Re: Stats
Mike,
You make some good points. I did OK collecting data from most of the
experienced growers, but ran into problems trying to collect information on
some of the smaller pumpkins, say in the 300-500 pound range. Some of those
growers did not know exactly what seed they had used. They could only
remember that it was a "Stellpflug" or a "LaRue" and were not able to
identify a specific seed. Additionally, a lot of these people do not have
Internet access yet and had no idea who I talking about if I mentioned Mike
or Duncan's name. We even chalked up one flat out refusal from the 2nd place
winner at Clarence for his seed information, when I was told "it was a secret
and he wasn't going to share it with anyone." Thank goodness that grower was
the exception and not rule, as everyone else I talked to were more that
willing to share their information.
Perhaps if the seed and OTT measurement info was collected at the weigh-off
site and made part of the registration process, growers might start keeping
better records of which seeds they were using and more specific pollination
data.
Joe Pukos
Leicester, NY
<< Having just found out how hard it was to avoid getting Lots of heat for
measuring pumpkins, despite getting the OK from the lifting team (I was
saved more than once by explaining I was getting the numbers for Duncan's &
Mike Nepereny's pages...Thanks guys for being so well known and respected) I
would like to propose that:
1) Every weighoff be Required to measure each pumpkin upon arrival and
post this information, along with the genetics, on the growers name tag that
is displayed with each pumpkin. The benefits to all attending a weighoff
are obvious.
2) That the above information be Required to be provided to a representative
of the local chapter organizing the event, and then that person should be
required to share that data At Least with Duncan and Mike Nepereny.
To get the name of the winners is easy, to get this other info is WAY
harder. I am no expert, but I can say if I had not brought a tape to Canby
the measurements I got would not have been obtained. To my great surprise
even several growers did not know their current OTT. I also had people
following me to get the measurements I had so it is clear to me that many
want the OTT info. Sadly, I stopped measuring as I felt pressure to do so.
Seems to me there has to be a better way so everyone who wants the info can
get it easily. For those very, very, few growers who don't want to share
this type of info, I would say "if you want prize money and glory you have
to share info. "
Just IMHO. Comments appreciated.
Mike Stephenson >>
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