Salcha grower wins 2022 Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off

PALMER — Brian Shunskis won the 2022 Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off at the Alaska State Fair with an 84.05-pound cabbage.

This is the Salcha grower’s third victory in a row with five in total.

“To me, it’s just worth it, the fun of growing them up here,” Shunskis said. “Alaska is made for growing cabbage, so that’s what the fair should be about.”

Shunskis drove over 300 miles to present his colossal crop at the Palmer Fairgrounds.

“I took it slow,” Shunskis said.

Shunskis won this year’s competition with just two pounds over the competition. He said that he was feeling pretty nervous.

“That was a squeaky win,” Shunskis said with a laugh. “I’m happy with it. I had a great summer.”

Alaskan Scott Robb currently holds the world record after growing a 138.25-pound cabbage. Shunskis said that Robb expressed interest in competing again next year.

“We’re buddies. He said we’re friends no matter what and I’m gonna hold him to that,” Shunskis said with a laugh.” I love coming down here. Everyone is really friendly.”

Shunskis said that he started competing in 2011 and it’s been an enjoyable journey getting to this point. He said that he’s learned a lot and plans to keep coming back year after.

“I just love growing cabbage,” Shunskis said. “You really got to take care of them. There’s a lot to it. I’m going to keep trying.”

ASF Superintendent Kathy Liska said they had a strong and talented roster of giant cabbage growers participate in this year’s contest.

“I’m pleasantly pleased after all the rain,” Liska said. “Alaska gardeners know how to grow and they get pretty creative. They came through.”

Liska said the cabbage weigh-off is a culminating moment for the fair and Alaska as a whole.

“This is kind of the last hurrah of summertime,” Liska said. “Everybody knows about this. We hold the world record still for giant cabbages.”

Liska said the cabbage weigh-off exemplifies the Fair’s strong roots in agriculture.

“That was the first contest that happened,” Liska said. “Cabbage and the fair just go hand in hand. You go back and that’s the history. I love the history of this area.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com