record sould stand. Mark

9/25/2002 6:01:22 PM

Streator ,Illinois

boy am I glad see that you all know what happened and you'were ALL THERE because I DID NOT SEE ANY YOU's. So that tells me you do not know what took place and are forming your your opinion on here say and your imaginations. To start bashing the IPGA leadership for there decisions is a cowards way because YOU were NOT there. Before forming an opinion did you think about e-mailing a member of that organisation find out the true story on what happened. I think not, no it is easier just to start bashing and to make a statement that they do not know what it takes to grow a pumpkin just plain stupid.
The IPGA is a new group and they had some tough decisions to make during and after the weigh off. This was a nightmare for Tom and every grower that was there.
For those of you that were not there it was awesome Pumpkin that Tom grew and for a first time grower Frank Mudd of Kentucky had a 751 lb squash something you's have over looked. There was 3 or 4 personal best there to.
In short I am not a memmber of the IPGA but it is a good group of guys trying real hard to do the right things.
I will stand behind any decision they made.
YES I was there with my p.b. of 572

Gene McMullen
Streator Illinois
[email protected]

9/25/2002 8:12:09 PM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

When it stops being fun it's time to find something else to do....I'm not having much fun anymore..

9/25/2002 8:29:33 PM

colorado

Congratulations to all those with the new personal best, but Tom, what is your opinion, was it a "good" or a "bad" call??? We shouldn't cause fights, we are all here for the same reason, to have fun right???? Well, I am sure Tom had a lot of fun accomplishing what he did!!! Great job, and let's keep growing!!! What you say??? Steve

9/25/2002 8:31:51 PM

Key West, FL

I agree stun!!! To many dang politics!! A pumpkin grown is a pumpkin grown!!! People need to relize these are just pumpkins, orange things that are fun to grow.

9/25/2002 8:32:09 PM

Kuna, Id.

Gene your are right,I was not there,nor was I there when pappy got screwed. So enlighten us on what really happened.The chance's of me ever being at a weigh off are very slim,as I would be looking at a 10+ hour drive, not to mention the extra cash to get there. You see Gene I have no weigh offs in my state,Heck I didnt even no in order to be legal it had to be checked.I thought a state scale would be good enough.Never even crossed my mind that someone would cheat.If a judge said it was sound then thats the end of story. Ever seen a ref say"your safe,no your out,no your safe" do you understand what I'm saying. If we ALL got the wrong story then would you please straighten us out.Thanks
Ken

9/25/2002 8:39:31 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

I for one, after reading g1t's post of Mr. Gatewood's decision, would like to congratulate Mr. Beachy for joining the World Class Growers Association. Mr.Watergatewoods decision leads me to believe that the association is hiding something. Judge's decision are overturned only after enough proof has been given to determine that the judge in question may have other incentives that would taint their decision. If Mr. Gatewood was a true president trying to maintain standards for his organization he would immediately divulge the information that made the judge's decision reversible. I for one would like to know why the president of such a powerful association could make such a hideous mistake of saying the judges decisions are questionable... If a pumpkin was ruled sound by his judges, was placed on his IPGA certified scales, weighed by his judges and deemed by his judges the largest of the competition you and your Board can not over rule the decision without cause. To maintain integrity of the organization he should remove himself for gross negligence and his board should remove themselves for being yes men. Beach I hope you have another Ace in the hole but I'd go to Ohio before I let this guy and his BORED get another shot at me!!!.....of course this is just my opimion....I could be wrong!! YIKES...You keep Growing em Big, Beach! They don't deserve world class pumpkins! Chuck

9/25/2002 8:51:57 PM

Indiana

No bashing the Gatewoods, They are all great people put in a really crappy spot.
Tom Beachy

9/25/2002 9:34:59 PM

Indiana

WOW What happen when I go to class and work in the field for a while. There are so many stupid emails Idont have time to read them all. Delete.Delete.Delete...........

My thoughts on my pumpkin are obviously notimportant, but I have a few comments just so I feel better.

