Monthly Update - Youtube and Grow & Show!

Hello Koi Keepers,

Unfortunately there will not be a Monthly News this month due to the Magazine production timeline - it's nearly complete, and my schedule is manic, so apologies about that. However, I can share a few updates via the blog. Last year, I filmed some snippets at The Crouch Valley Koi Show to explore more about the show and what goes on behind the scenes. Shows like this are what the koi show scene is all about, and if you're curious to know more, give it a watch. If you like the content please like and subscribe as it helps the channel grow.

Grow and Show Sunday!

I had a brilliant time at The Mid Staffs Koi Society’s Grow and Show on Sunday. Thank you to everyone who made it such a lovely day, and congratulations to all the participants! 🏆

Last year, Kev from “Koi Carp” supplied the club members with affordable Hoshikin Showa (around 15-20cm and £40 each) - they were so affordable most people purchased two! The owners took the koi home to develop them over a year and returned them to be “judged.” Mid Staffs are always very generous with their prizes, 1st place winning £300, 2nd £200 and 3rd £100 - who can argue with that?

Regarding “award structure,” The Club leaves the criteria to me. I’m not a trained koi judge, so I usually wait until I see the koi to decide how I'll play it. This year, things were close, and because most of the koi were still unfinished, I decided to base my decisions on what I thought had good qualities to develop going forward.

3rd - Kevin Sayers: The koi had lovely white skin and a pleasing body shape. The beni/red pattern placement and finish are not ideal, but I liked the sumi/black style, and if it continues to consolidate (and the beni hangs around), it could make a striking koi - especially for £40! 

2nd - Gary Joynes: The overall condition of this koi stood out. It had a little rub on the head, but minus that, the beni was consistent, and the white skin shone. Although the sumi all falls on the beni (making it look more glossy), it still contrasts nicely and leads your eye down the body. Although the koi may lack enough white ground for some tastes (especially on the face), I think she will make a pleasing traditional-style showa as she grows.  

1st - Mark Langford-Rotton: The white skin was quite yellow compared to the other koi, there’s some secondary beni at the tail stop and a failing beni plate/stray beni on the left-hand side (which I think may vanish altogether). However, despite these compromises, the koi still “spoke” to me. I liked its frame for the future - long and lean. The sumi style and condition were good, blocky and consolidating well, and I could see evidence of more sumi wrapping up the left-hand side. Overall, I felt this koi had developed well, plus it still had more to give and had advanced well past its price tag!

Aside from the showing, there was also tasty food, beverages, a koi auction and a generous raffle. Although I will say I didn't win anything again this year - I swear it must be rigged! Club members also selected the next Grow and Show koi, very pleasing Shiro Utsuri from Omosako Koi Farm (supplied by Kev at Koi Carp). Next year could be interesting! 

A great day with great weather and a lovely reminder there's plenty of learning to be had with budget-friendly koi - proving that koi keeping can be for EVERYONE!

Enjoy the photos...