Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine - Issue 24, September 2023 by Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG Magazine

Temperament vs. Nature RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)

September 2023

872003 772205 9

ISSN 2205-8729

Issue 24

Stockman’s Profile Tony Boyle

A DOGS LIFE:

Govs Mingle

WHO WILL BE CROWNED TOP DOG? ALEX & EARL KELPIE TASMANIA

DECLAN & PIP KOOLIE SOUTH AUSTRALIA

CLOE & JAZZ

DAN & JACK

KELPIE

NORTH ISLAND, NZ

VICTORIA

DEMI & GARY

HOLLY & DALLAS

DEAN & DOT

ASHTON & FERN NZ HEADING DOG

WESTERN AUS. KELPIE WESTERN AUS.

QUEENSLAND GSP X KELPIE

HEADING

QUEENSLAND

SOUTH ISLAND, NZ

JACKSON & ROSE

KATIE & SCOOTER

KELSIE & SASS

RENEE & BAT

NORTHERN TERRITORY

NEW SOUTH WALES

SOUTH ISLAND, NZ

NEW SOUTH WALES

NORTHERN TERRITORY KELPIE

NEW SOUTH WALES BORDER COLLIE

SOUTH ISLAND, DOG NZ HEADING

NEW SOUTH WALES KELPIE

The Cobber Challenge is back for 2023, with working dogs from all over Australia and New Zealand competing to find the fastest, strongest and most determined.

An all-new flexible format means our competitors have 12 weeks in which to record their best speed, distance covered, and duration worked. To give all entrants an even chance, each dog’s three best performing weeks will be compared to the other entrants to determine who will be crowned the champion. Jump on our socials to stay up-to-date and to see this year’s entrants doing what they do best, as they attempt to become the 2023 Cobber Challenge champion.

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON OUR SOCIALS The Cobber Challenge is fuelled by Cobber Working Dog.

@CobberDog

@CobberDogFood

@cobberdogfood

@cobberdogaus

cobberchallenge.com.au

Editors Thoughts Firstly, I would like to thank all my wonderful contributors for their ongoing support to bring everyone new and exciting content for each issue. I would especially like to thank the contributors who stepped up at very short notice to provide extra content for this issue, you know who you are and I am forever grateful. Another busy issue with a lot of content and event articles, it has been a big three months in Australia for trialing. We have seen two Australian titles in this time which you can read about in the Around The Grounds section. September will see the Supreme Australian Working Sheepdog Championship held in Strathalbyn, South Australia. I am personally really looking forward to meeting new people, competing and I must admit, sight seeing! I have never been to South Australia before and really looking forward to this time away. If you are there please come and say hello. The front cover of this issue is of some very gorgeous Border Collie pups that I had the pleasure of photographing for some friends. These puppies are also part of a great story about their mother, Govs Mingle who you can read about on page 38. Mingle is a special dog to those who know her and it is really great to see what she and Danny have achieved in such a short time. This issue is probably one of my favourites for content, I really hope that you enjoy reading the stories in this issue as much as I have putting them together. All the best for the next three months and enjoy your dogs! Cheers, LM

a r u a L

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG

Magazine

Publisher and Editor: Laura McKillop Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Phone: Laura – 0459 031 729 Advertising Enquiries: Laura McKillop Advertising, Articles & Stories Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Mail: PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale, NSW 2753 Front Cover Photograph: Govs Mingle x Mooneys Mac pups owned by Danny & Amy Kerr | Photo by Laura McKillop

Contributors:

Angie White,Chantal Cosh - The Rural Psycologist, Lauren Vest, Jamie Sturrock, Kellie Savage, Hooked on Hounds, Catherine Atkinson, Peter Brown, Adrian Carpenter,, Ken Sykes, Nan Lloyd, Robert Cox, Naomi White, Peter Govan, Rohan Ballon, Sally Mac, Elizabeth Wieland Photography, Andrea MacCormick Freelance Journalist, Callum Storey, Chloe Owen, Tammie Conroy, Shelly Burns, Steele Cannell, Daniel Pumpa, Wandering Co. Photography, Grace Halsted, Natural Focus Photography, Vickie Priestley, Tony Jackson, Lisa Walsh, Julie Spry, Rosemary Gibson, Sandy Wilksch

www.stockdogs.com.au

The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine takes due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistake, misprint or typographical error. Articles that appear in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or its officers and employees. Nor does publication of said articles constitute an endorsement of views that they may express. Accuracy of all material

is the sole responsibility of the authors. Appearance of an advertisement in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or the goods or services offered therein. The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited material of any kind. No Part of Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine may be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the Publishers.

Contents

08 Kiwis Hit Aussie Bush for Utility

38 A Dogs Life - Govs Mingle

Trial

42 Stockmans Profile - Tony Boyle

12 Mental War on Australian Farmers 47 Temperament vs. Nature 16 What to Look for in a Going Dog

47 Trials of a Kids Life

20 Round Yard Checklist - Instinct &

54 Coming Events

Addiction

58 - 80 Around The Grounds • Holbrook Cattle Trial • Roma Show Sheepdog Trial • Back to his Roots • Boonah Cattle Trial & Auction • QLD State Utility Trial • Texas Show Yard Trial • Australian Utility Championship

26 Jessica Saukkonen 30 The Basics of Dry Dog Food 32 From Island to Mainland, Adrian Carpenter 34 The Training Pen

• • • • • •

Toogoolawah Show Cattle Trial Cumnock Utility Trial Australian Cattle Trial Championships & Upper Hunter Stock Dog Challenge Sydney Championship Yard & 3 Sheep Trial QLD Supreme & Trans-Tasman Selection Trial SA State Utility Championship

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Everybody feels down sometimes, and it ain’t weak to speak – Sometimes we need more than man’s best friend to talk things out with. If you are struggling with anything, please check out some of the links below. The beyondblue Support Service is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 22 4636. Webchat and email options are also available via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support. Trained mental health professionals can provide free and confidential short-term counselling and offer referrals to local support services.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Aussie Helpers: Virtual psychologist - call 1300 665 234, text 0488 807 266 or visit https://aussiehelpers.org.au/aussie-helpers-virtual-psychologistfor-drought-affected-farm-ers/ Donations

www.aussiehelpers.org.au Rural Financial Counsellor Service: 1800 686 175 (for advice about locating counsellors in your area)

Australia’s #1 Working Dog Magazine

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Kiwis hit Aussie Bush for Utility Trial

ex and Kerry Vickers visited Australia recently, flying in to spend some time watching the 2023 Australian Utility Championships in Nyngan in the centre of NSW and to check out Kelpies in action. The Kiwis hail from outside Hamilton overlooking the Waikato Basin on the North Island and have always had an interest in working dogs and sheep dog trialling. Rex, who had attended a Gary White Working Dog School in Cowra, on a previous visit, was intrigued to see a Utility Trial in action after in-depth discussions with Gary and so the date was set, and the pair arrived keen to watch the dogs in action. Rex and Kerry have been farmers all their life, owned their own property for many years but struggled to make ends meet (with four kids) on the land, so decided to sell and manage other sheep and beef stations, which has seen them in some of the most scenic places in New Zealand. Both keen horsemen - woman, the pair tell how much they love New Zealand and have loved their years on the land. “We absolutely love where we live,” said Rex. “Farming is in us and there is nothing better for me than jumping on my horse with my dogs in the morning and looking out at the beautiful views around us.” “A lot of the time we muster on horseback due to the steepness of the country, but this is more of a traditional method nowadays with more and more people using quad bikes and even drones for mustering, the whole business is evolving and changing and it’s not unusual to see drones overhead checking stock,” said Rex. There are around 51,000 farm holdings in New Zealand with an average farm being 270 hectares with approximately 93% of commercial beef and sheep farms owner/operated. The biggest farm in New Zealand is owned by the government which is 200,000 hectares.

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Article & Photos provided by Angie White “Majority of farms in New Zealand are a combination of both sheep and cattle, very few are one or the other. There are a lot of Dairy Farms in our country and people refer to them as liquid gold due to the price they receive for their products,” said Rex. “There has been a lot of good sheep country converted to dairy farming for this reason.” According to Rex and Kerry, dogs in New Zealand are a must and good dogs a necessity, as the majority of the country is high and places where even man can’t get to make the dog a very valuable tool in mustering, as farmers rely heavily on them to bring stock down. With Huntaways and Collies most predominantly used, (New Zealanders refer to their Collies as Heading dogs) Rex says most farm owners will have both dogs in their team. “Most people in New Zealand will have New Zealand heading dogs but huntaways are more sought after. A working team could look like two heading dogs and four huntaways depending on the size of your property, both of these breeds are popular,” he said. There is conflicting data on when exactly sheepdog trials commenced in New Zealand, but some reports are as early as 1867 in Wãnaka, the Otago region of the South Island, following a similar trial to that of those in Wales, that were already well established. According to Rex and Kerry, sheepdog trialling is very popular in New Zealand and there are many trials available to them to compete in. “We really enjoy trialling in New Zealand and have been interested to watch the Australian Utility Trial Championships, as we don’t have Utility trials in New Zealand,” said Kerry. “We can see that your trials are authentically Australian and quite different to ours obviously because we have so much hilly country. It’s horses for courses,” she said.

“In New Zealand we have a yard dog trial for huntaways, which is a barking dog, a New Zealand breed and we have heading trials or three sheep trials for our heading dogs which is basically a New Zealand Collie. We call them heading dogs, but it is a collie that has been bred for New Zealand conditions. It’s the same type of dog, and does the same job,” said Rex. “Most of our trials are on hill country, so the dog will almost always be working on steep hill face,” said Rex. “We also have some indoor trials which are similar to your three sheep trials.” “We have two types of trials for heading dogs and two types of trials for Huntaways,” says Rex. “The short heading yard and long heading trial are the heading dog trials and are exactly as they say, where the dog runs up the face collects the sheep pulls them straight back to the handler and puts them through a series of obstacles and then pens them.” “The long head is mainly to test the dogs running out ability in the distance that it’s got, because a lot of our work in New Zealand is over a distance, as in, you could be quite regularly working dogs on a station, that are four five six hundred metres away from you, so the long head is a long head and Championship courses you wouldn’t get long heads that are under 800metres, most of them would be 1000 metres.” “You just cast the dog out around the sheep and pull them straight back down to you in a twenty-metre diameter ring and get a hold on them to show you have control of them. Most of the points in that trial are for the run out and the pull.” According to Rex it’s a combination of good training and natural ability. “You have to have good command on your dogs but sometimes when they are 1000 metres away you have to give them a little bit of leeway, because they are five metres away from the sheep and you are 1000 metres away and you can’t really see what’s going on to a large extent, it’s definitely a working partnership.” “Huntaways have a straight hunt where the man and the dog are at the bottom of the hill and the dog has to hunt them up as straight as possible between two markers at the top and the

straighter the line and in the middle the better,” says Kerry. “The second trial is the same principle but done with a zig zag. The dog is meant to bark effectively. It’s always great to watch these trials,” she said. Nowadays the pair have retired onto 150 acres after working off farm for several years, Rex in the agricultural industry and Kerry as an Orthotist. Their four children have grown up and left home, although Kate, their eldest is keen on the land so is working nearby and Kerry and Rex are taking the time to enjoy their grandchildren. Australia and New Zealand have always had a competitive relationship, in the best kind of way, and it was New Zealand who established the Wayleggo Cup (the term wayleggo is an abbreviation for the ‘come away’ and ‘let go’ command used by shepherds in New Zealand to call their dogs back from the stock they are working) for the Trans Tasman Test, inspired by President of New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association, Tony Shields, in 1994. The competition itself commenced in 1985 as a competition between New Zealand and Queensland. Although after the Australian Sheepdog Workers Association was formed in 1988, they then took on responsibility for the event in 1990. “We love competing against you Aussies,” Rex laughs. “We love that we share a similar sense of humour and can have a laugh,” he said. “Thank you to our Aussie friends, we really enjoyed our time in Nyngan. The locals made us feel very welcome and the competitors were all very friendly and willing to explain the rules and finer points of utility trials to us. We were impressed with the Kelpies ability as an all-round dog working in both yard and paddock,” said Kerry. “We saw some very good dogs in action, and I think there is a place for these all-round utility type dogs in New Zealand. I do know Rex has come home with a renewed interest in his dogs and will be setting up a course to practise on at home so look out Aussies he will be coming for you,” Kerry laughed.

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The Mental War on Australia’s Farmers

Article by Chantal Corish - The Rural Psychologist

The recent Norco commissioned National Farmers Federation report on National Farmer Wellbeing 2023 got me thinking about my own journey as a psychologist in rural Australia for the past nearly 17 years, and particularly my interactions with farmers.

So, I arrived. And the guys were asked to gather around.

My husband is a farmer, so too is my father, and my father-inlaw, and all 4 of my brothers-in-law. My brother works as an agricultural pilot. Both of my grandfathers were farmers; most of my friends are either farmers, or married to farmers or someone who works in agriculture. Pretty much all of my community either are farmers or support farmers in some way in their jobs and businesses. So, I reckon I know a thing or two about what makes a farmer of the male variety tick!

I felt like the only rabbit at a meeting of foxes. My nose twitched. My body shook.

I don’t know if some of those in my circle have experienced mental health issues…actually, the truth is - I do know. But I can’t say because they would not be happy with me, as admitting to having a mental health issue if you are a man in rural Australia, is generally not ok. It’s not seen as a tough or masculine thing to talk about. You don’t do it if you can avoid it. This photo I have posted is of a group of men, farmers and those who work in agriculture, who gathered together in a little town (population of about 300 give or take a few) neighbouring my own.

