Is it correct that Port Elgin is measuring sunflower plants with the tap root included? And are other weigh-offs doing the same? The correct and official way to measure sunflowers (and tall corn) is without all roots. In the case of sunflowers from the base of the stalk to half-way the sunflower face. In the case of corn, from the base of the stalk to the top of the tassle, or by lack to tassle to the fold in the top leaf when standing up straight.
If PE is doing so, that would disqualify all contenders, including those claiming records.
Please re-read my last comments. Nothing in there is a direct attack on you personally. Sorry if you feel this is personal, as it isn't meant to be personal. I like to think of it more as a debate between friends about different opinions on a sunflower rule & how it should be changed to explain the rules more clear & understanding for the growers & the judges.
It's just you made some accusations against our growers & one of our largest & most prestigious weigh off sites. What if I said that the Dutch weigh offs were doing things wrong & that some of their records really shouldn't stand as they don't know what they are doing? Your 1st reaction would be to defend the site that you have been supporting for many, many years. That is all I'm doing is defending Port Elgin from your allegations. I would do that for any of our weigh off sites, even the ones I don't attend.
Again this isn't a personal attack on you. I'm just defending a good guy who has donated many years of his personal time to be a judge, to learn & abide by the rules he was given.