MDA To Host First-Ever Great Maryland Pumpkin Weigh-Off, Oct. 1

Farmers, Gardeners, All Pumpkin Growers Encouraged to Participate

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 20, 2009) – Bring your biggest pumpkin to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) on October 1 for the first-ever Great Maryland Pumpkin Weigh-off officiated by MDA's Weights and Measures Section. The only real rule in this contest is that the pumpkin has to be grown in Maryland by the person entering the contest. Farmers, backyard gardeners, and anyone else growing pumpkins is welcome at the weigh-off.

“MDA is excited to kick off the fall agri-tourism season with the first-ever Great Maryland Pumpkin Weigh-off. It will be a fun opportunity to highlight Maryland agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “October is the perfect time to celebrate agriculture by experiencing the fun of growing giant pumpkins, selecting your own pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns, getting lost in a corn maze, taking a hayride, or attending a fall festival, all while supporting Maryland farmers.”

The current record for Maryland was set in 2008 with a 713.5 pound giant pumpkin grown by Anthony Watson from Kensington. Montgomery County is the number one pumpkin-growing county in the state. In 2007, Maryland farmers produced 14.8 million pounds of pumpkins on 2,000 acres valued at over $5 million.

The weighing will be officiated by the MDA Weights and Measures Section. The official weighing will be conducted using an industrial strength, large capacity certified scale. Growers are responsible for bringing their entries to the weigh-off prior to the 11 a.m. start time. For large entries, pallets are recommended. The winner, determined by heaviest weight, will receive a commemorative award and incredible bragging rights.

Pumpkin growers interested in participating in the Great Maryland Pumpkin Weigh-off should contact Kate Mason, 410-841-5770 or MasonKB@mda.state.md.us, by September 28.

For a list of farms offering fall activities including pumpkin patches, visit: www.mda.state.md.us/md_products/agritourism_sites-farms/fall_farm_activities.php or http://www.MarylandsBest.net.; More information is also available through the Maryland Direct Farm Market Association at www.mdpickyourownfarmmarkets.com/ and Maryland Cooperative Extension at www.marylandagriculture.com/.