Message Board - BigPumpkins.com

Nova Scotia

Not a tomato grower, however I just heard about some issues related to "official weights" and weighing procedures for tomatoes. Totally agree all entries should be weighed on independent legal business trade scales my opinion. Also yes choose wisely with any specimen (s) being entered officially for record purposes. Some of us have been fooled unfortunately leaving a heavier pumpkin, etc at home. Hopefully everything gets straightened out and made more clearer? Best wishes. Danny

9/2/2025 7:57:57 AM

C2k

Littlerock, WA

When the GPC early tomato rules were written, some time ago, I don't think anyone could have ever anticipated that one grower would break the world record multiple consecutive times in a single season. So, it stands to reason that in the excitement of all of those amazing tomatoes, one after another, each bigger than the last, they just got listed on the website since they were witnessed world records on certified scales. Once the dust settled, the committee had to decide what to do with all of the early tomato listings, and narrowed it down to the final, and largest of Dan Sutherland's top 5 per the rules. For anyone questioning the legitimacy of Dan's records, rest assured, multiple GPC representatives, and other qualified appointees witnessed the weighing on two different certified scales: one was his business scale, and another was a second business scale owned by another individual. Both were certified by the state of Washington, and current. Both scales read EXACTLY the same weight. The rules read that home scales, certified or not, are not allowed. However, these were business scales for Dan's and another's business endeavors. As a committee, we will be looking hard at the early tomato rules this winter, because while Dan used his business scale, the original intent of the rule may have been that people not use their own scales. The GPC committee will be clarifying this rule after some discussion at the conclusion of the season. We all must remember that the rules were written by volunteer GPC committee members, who aren't lawyers, and because of that, we find it necessary every year following the weighoffs to tighten the language, and add clarity.
-Cindy

9/2/2025 11:41:01 PM

Tenino, WA.

GPC rule> "Early entries MUST be weighed on a legal for trade scale certified by NTEP (national type evaluation program) such as a supermarket deli scale. The scale inspection tag must be current. There are no exceptions to this rule. Home scales are not considered within this contest, certified or not." The following rules in regards to using a NTEP certified scale. Conditions for using a legal-for-trade scale•Must be level. Scales are designed to measure force parallel to gravity. An uneven surface will cause inaccurate readings, •Affected by environmental factors. For legal-for-trade applications, the scale must be protected from external elements. Wind, sun, and moisture.
•Must be certified in its specific location. A legal-for-trade scale must be inspected and certified by a Weights and Measures official in its specific location and installation. If you move it to a new, uncertified spot, like a picnic table, its legal status is void until it is re-inspected.
•(Dan’s scale was tested inside in a controlled environment. He moved it outside and did not call for a scale certification check. Environmental rules for scales primarily focus on maintaining accuracy by minimizing external factors like temperature fluctuations, drafts, vibration, and static electricity, which affect weighing performance. Owners must ensure scales are on a solid, level surface, protected from direct sunlight, heating/cooling vents, and other air movements, and kept clean.
Any legal-for-trade scale certified by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) must be re-calibrated by a licensed technician whenever it is moved. The new installation must also be inspected and approved by the local weights and measures authority before it can be used for commercial transaction. These scales were moved and not re-tested. Dan's scale was inspected inside and certified to that location. They were placed outside in an uncontrolled environment and not

[Last edit: 09/03/25 2:23:45 AM]

9/3/2025 2:09:40 AM

Tenino, WA.

Stop side stepping the GPC rules pick your tomatoes get in the car and take it/them to a certified legal for trade scale such as a supermarket deli scale. It's not hard to do just follow the rules. Never change the rules in the middle of the season change them after the season is over.

[Last edit: 09/03/25 2:28:05 AM]

9/3/2025 2:21:22 AM

Nova Scotia

Thanks for the updates. Ever since contests and weigh offs began rules were basically a few and simple so we thought? As with anything always "loose ends" and growers see a loophole or rule not as clear precise as it should be? Naturally over the years such as when the season is over, volunteer committees discuss any issues such as something that happened at a site or 2 address it the best they can and need to tighten up a certain rule here or there. The GPC sure has come a long way expanding throughout the World doing a tremendous job! Congrats. And I will be the first to
say, glad some have generously stepped forward and previously to continue running the GPC, because it is a big commitment and time to donate for all of us to enjoy!

[Last edit: 09/03/25 8:11:02 AM]

9/3/2025 8:06:57 AM

Nova Scotia

And one more thing, not sure what's in the air out in Washington state but definitely some Whoppers of tomatoes? Great job.

