Local grower credits seminar for 1,000-pound pumpkin success

Giant Pumpkin Growers Seminar is March 28 in Miami

A friendly neighbourhood bet in Balmoral has grown into a full-fledged giant pumpkin rivalry — and one local grower is crediting a winter seminar for helping tip the scales in his favour.

Travis Williams captured both first and second place in this past season’s Balmoral pumpkin growing competition, highlighted by a massive 1,022-pound entry. The success followed his attendance at the Manitoba Giant Growers Association’s Giant Pumpkin Growers Seminar last year.

“A few years ago, my good neighbour Don Slater and I had a bet to see who could grow the biggest pumpkin,” Williams said. “In 2024, five families from Balmoral decided to have a pumpkin growing contest. As the size of the pumpkins got bigger, so did the number of entries.”

This past season, nine families entered what Williams describes as a “friendly” competition.

As interest intensified, so did the search for a competitive edge.

“The Giant Pumpkin Growers Seminar became of high interest for those looking for a competitive edge,” he said.

The seminar, which returns March 28 at the Blair Sharpe Active Living Centre in Miami, features experienced growers sharing techniques on producing pumpkins weighing 1,000 pounds or more.

Williams said the event proved invaluable.

“The seminar is of tremendous value. Arthur Cameron is very welcoming. Milan Lukes is an excellent presenter,” he said. “In addition to the table stakes of lots of sunshine, water and space, Milan gave helpful hints on pumpkin placement, plant maintenance and fertility.”

Despite the knowledge gained, the growing season came with challenges.

“Pumpkins love sunlight and water. The smoke from the forest fires reduced the amount of sunlight. May, June and July had very little rain,” Williams said. “We can water our pumpkins, but irrigation is not a direct substitute for rainwater.”

Even so, he knew he had something special in his patch.

“I could see that my pumpkins were much bigger this year, but I was surprised with how much they weighed,” he said. “My dad thought we might have underestimated their size when he could feel the weight of the pumpkin on the tractor when we picked them up to move them.”

The competition itself added to the excitement.

“It was kind of like a game of poker,” Williams said with a laugh. “There was a lot of posturing, embellishing and bluffing throughout the growing season. We never saw each other’s pumpkins until the official weigh-off. We then had to show our hands as we weighed each grower’s pumpkins one at a time. The Slater barn was filled with music, cheers and laughter.”

When the final weights were announced, Williams stood atop the podium — twice.

“It was rewarding to be on the medal podium holding the championship belt with my family,” he said. “Marc Van Hussen and family brought home the bronze with a pumpkin that was more than twice the size of last year’s winner.”

The leap in size from one year to the next was dramatic. In the previous season, the largest pumpkin weighed under 200 pounds. This year, the top three pumpkins tipped the scales at 1,022 pounds, 734 pounds and 414 pounds.

“Everyone grew bigger pumpkins,” Williams said.

He strongly encourages others to attend the upcoming seminar.

“Having the correct genetics is super important to grow a giant pumpkin,” he said, noting that free seeds are provided. “Art, Milan and other growers are very approachable. The seminar is a must.”

For those who may find the idea intimidating, Williams offers simple advice.

“If you’re committed to implementing the best practice, be prepared to commit the time,” he said. “And remember, no different than farming, that you’ll learn something new every year.”

The Giant Pumpkin Growers Seminar runs from 1 to 3 p.m. March 28 in Miami. Admission requires an MGGA membership for growers, while others are welcome to attend by donation. Memberships cost $10 for individuals or $15 for families. Free refreshments and snacks will be provided.