| Very thought-provoking responses, guys. Eugene, you brought up a very good point about buying in bulk and fish price depreciation. I don't think that I have ever sold a koi for more than its purchase price. In fact, I ended giving away most of them as I desperately try to reduce my stock level from about 35 koi at one time to about 10. Michael, I think that the "tosai to GC" dream can become a reality in the near future as Dick mentioned. I agree that the level of competition at US shows is increasing rapidly, but I also agree that the knowledge/husbandry base among American hobbyists is increasing as well.
Dick, I really embrace yoru concept of buying siblings and leaving one to be grown out in the breeder's mud pond and bringing one home and comparing them at the end of the grow-out season. The reason why I never really liked the idea of purchasing a tosai and leaving it with the breeder is because it's almost like buying a nisai in that you don't partake an active role in its development during that tosai to nisai year. I am all in agreement that it's all about the personal achievement/advancement in the hobby more than the GC. But wouldn't it be wonderful for the judges/koi community to acknowledge and reward your hard work?!
I, too, thought about Mike Snaden and the articles that he wrote when I read this thread. I believe that the koi community has a lot to learn from him. I especially like the article he wrote in Koi Nation & other articles posted on the internet about tosai and water quality.....speaking of which, Dick, I heard that you will be giving a talk on water quality?! I don't know if my club is interested, but I will email the club president about possibly hosting you in the near future.......gotta get back to work.......... |