They reservedly obliged, more out of old-fashioned gentlemanly politeness than any sort of desire to hear what I had to say…

The men stood about 20 metres from me in a very wide arc, not wanting to get psychologist germs. Not wanting to look too interested in what I was saying. They listened politely. They did the little activity I asked them to do without questioning or contributing any negative comments. I could feel their apprehension. Their fear of being caught out. Of being seen as the THE ONE…the one among them who had ‘IT’… ‘IT’ being a mental health issue. And then I finished. I held my breath. Wondering if they would throw rotten tomatoes, or worse still the heavy pumpkins that grew nearby, and request that I get back in my car and not come back next week. But they didn’t. They were beautiful. One very brave soul spoke first. He spoke of his feelings of desperation and loneliness in a dark world of depression. Of standing in a paddock, by himself, sobbing. Of not being able to tell anyone, not being able to speak to anyone. Of having to ‘get it all out’ before going home to his wife and kids. They came up to me and spoke to me with such softness and openness…it changed my whole outlook on rural men. These were real live people with hearts and red blood pumping through their veins. They said ‘thank you’. They told me their stories. They started to talk about what was going on in their hearts and minds. I have to be honest. Until that point, I had avoided taking men on as patients in my psychology practice.

During the drought I was asked to join them at 6am for a weekly breakfast connection time and discuss mental health.

I felt that I didn’t have the depth of understanding to work with them and I thought they were ..well..scary. To me, men were a closed and harsh bunch who don’t talk about their feelings without being gruff, dismissive or rude. I even doubted that they really had feelings…? Ok…it wasn’t that bad..but close!

To be honest, I was sick-to-the-stomach with worry about doing it.

But this group of guys changed my perspective, and made me look deeper into the lives of the rural male as a species.

I felt very anxious and panicky before the morning I got up at 5am to drive to the little town in the freezing cold to chat with a group of farmers I didn’t know, about something as personal as their mental health - a topic I had grown-up knowing rural males simply don’t talk about.

And over the years, I have come up with a few theories of my own about their mental health and why as the Norco/NFF report found, farmers aren’t faring well mentally.

I thought I would get a frosty reception to say the least. I thought they would be embarrassed to be seen standing there, in a public park, talking to a “head doctor” or a “shrink” a….psychologist! A woman, speaking to men, about their mental health. In public. In front of their mates. Totally uncool. Totally not Ok. Why did I say ‘yes’? Because I knew it was a ‘good cause’ and I had to try.

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I think two things are going wrong in particular – and they are things we can fix if we try. The first is what I have already mentioned – the fact that men are very often socialised from a young age to not discuss their feelings or ask for help. They are very often trapped in ‘the man box’ a term that describes all of the behaviours and thinking patterns that men have to adhere to in order for society to view them as ‘real men’. These behaviours include being self-reliant and not asking for help in case they are seen as weak; shouldering the full responsibility of being the main breadwinner for the family; using aggression or

Photo: Laura McKillop

violence to solve problems, as a few examples. If adhered to, and rural men are ‘real men’, these stereotypes are of course, recipes for poor mental health. The second reason for poor farmer mental health is, I think that farmers, as well as people who live in rural Australia, are feeling threatened, misunderstood, and alienated from the rest of the country. Whenever we turn on the news, listen to our leaders, the media and small interest groups, fingers are pointed at us as the exacerbators of all sorts of social problems and issues, from climate change to animal welfare and First Nation’s people’s woes. Farming requires a person to engage in hard physical work while maintaining disciplined vigilance over personal safety and the safety of staff, in an environment that is incredibly unpredictable, and despite best efforts, can deliver soul-crushing results. Farmers work for long hours, often through weekends, because not only is there the physical aspect of production; but there is also the mountain of administration which is normally associated with running any complex, high risk, business. Yes, they choose to do it. But the point I am making is that farmers and agricultural support industry workers are often physically and mentally exhausted. Too exhausted to defend themselves against the unfair accusations that are increasingly being levelled at them. Despite the massive and important contribution they are making to the national economy; despite the fact that without them, there would be no opportunity for fresh, high-quality food on our tables; and despite the fact that most Australian farmers are the most patriotic, loyal bunch who would fight-to-the-death defending their country that you could ever meet - public and political support for them is diminishing. In short, Australians are not supporting their farmers and farmers’ mental health is collapsing under the heavy artillery fire of protest groups, political bandwagons and plain old-fashioned ignorance. It seems that each new policy that is put up in our parliaments of late takes a chunk out of the lives and livelihoods of farmers, a minority group with very little voice. When you have to spend any spare minute you have fighting your own country men and women, your media, your elected leaders, to HEAR you, to SEE you and to tell the truth about you and

your life and your work and your ethics, then yes – it is bloody depressing. From cotton, to pork and live export beef and sheep, we in agriculture have become easy fodder for quick TV ratings; and an easy target for a political buck pass. Overseas, nations have huge respect for, and loyalty to, their farmers. While on an agricultural trip to Germany and France a few years ago, I asked the locals why they so revered their farmers. The response was, because they have in their collective memory, the dreadful experience of almost starving to death during the two World Wars. Seared into the population’s memory is the fact that the only thing that stood between them and a slow horrible death from starvation, were their farmers. Australians, if you care about your farmers; if you see that they have an important role to play in sustaining your country, and your free and healthy way of life, then you need to become savvier about what you are being told. You need to ask yourself – could there be another side to this story? Where do I get my meat, vegetables, clothing from? Why would farmers not take care of the very natural resources that give them their income, their home, their identity and way of life? Should I support my fellow farmers more? Do I want high quality produce or am I happy to put up with inferior imports that add to greenhouse gas emissions, microplastics in the ocean, and human rights issues? Put simply, for the good of their mental health, Australian farmers cannot keep operating in an environment of unchecked hostility and ignorance. By killing off the Australian farmer, your friend, your mate, the person who would literally keep you alive through a world war if need be - you will be contributing to the problems of the world that you have voted against! It’s all connected and yet so many of you do not, will not, bother to see the connection. It is very frustrating. And that is a pretty obvious second reason why I think your Australian farmer might be depressed.

Goondiwindi-based psychologist Chantal Corish’s journey over the past nearly two decades has been one of deep insight into the lives of the people who make up the bush, and the trials and tribulations they experience from cradle to grave. A mother of three girls, and a farmer’s wife, she has been able to provide deep empathy and care to her clients, always with the goal of making them feel truly seen and heard. For more information, visit @theruralpsychologist on Instagram.

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What to Look for in a Going Dog

oulding a working dog from an untrained pup into a fully trained and useful worker takes a lot of time and a lot of skill. Even with those things in place, not every promising pup will have what it takes to make it as a worker or to suit a particular job. Buying a dog that is already started or trained means you can see what you are getting, whether it will suit you and your job, and often take it straight to work. However, buying a started or trained dog is very much buyer beware. The onus is on you to thoroughly vet the dog and whether it will suit what you are looking for. The wrong dog can cause a myriad of issues, from raised stress levels in stock and handler, through to stock injuries or escapes, as well as a lot of wasted time and money. It is well worth the time taken to do your due diligence to make sure you end up with the right dog for your needs. Be honest about your own abilities A good working dog does not just work on its own – It can only work as well as it is handled. Certain dogs suit certain handlers and vice versa. If you are a loud, assertive and quicktempered handler, make sure you look for a dog who is very solid in temperament and can handle higher pressure situations without shutting down or getting stressed. If you do not have the skills or time to finish off a dogs training, look at dogs that are fully trained and experienced – you will still need to spend time bonding and ensuring obedience, but the rest of the hard work is done. If you are a gentler handler, look for a softer dog who is biddable and obedient. Often people say a dog will work better for a man or a woman, but it is usually about how the handler approaches training and bonding, versus the actual gender of the handler. If you are new to using working dogs, your best chance for success will be to buy an older, fully trained dog who can teach you as you go. It takes a lot of time to train a working dog, and those that have been trained properly are usually not cheap – so be clear on your budget and what you can expect for it.

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Article by Lauren Vest

Be clear about what you need the dog to do Everybody’s work situation is different, and the right dog will make your job easier instead of harder. The broad considerations are things like sheep vs. cattle vs. goats, hill country vs. flat country, paddock work vs. yard work, hot climate vs. cold climate. There are a few elite dogs that can be excellent in nearly all situations, but they are not often sold, and if they are it is for a lot of money! Most dogs are more suited to one thing or another and may be passable in the rest. Other considerations come down to personal preference on work style. Do you want a dog who barks, or is silent? Do you want the dog to mostly bring sheep to you, or would you rather both be droving stock from behind? Do you have large numbers of stock that need a bit more force to move, or are you working flightier stock that need to be worked with finesse? Do you want a dog who is obedient and easy to work with, or a dog who is more independent and able to work under its own initiative? Do you want a dog who knows a stop and a go command, or fully educated with side commands and other commands? Do you need a big casting dog to muster large areas? Do you need a short coated dog so it doesn’t attract burrs? Do you need a dog who can back sheep in the yards? Do you need a dog who will bite cattle or a dog who never bites? Do you have any ambitions to trial? Those who only have one dog will often need a better quality allrounder to be useful in most situations. Many people have a team of dogs with different strengths, so they are covered in all their varying jobs. Injury can easily sideline a dog and leave you short, and busy times will often necessitate rotating dogs to manage fatigue or heat stress. Make your own judgement on the dog Do not ever take anybody’s word on a dog’s abilities. Most people are not trying to scam anyone, but everyone has a vastly different idea of what makes a good dog. One person’s champion is the next person’s cull. If you want to make sure you end up with a dog that will suit you, it is particularly important to see the dog working for yourself.

In person is best, video a poor second. If you are clear about what you want the dog to do, you can ask to see the dog working in situations as similar as possible. If you want a dog for cattle, see it on cattle, and vice versa for other jobs. If you value obedience, make sure to see how it responds to commands. If you value particular attributes like cover, walk up strength or bite, make sure you check that the dog has these. If you are restricted to video, try and get unedited video of the dog doing a real job – a myriad of faults can be hidden or managed by using quiet sheep and editing video! Ask as many questions as you can think of. Make sure you judge the dog in front of you and do not rely too much on its breeding. Bloodlines give some idea of potential in a younger dog before it has been tested, but plenty of dogs are champions on paper and fall short when tested at real work. Thoroughly check the health of the dog If you want a dog to have a long working life, they need to be healthy. Make sure the dog is bright and energetic with no visible signs of pain or illness, paying particular attention to their gait. Body condition should be neither overweight nor too thin. They are athletes and should be muscled and built like one. Check their teeth and look over their feet. Check the vaccination, worming and flea/ tick prevention history with the owner. Things you cannot see but should definitely check are genetic diseases. There are several diseases common in Australian working dogs – thankfully the most common ones can be tested for. In Border Collies ask if they have been tested for CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly), TNS (Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome) and CA (Cerebellar Abiotrophy) as a minimum. In Kelpies, ask if they have been tested for CA. These are all diseases that can impact a dogs working life if they are present. There are other diseases to test for if you plan to breed. Not all dogs have been tested – if that is the case, you can test the dog yourself or take the risk. Other health issues like hip dysplasia, heart murmurs, hearing issues and vision issues are all things to keep an eye out for. A vet check before or soon after purchase is never a bad idea. Auction vs. Private Sale You also need to think about how you want to buy. A dog auction can be a great way to look at several dogs in one place and have contingencies in place if your first choice goes over budget. Generally, prices will be higher at an auction compared to private sale. Many auction vendors are happy to show you the dog before the auction if you get in touch, though of course you run the risk of being outbid on the day! Private sale dogs are generally more affordable but require much more time and travel if you want to view multiple dogs. There is no pressure of an auction and you have much more time to view and consider the dog. Once you get the dog home Once you have found your new dog and brought it home, don’t expect to take it straight to work. Some dogs will take a significant amount of time to bond with their new owner. Be wary of letting it loose before it has bonded – many dogs have been lost looking for their old owner. Keep in mind that the dog will not work for you the same as it did for its previous owner – your commands, body language and personality will all be quite different. It can take time for you to both get used to each other – even more so if you want to change the commands used. Make sure you have safe and secure housing for the dog and check what it was used to at its old home. If you run into any issues, the first port of call should be the previous owner. Buying a working dog can be risky, but if you are honest with yourself and the seller and do your homework, you should end up with a dog who will make your life easier for years to come.

Callum 0488 776 047

THE ROUND YARD CHECKLIST -

Instinct & Addiction Jamie Sturrock is a career stockman, with experience in cattle, sheep and goats. He has bred, trained and used working stock dogs for his entire career. Jamie manages a commercial cattle breeding and backgrounding operation, and uses his dogs daily. On weekends he conducts working dog training schools, and has an online training program called – workingdogtraining.online. Jamie enjoys competing in cattle and sheep dog trials, with the same dogs he takes to work every day. He has won many stock dog competitions, including Australian, QLD and NSW Cattle Dog Championships, and is a two-time winner of the Australian Working Cattle Dog of the Year.

