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Pittsburgh, PA

Just wanted to share some numbers I ran comparing the 2017 chart over/under %. For this calculation, I included only fruit weighing over 500 lbs and I removed all of the entries that did not include OTT measurements.

At the time of my calculation, there were 756 entries as described above.

58% or 440 entries were light to chart
6% or 43 entries were right on to chart
36% or 273 entries were heavy to chart

It would seem to me that the chart formula is in need of some slight adjusting as a majority of entries are going light.

I would think most people would rather the chart formula show an equal percentage of light vs heavy or even a slight amount leaning towards the heavy side, but this is just my opinion.

Would be interested in hearing others thoughts on this.

10/10/2017 9:48:44 AM

Johnston, Iowa

I would agree.

Prior to this chart did the population skew heavy?

10/10/2017 10:09:27 AM

Western NY

Last chart skewed way heavy.

I would bet money that in 2 years this same 2017 chart will already be behind the curve and skewing heavy again. We're making progress that fast.

I'm sure Scott will run a full statistical breakdown when the dust settles on weighoff season.

10/10/2017 10:15:41 AM

Western PA

I would agree with Andy. We are breeding these for heavy and big genetics. The chart will be fine in another year or two.

10/10/2017 12:06:06 PM

Grittyville, WA

The later we get in the season the more likely we'll get to 50/50 ? The longer they stay on the vine the heavier they get? I'd run a comparison of earlier vs later weigh offs if I had the time to do so

10/10/2017 12:09:58 PM

Western NY

Talking to those who have weighed them while on the vine, they do pick up a percent or two as they mature.

10/10/2017 12:13:02 PM

SW Ohio

Doesnt the chart have a 6% heavy/light curve? If so, you would need to add those into the “on chart” column.

10/10/2017 6:27:25 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Chart is only meant to be a guide there are a lot of factors that go into growing kins air bags happen and always will.... Mother Nature always has her input that no one can control.... I have grown heavy and light this year right next to each other... I always say the scale doesn't lie... I remeber when the last chart hit and I think this same topic came up..

10/10/2017 7:11:19 PM

Walhalla, ND.

It is what it is. That's what keeps everybody guessing and wishing. Is it going to go heavy? Is it going to go light?

10/10/2017 7:42:15 PM

Muddy Waters

Its just a ballpark estimate.To many looking for perfection.I think it will be good in the long run,but sucks to be a go lighter the first year.Personally I think we should be growing the biggest pumpkin in the world not the heaviest.Its all visual The worlds largest Pumpkin.Who cares what it weighs.plus it should Orange. Im glad to see some Orange in these last few record setters. I will be crossing Orange back in next year and move away from heavy as my concern.

10/10/2017 9:37:40 PM

Rhode Island

going light or heavy to the charts is always a interesting conversation however,is it really that big a deal?

would you rather grow a seed from a 2,000 pounder that went a bit light?, or grow from a 1,500 pounder that was over the chart?

personally, i believe a big impact on what your fruit weighs to the chart is what you do to that plant & soil through out the season.

ever notice some growers rarely or never go over while others seem to always go on or over chart?

Pap

10/11/2017 7:23:22 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Zappa, in a couple of years? I would guess that the chart will need updating again? Hopefully!!! This is the goal, keep the chart under the growing curve!! That is what makes the growers GREAT!!!
pap, yes I have noticed that...& one name that I see in the "over" stats list (again & again) is "VanHook"!!! Way Over!!! Any ideas on why that one name keeps showing up in the mid-teens OVER the chart? Peace, Wayne

10/16/2017 12:54:39 AM