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Westmoreland, KS

This is new this year, I could make it so you don't have to have an account however requiring an account makes it easy for everyone to save their data it is a simple username and password if you don't want to share your information just use a burner email account pretty simple and easy. Once again we are all volunteers putting together a full blown judging system takes time sorry we didn't meet your make believe deadline. This is to help everyone understand the rules so it makes a more even playing field for the entire world.

5/23/2026 10:56:24 PM

Grittyville, WA

It's not bad for a new rollout.

It's fine to raise concerns. But in my (short) experience its not onerous, it's not flawed or buggy, it will have a long term impact, and it probably didn't cost too much money. Checks all my checkboxes.

[Last edit: 05/24/26 2:16:02 AM]

5/24/2026 2:08:55 AM

Central NY

I didn't even look at it.. I'm going to rely on common sense...I still have mine. Super cool idea though...that jUST started. Me personally don't expect a dam thing from these volunteers at this time of year...they busy too.

5/24/2026 9:05:25 AM

Knopp, Germany

"if you don't want to share your information just use a burner email account" What is that comment suppose to mean? Are you stating you know there is a way around the requirement? "sorry we didn't meet your make believe deadline" I did not make the deadline up to register a site with the GPC, that date of 1 May is on the GPC website under GPC RULES AND HANDBOOK. To even say I made that date up makes me question if the poster knows the rules. The rules have been around for over 20 years (exact date may be less not sure) and all of us growers the GPC is trying to help feel like you don't trust us to read the rules. The GPC acted under secrecy without any of their committee members contacting growers in their AOR and requesting input before making a decision. How many members of the GPC Committee, maybe 10 and those 10 make decisions for hundreds if not thousands of growers without getting any grower input. I think most folks understand what that is an example of. If the change to the requirements had been made, and sent out via GPC e-mail after 1 May as it was, and said this is a change we are considering for 2027 what are your (growers) thoughts that would have been great. I am 68 years old, been growing since 2001, brought the GPC to Europe as a site representative, do not talk down to me. Here is a crazy suggestion, just enforce the rules as they are, there is a means for growers to report problems at weigh offs, would not be the first time and the GPC took appropriate actions from the reported problems.

5/24/2026 10:49:32 AM

Knopp, Germany

This is a edit, I forgot to mention that if the GPC thinks that growers will stop growing if they don't adhere to their rules and regulations see Circleville, don't paint yourself into a corner. There are to many growers out there that only grow because they want jacket. It's a jacket not a coat of Arms on the other side there are hundreds of growers that only grow because that want to spend time with their kids, have fun. If someone grows a 3000 lb AG that is not recognized by the GPC, it is still 3000 pounds.

5/24/2026 11:39:23 AM

Grittyville, WA

We could make a comedy sketch about people who find flaws everywhere they look. Although it might not be the most uplifting sort of comedy... Gotta love me some Monty python. "What did the Roman's ever do for us"

5/24/2026 11:48:30 AM

Knopp, Germany

Little Ketchup you obviously are trying to get yourself in good standing with God knows who. This is not a comedy, the rules exist.

5/24/2026 11:56:16 AM

Knopp, Germany

My e-mail address is [email protected] if you do not want to embarrass yourself on this website, e-mail me directly.

5/24/2026 12:05:57 PM

Knopp, Germany

I am giving you the chance, don't poke the bear.

5/24/2026 12:07:00 PM

Grittyville, WA

Armchair tyrant... Is this poking the bear. Consider yourself poked.

5/24/2026 12:15:42 PM

Knopp, Germany

Does the GPC really want to make really big and significant change to the rules? Require weigh off sites to send pictures of the calibration paperwork of their scales with picture of growers, identified, as a requirement for official pumpkins. Of course not until 2027 unless you are taking this as a Monty Python movie.

5/24/2026 12:16:10 PM

Knopp, Germany

Got it, I'm poked, you are a joke.

5/24/2026 12:17:24 PM

Grittyville, WA

You hide your desire to fight behind false issues. I can suss you out. We're sick of it here in the USA. No one's gonna take any crap. No one.

