By Emily-Rose Toohey
Local Stanthorpe man Jim Baxter has taken home first and second prize at the Royal Queensland Show’s giant pumpkin competition on the weekend.
Jim said his first place pumpkin weighed 130kg and his second place pumpkin weighed 82kg.
“I was pretty lucky, they grew much bigger than previous years,” Jim said.
He said he has been growing pumpkins for 15 years and will show his prize winning display at the upcoming Stanthorpe Show.
“It’s been a difficult growing season,” Jim said.
“High humidity and coolness effects growth – the weather needs to be ideal.”
Jim said his biggest competitor from the Lockyer Valley had pumpkins which became diseased this year, giving him the advantage.
“It’s my first win at the Ekka, it’s great,” he said.
Jim was awarded with ribbons and a cash prize of $1450.
