I raise most of my own dogs, but have bought 3 pups in the past 2 years. I also train all my own dogs, but am a big believer in going to clinics with handlers whose styles and techniques I admire.
I compete in lots of herding venues but my favorite is USBCHA trials. I really think that the border collie shines in a big field trial. I go to as many trials as I can afford or drive to in a year. I also compete in Australian Shepherd Club of America trials (I've put 4 WTCHs on dogs), AKC trials and AHBA trials.