5/24/2026 12:21:16 PM

Grittyville, WA

There will not be a single person on your side! The well is dry. Sorry buddy. Pick a new fight.

5/24/2026 12:24:13 PM

Knopp, Germany

56 GPC sites have been registered, paid fees and have GPC site representatives as of 2025 outside the USA. What are you talking about false issues? I am not picking a fight. I am just not being a yes person to make somebody happy as you obviously are. "We're sick of it here in the USA" are you really believing this is a issue between country's? We have had more than enough back and forth, my original post has not been replied to by Jake, or do you speak for Jake?

5/24/2026 12:53:07 PM

Knopp, Germany

"if you don't want to share your information just use a burner email account"

"sorry we didn't meet your make believe deadline" I did not make the deadline up to register a site with the GPC, that date of 1 May is on the GPC website under GPC RULES AND HANDBOOK.

"We're sick of it here in the USA"

Ok, I guess we understand now, 56 weigh off outside of the USA, x $500 would be $28,000.

3000 lbs is still 3000 pounds.

5/24/2026 1:31:30 PM

Knopp, Germany

I have a feeling that what should not be said out loud about weigh offs outside the USA is now being said out loud.

5/24/2026 1:50:46 PM

Grittyville, WA

Read Hamlet.

5/24/2026 7:07:40 PM

Grittyville, WA

If you want to understand what I think.

5/24/2026 7:09:33 PM

Westmoreland, KS

Little Ketchup speaks for himself damn well I might add. Sites are more then welcome to be Circleville. They can play by their own rules that is completely up to them. However, if you are a gpc site you will have a certified judge and you will follow our rules period. The USA is a free country you can bitch and moan all you want but at the end of the day you are either a GPC site or you aren't, if you are you will have a certified judge plain and simple.

5/24/2026 10:24:48 PM

Westmoreland, KS

By the way when sites paid to be a GPC site they agreed to follow the GPC rules. You can continue with the bitch fest this just makes sure all sites understand what following the rules actually means. And yes every site needs a certified scale if they don't have one and we find out we can, have and will disqualify fruits. We don't like to but we have dq'd fruits from sites that have been found to not be following the gpc rules

5/24/2026 10:28:38 PM

Knopp, Germany

"The USA is a free country you can bitch and moan all you want but at the end of the day you are either a GPC site or you aren't, if you are you will have a certified judge plain and simple." I never said that the or at least one judge should not be certified, I suggested that the method the GPC used to introduce this new requirement was at best a really bad roll out. The site GPC reps were not aware this was coming, the AOR GPC Committee members did not tell the sites they represent that this was coming. Communicating to the growers, GPC site reps could be improved, obviously the critique is hard to swallow.

[Last edit: 05/25/26 10:48:48 AM]

5/25/2026 10:47:59 AM

Knopp, Germany

What does the USA being a free country have anything to do with critique about how the GPC works? Catsup said "We're sick of it here in the USA" Both of you mentioned the USA like it was some shield. You know nothing about me except that my profile says where I live.

[Last edit: 05/25/26 11:08:51 AM]

5/25/2026 10:57:16 AM

Knopp, Germany

So, the next time you post about my critique understand this.

5/25/2026 10:58:09 AM

Knopp, Germany

My father was a WWII veteran, shot in action but did not get sent home, recovered in a field hospital and went back to the front lines. My older brothers are both Vietnam Era Veterans, one retired as a Chief Warrant Office 2 after his carrier, I am a retired US Army Veteran, 21 years of service to the USA, over 2 years combat duty in Iraq and Bosnia. I am also disabled do to my service. My family has sacrificed all of this so that you can make me look like some asshole when all I did was complain about how the certification rollout occurred. I am not mad nor upset at either of you, it is sometimes hard to see the big things that mean so much but look so little. The GPC is a world wide organization.

[Last edit: 05/25/26 11:06:37 AM]

5/25/2026 11:05:55 AM

Knopp, Germany

Happy Memorial Day

5/25/2026 11:07:43 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Like I said, the USA is a free country. Thank you for your service and people are allowed to bitch and moan because of people like you and your family but we are talking about rules and making sure people are following them. The test isn't difficult. It is just a simple test to make sure all sites have an understanding of the rules.

