11/17/2011
Three new records for unusually large fruits, vegetables and other plants were set in 2011, according to Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass.
Glen Knox of Wheeling set two records: a 27.45-pound cantaloupe and a 3.9-pound tomato.
Stephanie Joy Jack of Buckhannon went into the record book with a sunflower that grew 13’ 9 ¾” inches tall.
“These items prove we have some top-notch gardeners in the Mountain State,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “Although the produce season is mostly over, I encourage everyone to get out next year and see if they can top our existing records. Working in the garden is good for your health, and eating what you grow in the garden is even better.”
WVDA has kept records of the largest fruits, vegetables and other plants since 1996.
“This program is a lot of fun for the participants, and the public gets excited when they see some of the gigantic produce grown every summer,” said Commissioner Douglass. “We’ve all seen how popular the giant pumpkin contest is at the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival.”
Entries for next year are open for any fruit or vegetable grown in West Virginia during 2012. Entrants should send photos of their prize fruits, vegetables or other plants and documentation to verify their sizes and/or weights to WVDA Marketing and Development Division, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV 25305, or e-mail them to
ctolley@ag.state.wv.us.
Contact Information
Buddy Davidson, Communications Officer
304-558-3708; 304-541-5932 (cell)
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us