The annual National Pumpkin Weigh Off will return to Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland on September 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing with it a new challenge: the world’s first 3,000-pound contest for winter squash. Organizers have announced a $75,000 prize for any grower who achieves this unprecedented weight.
Hosted by the California Pumpkin Growers Club, this weigh-off marks a continuation of a century-old tradition that began in 1921. Experts anticipate the coveted 3,000-pound mark could be reached within the next five years, following Europe's capture of the World Record last year with a 2,819-pound pumpkin, according to an announcement from event organizers. Growers from across the U.S. and Canada are invited to participate, competing for a share of a collective prize pot exceeding $100,000, which will be distributed among the top 20 pumpkins. The event extends beyond pumpkins to include other "giant veggies," such as bushel gourds, long gourds, tomatoes, marrows, sunflowers, and watermelons.
Brian Myers, Chairman of the California Pumpkin Growers Club, stated that the club’s objective is to promote the cultivation of giant pumpkins and other vegetables through friendly competitions and by educating the public about the efforts required to grow these enormous specimens. Myers expressed the club's pleasure to "be at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm again," hoping to see new records set.
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm, located at 1415 Pumpkin Lane in Wheatland, has operated as a prominent family business in Yuba County since 1973. Each fall, the farm welcomes over 300,000 guests, offering homemade food, farm-style entertainment, and featuring the largest u-pick pumpkin field globally. Wayne Bishop, the farm’s owner, welcomed the opportunity to host what he described as "one of the most prestigious agricultural contests in the world," calling it a "perfect fit for our business, our passion, and our ag-based community."
Beyond the main competition, the event serves an educational role for local youth. It provides 4-H and FFA students with "the opportunity and starter plants" to venture into growing giant pumpkins. A dedicated "Future Farmers" category is open to students aged 7 to 17, offering cash prizes for the top ten participants, with the leading award set at $1,000. Last year, 9-year-old Trevor Dyson received a prize for his 825.5-pound pumpkin.
The weigh-off will be preceded by a VIP Meet-the-Growers Reception on Friday, September 25, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, which also serves as the event’s Title Sponsor. Meghan McCarthy, Vice President of Operations for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, affirmed their commitment to supporting the local community, noting the region’s status as an "ag-tourism destination." The California Pumpkin Growers Club operates as a non-profit organization and is a member of the international Great Pumpkin Commonwealth.
The weigh-off event is set to proceed on September 26 in Wheatland.