5/25/2026 12:01:16 PM

Knopp, Germany

What does the USA have anything do with this?

5/25/2026 12:12:37 PM

Knopp, Germany

    
"Like I said, the USA is a free country" If I was a GPC Committee member that did not live in the USA I would be scratching my head right now. You really do not get it. The GPC is not the USA, it is a world wide organization.

5/25/2026 12:18:15 PM

Knopp, Germany

BTW if the test is not difficult, why is there a test? The rules are there, the ability for someone to complain about a site exists, the GPC has the last say regardless of what a site decides, decisions have already been made by the GPC to overturn local site results. What is the point of this test?

5/25/2026 12:24:07 PM

Knopp, Germany

Since it is Memorial Day and I am feeling like the old 1SG I was I am going to treat you all to an idea. All of the GPC videos and pictures of how to measure a pumpkin have always been using a pumpkin that has a perfect shape. I will put in my diary my 2024 pumpkin that went 54% heavy using the GPC recommendation of how to measure a pumpkin. If the GPC is so smart, please explain. GPC Committee members only, not Catsup.

5/25/2026 12:56:53 PM

Knopp, Germany

And for those that do not know what a "1SG" is I am the one that taught you children what respect for their elders means. If I said jump, they said how high, if I said get down, they got down to avoid incoming. There was not questioning, sorta sounds like the GPC today. "Take this test". I should actually applaud the idea.

5/25/2026 1:44:35 PM

Grittyville, WA

You took that USA thing personally owen. It wasnt an attack on you. What I'm saying is, here in the USA, I think we are tired of fighting and dying for no good reason.

You are trying to recruit people for a totally unnecessary war against the gpc. Your an agitator. Which is fine if you have good reasons to be an agitator. But you sir haven't even taken the test. You reacted negatively to a change they made, simply because you could. You are picking a fight plain and simple and you're lying to yourself when you say you're not.

Someday there will be a real issue and no one will listen to you. This was not the correct battle for you to choose to fight. There will be other battles, dont worry about that.

There are worthy battles. This is not one of them.

5/25/2026 2:56:52 PM

Grittyville, WA

Just take the test. Chill out. It's not as bad as you think. Like Hamlet, you are going mad when you don't have to. Trust me, even though I am untrustworthy.

5/25/2026 3:05:43 PM

Topsfield,ma.

Well aren't you special and bless your little heart. All southern colloquialisms. Which is a kind way of saying you come off as some one who Loves to hear him self talk. You have proven this over the years with your nonsensical posts. What Little Ketchup & Jake are trying to say for all of us is you should move on and if you can't seek Professional Help. The reason the U.S. was brought up is they didn't want to speak for other countries but I'm sure they all agree. As you stated we are all part of a international organization so I fell safe in saying if you never posted again you wouldn't be missed. Take a good look at yourself and see what others see. Woody

5/25/2026 3:14:10 PM

Grittyville, WA

That's fine if you want to attack me, Jake, the gpc, everyone... who are you not attacking at this point. But you also want us to lay down and not defend ourselves? If you want a battle then own up to it. You can't do this one sided battle where you're the only one who gets to be in control.

5/25/2026 3:27:20 PM

Grittyville, WA

Again, take the test. Until you take the test and are somehow harmed by it, then you're not a real victim. If you wont take the test just a conman. You're playing a fake victim card, which I take offense to, because it subtracts attention away from real victims. Not that you, or anyone, cares what I think. But if you haven't actually been harmed then you shouldn't have such a posture of grievance. You are anticipating being harmed.

But look, I took the test and was unharmed by it. You can too.

5/25/2026 3:36:34 PM

Knopp, Germany

All I want is for the GPC to ask the growers they represent what they think before the GPC makes a decision. All I want is when decisions are made about the rules that those decisions are made before the sites pay $500 to allow the GPC to say thanks. I believe the test is harmless without even seeing it. Would the GPC make a test to disqualify sites before the season even started?

5/26/2026 11:58:08 AM

Knopp, Germany

Woody, or should I address you as Mr Lancaster that reply was almost the best I have ever received.