When starting a working dog pup, I like to begin in a controlled environment. For me, this is about setting ourselves up for success. Whether you are an advanced handler, or a complete beginner is irrelevant. It is not about us, it is about our young dog. As handlers, we will get countless opportunities in our lives to start pups for the first time. But for each pup, they only get one! It is very important that the early sessions are positive. I help a lot of beginner working dog handlers that face a common dilemma – I call it ‘Green handler, green dog, green livestock.’ When this is the case, no one in the scenario really knows what they are doing! This can result in some pretty wild sessions. We all started somewhere, and for those of us that have been successfully handling working dogs for many years, it is easy to forget the challenges of getting started. For every handler that has access to some ‘dog broke’ livestock and pups loaded with natural ability, there are countless beginners out there struggling. This is why I like to ‘control’ the variables that I can. Not everybody has the budget to buy a started or trained dog, so they have to start with a pup. Not everybody has access to ‘dog broke’ livestock. They have to begin with what they have. If this is the case, there is one variable that almost all people can control, and that is the training environment. I recommend starting your working dog pups in a small yard, approximately 15 metres across. People often talk about a ‘round yard.’ Round is great, but not essential. Ideally, if the

yard is square, or slightly rectangular, you would put a panel diagonally across each of the corners, to make it ‘roundish.’ This is simply to keep the livestock from bunching in the corners and making things difficult for you and your pup. Again, this is not essential, but it will increase your chances of success in the beginning. There is plenty of time to teach your dog to ‘dig’ livestock out of corners as you progress. Ideally, the yard would be dog proof, but it is essential that it is stock proof. Why 15 metres? This just seems to be a magical size that is small enough to get things back under control if they get out of hand, but large enough that you can make plenty of progress if things are going well. I have tried many different yard sizes over the years, but this dimension seems to be perfect! If your yard is slightly smaller or larger, don’t worry. Just do the best with what you have. I like to start my pups on a handful of sheep, about 3-6 head seems to work well. If they are very dull, use a few less. If they are very lively, use a few more. Young, dry sheep are best. Don’t use aggressive ewes or rams. In a perfect world, you would have sheep that have plenty of movement, but not so much that they are likely to hit the fence and injure themselves, you, or your pup. Use your discretion here, but most importantly, do the best with what you have. At this stage, we now have a well-bred pup, a suitable training yard, and some suitable livestock. It is time to introduce our pup to livestock for the first time and start thinking about what I call the ‘Round’ Yard Checklist.

‘Round’ Yard Checklist 1.

Instinct

Addiction

Balance

Even on both sides

Hold them on the fence

‘Dig’ them off the fence

Stop (lie down)

Walk up

Call off (that’ll do)

I think it is important to have structure in a training program. It helps you and your dog. For every handler that instinctively knows when to progress and what to do next, there are countless beginner handlers that need to know what to do, and then what comes next. I don’t want people thinking of working dog training as a military type program where everything is regimented and all dogs are treated the same no matter what. I encourage you to think of your training program as a ‘flexible blueprint.’ Yes, it is a blueprint that can be ‘laid’ over most dogs, but there is flexibility in there to make modifications for individual dogs and circumstances. This is very important! Keep in mind, no two dogs are exactly the same. When thinking about the ‘Round’ Yard Checklist, remember that it is just a guide to help you remember what to do, and what comes next. It is not set in stone.

1. Instinct It is widely accepted in the working stock dog world that our herding breeds have evolved from wolves and/or wild dogs. Over many years and generations, humans have been clever enough to capture and manipulate the predatory instinct of these ancestors to use it to our own benefit – herding livestock. This alone is something I will continue to marvel over for the rest of my life! I don’t think I will ever get sick of watching a pup show working instinct on livestock for the very first time! Most well-bred Border Collies and Kelpies have been bred with this instinct as a priority, and it is this instinct that we need to bring out and enhance in our pups. I like to show my pups to suitable sheep in a suitable environment from 12 weeks of age. People will have many different opinions on the right age for this first ‘look’. I have tried many different variations over many years and believe that 12 weeks is a bit of a ‘sweet spot’. By this age, a pup should be well socialized, bold, and confident. If you wait much longer, and they start to experience the real world, they begin to realise all experiences are not always positive, and may begin to develop a level of cautiousness and self-preservation. Put simply, I like to introduce my pups to livestock while they are still a little too naïve to be overly fearful. If you disagree with this theory, you can simply wait until your pups are older. But in my experience, I have found it much easier to ‘sign on’ young pups than older pups. On the contrary, I have seen people show their pups to sheep much younger, even as early as five weeks! I personally, don’t see the point of this. I think the main reason people do, is to try and ‘jag’ the best pup for themselves before the rest are distributed to their new homes. To me, there is more risk of a negative experience when pups are this young, and the potential downside outweighs the potential upside. To add to this, I have seen and purchased pups in the past that were ‘world beaters’ at five to six weeks old, that never made it into anything special. I don’t think there is a direct correlation at such a young an age. It is also important to mention at this stage, that I always prefer to introduce my pups to livestock and ‘cement’ instinct and addiction BEFORE I do any obedience training. This is a very calculated decision for me.

When I introduce my pups to livestock, I want them to be the ‘purest’ version of themselves. By that I mean, I want to assess their genetic ability and potential before I begin to manipulate them with obedience and training. This decision is for two main reasons – Firstly, it is much easier to ‘switch on’ your pup’s instinct when they are a ‘clean slate’ and know no different. They have never had a collar or lead rope on them, they have never been led or tied up, and ideally, they have never had an experience in their lives that could be viewed as negative. They are still bold and confident, and think they are somewhat invincible! The second element of this, is that as a breeder, I want to assess the genetics, and the result of the cross. Yes, we will train them to reach their absolute potential, but I also like to assess a number of traits that are either ‘in them’ or not, from day one! When the time comes to show your pup to livestock for the first time, I like to keep it pretty simple. No leads, no arm extensions. Just carry your pup to the yard, and put them down. The large majority of well-bred pups will go straight to ‘work’. I don’t over analyse this too much, just let your pup have as much fun as possible and protect your sheep as best you can. I don’t mind if they are only chasing the stock or making ‘mistakes’ at this stage. The priority over all else is clear – Bring out that instinct! If your pup doesn’t go straight to work, give plenty of encouragement if it is unsure. Try and get your sheep to move. It is without doubt, the movement of the livestock that will ‘bring out’ the pup’s working instinct. Think of a pup’s instinct to work livestock as a switch in the beginning. The switch is either on or it is not. Don’t panic if your pup doesn’t switch on the first couple of attempts. Usually, it will just happen, and once it is on, you most likely can’t turn it off! This is a good thing. Whether you are successful or not, this session should be short, literally no more than a couple of minutes. Catch your pup and carry it out of the yard with plenty of praise. I want the pup thinking that this was the best day of its short life, and going back to its kennel thinking about nothing else but the next time it gets to do that again!

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2. Addiction For the next session or two, the priority is addiction! I want dogs that are addicted workaholics! I don’t mean I want lunatics. I just want dogs that are fully committed to working livestock for a living. No questions asked. Dogs that are super keen and committed from an early age are not only easier to train, they are almost always the ones that make the best working dogs in the end. Dogs that are only half hearted about their work will end up letting you down at some point, whether that is at work or competition. It should only take a couple of sessions to get your pup addicted. Keep the sessions short, positive and fun, and take them away before they get tired or disinterested. Feed that addiction!

Once I am sure that my pup has instinct and addiction, I will begin teaching them their obedience fundamentals – Their name (come here), leading on both sides, how to tie up, and how to stop (lie down.) I generally won’t take them back to stock in this time. It usually only takes a couple of weeks to get through their basic obedience. In this time, you will have continued to build a bond with your pup, and they will have grown a little older. Once these ‘boxes are ticked’, you are ready to go back to livestock, and continue through the ‘Round’ Yard Checklist. We will pick up where we left off with the concept of ‘Balance’ in PART 2.

Want to learn more from jamie or head onto part 2 early? learn best from videos? Check out workingdogtraining.online

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COBBER PACK LEADER LETS US IN ON THE CHALLENGE Article by Kellie Savage, Cobber

isty, dark and cold to the bone. I found myself standing on sodden ground, in near-freezing weather, well-before dawn, thinking to myself, ‘dammit Kel, you should’ve packed another jumper!’ I’d travelled to Merton in Victoria’s High Country to launch the 2023 Cobber Challenge. Our task this year, was to urge as many farmers as possible in Australia and New Zealand to apply and show the world how hard their dog’s work. Despite the freezing weather, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. A TV crew from the Channel Nine’s Today Show were rushing about the farm, shuffling from yard to yard, scouting the area for the perfect position for a live cross. Running between their legs were a team of tenacious kelpies. Completely unfazed by the weather and blissfully unaware that all this fuss was about them. As the sun slowly peered through the trees, we showed all of Australia just what these incredible dogs can do. They leapt into action. Their skill and dynamism on show for the nation to see. Mustering sheep with ease, chasing down cattle and feasting on a bowl full of Cobber Working Dog. They did it all. Not a single pup was even the slightest bit camera shy. In its 8 years, this was certainly the coldest ever start to the Cobber Challenge but it was also the most exciting. From the day nominations opened, I knew this was going to be the best year yet. In the weeks after, the nominations came flooding in. Interest for across the ditch was also at its strongest level ever! It was quite a task for all of us here at Cobber to narrow it down to just 12 competitors. But I think we’ve made a fantastic choice. Our 2023 contestants come from as far west as Esperance to as far East as Canterbury in on New Zealand’s South Island. What stood out for me in all 12 of these farmers, was their clear adoration and respect for their best mate. Take Alex from Fingal in Tasmania for example. He says he’d be nothing without his dog Earl, who is so good at herding livestock, he’s developed a habit of barking at farm workers when they start to slack off. Or Cloe Latty who described her Kelpie Jazz as her ‘go-to girl’. Cloe says Jazz is a bit of a goofball, bursting with energy with a loving heart – just like her. Or Kelsie Meads from Lake Coleridge in New Zealand who says her dog Sass is a workaholic who out runs everyone else on

the farm. She couldn’t imagine a day’s work without her. This deep love and respect for man’s best friend is the reason we do what we do at Cobber. It’s why I’m thrilled to announce the 2023 Cobber Challenge Finalists. I wish them all the best of luck. I can’t wait to see what the class of 2023 can achieve. The 12 Cobber Challenge finalists for 2023 are: • Alex Johns of Fingal in Tasmania with their Kelpie, Earl • Ashton Clements of Te Wharau in New Zealand with their Heading Dog, Fern • Cloe Latty of Willaura in Victoria with their Kelpie, Jazz • Dan McInnes of Acheron in Victoria with their Kelpie, Jack • Dean Gardiner of Amberley in New Zealand with their Heading Dog, Dot • Declan Martin of Conmurra in South Australia with their Koolie, Pip • Demi Riordan of Esperance in Western Australia with their Kelpie, Garry • Holly Jessen of Woodhill in Queensland with their German Shorthaired Pointer Cross Kelpie, Dallas • Renee Hayter of Bombala in New South Wales with their Kelpie, Bat • Kelsie Meads of Lake Coleridge in New Zealand with their Heading Dog, Sass • Katie Williams of Uralla in New South Wales with their Border Collie, Scooter • Jackson Clifford of Mataranka in the Northern Territory with their Kelpie, Rose You can keep up with all of the competitors on our socials or on the website, cobberchallenge.com.au The Cobber Challenge daily results will be published from 9 October, with the 2023 Cobber Challenge champion announced on 30 October.

What is a Shepherd’s Crook and how should I use it? A crook, staff or stick has traditionally been a shepherd’s multi-purpose tool since man first herded sheep. It is basically a long and sturdy stick with a hook at one end. It has been said that the only tools needed are a good whistle and a crook. Years ago very few shepherds ever had money to buy a crook, so for many the only option was to make their own. In those days a shepherd’s crook was more than a tool of trade; it was a symbol of their status and made a statement about who they were. Today there are various types available from the readily available plastic options, lightweight aluminium, right up to beautifully crafted, carved timber and horn masterpieces. A crook has many uses - It’s a support for walking over rough country when mustering; a means of catching ewes and lambs around the neck or legs, a defence weapon against predators and today it is becoming a common training aid when used as an arm extension. When being used as a training aide, it is important to note it is certainly not a weapon but instead an extension of the arm, used as a barrier or wall to transfer pressure for the dog to move off or not move into. The higher the crook is held the more pressure the dog feels, therefore it is important to hold the crook still and low when not in use.

Examples of training scenarios •

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When training a young pup to walk beside or behind you a crook can be carried to be held or waved slowly in front of the dog, acting as a barrier or wall, encouraging the dog to slow down, and come back into the required position. This can be started with the dog on a lead and then with time as the dog masters being in the required position the lead removed. Teaching a young dog to balance in a small yard or round yard a crook can be used as a barrier/pressure together with correct body positioning to change direction or if the crook is pointed toward the rib of the dog, this pressure is enough to create an arc and move the dog out wider from the sheep. We often see a plastic rake used in this scenario.

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When training a dog to follow/drive its sheep and stay within the required ‘V’ like area, the handler can walk backwards in front of the sheep holding a crook in each hand. If the dog tries to leave the ‘V’ the crook can be held out, acting as a barrier putting pressure on the dog to return to the required position.

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When encouraging the dog to keep some distance off sheep a crook can be tossed into the air to grab the dog’s attention. Not thrown at the dog, but instead into the air in front of the dog. Often the dog will stop or at least slow to look up at the crook, giving relief and distance off the sheep. Reward the dog and encourage him to remain in the position he has just been shown.

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Jessica Saukkonen From horses, to agility, to contract Shepherdess.

