In a surprising burst of agricultural glory, a Montana farmer has smashed the state’s heaviest‑pumpkin record with an astonishing 1,591‑pound gourd. The towering squash outpaced the 2023 record of 1,348 pounds and even eclipsed the best in the region, setting a new benchmark for pumpkin growers nationwide.
Meet the Unexpected Champion
Joe Nigro, an insurance salesman from Montana, has spent the last five years turning his backyard into a pumpkin‑picking powerhouse. When friends from the East Coast sent him a packet of seeds, Nigro decided to grow them. His first attempt in 2021 produced a 950‑pound pumpkin, after which he vowed to chase bigger and better seeds. That goal paid off this Saturday when his giant pumpkin won the title of heaviest pumpkin in Montana at a regional farming competition.
The Record-Breaking Gourd
Weighing in at 1,591 pounds, the pumpkin grew faster than Nigro expected, reportedly gaining about 10 pounds a day. In the same competition, he also entered a backup pumpkin weighing 1,247 pounds—an impressive weight in its own right. For his victory, Nigro earned $600 and the state’s top prize, then plans to dissect and eventually toss the massive squash out into the pasture.
Family Effort and Daily Care
Nigro’s girlfriend, Sidney Sipe, told local media that the pumpkin grew into a “baby” for the couple. Daily maintenance and careful planning were essential as the pumpkin swelled, and the pair found themselves constantly tweaking their growing strategy. Sipe noted how the project shaped their routine and brought them closer together, even if it meant saying goodbye to a “grown giant” at the end of the season.
Beyond Montana
While Nigro’s record is the biggest in the state, the world’s largest pumpkin production still belongs to a California farmer who last set a global record of 2,749 pounds. Just 300 pounds shy of that mark in his most recent attempt, the California grower continues to push the limits of what a pumpkin can become.
This new record highlights both the dedication of local growers and the growing popularity of competitive pumpkin farming. Whether you’re a fan of massive gourds or just curious about the science of plant growth, Nigro’s triumph adds a fresh chapter to the story of the humble pumpkin.
Source: New York Post
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