5/26/2026 12:04:15 PM

Knopp, Germany

I was born and raised in Baltimore, if you have ever been their hun you know what I mean.

5/26/2026 12:05:15 PM

Knopp, Germany

I do not post for me, I post for those that do not understand where these new rules come from, rules to disqualify a pumpkin and site already exist in the GPC rule book, just enforce them. Does that sound like I am posting to hear myself? I am posting for all growers, I guess you have a problem with critique.

5/26/2026 12:08:44 PM

Knopp, Germany

"Over the years my how did you put it...nonsensical posts" If my post are that why do I get responses? I know more about the dark side of the GPC than I will ever post. Sites that ignored the rules, then GPC that ignored the first 2000 lb weigh off site being allowed to be one well after the required registration date because they wanted to have a pumpkin that was GPC certified, that same AG could have gone to a Bavarian Weigh off site 1 day prior that was registered on time. That is nonsensical posts? Whizzy was the best, he came across as someone that cared about everybody, regardless of your weight. I sent the GPC back then $2000 as a donation to cover their costs for jackets as the community exploded and it was obvious the GPC didn't have funds. I supported Pap from day 1 with the OAF, I even sent donations to him during the off season, for the kids.

5/26/2026 12:21:32 PM

Knopp, Germany

Woody Lancaster, bless your soul.

5/26/2026 12:22:09 PM

Knopp, Germany

And Please all, forget who made the last 6 posts, read them like you are a jury and are not allowed to have opinion about me before you read them. Your opinion about me is obviously something that I could care less about, I know when I'm right and I've got that much confidence. If we ever meet in a bar, I will buy the first round, not because I am trying to make friends, because we need to talk and not blame me for being the bad guy. The GPC is a needed and respected organization. However I will never be a yes man, I am far from a good grower but I have been reading the rules for almost 2 decades now.

5/26/2026 12:44:32 PM

Grittyville, WA

Take care owen. I'm sure you are smart and know a lot. Perhaps you have good intentions. I myself am not perfect, obviously. Just be careful that you have good intentions and that you communicate clearly what those good intentions are, please. I would love to bow out of this conversation rather than accidentally offend you again.. Carry on.

5/26/2026 1:18:29 PM

Knopp, Germany

Catsup, no need to advise me of my intentions. They are crystal clear.

5/26/2026 1:29:49 PM

Grittyville, WA

Can your intentions be stated in one sentence? If your intention is to educate other growers about the changes, then do so. That would be helpful. But I think your intentions are to be an anarchist... Just my opinion.

Because for your intentions to be clear, your actions have to match your words. I would argue that your intentions are not clear.

5/26/2026 1:45:24 PM

Grittyville, WA

Send an email to woody asking how you can help the gpc clarify things to the sites/ growers and meet the needs that need to be met. And prior to offering to help solve the problem, take the dang test so that you actually know what you are talking about.

I was a bit worried too because changes can be worrisome, but the first thing I did was take the judges test. Thereafter, if I had any worries or concerns, I would know exactly what I was talking about. Please dont complain anymore about things you dont truly care about. If you truly cared then you'd educate yourself first.

You are worried about the gpc using your personal info to harm you? Kinda nutty. You should worry about palantir using your info to harm you. But just how I think, and truly nobody has to think the way I think.

Carry on.

[Last edit: 05/26/26 1:59:48 PM]

5/26/2026 1:51:51 PM

Knopp, Germany

An anarchist is a person who believes in or advocates for the abolition of government and all coercive, hierarchical systems of authority, such as capitalism and the state.

5/26/2026 2:05:01 PM

Knopp, Germany

Really?

5/26/2026 2:05:43 PM

Grittyville, WA

You do not view the gpc as a coercive hierarchical system? Your complaints seem to flow from that mindset.

5/26/2026 2:09:19 PM

Grittyville, WA

You're way too easily offended and you dont truly care about the issues you claim to care about.

... Or maybe you do care and you are not easily offended.

[Last edit: 05/26/26 2:30:52 PM]

5/26/2026 2:16:29 PM

Knopp, Germany

Have you ever read the rules and regulations?

