For decades, Rusty Taylor has been growing pumpkins in his yard overlooking the Gallatin Valley. But on Tuesday, he stood with a self-satisfied grin as two Chronicle reporters stared dumbstruck at the most oversized squash they’d ever seen.

“I think that one is about 650 pounds,” Taylor said, nodding toward one of the massive pumpkins. “I think that other one’s about 600. I’ve already told several people I think I got the record beat, so I better beat it.”

In the small, ever-dwindling community of monster-pumpkin growers, Taylor is already the local heavyweight. He still holds the county record with a 622-pound behemoth he grew in 2016.

On Monday, the 72-year-old hopes to go even bigger.

“It’s all about the weight,” Taylor says with a chuckle. “After six months of work it comes down

See Full Page