PALMER -- Many Alaskans have grumbled about the cool summer of 2012. But cabbages apparently liked it.
A world record for the vegetable was set at the Alaska State Fair's 17th Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off on Friday night when a behemoth grown by Scott Robb of Palmer came in at 138.25 pounds -- more than 10 pounds heavier than the previous record-holder.
As is customary, the enormous cabbage has been given a name: "The Palmer Pachyderm."
It will be on display along with other giant cabbages in the Farm Exhibits through Monday, the last day of the fair.
The old record was set in 2009 by "The Beast," a 127-pounder grown south of Wasilla by Steve Hubacek.
That same year, Hubacek brought in a cabbage weighing 125.9 pounds.
The summer of 2009 was notably sunny and temperatures during the prime growing period averaged 2 degrees warmer than this year.
Robb took second place in 2009. This summer, Hubacek finished second with a 126-pound cabbage.
Third place at the Weigh-Off went to Brian Shunskin for a 94.4-pound entry.
By MIKE DUNHAM
Anchorage Daily News
Alaska Dispatch Publishing