Article by Catherine Atkinson | Photos Provided by Jessica Saukkonen

Jessica Saukkonen is a contract shepherdess based in the North of England who has worked all over the United Kingdom (UK) on a multitude of different farms and estates. Experienced with both sheep and cattle, her preferred work is with sheep. Dog training is also a big part of Jess’s life, in the past she has worked for different dog trainers including Kevin Evans and has also trained many different breeds of dog. Jess’s stud is called Dewr Sheepdogs. She has trialled successfully all over the UK, winning many International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) trials, and coming runner up in ‘One Man and His Dog’ in 2022. She has competed at Nationals for the last few years. Jess grew up in South Finland, with her mother (Anja) and younger brother (Samu). They didn’t grow up on a working farm but were surrounded by animals. Jess’s hobby growing up surprisingly wasn’t working dogs, but horses. Specifically, anything fast and furious to do with horses, including show jumping and cross country. She attributes her love of horses growing up to how well she’s been able to read and train dogs, as it’s got many similarities in reading behaviours and ‘feeling’ animals’ emotions. This passion for horses undoubtedly came from her mother, who was a professional rider who has completed in Nationals in Finland. It was Jess’s mums love of dogs which led to an interest in agility where she has represented Finland at the World Championships, which ultimately led to Jess getting her first Border Collie. Initially, Jess started riding her horse on a sheep farm and confesses she had absolutely no interest in sheep whatsoever. However, she then started helping a little and borrowing her mother’s dog to work, and this is where the love affair with Border Collies began. Currently, Jess is working as a contract shepherdess, on several different properties. After having a working holiday in the UK in 2015 over the lambing period, she moved from Finland in 2016. Throughout, Jess has had several different jobs, from working in Dog Boarding Kennels to using her dogs in acting roles for television. Her current work roles range from gathering wild sheep off the upland heather moors in North England and hills in Scotland with her dogs, to pen and yard work at busier times of the agricultural calendar. She also runs training days for those wishing to become more involved in trialling, or to just learn a little bit about how to further their dogs training. A big part of life is ISDS trialling and bringing on her own team of dogs. Jess has trialled in the UK, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands. Dewr, a Border Collie from ISDS lines (born 2012 from Welsh lines but bred in Sweden) was Jess’s first working dog. He was super keen, and for the first few years Jess struggled to break him in properly. However, Jess does now attribute having such a focused, stubborn first dog as a key reason to how successful she has been. It was a clinic in 2012 with Kevin Evans in Finland (that Jess’s mum organised) that really sparked Jess’s love of training Border Collies. After getting advice from Kevin to help break in Dewr, Jess recalls Kevin saying to her, either this dog will be the worst dog you will ever own, or he will be the best work dog you will ever have. Needless to say, he ended up being the latter. Jokingly, she recalls how she remembers almost crying at times

in Finland when shepherding because she ended up with sheep through fences in the woods because of Dewr’s strength and power, and constant drive to work. Jess ended up bringing Dewr to the UK, and ended up trialling him but struggled to get him to respect the handler and stock fully as he was so stubborn. It was whilst working on a large sheep farm on marshland in North West England that Dewr really started to listen to and respect Jess, because the terrain meant the dogs couldn’t see the stock and needed commands to find sheep. The stock were heavy, and gave Dewr a challenge to move them. He ended up becoming looser on stock and losing a little bit of eye. After this, Jess noticed a huge difference when trialling him in that he would start to give the stock distance and time to think. Recalling times at work Jess describes how one of Dewr’s strongest traits was being able to remember and pick out one ewe from a mob of sheep, and naturally shed her back off without instruction. Sadly, Dewr died tragically in an accident when moving stock at work. Dewr Sheepdogs currently consists of five Border Collies including Merc (10), Sango Gannon (7), Valmis Depp (6), Dewr Colt (2.5) and Murdo (18 months). For Jess it’s vital that her dogs are good work dogs first and foremost, with a natural work brain, confidence, and a good forward gear. Hopefully, they will also mentally suit trials at a high standard. Jess will always keep a good work dog that can’t trial, but never keep a good trial dog that isn’t good enough for real work. Jess’s main dog currently is Sango Gannon (by Michael Shearer’s Jim), who she’s using to trial. Gannon has always been a dog who does the right thing by listening and wanting to please, which Jess says has made her a better handler as she’s learnt so much from him. He has always been fast and had the capability to move any stock. As a pup although very keen on stock, Jess noticed he was very different to other pups as she never had to really fight with him. Gannon was such a team player right from the start, it was a very different experience for Jess who had been more used to breaking young dogs which you had to almost fight with to get through to. It’s this laid-back attitude that Gannon has had since a pup which calms stock. It also means he’s able to read and handle stock effectively in high pressure environments and sheep trust him. It’s this cool, calm power which Jess chases in a dog, where they aren’t hyper in the head and understand the ‘yo-yo’ effect. Both Colt and Murdo are by Gannon, and Jess has high hopes that they will fill up to Gannon’s legacy he will leave behind. Michael Shearer is one of the handlers Jess looks up to the most. He lives and works in North Scotland and only trials at a handful of places. He has made the National team several times, with his dogs also being genuine work dogs. Jess says Kevin Evans must be seen as the absolute mastermind to reading sheep and training dogs. He can handle and train a multitude of different types of dogs and knows how to bring the best out of them. For around six months Jess says she was lucky enough to work for Kevin and learnt a lot of skills. As well as these two handlers, she says there are too many other influential handlers to list and will undoubtedly miss many. She also really values Aled Owen as he is the master when it comes to close stock work. Specifically, when it comes to shedding and you can really see the farmer at work with the sheep. The handler who has had the largest impact on Jess has been her mum, Anja Maria Lehtio.

Jess explains how she has done a huge amount for the dog trialling community in Finland, and how she is constantly travelling across different countries to better herself as a stock and dog handler. Jess says she is very technical as a dog trainer and is very good at recognising what an issue is with the dog and has many different methods in her toolkit to tackle problems. Anja has a sheepdog training school called “Next Step”. Talking about how trialling differs between the UK and Australia, Jess believes there are two significant differences. ISDS trials are focused heavily around a longer cast, and with more cross driving and the dog having less close support from the handler not moving from the post until the pen. There is a lot more off-balance work for the dog, to do individually. The second difference is with ISDS trialling you are faced with a multitude of different breed types (dependent on where the location of the trial is and what locality of sheep are used) meaning for a dog to be successful they must have a range of different gears to deal with stock that have been bred for very different purposes, climates, and habitats for many generations. In the North of England where Jess mainly trials, the sheep are usually fell or hill sheep which are wild and flighty, so a lot of the trial is about control and settling the stock, so the dog must use their brain and be able to work using their own initiative. Jess recalls how quite a well-known breed, the Scottish Blackface brings handlers from all over Europe to the UK to trial their dogs specifically on the breed as although incredibly flighty they also love to ‘fight’ the dog, and handlers need to think a bit differently to manoeuvre them.

Jess doesn’t really class herself as a breeder and has only had 3 litters but does plan to breed more in the future. Gannon has been used regularly as a sire, and has offspring in the UK, NZ, USA, Finland, and Sweden. Jess owns two dogs sired by Gannon (Merc & Colt). When picking a pup, she will usually pick a male as she thinks bitches can be a bit sulkier whereas dogs are simpler. Jess will usually choose the cockiest pup with the most attitude but wouldn’t ever choose something too huge. Building confidence in pups is one of the most important things in Jess’s eyes. She will lead train them and give them all good basic manners before introducing them to stock, as it makes it more fair on the dog when they already know what your pressure and a correction means. Sometimes it can be too much of a shock to a pup when you introduce it to stock and your pressure at the same time. Furthermore, Jess says temperament and nature of the pup is also important. Rearing pups is a pivotal point of development to Jess, and she raises them in a way in which she socialises and exposes them to a multitude of different situations and sounds as early as possible. When showing them stock for the first time, Jess likes to show pups stock when they are still quite slow so the sheep can get away from the pup, rather than the pup being able to hold the sheep up in the corner. Jess will expect a dog to do basic farm jobs and go to work from around the age of two, but not to necessarily be a main lambing dog until the dog has done a few miles and has experience.

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The Basics of Dry Dog Food Article by Peter Brown, Serrano Border Collies

How is Dry Dog Food Made? Dry food is made through a process known as extrusion. Firstly, a nutritionist formulates a recipe targeted at the type of dog or growth stage that the food is designed for. The recipe or formulation sets out the ingredients and their volumes (by weight) for each ingredient, and it also indicates the nutrient composition of the finished product. Once the formulation is set then each ingredient referred to as dry ingredients (low moisture content not liquids) are weighed into a mixer for blending prior to passing through a very fine sieved hammer mill. This may happen in reverse, i.e., ingredients are hammer milled prior to mixing. This process has two purposes, firstly, it ensures that all ingredients are evenly spread through the mix and secondly, because it is finely milled, it has commenced the process of breaking down the cell walls on some of the larger ingredients. Let’s call this the raw mix for want of a better terminology. From here the raw mix is forced through a piece of machinery called an extruder. Basically, it is a tube with a cork screw type auger that forces the raw ingredients toward the shape dye and rotating knife. While the raw mix is passing through the extruder it is blasted with steam that is pressurised. This adds moisture to the mix allowing the kibble shapes to be formed through the dye and individually cut off by the rotating knife. The heat from the steam continues the breakdown of cell walls of some ingredients in the mix.

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The shapes are then cooked/baked in a specially designed oven. Some of these ovens are vertical, that is the kibble shapes enter through the top and pass through several layers of the oven before exiting at the bottom fully cooked. Moisture has been removed in this process so the shapes are hot, hard and permanently set. The next step involves the addition of liquids such as fat, oils and flavouring. There are two methods used for applying these ingredients to the kibble shapes. Firstly, it can be sprayed on. Spray jets apply the liquids as the shapes pass along a conveyor system. There may be some inconsistencies with this method as the liquid may run off the outside of the kibble shapes before it soaks in. Secondly, a vacuum applicator can be used. Vacuum applicators are a square metal boxes that hold a quantity of the shaped dog food. Air is removed from the box forming a vacuum, liquids are injected into the box and immediately impregnate the kibble shapes. There is very little waste or inaccuracy with this method. The product is now finished except for cooling prior to packaging. All good dog food has the fines removed, this can occur at a couple of points along the manufacturing line by way of a shaker which allows the fines to drop through for collection or by the use of a dust extractor. In some factories both are used.

A PROPERLY BALANCED DOG FOOD MUST be PROVIDEd ON A DAILY BASIS ENERGY

MINERALS

Energy is required not only to allow a dog to work but to allow it to exist, like breathing, staying warm or cooling down, processing food and reproducing. It is the single most important requirement for life other than water. Energy is sourced from fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Dogs cannot synthesise minerals so they are added to dog food in the manufacturing process.

Sufficient fuel to do the job!

Fats are a concentrated form of energy for storage. They can be very quickly metabolised into energy in the muscle. During the process of converting fat to energy, lactic acid is produced in the muscles which may result in tying up or cramping in some circumstances. Unlike humans, fats do not tend to accumulate in a dogs arteries. There are two types of fatty acids that are essential in dog food, Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids. Both these types of fatty acids are important and should be in balance and are important for many physiological functions, anti-inflammatory responses, joint mobility and capillary function. Fats help maintain a shiny healthy skin and coat on a dog and act as a transport mechanism for fat soluble vitamins.

PROTEIN

These are the building blocks (Amino Acids) for growth, development, lactation and/or reproduction. It makes up a great proportion of muscle, enzymes, hormones, immune system and provide some energy. Proteins are sourced primarily from meats and fish but some is available from plant sources. Protein quality is critical in the dogs diet and it is assessed by how closely its amino acids meet the dogs requirements. Proteins derived from meat sources are preferred to those derived from plants because the amino acids are balanced and easier for the dogs digestive system to extract.

Minerals are essential inorganic compounds necessary for life.

There are two groups of minerals: Micro minerals, also known as trace minerals and are only required in very small volumes. They include iron, boron, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluoride, iodine, molybdenum, silicon, manganese, selenium and zinc. Macro minerals are the second group and are required in larger quantities and include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, potassium and sodium. Minerals are also available in a chelated form which is believed to be much easier absorbed by the dog.

VITAMINS

Like minerals there are two types of vitamins necessary for a dogs body to function effectively. Fat soluble vitamins are commonly stored in special fat storage cells called lipocytes and include A, D, E, and K. The second group of vitamins are water soluble and include vitamin C and the B complex vitamins. This group of vitamins are not readily stored in the dogs body and if oversupplied they are passed in the urine.

WATER

Absolutely essential for life. Always ensure your dog has good quality clean drinking water in the kennel. It is difficult to supply clean water when a dog is working but ingestion of fouled or putrid water can have adverse effects on their body function, thus affecting the dogs performance.

