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Minnesota

The 2017 Minnesota Tomato Challenge is intended to accomplish the following:
-Provide encouragement for Minnesota tomato growers with hopes of returning a world record back to Minnesota.
-Generate participation and attendance at the Gale Woods Farm Weigh-off on October 7, 2017.
-Increase interest in competitive gardening, specifically tomatoes, by providing significant prize money to successful tomato growers. The minimum prize structure will include a $500 first prize, $200 second prize and a $150 third prize.
-Admittedly part of the challenge will be timing the peak tomato production with the October 7th weigh-off, but none of this is easy :)
- Best of luck!

4/17/2017 10:25:24 AM

I. Falls, Minn

I had a great time there last year. I met some really nice people. My 5lb. exhibition tomato was ready three weeks before the weigh-off. It lost weight and developed a soft spot before I got it there. This year I staggered stating them. Some will go in the greenhouse and some outside. I'll bring something. Let's have fun.

4/17/2017 5:11:57 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

I am going to try to bring in a 50 gallon drum hydroponic tomato...it might still be connected to the vine. Great weigh-off site, my favorite for sure. I am curious...is this the largest tomato payoff of any weigh-off. Considering what tomato seeds are bringing in auction for low payoffs...just think of what they will bring if all prizes were higher.

4/17/2017 6:36:29 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Now that is is officially announced I want to let the growers outside of minnesota know that it is not restricted to just Minnesota growers. If you are in wisconsin, iowa, michigan etc come visit us. Much easier to travel with a tomato than a pumpkin. But you can bring your pumpkins too.

4/17/2017 6:55:01 PM

Wisconsin

This maybe a silly question, but the rules don't specifically say. Do you have to be from MN to be included in the prize structure?

4/20/2017 4:07:02 AM

Minnesota

Good point Mobymike. Growers from all over will be eligible for the prize money as long as they are at Gale Woods on October 7th.

4/21/2017 10:45:08 PM

Wixom MI.

Well you guys are 700 miles away or a 10 hour drive for me, so i guess i may have to fedX my winning tomato over to you guys !!! (0:i will also send a picture of myself like flat norm to show that i attended.

4/22/2017 11:11:36 AM

Oak Grove, Mn

700 miles......i think $500 dollars would pay for a bit of gas...and a room, and food....hope you come chris

4/25/2017 8:57:21 PM