9/3/2025 8:20:05 AM

So the rules created by the gpc were not followed by the gpc. REALLY.
I totally agree with Jack .
To me Julie and dels tomato is still the current record holder.

[Last edit: 09/03/25 2:13:26 PM]

9/3/2025 12:00:29 PM

Tree Doctor

Mulino, Oregon

I would also add that if these tomatoes were so precious and important to Mr. Sutherland and the GPC, why were no GPC representatives available on site to witness the weighing and inspection of the tomatoes. While I understand a zoom call is convenient for everyone is not a legitimate method to actually inspect the fruit & the weighing. Stop changing the rules to fit the narrative.

9/3/2025 12:11:07 PM

KC Kevin

Mission Viejo, CA

Tomatogate!!! LOL

9/3/2025 12:17:51 PM

Grittyville, WA

The growers need to read the rules and try their best to follow them.

I do think the gpc should be allowed to make "emergency" changes to the rules but any changes that are made should then apply to everyone going forward & not just make a one time change for one grower? Yeah I thought Washington was the place to grow apples, what's with all the big tomatoes :)

As to the possibility of cheating, I look at my own experience. In my experience, I think I'm only getting a partial amount of the potential out of my plants. From what I have seen in my own garden I don't doubt that 14+ lbs is possible. Even my 10 lber struck me as a runty tomato. It looked half formed/half pollinated. No doubt much bigger ones are possible.

If I may add my personal insight here, tomatoes are more fickle than pumpkins, so its a struggle to convert pumpkin success into tomato success, but I don't think the grower in question is cheating... He is in fact just getting the results that are possible. It may be a dark tunnel but there's a light at the end of it!

[Last edit: 09/03/25 12:59:33 PM]

9/3/2025 12:28:15 PM

Nova Scotia

Ok think I am slowly getting the picture here as to what occurred? Thanks. However I checked the current results and those were amazing tomatoes produced by Mr. Sutherland! Let's hope this can get resolved and give credit where credit is due!

Ketchup exactly why I do not grow tomatoes lol.

9/3/2025 1:25:01 PM

Hey Danny This is just one of many things
I'm heading your way in the not too distant future. I for sure am coming to see you (long overdue)
we can do 2 or 32 beers and chat

9/3/2025 2:18:52 PM

Nova Scotia

Oh Lord have mercy lol. What's your definition of "not too distant"? Awesome Eddy yes been a looong time. Stay cool as always. Any 846 Calai seeds?

9/3/2025 2:47:24 PM

Tenino, WA.

I agree with Eddie, Del & Julie followed the GPC rules, their 11.65 should remain the GPC record tomato.

9/3/2025 2:59:40 PM

No 846's buddy sorry
Soon as I get out of the North West Territories I will have a better idea shooting for mid to late October

9/3/2025 3:26:35 PM

Nova Scotia

OK great man, just joking about the 846 of course. Be so great to see you as always friend! Unfortunately we went through worst drought in history since early June. However you may see the odd pumpkin kicking around.

Sorry growers about this between me and Eddy he caught me off guard as always on this thread.

9/3/2025 5:44:52 PM

Nova Scotia

OK Jack I certainly understand what you are saying regarding GPC rules and so forth pretty simple to me like other GPC sites over the many years. I am just hearing about all this lately. HOWEVER I can not wrap my head around about these amazing new WR tomatoes and something went a miss? Should I say. Thinking about the grower I guess. IDK Danny.

[Last edit: 09/03/25 5:57:28 PM]

9/3/2025 5:56:22 PM

Porkchop

Central NY

I lost an 18 pounder to ber. Oh well.

9/3/2025 10:35:45 PM

Tenino, WA.

Yes Danny I agree. Rules are in place to prevent problems like this. Both the grower and board created this problem. Friendships have been frayed. The GPC lost a good president and good man, others may follow him. It's a shame to see an outstanding season end like this.

9/4/2025 2:56:23 AM

Nova Scotia

Ouch I did not know it was that bad Jack? I did hear the President stepped down due to other reasons such as work. I am sure hopefully things will get resolved and settled. There will be amazing results come this Fall and another terrific season. Sometimes technology is moving way too fast for us to keep up with all the news. I am still old school like to keep things simple best I can, our pace of life here lol.

9/4/2025 7:35:32 AM

Nova Scotia

And trust me we had our fair share of "Rule issues" back in the day! I have certainly noticed how much more growers/weigh offs are spreading around the World. Major increases in weights and results. Definitely a huge job for those who oversee it all.