From Island to Mainland Adrian Carpenter does the miles

Article by Angie White | Photos Provided by Angie White & Adrian Carpenter

Adrian Carpenter knows only too well the tyranny of distance when it comes to taking part in dog trials. Tassie born and bred he is a passionate dog man who has contributed much to his sport. Not only in Tasmania but Australia also. He says he is ordinary but its ordinary blokes like him doing extraordinary things for the betterment of what they love that are paving the way for future working dog breeders and triallers across Australia. After starting off his work life as a shearer and wool classer, Adrian is now the manager of iconic merino wool growing property “Connorville Station” in Cressy (even the Queen has visited there) where superfine and fine merino wool is grown, producing in excess of 350 bales of fine wool and 130 bales of fine cross-bred wool each year, making it one of the larger producers in the state. With breeding cows numbering 1600 and cropping also taking place on the farm it’s intensive work for Adrian and his five workers, although Adrian mainly focuses on the stock work, which led to his interest in dog trialling. “I knew dog trialling was about and I went and watched a few and thought okay I have a dog that can do that, so I jumped in and had a go. I had finished with my football years, and I thought dog trialling would be good, as I could talk to likeminded people and learn all about it,” said Adrian. Fast track to 2023 and Adrian is the President of the Tasmanian Yard Dog Association and was also the President of the Australian Yard Dog Association in 2021/22, he has spent many years trialling and building up the Association with and for those around him. Although he attends and enjoys all genres of trialling, he likes to turn his hand to Utility Trialling which sees him on the boat to the mainland two to three times per year to attend trials such as National Kelpie Trial and Australian Utility Trial as well as Australian Yard Dog Trial. “Utility trialling is my preference but there are not many people who do that in Tasmania, or who feel their dogs are ready to have a go at it anyway. There are a few young people in Tasmania trying to do better with their dogs and outsource good breeding, but distance makes it harder for us to see what is out there,” he said.

“Currently in Tasmania there are around 12 Yard Dog Trial events per year. We have around fifteen to twenty people who take part and we do our best to encourage as many people as we can to come along and have a go or even just to watch,” said Adrian. Yard dog trialling came about when Tasmania’s Lance Clifford ran a version of the Yard Dog section of The National Kelpie Trial in St Helen’s in Tasmania on August 2nd, 1980. These Yard Dog trials are now run all over Australia with Tasmania leading the way, being the first to form their Association in 1980, of which Adrian is President. “The most important thing for us as an association is to keep it relevant to everyday work so people with good working dogs come trialling.” Adrian knows the value of a good working dog with over 20,000 sheep to look after it’s all hands and paws on deck, and you need to rely on all your workers to put their best foot forward. “With so many sheep in our care we need to have good dogs to help us. In a dog I like to have a good natural cast and a dog that gets to the head and thinks about the job and doesn’t have to be commanded too much.” “I like a dog that puts the weight in the right place naturally and can move sheep forward easily, I don’t like a dog that hassles sheep.”

“Obviously the mainland has a wider choice of Utility type dogs that we are seeking, so we need to get out to have a look around and find them.”

“We need dogs that back and bark on command in the yards and a dog that will block up cows and calves in the paddock and hold their ground but not hassle the stock. A dog you can work Monday to Friday and take trialling on the weekend and not have to do much tuning up beforehand. That’s ideal for me.”

“There are plans underway for a Tasmanian Utility Association to be formed, but that is in its foundation stages and a Tasmanian Utility Championship Trial is also being planned.”

Adrian is keen on breeding and having the best dog he can for his work and for trialling and believes in supporting other events, to in turn further his knowledge and skills.

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“We always try our best to support and attend trials on the mainland, and we like to see what everyone else is doing with training and breeding. The pool is a lot smaller in Tassie so it’s great to get out and compete and watch different lines of dog to see if there is something, they have we could use to improve ours,” he said. As the saying goes behind every great man is a great woman and Adrian’s partner Kristin plays a vital role in his day-to-day dog management, as they share the running of their stud “Bamma Kelpies”. “I’m lucky I have Kristin, she looks after the pups and feeds my dogs and also puts the basics on my pups when I am flat out with work, she works at a Veterinary Surgery close by and enjoys trialling herself. She helps out where needed and is my right-hand woman,” said Adrian. Adrian is proving that they may be a way away but definitely not out of touch as he continues to put the runs on the board in his Trialling career. He is currently in his 3rd consecutive year as Tasmanian Yard Handler of the year, scored a respectable 7th in the Australian Yard Dog Championships in Mansfield this year, first place in Formosa Utility Trial, first Myrtleford Trial and represented Tasmania in the Australian Utility Championships with two dogs which saw him place second. Not only does Adrian know good dogs but last year he was awarded the coveted ‘Best Commercial Fleece’ at the Australian Wool and Sheep Show, something he has been aiming for, for many years. “Primarily I enjoy travelling and seeing mates and watching good dogs work,” said Adrian. “if I win or place and learn something along the way that’s just a bonus.” “My passions are yard dogs, fine wool and fishing,” said Adrian. “I’m lucky to be able to do all of these things - Life is good.”

The Training Pen with Ken Sykes Matching The Dog To The Handler KEN SYKES

Ken Sykes has been working with sheepdogs most of his life. A successful competitor at sheepdog trials, Ken has now retired from running training days for livestock producers and giving working dog demonstrations. He is a feature writer and speaker. His expertise draws on a broad range of research as well as practical expertise.

During my visits to rural properties as a company rep, I saw many different styles of working stock. Some of an exceptionally high standards, and some that would leave you shaking your head. I have seen good dogs disposed of, because they did not fit with the handler’s way of working. A fairly extreme example occurred, when I was managing a property in the New England back in the days when it used to rain. A neighbour was due to start shearing the next day and clouds were starting to build. He had a fairly small shed and rang to asked if he could put some sheep under cover in our much larger shed. I said, “certainly bring them down”. A short while later, sheep were streaming into the front paddock from the road. The next ten minutes or so, the front paddock was pure pandemonium. Dogs barking, motorbike revving, and sheep running in all directions.

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The neighbour came roaring up to the house “for God’s sake Ken get your dogs and give me a hand to get them in the shed, or the rain will beat me.” I said, “I’ll be happy to put them in the shed for you, if you put your dogs in one of my dog pens and hop off the motor bike.” His reply was rather colorful and cast doubts upon my ancestry. A huge roll of thunder changed his mind, and with much grumbling he put his dogs away. By now the sheep had settled and were starting to graze. I sent my border collie Lass around the mob, and the kelpie Flip along the wing to get the sheep streaming out along the fence and through the gate into the yards. In short order Flip had the leaders heading up the ramp into the shed, and sheep being sheep the rest of the mob followed behind. We had them in the shed and the door closed just as the rain started to spit.

I invited the neighbour up to the house to wait for the storm to pass. We just made it to the verandah when there was a massive flash of lightning and the rain came down in torrents. Over a cup of coffee my neighbour apologized for his earlier remarks and thanked me. His next remarks stunned me. “I was surprised how quickly your soft dogs with no real force got the mob in the shed”. I considered my dogs anything but soft. They would rarely bite or bark unless asked to do so and they worked calmly. On a daily basis they worked cattle, ewes and lambs, and feral goats. Our conversation automatically turned to dogs, their working styles and our expectations. It was no secret how the dogs got the mob in the shed without difficulty. The company had a couple of thousand angora goats, a thousand cashmere goats, a mob of crossbred ewes for spring lambing and another mob for autumn lambs, as well as around a thousand merinos. With all the various shearing and crutching, there was rarely a month of the year without a mob going through the shed and the dogs were well used to the routine. My dogs were primarily from wellknown three sheep trial bloodlines. My neighbour ran merino wethers which were set stocked on his mountainous heavily timbered country. He only mustered four or five times a year. Judging by the odd double fleeced or wool blind sheep in the shed, it was not always a clean muster. He also did a lot of work off farm. When he mustered, he wanted the sheep in the yards in the shortest possible time and liked a dog with plenty of bark and bite. He liked them to nip the heels of the stragglers to keep them moving. This was his concept of strength and force. He had no time for trial bred dogs.

e right pup How to select th partnership g on str a and form

We amicably agreed to disagree on the ideal type of dog. My dogs would not suit my neighbour and his dogs would certainly not suit me.

ctices combinedd with Age old training pra bine learn. dogswith practic how ing ove train riesesoncom oldntifi c disc dog nt scie how receAge ia s ries tral ove disc c pos e inonAus ntifiing tag scielud ent Rec inc .00 $30 learn oriaat tral auth theAus e in from le tag pos ilab ing ava ieslud inc cop ned.00 Sig$25 .com kwsykes@bigpond

Signed Copies of Ken’s book are available by contacting Ken at - kwsykes@bigpond.com 27/9/19 4:30 pm

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A Dog’s Life

Govs Mingle

Photo: Naomi White

Article by AWSDM

A much loved all round Border Collie, that many dog owners would like to have in their team, Govs Mingle always puts her heart on the line no matter what she is doing. Mingle is out of Sophie and by Trewina Zac. Sophie was bred by Ceri Lewis and imported from New Zealand to Australia by Peter Govan. Peter worked and trialed Sophie and not long after her only litter, in which Mingle was born, Sophie sadly passed away.

Mingle’s first trial was a 3 sheep trial at Bungendore just for the trip and then went to the 2020 Nyngan Utility Championships to compete. It was here she penned in both the Novice and the Nursery but the scores didn’t put her in the placings that year. Since then, Mingle has won and placed in multiple trials including, Cattle Trials, Yard trials, 3 Sheep trials and All-Round Stock Dog Trials.

When Mingle was 12 months old, Peter decided to give her to Danny Kerr to have some fun with. Danny was just new to the sport of dog trialling and he had developed a strong passion early, with just one dog who was Mingle’s brother Buddy, Danny was looking for another dog to train and not overload Buddy with his new found passion. Mingle was a lot of dog and kept getting herself into mischief at Peter’s so he decided a more controlled training environment would suit her better then on the job learning.

The highlight of Mingle’s competition career would have to be winning the 2022 Inaugural Australian Utility Trial in Nyngan, where she was the first dog to be named on Inaugural Trophy and

Mingle came to Danny with a natural work ethic and a lot more eye than his first dog, her brother, Buddy. She preferred to head and had a lot more feel. She wanted to come forward onto her stock a bit too much for Danny’s liking and would bully them at times. Mingle hadn’t done a lot before coming to Dannys; she had a few weeks of training and had been let out on a mob a couple of times with Peter’s older dogs.

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Photo: Megan Rutherford Photography

plaque. It was just a few short weeks prior to the competition that Danny really decided to focus some time on the yards and learn the rules. With every run through Danny and Mingle improved, in training and at then again at competition. Even on the comp day, Danny was receiving feedback from other competitors which assisted him in moving through to the finals and taking out the major event. Mingle had her first litter of pups in November, 2021 to Princes Timmy. From that litter, Danny kept two pups, Taters and Tilly and is extremely happy with how they are maturing, although he says it is too early to tell just yet. Peter Govan also has one, Twix and the others have gone as far as Queensland and South Australia. Since Mingle’s win at Nyngan, she has hurt her leg after jumping off the Ute and had a run in with rat bait, resulting in an emergency visit to the vets and her son Tac being used for a blood transfusion. Before this scare, Danny didn’t really want to breed from her again as he finds it all very nerve wracking but decided it was the smartest thing to do after almost losing her genetics. With careful consideration, the choice was made to artificially inseminate Mingle to Peter Govan’s choice of dog, Mooneys Mac. Mingle has since had a successful litter of 10 pups and again proven to be an extraordinary mother. By the time you are reading this should all be settling into their new homes and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Danny, Mingle and her progeny.

Photo: Danny Kerr Photo: Naomi White

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT auctions@trianglehorsesale.com 0408 380 322 TRIANGLEHORSESALE.COM

STOCKMAN PROFILE -

Tony Boyle

Article and Photos by Nan Lloyd

Tony was born in Orange, in the Central West of New South

Early on he would work all week in the shearing shed and on

Wales.

weekends he farmed. His dogs were a great asset to him. Once

In 1962, at 17 years of age he and his family travelled to Rocky

he got into trialling he tried to get to as many trials as he could.

Gully in the south of Western Australia. There were four boys in

His original dogs were Kelpies, and then Kelpies crossed with

the family and they all wanted to go farming. Purchasing enough

Huntaways. Later on, everyone wanted him to try Border Collies,

land in Orange would not have been possible due to the cost at

but he always thought they were not strong enough for farm work.

that time. Two out of the four boys managed to buy farms in Western Australia.

He then met Geoff Blight who had two Scottish Blue Merle Collies he had bought from Doug Connop. Tony purchased a pup

Tony has had dogs all his life while growing up in Orange, so

from these dogs and this was Glenview Spotty, one of the most

it was natural for him to want working dogs when he came to

successful trial dogs in her day. All of Tony’s dogs came down

Western Australia. As a boy they had fox terries for rabbiting,

from Spotty.

then Whippets and also working dogs.

In her career, Spotty won eight open arenas, four open yards and

Once settled in Western Australia, Tony got into shearing shed

nine open utility trials. She also teamed up with another of Tonys

work and became a wool classer. He met Peter Gorman and

dogs and won brace trials.

worked for him and his father-in-law for 18 years. Peter farmed in Ongerup in the Great Southern of Western Australia. Tony worked in the sheds on and off for 50 years, classing for 25 years straight. He worked in sheds all over the state. During this time, he was developing a virgin block of land in Walpole where he still lives, using money from his shearing shed work.

Tony got out of Kelpies but continued with his Kelpie Huntaway crosses. He had some success with his Huntaway’s but much more with his Border Collies. Tony started trialling when Peter Gorman suggested his dogs were good enough and entered them into a trial so Tony felt obliged to compete. The woolpresser, (Chas Cameron) he worked with also

On his farm he ran sheep for fat lamb and wool production. He

had a dog he had bought from Peter and they both competed at the

started with Border Leicester crosses to obtain multiple birthing

trial. The woolpresser won the trial and Tony came second. Then

animals. Later on, Mick Murphy bought his whole stud of fine

the bug had bitten, and he came to love trialling.

wool sheep over from Tasmania and Tony bought some cull ewes. He put a Finn Ram over these ewes and started a line of sheep which had good wool and a good carcase. Tony did not think triplets were good farming and always selected for twinning ewes. In the last five years he had almost 100 percent rate for twins.