It would have been nice had my pumpkin even fit in the lifter device(I guess that one is 100% my fault:-). Had it fit, we probably wouldnt be having this discussion today. The pumpkin was hoisted out of the field the night before. It was rainy, and cold. We were as careful with it as possible, but it did get quite a jostle. We had lifted it with a homemade lifter just like the one that was used on everyone but my and Brad's fruit, but with handles attached to a strap instead of straps attached to a central ring. If we had used the lifter I dont feel the bottom would have given out, because when we rocked it up for the judge to inspect the bottom, it should have given out then if it was going to.

Reason we picked my pumpkin:
The pumpkin was growing 15-20 lbs a day when I severed the main vine(severed at 1006 est). At about 950 lbs estimate, it began to develop a dill ring. Every so slowly, over the next 3 or 4 days, I decided to sever the vine and "take the state record and run" I did not like the way the dill ring was developing. I had just seen what a devastating affect a virtually unseeable dill ring had done to someone that has helped me greatly through the season.

cont..

9/25/2002 9:37:51 PM

Indiana

Now for this whole state record debate. Do I agree with the IPGA ruling? NO But.......Who really cares? I dont!! It doesnt make one bit of difference who rules what to me. The judge certified it, so it is an Indiana state
record, whether or not anyone likes it. At first I really kinda cared about the IPGA recognizing it, but now my pumpkin has been degraded to the point where it doesnt matter to me. I am 20 years old, and have already proved myself as a grower. That makes me feel very good about my accomplishments. Next year will be no different than this year(unless we get our seemingly annual hail storm....lol). To me what is the difference of whether or not I get the state record this year or next year(assuming I can do it again). If all goes well, I may get a fruit that weighs over the state record on Oct 5 anyway.

Please dont clog up the list anymore. Instead of bickering or whatever, go to work and make a few extra bucks, and send it to Africa to feed some hungry kid. Do something that really matters in the whole scheme of things.

Tom Beachy
End of Topic

9/25/2002 9:38:12 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Sorry Beach! Just tired of these type of stories! Chuck

9/25/2002 9:39:17 PM

Key West, FL

i just dont like all the politics and i think you are a very honorable grower and person. I like the way you think about things
ben

9/25/2002 9:43:39 PM

Rexburg, Idaho ([email protected] )

Tom, you continue to impress us!

9/25/2002 10:21:38 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Like I said World Class pumpkin Grower!

9/26/2002 1:46:32 AM

Sask, Canada

Well said Tom....

I agree with you fully but this nonsense has to stop regarding associations etc. hey if it wasn't for us growers there wouldn't be any. The only way we are going to put this type of bs to bed is deal with it head on, if ya just shrug your shoulders and say oh well it is just going to happen again next year with more growers.

I for one will be working through the off season with other growers to come up with a set of standards that is common sense and fair to all and hopefully be adopted by the other associations, growers and weigh-off sites.

Any one with ideas email them to me... [email protected]

TTYL
Ernie

9/26/2002 2:29:28 AM

Southeast

Congratulations on a judge certified State record!!!!!! David Garrell

9/26/2002 9:33:34 AM

Webster, NY

Tom, you are a class act. Congratulations on a fine accomplishment. To me, even having something that big in my backyard would make me pretty proud...

9/26/2002 10:25:46 AM

Webster, NY

Tom, you are a class act. Congratulations on a fine accomplishment. To me, even having something that big in my backyard would make me pretty proud...

9/26/2002 10:26:00 AM

Webster, NY

Tom, you are a class act. Congratulations on a fine accomplishment. To me, even having something that big in my backyard would make me pretty proud...

9/26/2002 10:26:53 AM

Edmonton, Canada

Well said Tom!!!

9/26/2002 10:47:26 AM

Lebanon Junction , Ky

your the man tom ....I was there i saw what happened....and i have to say i was in awe of that monster.....BLNY



todd

9/26/2002 7:36:19 PM

Woodburn, Indiana

go beachy man! grow them big!!!!!!!!!!

9/26/2002 10:21:05 PM