9/4/2025 8:09:09 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Okay I'm just going to echo Cindy here, I was on the zoom along with Cindy and Jack. I did not write the tomato rules and I am not a tomato expert. As I interpreted the rule these were two Business Scales not home scales. All of the amazing tomato's were weighed at home yes but on two certified NTEP scales. Also, if we tried to enforce all of the official NTEP rules which Jack posted 99% of all tomoto's weighed at weighoffs would be illegal. Jack, Cindy, or myself could have DQ'd the fruits if we saw something wrong happening on the zoom call that was not the case these are all very legit tomato's and monsters congrats to Dan and hopefully we all break his record one day!

9/4/2025 9:25:32 AM

Jake. Plain and simple. You did not follow your own rules. You broke them, the second the scales were moved they were uncertified and therefore not valid. And to top it off. It wasn’t unanimous by the gpc members.

9/4/2025 10:28:09 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Iceman that is Plain and simple if every scale used to weigh a tomato isn't moved. Like I said I'm no expert but that would require every weighoff site to have a NTEP certification being done at the weighoff.

9/4/2025 10:41:38 AM

Scales at stores, places of business are certified in place. Read your own rules and follow them. Don’t make excuses.

9/4/2025 10:48:43 AM

Westmoreland, KS

No excuse here I would certify another tomato today anywhere in the world if someone wants to weigh it with another NTEP certified scale at their house.

9/4/2025 10:52:55 AM

And you would be wrong again.

9/4/2025 11:05:37 AM

Tenino, WA.

Jake I tested and certified NTEP scales for 10 years with the department of Agriculture. When these scales were returned to their business location were they re-certified prior to selling products to the public? Intentionally ignoring National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) requirements can lead to severe legal and financial penalties, including fines, business suspension, and device seizure. Since compliance is enforced at the state and local level, the exact consequences can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Beyond direct penalties, businesses that intentionally ignore NTEP requirements may also face other damaging repercussions: Intentionally ignoring National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) requirements can lead to severe legal and financial penalties for businesses. A nonprofit organization that knowingly allows or facilitates a business's noncompliance can face serious liability, including fines, loss of tax-exempt status, and potential criminal charges for its directors. So that is the way it is going to be the GPC will continue to ignore its own rules and the federal laws.

9/4/2025 12:02:41 PM

Grittyville, WA

I think the original idea is that a certified scale at someone's private residence could be tampered with, post certification.

It would be much harder to do this at a supermarket, post office, or any other scale used by a business for their daily business. The issue isnt whether Dan was cheating. The issue is that it sets a precedent for the future. I know the gpc members are using their best judgement (and this is what happens at the weigh offs, too). Anyhow, its just a silly mishap. No need to be to hard on anyone. But its a good one to learn from!

9/4/2025 12:08:36 PM

Westmoreland, KS

Jack I don't really care we aren't in the business of scale certification you had an opportunity on the call to not certify the world record. We both looked at the scales verified the certification and called it a good record. Period done deal you can't come back weeks later saying it's not legit.

9/4/2025 12:10:27 PM

Grittyville, WA

I'd say admit the mistake and move foward. If the Fausts or anyone with a larger tomato than the Faust's wants to raise an issue they could. What a dustup and what a pickle... I hope I'm not making it any worse.

9/4/2025 12:28:18 PM

Jake. You broke your own rules. Explain to me why you get the authority to do that? That is a very poor representation of a gpc rep

9/4/2025 12:30:56 PM

Westmoreland, KS

Iceman show me what rule I broke. I'm free for any phone call anytime. If you don't like how I interpreted the rule that is your problem not mine.

9/4/2025 12:36:40 PM

Grittyville, WA

Its a silly mishap, Eddy. Anyone could overlook or misinterpret a rule it probably happens all the time.
But, I do believe you are correct. Well, if the Faust's want to raise a challenge they could but it should really be up to the Fausts at this point. My own opinion as a tomato grower. For whatever that matters.

9/4/2025 12:50:50 PM

Jack has already posted the rules. Don’t need to repeat what’s already there.

9/4/2025 12:51:44 PM

Westmoreland, KS

Jack added to the rule

9/4/2025 12:54:20 PM

Grittyville, WA

Jake, Im trying to see both sides. And Jack is ultimately correct on this.

9/4/2025 1:13:11 PM

Westmoreland, KS

He could very well be but like I said if he felt so strongly about it Jack had every opportunity to disqualify the fruit on the zoom call but instead we made sure each scale had the proper NTEP certification they did and like Cindy said all of the tomato's were weighed on both scales and they were exactly they same weight on each scale.

9/4/2025 1:20:46 PM

Grittyville, WA

Jake, I'm sure everyone trusts and understands that there were no misintentions on your part.

9/4/2025 1:21:46 PM