With the very hectic days of Spring past me now, the farm is in cruise mode for the Summer.  All of my breeding is done for the season,... finally.  Because of the odd weather here this Spring breeding was pushed back some on the calendar.  On July 15th I just put my last hatchlings out to their fry pond,... a group of Kohaku fry.  This year I’ll have Sanke, Showa, Kohaku, Ki Utsuri, Goshiki, Kujaku, and Hariwake.  The early look at Goshiki during the 1st cull was good,... nice stepped patterns, nice frames, and skin.  The 2nd cull of Showa looks good, and the early look at Sankes as well.

 

I’m truly pleased with the 12 month and older Koi I put out to grow this summer,... some very special Kohaku, Sanke, Showa, and Shiro Utsuri were selected for the grow-out ponds,... as well as some Hariwake and other types.  Among the best of the best are several Koi I’m growing out for clients.

 

Here are a few snapshots from the summer so far.

 

A few 12 month old Koi going out to Summer Camp.

 

An early morning view while I was waiting patiently for a parent set to complete their spawning.

 

A water turtle egg.  I’ve noticed several turtles laying eggs out in the middle of the day late in the season this year,... possibly weather related too.

 

2 sibling Showas.   Pulling siblings up and comparing their development is one of the chores here I enjoy the most.

 

Culling days can get a little strange.

 

Between the farm chores, breeding, and culling I do make time to get out and away to enjoy summer.  I’ve gotten in a lot of good river snorkeling.

 

This Southern Sand Darter is one of many interesting species of fish found while snorkeling Appalachain mountain rivers.

 

A new spot with a deep diving hole my brother introduced me to last week.