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[email protected]

There are a lot of posts out there from growers regarding seed requests, on how the mass mailing were going to stop.
If I may, I'd like to add my 2 cenrs, because as most of you know, I have had and still have a crazy amount of seeds.
5 years ago you could bubble a 100 growers and get 99 bubbles returned and full. I know, I did it.
Times change, and now one of the biggest beefs out there, as far as I'm concerned is, asking for a seed, or seeds, saying they are in the plans to be grown, and low and behold the same seed ends up in a club auction or traded. I really believe the growers are getting tired of the same old story, and seeing the same results, and I don't blame them.
Here is an example, and actual a true fact, Out of the requests I received last year I had, 3 of them were the exact same cenerio, I sent the seeds out, and guess what, the auction time came and I won a few auctions, anyway, the same 3 seeds I sent out came back to be, They were put into the auctions. Each and every seed I have ever given out has been marked, so I can verify it in the future if needed. But the worst of the 3, the recipient had written on the envelope, from Eddy Z. This same seed was sent back to me by the same person.
As you have seen in a previous post of mine, I am down sizing my collection. Now you know why.
So what happens next!!!!!!!!
Well as this new system of seed control takes place, you will see a few things happen, and the biggest is seed fraud control, Pretty harsh words but it happens more than you know.
Seeds will be controled much better than they are now, simply by controlling inventory. Plus you can verify the seed much easier if needed

con't

10/22/2010 11:19:19 AM

[email protected]

Clubs will in turn make more monies via the auctions, and will be selling first hand seeds, not second, third or even fourth hand seeds. Clubs making more monies makes the clubs stronger and in turn makes the payout higher at the weigh offs.
Some may say, I'll never win at a weighoff so who cares about payouts, all I can say is, If you don't think you'll win, why ask for an 1161 Rodonnis. and right now I don't think there is one grower out there that wouldn't put that seed in the ground no matter how goods of a grower you are or where you live.
I will still be able to get any seed I want, through the clubs seed sale, or if need be, the auction.

Now, that senerio costs monies, sure it does, but realistcally, how much does it cost to send out 50 bubbles, Pay for the bubbles, pay for the postage, pay for the return postage, add that up, and you can buy a lot of seeds from a club for that, and the clubs will supply the bubble and return postage.
Again my 2 cents, but, a much better, safer, more professional system.
Eddy

10/22/2010 11:19:32 AM

Mingo Co. WV

Im new to this but but this makes a great deal of sense to me for the franchise growers to do this.It is simply quality control I mean if I become a serious grower and I want to grow a (1999 Jones) seed from three years ago It would be nice to be able to ask the grower for the seed and since their seed stock would not have been depleted by mass mailing that way many years from now that seed might still be available.Then be certain that said seed was as advertised rather than taking my chances and it being a (125 doe).

10/22/2010 12:58:19 PM

Nova Scotia

I like the idea of better control/verified seeds but as far as increase in pay out (not that I will win). My location has been the same prize pay out for the last 20-25 years. If I fluked out with a wopper I would take it to Another weigh off were there was a better pay structure.

10/22/2010 2:59:15 PM

Usa

I hear you Eddy....but how about the guys like me who are struggling to get by with a family where every week I have to count my pennies to put food on the table or to put cloths on my kids for school. I like to send out a few bubbles to some of the top growers and sit on the seeds for a year so I might have a chance to have a HOT SEED or atleast a proven seed. With all the work that goes into growing one of these giants you really do not want to grow an unproven seed with only enough space to grow three.

I can not afford to buy seeds when things are as tight as they are from clubs or actions. I am just one of thousands like this. I love this hobby and put in the time it takes. I get my manure for free and I have a pond on my property for water. I grew my first 1000 lb pumpkin this year from a seed I got from a grower through a bubble. I have thank him a lot this year for that seed. If everyone goes to seed sales or auctions I will have to stop growing. I hope there are still a few big name growers that will keep it this simple for the guys like me.

Just my two cents.

10/22/2010 3:18:14 PM

[email protected]

T isn't it nice to have that opportunity to go to another weigh off, the prize structure you would go to win came from a club who raised the monies. But that club will open up it's arms to let you in, win the prize and take it home. There is something about that, that is more special than the money.

Bigjohn, I will honestly tell you, that at no time in this hobby have I ever been refused a seed, and this goes back to when I started, I find that if the seed is there they will pass it on. And on the reverse of this, isn't it nice to know the Quinn Werners, and the Bill Rodonnis's still have that seed for you to ask for.
Another thing, you grew a 1000 pound pumpkin,the genetics got to be there, prove your own seed, have the heavy hitters ask you for your seed.

