Oregon Grower Sets New Record at National Pumpkin Weigh Off
News fromCourierPR · 2 min read
WHEATLAND, CA, UNITED STATES, September 27, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- In a record-breaking event at the National Pumpkin Weigh Off in Wheatland, California, Jim Sherwood, a giant pumpkin grower from Mulino, Oregon, shattered the Oregon state record with a 2,613-pound pumpkin, taking home the first-place $15,000 prize. This achievement marked a significant milestone, as the previous record of 2,469 pounds had been held by Steve Daletas since 2018. Sherwood's pumpkin, nicknamed "SpongeBlob," is also the heaviest pumpkin to date in this year’s competition season in the United States.
Sherwood, who has been growing giant pumpkins for 25 years, expressed his excitement and gratitude.
In second place, Mike Alves, from Chico, California, weighed in with a 2,359-pound giant, breaking his previous personal best by more than 650 pounds. Alves attributed his success to doubling the size of his patch and the help of other growers, good soil health, and dedication.
The National Pumpkin Weigh Off, which offered a world's highest prize pool of over $100,000, including a $75,000 prize for the world’s first pumpkin over 3,000 pounds, attracted growers from across the United States and the world. Past winners include Canadian Dave Chan, of Vancouver, British Columbia; Russ Pugh, of Eugene, Oregon; and Jim Sherwood himself, who won in 2024.
In all, the top 20 pumpkins won cash prizes, totaling over $35,000. The current World Record pumpkin is 2,819 pounds, grown last year by the Paton brothers of England. Additionally, the event featured seven other giant vegetable categories, including bushel gourd, long gourd, tomato, sunflower, watermelon, field pumpkin, and marrow. Chris Asbury, of Bayside, California, broke the California marrow record with a 102-pound beast.
The National Pumpkin Weigh Off, which opened with the Future Farmers category, where nine youth, ages seven to 17, entered their giant pumpkins, saw Oren Muller, of Guinda, California, age 15, take home the top prize of $1,000 for his 1,229-pound giant. All entrants were given an award, with the top ten splitting a total of $3,500 in cash prizes.
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm, which opened to the public in 1973 as a place for local students to experience an agriculture field trip, has grown to a regional destination, offering homemade foods, authentic farm fun, and the largest u-pick pumpkin field in the world. Over 400,000 guests visit annually.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain was the Weigh Off’s Title Sponsor.
The event aims to encourage more adults and youth to grow giant pumpkins. Those interested in potentially growing a giant pumpkin next year can join the email list at www.pumpkinweighoff.com to receive updates and tips.