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Peter had a ramp in a paddock and would often use it to train his dogs to put sheep over it. Tony liked to watch and thought he would never be able to do this, but eventually he did, and his training improved from then on. Peter was his mentor and helped him a lot in the early days.

Tonys biggest achievement was to represent Australia against New Zealand in 2002 with Boylee Creamy, who was out of a sister to Spotty. Tony also represented his state many times in the Ted Gaby interstate challenge with dogs such as Boylee Creamy, Pepper, Salt as well as Spotty. Pepper represented the state 5 times in the Ted Gaby Challenge. Tony has also represented Western Australia in the National Yard Cog Championships, with Boylee Pepper and Salt, both dogs making the top ten. He also had a Huntaway cross, Boylee Pup, who won an open championship at Esperance at 16 years old, beating Doug Connop and Glenview Feesha, who had recently returned from success at the Supreme Championships. In recent competition, Tony won the open arena trial at Pingelly in 2021 with Boylee Midget and last year he won the open yard with Boylee Sugar at the grand age of 13. He only retired her as she became quite deaf. Sugar won many trials for Tony, including open arena and utility trials. When selecting pups Tony simply picks out a pup he likes and that likes him. He believes that strong bond with the dogs is very important and that the dogs should be working with you, not for itself. He likes them to start young and looks for natural cover and walk up and says it is very important that they not get injured or scared when young. He starts them on a small mob, just letting them work for some weeks before slowly starting to commence easy training.

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Boylee Spotty started working at four months, and by 10 months

He says trialling has helped him immensely with his farm work

won her first trial. She then went on to win a utility trial and then

and that he could not run his farm without his dogs.

an open championship at 13 months.

Tony married Jenny in 1976 and they lived at Walpole until

Years ago, John Torrence used to run Brace trials, on the Northern

recently Jenny was placed into Permanent care. They raised two

end of the Perth Escarpment, and at Muresk near Northam. Tony

children; one worked the farm for a while but due to failing health

won nearly every brace trial; he had a knack for working two

moved to the city. The other has been a school teacher all her life.

dogs together. Spotty and Properdog where his best brace team.

Tony has limited mobility now, but has a set of wheels to help him

Tony rates Ray Sutherland as one of the best stockmen he has

get around the trial ground. He wants to keep trialling as long as

seen, but Ray stated that even he could not work two dogs like

he is mobile enough to do so.

Tony could. Tony says for brace work you select one dog that likes working one side and the other the opposite side.

He has high praise for the many trailers and others who help him. From cooking meals, helping him set up his van, assisting him

Tony loves trialling and says the sport is like a big family. He

through gates and helping with his dogs. He says regrettably he

loves talking to people from all walks of life and says you can

can’t give back to all these people but wants them to know how

learn something from everyone, even beginners. “It all ties in”

grateful he is.

he says.

Tony has a great memory and has some wonderful yarns to spin.

“The land, stock, dogs, farmers, and trialling, it’s a part of agriculture.” He loves to win but also just loves the challenge of having a go.

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We hope he is around for many more years.

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Located Aubigny, QLD Stan Hughes P: 0428 967 613 E: russtanony@skymesh.com.au @ Husanley Working Stock Dogs AWSDM

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Photo: Naomi White

Temperament vs. Nature

often hear people refer to a dog as being of good temperament because he/she is always happy and wagging its tail so today I wish to clarify the difference between nature and temperament as I see it. I’m sure people may disagree with me, and I hope they do, as with differences come discussion and with that, learning. Before I start, I agree that stock work and agility are different indicators of temperament (biddability). In agility, I believe that nature greatly affects biddability because it is mainly human and dog interaction. That is not the case in working stock because the interaction is sheep and dog with humans supposedly in control and asking instincts to be ignored momentarily and intermittently. I believe that nature in the dog’s ability or inability to interact with its handler on a personal level, absent of distractions. Is he happy nervous, bold, indifferent, playful or serious. All of these describing how he/she interacts with you. i.e. It’s nature, nature as it suggests being a description of the natural dog. I personally rank nature along a line of behaviour from ‘Feral’ to ‘Pet dog’. Pet dog being a vivacious, friendly and bold dog that actually needs human interaction for its well being. A feral dog being indifferent to human contact. Not necessarily aggressive or afraid. They do not depend on us but rather tolerate people and are not over playful. Usually very serious. There are many variations and combinations along the line but they can usually be categorised even before starting to work. Both extremes may still be useful dogs if their nature is understood. I have seen dogs (good dogs) that won’t tolerate, or dislike, coming to hand be cause they don’t need it for their well being. Even though we may need it for our own. Just a call onto the Ute and tie them up suits them fine. Also I have seen dogs so people oriented that they are slow or difficult to start because they won’t leave your side. Some will not start at all, but love people.

Article by Robert Cox, Karrobar Kelpies

As a breeder of working kelpies I am always aware of keeping a balance between ‘Pet’ and ‘Feral’ dogs in the nature of my dogs. Too much ‘Pet’ and I lose independence, purpose and focus. Too much ‘Feral’ and I suffer because I can’t get the intervention that I desire to bond with a dog. The nature of a dog will largely stay unchanged throughout its life. However it may be affected by experiences. They may cause a dog to ‘shut down’ or ‘open up’ its natural self according to its experiences. If a dog has been made to shut down, then training becomes a real issue and temperament becomes affected simultaneously. Temperament I see as ‘The dogs ability to respond to it’s handler under pressure, and producing tasks that conflict with its own instincts.’ Nature will affect temperament to some extent but rarely will temperament affect nature unless the dog is poorly treated or trained. I have seen some feral dogs that are not too bad in temperament. Whilst they may not overly enjoy human contact, they do understand their role, accept you as their leader and work with you. Even though they are ‘down’ or ‘feral’ in nature, they are good in temperament, i.e. they can cope under pressure. Also some ‘Pet’ type dogs love their handlers but become highly offended and ‘Switch-off’ when asked to perform under pressure or contrary to their desires. I would describe such a dog as being of ‘nice’ nature but of poor temperament, i.e. they cannot cope with pressure or commands. Once again, there are countless variations. That is why it is absolutely vital to try and understand where your dog is coming from mentally and proceed with training accordingly. There are many other factors that come into play (e.g. The dogs natural abilities) but let’s not get too far away from my intentions. This is a brief account on what I see as the differences between temperament and nature. Happy dogging everyone. Robert Cox.

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Govs Mingle and one of her gorgeous pups by Mooneys Mac. Photo: Laura McKillop

Trials of a kids life Article by Angie White | Photos provided by Parents

Most farm kids have memories of helping out with mustering, shearing, crutching, and all things stock growing up. Helping Mum and Dad out, for me, was the highlight of my day.

Kristina and Byron Crawford live in remote South Australia. Their kids do school of the air and love nothing better than helping out with whatever has to be done on the family farm.

The older you got the more responsibility you were given, and you thought you were pretty good too.

“Through the use of working dogs on our station, Ella (10), Hanna (9) and Sophie (6) are able to help with all aspects of livestock handling; mustering, drafting or pushing up to the crutching trailer,” said Kristina Crawford.

Family farms have always depended on every member to chip in and with an increased focus on agricultural education, kids are now getting pretty darn good at all aspects of farming, and the use of good dogs is right up there for those in the stock industry. Kids in Sheepdog trials were not really a thing until the last few years and as some trainers will tell you, teaching a child with a blank slate and no prior knowledge is much easier than teaching the proverbial old dog new tricks. This year the Australian Utility Championships in Nyngan held a Junior Nursery Trial off the back of its junior entries in last year’s Nursery event. These kids come from farming families and can be seen either on horseback or bike doing whatever is needed to get the stock work done alongside their parents, and they are confident and knowledgeable when it comes to the jobs needing to be completed.

“Their dogs are a massive part of their lives out here.” “We are extremely proud of their abilities and there is no better feeling as a parent to see your children being out there and having s go and it was great for them to be able to participate in the Junior Nursery at the Australian Utility Championships,” she said. “We all had such a fantastic time. It’s such an amazing community and the atmosphere is the best.” Richie and Ali Davies from Victoria have been working in managerial positions on big properties and their four kids are part of their team. The dedicated parents are intent on teaching the kids the principles of farm work with all that goes with it. Miley, Indy, Ernie and Polly love farm life and according to Miley prefer it to school. “I love working with mum and dad

on the farm and I love working my dogs it’s a lot of fun, some days I would rather stay home and help out than go to school,” she said with a smile. According to Ali Davies, Dog Trialling is a wonderful sport for kids to take part in. “I think it teaches the kids to be dedicated and committed and like any other sport you only get out what you put in.” “Since trialling, it has really improved Miley’s stock handling at home on the farm,” said Ali. “Miley needs no encouragement she is very driven to train her dog so she can do the best she can at a trial. She’s very lucky to have such a good dog, he has taught her heaps and boosted her confidence,” she said.

“We find some trial committees encourage the kids trialling others not so much. Nyngan Utility Championships has been a fantastic supporter for junior trialling, and I think the junior event will keep growing in numbers,” said Ali. As more and more parents struggle to get their kids off devices and outside it is so refreshing to see these country kids living their best life, dog in tow, working on skills and learning. You really can’t get better than that.

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Colouring Competition - September 2023

Name

Area & State

Contact Number & Email

Age

Anyone under the age of 13 years old are welcome to colour in the picture and send it in before 1st November 2023 for the chance to win a prize and be featured in Kelly’s Kennel! There is no need to damage your magazine, you can print this picture from www.stockdogs.com.au/pages/kellys-kennel Submit your entry to Colouring Competition, AWSDM, PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale NSW 2753

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Kelly’s Kennel June 2023 Colouring Competition Winner

Tommy Medway

e c i l S e l App

INGREDIENTS • egg • butter • brown sugar • vanilla extract • plain flour • cinnamon • rolled oats • apple slices METHOD 1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius 2. Whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract and either the egg. 3. Add the flour, cinnamon and rolled oats, and combine well. 4. Press two-thirds of the mix into a lined slice tin. 5. Lay the apple slices on top of the base. 6. Spoon the remaining oat mixture on top of the apples, press down with a spatula (it doesn’t matter if there are gaps). 7. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius (350 F) for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and start to come away from the edge of the tin. 8. Allow to cool before slicing into 12 pieces. RECIEPE BY, MY KIDS LICK THE BOWL

We have included a summary of the events that we received prior to the printing of this issue.

3 Sheep Trials

Yard Trials

New South Wales

19 - 21 SEPTEMBER

Henty Field Days Sheep Dog Trial Henty Field Days

6-8 OCTOBER

Morongla Sheep Dog trial Morongla Showground Tegan Perry - 0429 792 590 Central West Championship Trial Geurie, NSW Jon Cantrall - 0427 129 779

19 - 22 OCTOBER 9 - 12 NOVEMBER

Neville Sheep Dog Trial Carcoar, NSW Peter Oxley - 0439 028 779

17 - 19 NOVEMBER

Monaro Championship Trial Monaro Region Will Goggin / John Perry

Victoria 15 OCTOBER

Dean Old Sniff Classic Dean Recreation Reserve Brian Maher - 0438 304 479

11 - 13 NOVEMBER

South Eastern VIC Sheep Dog Trial Korumburra Showgrounds Louise Rielly - 0409 170 964 Berryden Sheep Dog Trial Boolara Recreation Reserve TBA

17 - 19 NOVEMBER

South Australia 26 - 28 SEPTEMBER 13 - 15 OCTOBER 20 - 21 OCTOBER

Queensland

Paskeville Sheep Dog Trial Paskeville Field Day Site Merv Simmonds - 0438 377 380 SA State Championships Crystal Brook Oval Mt Gambier Sheep Dog Trial Mount Gambier Showgrounds Yvonne Johns - 0419 251 284

Forbes Show Yard Trial Forbes Yard Trial Olly Hanson - 0490 112 600 Eugowra Show Yard Trial 16 SEPTEMBER Eugowra Showground Peter Darmody - 0427 244 775 Murray Valley Championship 19 - 21 Henty Field Days Site SEPTEMBER Kevin Howell - 0427 592 311 30 SEPTEMBER Bribbaree Yard Dog Trrial Bribbaree Showground Jenny Sant - 0407 669 760 Geurie Golden Collar 6-8 Geurie, NSW OCTOBER Ryan Johnston - 0437 307 546 Gunnedah Championship 7-8 Gunnedah Showgrounds OCTOBER Emily Wall - 0419 705 772 9 SEPTEMBER

14 OCTOBER 21 OCTOBER

Illabo Yard Dog Trial Illabo Showgrounds Scott Carter - 0439 021 392 Tooraweenah Yard Dog Trial Tooraweenah Showgrounds Brendan Butler - 0447 481 048

Victoria 23 SEPTEMBER Horsham Yard Dog Trial Horsham Showgrounds Ged Bibby - 0438 356 656 23 SEPTEMBER Yundool Yard Dog Trial “Somerset”, Yundool, VIC Mark Wheeler - 0488 972 904 7 OCTOBER

7 OCTOBER

Seymour Show Yard Dog Trial Kings Park, Seymour Brian Leahy - 0409 336 654 Swan Hill Yard Dog Trial Swan Hill Showgrounds Noel Templeton - 0428 353 225

22 - 24 SEPTEMBER

Chinchilla Trans-Tasman Trial Chinchilla Showgrounds Lisa Walsh - 0474 102 629 | 07 4662 7972

9 OCTOBER

Kerang Yard Dog Trial Kerang, VIC Graham & Lorraine Morris - 5450 3224

25 - 27 SEPTEMBER

Surat Sheep Dog Trial Surat Showgrounds Rohan Ballon - 0413 465 791 Allan Leech - 0407 766 856

13 - 15 OCTOBER

28 - 30 SEPTEMBER

St George Sheep Dog Trial St George Showgrounds Allan Leech - 0407 766 856

14 OCTOBER

VIC State Yard Dog Championships Bairnsdale Aerodrome East Gippsland Farm Dog Group Andrew Whelan Boort Yard Dog Trial Boort, VIC Greg Boyd - 0428 328 928

22 - 24 SEPTEMBER

Karara Sheep Dog Trial Karara Showgrounds/ Recreation Reserve Cameron Smith - 0417 220 868

14 - 15 OCTOBER

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Lancefield Show Yard Dog Trial Lancefield, VIC Neville Williams - 0437 400 000

COMING EVENTS Please email your dates to laura@stockdogs.com.au to be included in our next issue.