Also remember I've been on every side of this whole scenerio, I'm only expessing my feelings, and as with time, they changed.

10/22/2010 4:40:05 PM

Litchfield N. H. 03052

I think of the growers like BigJohn, When I first started out , I didn't exchange seeds. As my skills got better and people started exchanging with me , I was happy to give to new and young growers. I know some of the request where bogus , but I think of all the growers that got a personal best off my seed . They felt good and so did I and if I helped someone break 1000lb great. In Maine I came in third , beaten by my own seeds , so what, the growers there where a great bunch of guys. I will trade seeds BUT DONT ASK FOR A 1161

10/22/2010 7:48:38 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

In my opinion, given the genetics in todays seeds just about any seed out there could grow a record (in the right hands). I think the "proven seed" or "top seed" theory is totally overrated these days. I have a couple seeds of my own that I think are great. One grown by another grower in our club last year beat me and the other seed produced the winning pumpkin at our weigh-off this year. I'm confident that either seed grown by a big time, reputable grower could go well over 1000 pounds. Problem is nobody wants to give "no name" seeds a chance. Therefore thousands of seeds out here will never be "proven". Bottom line is if your soil isn't right, your knowledge is lacking, and mother nature doesn't cooperate even the best seed will not produce. I'm with iceman on his opinions.

10/22/2010 8:27:01 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

My 851 from last year is 1180.5 Pukos x 998 Werner. Extremely heat resistant and and great genetic potential. If anyones interested in making it a "proven" seed I'll be glad to share! :)

10/22/2010 8:30:27 PM

Las Cruces NM

Dang Mark, if you would have said "fire proof" I would be "all in" LOL! I'm with ice here cuz I understand the growth of the sport. It's like I go to a trade show and see a product I would really like to try ... the Rep gives me the number of the regional distributor so I can get number for local retailer. I'm sure the rep would have loved to help me out on the spot, and some do, but it is that way out of necessity due to size. So as the "Giant" sport grows so must it's the distribution system. Some HH are already getting more request then they have seeds ... it hitting the breaking point ... it just can't continue down this path ... clubs are just the more efficient and effective distribution channels and thus the natural progression.

10/22/2010 9:44:16 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

I think that most Heavy hitters are pretty cool about giving out seeds. Also I would never expect a grower to give me one of his hot seeds unless he knew I was gonna put my time in the patch and work at it. After all the seed has their name on it. I myself have a family and am unable to afford high amounts for a seed. However if was able to buy all the seeds I wanted to plant I surly would make sure I got them. I have been graciously given good seed by people who understand that I'm willing to put my time in the patch and do what needs to be done. I believe that all HH know what it was like to get a seed that was proven and grow a monster only to add to the seeds reputation.

10/22/2010 11:02:39 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Mark, I'm giving one a chance if I don't toast it or flashdry it in 2011. It came from two HH seeds but doesn't have a 'big big name' on it now-but that doesn't mean as much as what it looked like! As long as the 'big seeds' can get out, and others give it a try, there'll always be good stock to try... We just have to learn to look a little past the name sometimes to get the genes we want.

If I am asking for auction seeds, I say so up front. If the return says 'do with them what you want', most if not all go to auction, some might be saved for the next year's auction; and a few might get grown around here. If the return says 'here for your auction' you bet that is where they're going within the next two auctions.

Only two. They need to get grown; but if two sets are sent that lets one set be released the next year, allowing another chance for someone to get those seeds; and get them to seeing dirt soon!

As the sport continues to grow, we'll have more snags in how seeds get around. And it'll need work.

Supporting clubs means the clubs can continue to recognize the growers (weighoffs) and support their member's efforts ... I'm for the clubs.

I would hate to see the thrill of being a newbie and writing the HH and getting that bubble back... let's hope there will always be room in the sport for that.

10/22/2010 11:11:03 PM

Midway, UT

Thanks Bill for offering seeds to a new grower two years ago at Topsfield. Got a personal best off that 1161 this year and I didn't even ask for the 1566 and 1161 that he sent me. I'd like to pass it forward so if anyone is interested in a 1161 Rodonis x 1544 Revier cross contact me through my diary. I certainly don't have the seed request problems that some of the growers whom I admire have. Genetics is genetics. Send me a bubble if you would like to give the seed a try.

10/22/2010 11:47:18 PM

Central Ca

That's class ArvadaBoy!

10/23/2010 4:03:25 AM