PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — In a battle to grow the heaviest pumpkin in the nation, a massive pumpkin grown in Oregon was crowned the winner on Saturday.
The first-place pumpkin, nicknamed “Hank the Tank,” was grown by Jim Sherwood of Mulino, who told KOIN 6 News the pumpkin took 108 days to grow before entering the 2024 National Pumpkin Weigh Off at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, California.
In the end, Hank the Tank weighed in at 2,453 pounds.
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“After 23 years growing giant pumpkins, you can sum up this year by saying ‘old dogs really can learn new tricks,’” Sherwood said. “This was my first year growing in a greenhouse, and I really focused on networking with other top growers, sharing tips and growing methods, and it certainly paid off.”
Those who take first place win a $9-per-pound award, garnering Sherwood a total of $22,017.
Another Oregon pumpkin grower, Russ Pugh of Eugene, took second place after his pumpkin weighed in at 2,301 pounds — earning a $4,000 prize.