This should be a easy question, are 3 judges required at a weigh off?

5/26/2026 2:26:31 PM

Knopp, Germany

To help you I will make it an open book question, go to the GPC website, open rules and regulations and do a Ctrl F, look for recommendation.

5/26/2026 2:28:40 PM

Knopp, Germany

So that everybody that think my posts are senseless the answer is it is not required to have 3 judges, it is recommended.

5/26/2026 2:31:58 PM

Grittyville, WA

That was one of the questions I got wrong when I took the test. I think you might want to discuss this with someone smarter than myself. Can you discuss w/Woody? You need a bonafide genius to console you, I think.

I never meant to trample on any legit concerns you have. Your concerns are above my understanding. Carry on.

[Last edit: 05/26/26 2:40:09 PM]

5/26/2026 2:35:38 PM

Knopp, Germany

I did not take the test. I know the problems.

5/26/2026 2:43:50 PM

Grittyville, WA

A bit ironic that you refuse to take the gpc's judges test and instead are coming up with your own test. Again, take the test FIRST! And THEN tell us what's wrong with it. JUST TAKE THE DAMN TEST OWEN. Sheesh!

5/26/2026 2:48:06 PM

Knopp, Germany

I am really a nice person. Always trying to help other growers get started. This spring my friend Stefan and I did a seedling give away, over 60 seedlings.

5/26/2026 2:48:38 PM

Knopp, Germany

Catsup, you will never trample on my feelings, you will run away and find others that disagree with me and together make yourselves feel good. Do not worry about me BTW if you ever want seeds let me know, I send them for free.

5/26/2026 2:52:19 PM

Grittyville, WA

It's literally a no-fail test and anyone who desire to be a good fair judge should want to be tested. I've never been a pumpkin judge but I was a soccer referee. I know from experience of having psychotic parents yelling at me that knowing the rules is everything. Testing doesnt hurt the judges, it protects them. Believe me.

5/26/2026 3:02:48 PM

Grittyville, WA

I know you're a good person owen. I'm not conspiring against you. I am loosely defending the gpc... even though you may have some legit concerns. I would like your legit concerns to be raised and taken seriously. My opinion is that educational testing will be helpful not harmful. So that's why I am loosely defending the gpc.

I need to get out of this thread, I've said too much as usual.

[Last edit: 05/26/26 3:13:51 PM]

5/26/2026 3:04:17 PM

Knopp, Germany

LOL, you know I am a good person? You have zero idea, if you could not get that easy question answered correctly you do not know how much of a SOB I can be. The GPC rules are not understood by 90%, and they have changed over the years. Did you know there was a rule that sites had a distance between them required? Now that is a old rule, please pass that on. BTW, I drink beer.

5/26/2026 3:17:29 PM

Knopp, Germany

And if the GPC does not recognize my pumpkin because I did not take their stupid test so be it. Money.

5/26/2026 3:29:46 PM

Grittyville, WA

Ok well I think we're draining the swamp now, and that's a good thing. But I can't comment here anymore, because it's just nonsense to be complaining with out first trying. I can listen to people complain without trying all the time, it's called breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with my kids.

Well, maybe you will at least accept the label of 'stubborn.'

If I can't get my own kids to try something new, I'm certainly not going to be able to get you to try something new.

But I can ask:
Owen, is there any way I can get you to try something new?

[Last edit: 05/26/26 8:47:30 PM]

5/26/2026 8:45:25 PM

Knopp, Germany

I am the reason this stupid test will be done by the majority of growers, damn why is Owen making such a point. Gen Z would say I used rage bait. I actually helped the GPC. My offer is still out there, One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer. The GPC is a organization that is trying to do the best they can with the little they are given. However, they could do more if they would just involve their AOR growers. A 1000 growers can do more than 10 volunteers. As was requested I will leave this website, it hurts me. My last wish is that you have good soil, good seeds and good luck. God bless you all. au revoir

5/27/2026 12:25:22 PM

Upa Creek, MO

I have no horse in this race, so zero input out of me. But, coming from a large military family myself, just wanted to say a late thanks for your service, Owen.

5/28/2026 6:17:02 PM