Cattle Trials Queensland

Utility Trials Victoria

2-3 SEPTEMBER 9 - 10 SEPTEMBER

Lake Elphinstone Cattle Trial Darren Gilliam - 0409 580 879

16 - 17 SEPTEMBER 23 - 24 SEPTEMBER

Injune Cattle Trial Charlie Brummell - 0427 826 280 Killarney Cattle Trial Col Bloomfield - 0412 754 807

Rockland Springs Cattle Trial & Futurity Steve Biles - (07) 4984 4145

30 SEPTEMBER Begonia Cattle Trial - 1 OCTOBER Levi Koster - 07 4626 5847 30 SEPTEMBER Begonia Cattle Trial - 1 OCTOBER Levi Koster - 07 4626 5847

1-3 SEPTEMBER 16 - 17 SEPTEMBER

Queensland 27 - 29 OCTOBER

New South Wales 8 - 10 SEPTEMBER

NSW State Championships Bonalbo

23 SEPTEMBER Singleton Show Cattle Trial Singleton, NSW More info TBA 7-8 Gunnedah Cattle Trial OCTOBER More info TBA 14 OCTOBER

Casino Show Cattle Trial More info TBA

19 OCTOBER

Lismore Cattle Trial More info TBA

21 - 22 OCTOBER 27 OCTOBER 4-5 NOVEMBER 9 - 10 DECEMBER

Bingara Cattle Trial More info TBA Alsonville Show Cattle Trial More info TBA Nowendoc Cattle Trial More info TBA Walcha Cattle Trial Walcha, NSW Nathan Brown - 0473 878 144

VIC State Utility Championship Manangatang Sportsground Noel Templeton - 0428 353 225 Bairnsdale Utility Trial Bairnsdale Raceourse & Recreation Reserve Travis Scott / Roberta Prince - East Gippsland Farm Dog Group 0409 954 924 | 0419 387 379

QLD State Yard Championships + Utility Trial + Stockmans Challenge The Woolshed, Jondaryan Shelly Burns - 0414 263 293

Auctions Monto Working Dog Auction Monto Saleyards. QLD C: livestock@kelco.com.au 24 SEPTEMBER Lucindale Working Dog Auction Lucindale, VIC C: lwdauction@outlook.com Top of the Range Working Dog Auction 7 OCTOBER Guyra, NSW C: myles.williams@elders.com.au 9 SEPTEMBER

18 NOVEMBER

RMA Working Dog Auction C: office@colinsay.com.au

2-5 MAY 2024

Ray White Livestock Working Dog Sale & Trial - CQLX Gracemere Saleyards C: working.dog@raywhite.com

Holbrook Cattle Trial

Article by Peter Govan | Photos by Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine Another very successful Holbrook Cattle Dog Trial was run on Setting up a trial like this takes a lot of effort and commitment Saturday and Sunday, 20th & 21st May 2023. With over 190 and is impossible to do without gaining fantastic sponsors and runs (not including finals) we had a lot of new faces and many help from many of the locals and competitors over the whole returning competitors, which was great to see. Although the two days. We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their weather was not the best, the fires were burning continuously generosity and a special thank you to Dunoon Angus for and the competition was hot! After a great meal on Saturday supplying their excellent heifers for the trial again. night provided by Holbrook Working Dog Club and a few drinks, I don’t think there was too many people who went to We are blown away by people’s sponsorship and a special mention has to go to Matt Maliki, who contacted me offering to bed cold. donate a service fee from both his dog Morgan’s Beau and his Again this year’s Trial was affiliated with The Agricultural stallion Palmer’s Super Idea. Matt ran a private auction with the Societies Council of NSW through Holbrook Show Society and generous proceeds being utilised to improve our stock handling we thank them for their support. We drew competitors from a facilities for Future Trials. huge area, from many parts of NSW and Victoria and we thank A big thank you also goes out to our Judges over the weekend and them all for putting in the effort to travel. to Geoff Lloyd, who spent the whole two days commentating, This year we changed up our course so that every class got which was warmly received. Thank you to Tom Quihampton for progressively harder, which was really well received by all all of your assistance throughout the year. competitors. This was something that most competitors said Sponsors for the Trial were: Dunoon Angus | Hicks Beef | they would like to see at all Trials. Wirruna Poll Hereford | Kenmere Charolais | Holbrook Vet This year for the Local Class we changed it to Mitch Cooper Centre | Enduro Dog Food | Chemvet | Australian Working Local Encourage Dog Class. Mitch Cooper was part of the Stock Dog Magazine | Holbrook Cattle Vets | Maliki Stock Dogs Holbrook Working Dog Club, who sadly lost his life in May | AKRO Constructions | Holbrook Working Dog Club | T A 2022. Mitch was a Builder in Holbrook working for AKRO Fields | Longyard Butchery | Hamish & Abby Paton | Southern constructions, who kindly offered to sponsor this year’s event Spur Trading | Grills Family | R & T Jenkyn Livestock Transport along with the Holbrook Working Dog Club. Mitch had a great As we don’t run Holbrook Cattle Dog Trial to make a profit, over sense of humour which is fitting for this event as it is based the last two years we have been able to make sizable donations on laughter, good commentary and lots of fun. Anyone from to Are You Bogged Mate – which I’m sure you will agree is anywhere who was wanting to have a go and have some fun a very worthwhile cause. This organisation founded by Mary could enter. This proved to be huge and great fun with some O’Brien is set up to get mates talking to mates about mental competitors travelling as far as 400 km to enter. We set this health. And this is another great reason why we’ve set up our course to be as achievable as possible, making judging very Holbrook Cattle Dog Trial. While it takes a lot to set up this difficult, but making every competitor feel like a winner. (This Trial, the benefits we all gain from socialising with like minded people are immense. is how we grow the sport!) The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine kindly donated a 12 month’s subscription for a Stockman’s Award for each of the Senior Classes – this award was given to one of the competitors who may not have had a winning run, but showed great Stockmanship.

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If anyone from Southern NSW and NE Victoria is thinking about setting up a Cattle Dog Trial, please feel free to contact us if we can be of any assistance. Entries for next year’s Holbrook Cattle Dog Trial will be open from early May 2024. With the amount of interest that we had this year, you’d better mark it on your calendar, as it will be first in, best dressed!

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Results Hicks Beef Open

1. Danny Kerr & Buddy =2. Ben Coster & Fred =2. Nick Hovey & Munns Bill 4. Peter Govan & Tuck 5. Juston McDonald & Molly Stockmanship Award -

Kenmere Charolais Novice 1. Paul Elliot & Brisket 2. Danny Kerr & Mingle 3. Peter Govan & Tuck 4. Paul Elliott & Spook

Wirruna Poll Hereford Maiden =1. Ceri Lewis & Betty =1. Ceri Lewis & Sylvie 3. Andrew Hindmarsh & Snow 4. Peter Rutherford & Solo

Mitch Cooper Local Encourage

1. Chris Ferguson & Penda 2. Jeremy Lim & Lady =3. Andrew Hindmarsh & Snow =3. Geordie Kilmartin & Hazeldell Marley

Holbrook Vet Centre – Highest Scoring Female Run

This was highly contested with two bitches sitting on 98 at the end of the weekend. A run off was held between Ceri Lewis’s Betty and Peter Rutherford’s Solo with Betty coming out on top.

Holbrook Vet Centre – Highest Scoring Male Run Paul Elliot’s Spook with 99.

CONTACT EMMA 0427 674 616 @Glen Idol Working Kelpies

CANINE BREEDING SOLUTIONS TAS SERVICES include: • Storage of semen under liquid nitrogen. • Ability to do site visits within Tasmania. • In house Progesterone testing. • Preparing chilled semen for transport. • Semen collection and evaluation. • Artificial Inseminations.

Phone 0407 486 261 graemewright@bigpond.com 374 Briggs Rd, Brighton TAS 7030 GRAEME WRIGHT – HISTORY • • • • • • • •

40yrs+ breeding and exhibiting bull terriers. Imported bull terrier semen from USA in 2002 to improve lineage and health. 2007 Completed the world known Camelot Farms freezing system course. Accredited Greyhounds Australasia. Accredited ANKC (Australian National Kennel Control). Accredited Dogs Tasmania. Accreditation in Microchipping (Animal Industries Resource Centre). Invited to Judge at the Dutch Bull Terrier Intercountry Competition.

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A unique program that covers every single stage from buying a pup to going to work; including specialst yard dog training with material constantly being updated and improved. This course consists of over 30 video lessons with paper base back up. Support is number one for Kaden’s Students, we offer one-on-one coaching as well as Q & A conference calls, critiqued training videos. There is a private facebook community that is active. This course will transform you as a trainer!

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Roma Show Sheep Dog Trial 2023 Article & Photos provided by Rohan Ballon

The start of the Western Run kicked off in Roma as the Roma Show Sheep Dog Trial was held 11th – 13th May. The weekend saw 41 handlers and 176 dogs from as far away as Tasmania, Victoria and NSW decend on Roma, Western Queensland for the start of the Western Run of 2023. This trial is supported annually by local sponsors Rural Insurance Services, Roma Rural Student Hostel and Crawfo’s Tyres, donating over $1500 in prize money to the trial. Over 600 Merino weaners were donated for the trial by John and Keri Hacker of Summerhope, Muckadilla, providing tough competition for the weekend. Experienced judges Snow Potter, Harold Waldron and Michael Dungey did a fantastic job keeping tally of the competition. For Harold, this year marked 25 years of involvement in the Roma trial in roles including steward, judge and competitor. Snow has long run out of fingers and toes to count that number, having grown up in the area and trialled at Roma since his younger years. The trial saw continued domination of the Knight family, with Bailey Knight taking out the Dog Pro Open with Camara Gwen and Barry Knight coming out on top in the coveted Genuine Roma Show Open with Knights Bridie. Rhonda O’Connell took out the top spot in the Improver with Camara Richmond and Bailey Knight stood up once again taking out the Novice with Knights Champ. Matt Devereux was rewarded for his long trek from Southern NSW taking top honours in the Encourage with Delrio Gem. A huge thank you to all who assisted in the running of this great trial, keeping our sheep well managed ensuring fresh sheep for all, and all pitching in to lighten the timekeeping duties. We look forward to seeing you all once again in 2024!

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Results Dogpro Open

1. Bailey Knight & Camara Gwen 2. Garry Barker & Barkers Millie 3. Geoff Gibson & Gibsons Polly 4. Barry Knight & Fiesta Henry 5. Rhonda O’Connell & Camara Wangaratta 6. Wally Dalton & Morri-Lynne Mitch

Crawfos Tyres Improver

1. Rhonda O’Connell & Camara Richmond 2. Michael Rigby & Barcoo Lionel 3. Geoff Gibson & Gibsons Polly 4. Rhonda O’Connell & Camara Wangaratta 5. Kaleb Whalley & Bushland Flip 6. Lyn Hamilton & Princes Bart

Rural Insurance Services Novice 1. Bailey Knight & Knights Champ =2. Bob Hamilton & Larners Meg =2. John Crombie & Knights Barney 4. Barry Knight & Knights Frank 5. Gary Spry & Sprys Bundy 6. Garry Barker & Trewina Tootsie

Roma Youth Hostel Encourage 1. Matt Devereux & Delrio Gem 2. Brandon Cherry & Shaundar Reef 3. Lyn Hamilton & Princes Bart 4. Matt Devereux & Badboy Mick 5. Troy Simpson & Walkabout Sophie 6. Peta Mason & Derry Downs Emma

Roma Show Genuine Open

1. Barry Knight & Knights Bridie 2. Carmen Blyth & Somerville Spec 3. Bailey Knight & Melnunni Duncan 4. Clinton Hall & Serrano Rooster 5. Jim O’Connell & Camara Mia 6. Jim O’Connell & Camara Chaos

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Back to his Roots

Article by AWSDM | Photos by Sally Mac

ony Mulvihill from Downunder Working Dogs Inc has found himself right back where it all began.

and Laura from DogTorque podcast and Farmer Dave with his RuffTrack lads and their high jumping kelpies.

