What have you learned this year?

[kingkong]

Quote: Originally Posted by 111whalen I learned about Costia. Never had it before. Lost my best fish (avaitor) by using PP to control the problem. You never know to much. Mark

Sorry to hear Mark, that kohak always catches my eye. I agree, you never know it all.

[luke frisbee]

That the Brits have WAAAAY better koi than us here in the US.

[Arthur]

Dick,

A profoundly thought through reply, and so true.

Emulation is NOT the solution: like you said, different climes, different cultures, different goals, different techniques, the list goes on...

My critical expectation is that we may surpass the Japanese in koi production someday through the efforts of heart driven people like Maurice, Brady, Brett, and more to come to that level I hope.

I cannot refrain from a comparison with the automobile industry. After the war, the Japanese determined that economic growth was essential to their return to the world economy. The automobile was one prong in that direction. They started emulating car productions from the US and Europe. By the 1970's they were exporting to the US and Europe. By the mid-80' their cars were so much better than American cars in reliability that the "big 3" had to put quality control and manufacture improvements in place not to be overun. It took 20 years for the American manufacturers to catch up to production quality of the Japanese carmakers: they emulated, then they learned, then they bested.

My hope is that breeders in the West wholeheartidly do the same with koi, with consideration of our conditions with water and all, and come out with quality that is best suited for our environment and climate.

I think this is possible but it will take time: it took the Japanese only about 20 years to get the automobile makers in the US REALLY worried :-)

FWIW, my 2 cents.

[koinut]

I've learned that I spend too much time on this board. I've also learned that my gas and electricity bills have shot through the roof! I've also learned that the more you know about koi, it seems to get more expensive!

[keokoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by 111whalen I learned about Costia. Never had it before. Lost my best fish (avaitor) by using PP to control the problem. You never know to much. Mark

Sorry Mark I have seen that koi in your pond as well. I have pics of her... Its always your favorite..

Joe

[koinut]

Quote: Originally Posted by 111whalen I learned about Costia. Never had it before. Lost my best fish (avaitor) by using PP to control the problem. You never know to much. Mark

Sorry for you loss. She was a gorgeous Kohaku.