(TRENTON) –When people think of agri-tourism in New Jersey, they
might think of corn mazes, hayrides and pick-your-own
produce farms. But, several times during the year,
the public has the opportunity to witness an unusual
event for New Jersey – the harvest and auction
of Japanese koi, a popular ornamental fish for
backyard decorative ponds. New Jersey Secretary
of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus today attended
this unique agri-tourism event at Quality Koi Company’s
Nisei Koi Farm in Penns Grove.
Secretary Kuperus watched as koi was harvested from the growout ponds. An auction
took place Sunday, giving attendees the opportunity to bid on the newest and
best varieties from this year’s growing season.
Secretary Kuperus views harvested Koi held by Mathew McCann
of Quality Koi Company.
“Yesterday’s living room goldfish bowl is today’s backyard
koi pond," said Secretary Kuperus. "Water gardening is growing in popularity
and the koi hobby has some very devoted hobbyists, much like horse breeders and
those who raise show dogs. In addition, the water garden, filled with prized
pet koi, is becoming a part of New Jersey landscaping, helping residents to beautify
and add value to their property. The koi harvest and auction provides people
with yet another agri-tourism activity, highlighting the diversity and depth
of New Jersey’s agriculture industry.”
Harvested Koi
 A koi is a domesticated variety of common
carp that originated from numerous generations of careful selective breeding
in Japan. The keeping and showing of koi is widely enjoyed all over the world.
Quality Koi Company hatches and produces their own domestically bred varieties
hand-selected from Japanese bloodlines.
Koi are known not only for their bright colors such as red, white, black, blue,
yellow and any combination of these colors, but also for their color patterns,
scale patterns, body shape, and size. The most sought-after varieties and the
best progeny from winners of the most prestigious koi shows can fetch thousands
of dollars each.
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