Some 10 years ago Tony established Downunder Working Dogs after deciding he wanted to give something back to his love of working dogs. He thought the best way to help the dogs, was to educate the handlers. He wanted a facility where people could come with their dogs and learn to understand the herding instincts of these remarkable working dogs. It was a case of “if you build it, they will come… hopefully!” and come they did.

Tony gave a demonstration of a young and older dog working a small handful of sheep and talked about a working dogs instinct and desires and the importance of working on basic obedience way before ever taking the dog to sheep.

Tony went back to the books to be legally able to deliver the training, obtaining various qualifications including a Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Advanced Diploma in Agriculture, Firs Aid Certificate, Working with Children checks and more. Since opening the facility, people and their dogs have come from all over Australia. Tony has had the opportunity to learn from and with some 2000 odd dogs. Tony says these dogs have not only taught him what works for him but also what doesn’t.

A few lucky attendees were given an opportunity to work with Tony and the sheep, whilst Tony displayed and explained to the crowd things like keeping a calm and steady approach, the fact that training a dog takes time and certainly wont happen overnight, along with the importance of looking after the welfare of both dog, sheep and handler. A fantastic day was had by all, and I am sure their will be a few more dogs and handlers coming along to Sugarloaf and building on that 2000 odd dogs that have already taught Tony so much.

As of July, Tony will be back in Sydney conducting working dog training from a purpose-built facility at Cobbitty, near Camden. This is the same facility that houses the Australian Stockdog Club, a club that some 25 years ago Tony was the Foundation President, with training grounds then located on the grounds of Dogs NSW at Orchard Hills, Sydney. The new grounds are within Sugarloaf Equestrian Centre, where a recent open day saw more than 90 people register to come along with their dogs. Some familiar faces were in the crowd, being Tom Carroll - two-time world champion pro surfer, Dan

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Boonah Working Cattle Trial Wayne Carney Memorial Open winner, Glenn McKay with his dog, Wildcash Nellie, and children (L-R) Callum, 12, Mackenzie, 10, and Cody, 7. Photo: Andrea MacCormick Freelance Journalist

Boonah Working Cattle Dog Trial & Auction

Article by Andrea MacCormick

Seasoned handler and dog team clinch Wayne Carney Memorial Open at Boonah Boonah Working Cattle Dog Trial Wayne Carney Memorial Open winner, Glenn McKay, said he didn’t feel extra pressure walking into the arena for his final run with Wildash Nellie, this was in despite of the fact he was contending the event with the highest first-round score. “You just have to take it as another run, when you put pressure on yourself, that’s when it can all go pear shaped,” Glenn said. During the weekend’s trial, held from August 19-20 in conjunction with the Hayes and Co Boonah Working Cattle Dog Sale, Glenn built upon his first-round score of 89 with a solid 85 to total 174 and win the Open among a competitive field. Wildash Nellie is a proven trialler having won other Opens and also securing the Queensland Championships in 2020. Having plenty of cover and presence, Nellie embodies Glenn’s requirements for his trial team as she has a calm nature and has always been very trainable. “I am happy for Nellie to have won this trial as it was made a little more special because my kids were here to watch her do it,” Glenn said.

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Glenn travelled from Stanthorpe with three of his children, Callum, 12, Mackenzie, 10, and Cody, 7 to Boonah to compete and he also judged the trial’s Novice and Maiden. “Given this is the first trial for Boonah, I think it has been really well put together, they have organised a great show,” he said. “The Novice final had good and fair competition, and all the competitors came into this event with fresh cattle, which was the right way to do it I feel.” The Novice was won by Steele Cannell, Toogoolawah, and Carrdoon Zippo with a combined score of 178 points and Anita Albeck, Wallumbilla, won the Maiden with Glenray DJ on 86 points. Debut trial will return Boonah Working Stock Dog Club President, Errol Gill, described the weekend as a great success and said plans were already underway for next year’s trial. “It was a mammoth effort to organise the event, and we are so grateful for the volunteers and Club Members who

AROUND THE GROUNDS helped us set it all up and worked all weekend to ensure our trial ran smoothly,” Errol said. “For me, a highlight of the weekend was our Stockman’s Challenge on Saturday evening. This event was run under lights, and we tested the triallers by setting up a difficult course and giving them five head of cattle.” Errol, alongside his wife Jeanel, are founding members of the Boonah Working Stock Dog Club which started in 2021. The club has grown to have more than 80 paying members and holds regular schools and clinics to educate beginner handlers as well as experienced cattle trial and yard dog competitors looking to finetune their techniques. Last month, Member for Wright, Hon Scott Buchholz, backed the club with a $10,000 boost. The funds were put to use to purchase new portable panels and equipment to improve the sheep-handling facilities. “Our club has a great sense of camaraderie and it’s rewarding to see everyone supporting each other to lift the level of training for both sheep and cattle trial dogs,” he said. Chocolate collie tops auction at $13,000 The 2nd Annual Hayes and Co Boonah Working Dog Sale, held on Sunday, peaked at $13,000 for fully-trained chocolate Border Collie bitch, Kota Frankie. The three-year-old dog is out of stylish trialler, Kota Lottie, and by proven mustering dog Ringers Duncan and was bred and trained within handler Leonie Davy’s Kota Working Dogs program. “Frankie was a standout from the time she was a pup,” Leonie said. “She always had a beautiful cast, biddable nature and a calm working style that meant she excelled on sheep. However, as a mustering dog, she also had plenty of force and the bite needed to shift cattle. “We are sad to see Frankie leave our team as she is one of the last pup’s out of my Kota Lottie, who was a very loyal and consistent trial dog for me, but we are thrilled with our sale result and pleased to know she is going to a good home.”

Competitor Wayne Wayte’s Walcrow River Bandit out on course during the Boonah Working Cattle Dog Trial. Photo: Elizabeth Wieland Photography

Results Wayne Carney Memorial Open 1. Glenn McKay and Wildash Nellie 2. Craig Ervine and Tarraway Mick 3. Ross Kehl and Billaroo Jake 4. Wayne Wayte and Walcrow Bandit =5. Ross Kehl and Bobb n Co Pippa =5. Barrie Hughes and Electra Chip

Bendigo Bank Kalbar Novice

1. Steele Cannell and Carrdoon Zippo 2. Mick Seeney and GI 3. Bob Pronard and Bobb n Co Dolly =4. Steve Flatley and Brutonvale Cheeky =4. Steele Cannell and Mysticview Lara 5. Barrie Hughes and Electra Banjo

Bendigo Bank Kalbar Maiden 1. Anita Albeck and Glenray DJ 2. Barrie Hughes and Electra Banjo =3. Stan Hughes and Husanley Flick =3. Bobb Pronard and Bobb n Co Dolly 5. Errol Gill and Caviar Kinky 6. Andrew Daniels and Chip

Hayes and Co Boonah Working Dog Sale bell ringer, Kota Frankie, and vendor Leonie Davy. Photo: Andrea MacCormick Freelance Journalist

Queensland Yard & Utility Trial Ass. Recent Events A Note from the President... The very first QLD State Utility Championships hosted by QYUTA went off with a bang. It was a massive three days of trialling for Queensland, with a total of 33 handlers, 80 dogs and 197 runs (including finals). We received a massive amount of support from trialers, sponsor and supporters. We had trialers come from all over QLD and NSW, which saw the level of competition rise to a new level. All competitors were friendly and supportive of each other, this made the atmosphere incredible for our first utility champs. Congratulations to Gary White and Whites Pint on winning the 2023 QLD State Utility Championship. We hosted the championships at Inglewood, QLD. The trial was run at the local showgrounds which was faultless in appearance. The Inglewood show society was a massive support to QYUTA in the lead up to this event, with granting us access at late notice due to relocation to their grounds. The secretary Rhiannon Hoey works tirelessly to keep the showgrounds looking great and ready for any event. A big mention needs to go to the Bartlett Family for supplying us with merino wethers which were perfect for this trial. Also, a big mention to Trevor Conroy from 3TB transport for the cartage of the sheep to and from the grounds. Trevor and Rick Marshall worked non-stop to make sure sheep were delivered on time and were rotated home for fresh sheep as needed. A massive thanks is needed for all our sponsors who came onboard for the very first QLD State Utility Championships. Enduro pet foods, Gilby and Thompson Contracting, Paycheck working dogs, RG & DS Stephenson Transport P/L, Diamond K

Callum Storey, QYUTA President Blu Rey, Karana Working Kelpie Stud, Easylock Fencing Clips and Inglewood Show Society. This trial was a massive success, and a special mention needs to go to the team behind the scenes. We brought in some new faces to help organise and run this trial. Everyone was so keen and excited to help make the first utility champs a success. So, a big thanks to Chris Coman, Rachel Bice, Tristan Lyons and Penney Downey for coming onboard and for all your help leading into and during the trial. Moving forward from this trial the future of QYUTA along with yard and utility trialling in QLD is looking very bright and promising. 2023 has seen major growth in this truly amazing sport that we all love so much. If it wasn’t for so many that have supported QYUTA then this would not have been possible. We still have the 2023 State Yard Dog Championships to come yet, this event will be hosted by the committee of the Jondaryan Woolshed. This will be another massive 3-day event with the main trial being the yard championships, along with a utility trial and a newly formed format called the stockman’s challenge. It is shaping up to a great event that you will not want to miss. I would like to finish this article with a massive thank you to Enduro Pet Foods for your amazing support right from the getgo. Without your backing of QYUTA we would not have been able to supply our winners and placegetters across all trials with a high-quality product to support their dogs’ nutritional requirements. Your dog food is second to none on today’s market and we hope that our partnership with Enduro Pet Foods will continue into the future.

Gary White Working Dog & Trialing School

By Chloe Owen, Surefoot Kelpies

With the first QLD State Utility Championships only days away, it was the perfect time for Surefoot Kelpies and Coolmunda Organics (Owen Family) to team up and host a Gary White working dog and trial school, which was hosted over 3 days.

early in the process, which in turn has a great effect on their mental stability. I have found that as my dogs and I have moved forward since Gary’s school we have a better response to each other. This has allowed us to continue with respect and clarity.

The 3-day school was held at Nunyara, Coolmunda QLD, which is home to Coolmunda Organics. Nunyara stands for “place of healing”, the name is very practical as the property is quite picturesque and peaceful. In true fashion of Coolumda Organics, Nunyara and the Owen family, the food that was supplied was full of flavour. This was created by their amazing organic olives and olive oil which in my opinion, is some of the country’s best.

The morning of day 3 brought a different feeling to the start of the utility trial school. I believe the participants involved were wanting to be prepared for the first QLD state utility championships that were now only two days way. The concentration from everyone involved was intense and all eyes and ears were on what Gary was prepared to teach us. The timing of the utility school could not have been better. The confidence of participants after this school was high and everyone entered the Queensland State Utility Championship excited and keen to get out and put into practice our newly found knowledge.

Days one and two saw people with a spread of ability learn new, vital methods in training working dogs. Gary has a very relatable and practical approach to teaching a wide range of people his methods. I find Gary’s ways of teaching very easy to follow, which allows me to learn quickly and easily so that in turn, I can then teach my dogs with a lot more clarity. Gary’s methods on getting young dogs started is gentle and kind. This allows for major confidence growth in young dogs

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Thank you, Gary and the Coolmunda Organics team, for their time, support and assistance in furthering our own and our dogs’ education. I for one, enjoyed every minute and again, thank you to Coolmunda Organics for your amazing food and gorgeous property.

AROUND THE GROUNDS Queensland State Utility Championship With a four-week-old baby and dogs out of work, ‘Queensland Representative’ was not in my vocabulary when I entered the 2023 QYUTA State Utility Championships. The event was originally scheduled to occur at the Jondaryan Woolshed however it was changed to Inglewood due to sheep availability. This put the location only 20 minutes from home for us. This was a fortunate change for our team, allowing me as a new mum to compete and still be home every night in my own bed. So I packed up my Border Collie bitch Shaundar Pink, along with my other two dogs, my partner Rick and his dogs and our daughter Hayley and off we went just for some fun and experience. Along with the Gilby and Thomson Contractors Open and Championship Trials (judged by Ed Wall), the event also comprised of the RG & DS Stephenson Transport Pty Ltd Novice Trial (judged by Gary White), Gilby & Thomson Contractors Maiden Trial (judged by Brad Clark) and Paycheck Working Dogs Encourage Trial (judged by Tony Overton) with high entries in all. Special awards were also granted for the Best Performing Bitch and Dog, Encouragement Award, Stockmanship and Lady Handler. I am honoured to be the recipient of the Paycheck Working Dogs Lady Handler award.

By Tammie Conroy

12 months and my Utility career even shorter with this being my second attempt. As a newcomer, I felt welcomed, and no question was too silly whether it be to the Committee, the judge, or a fellow competitor. 33 handlers attended over the weekend, coming from across NSW and QLD. 30 dogs entered in the Open and over 197 runs to complete over three days. From these Open runs, the Top 15 were taken on for the Championship which then lightened to the Top 5, revealing Gary White as the winner of the Queensland Utility Championship for 2023. Thanks must be given to the Committee, major sponsor Enduro, fellow competitors and all the sponsors. A special mention must go to GT Bartlett Family Trust for the use of their sheep and 3TB for the safe delivery of the sheep. I especially would like to thank Paycheck Working Dogs for the beautiful Lady Handler Award and my partner Rick Marshall, mum Bronnie Reid and dad Trevor Conroy for helping our team (two legged and four) get through a big weekend of trialling.

QYUTA set a challenge in the Open and Championship course with a driving arch where the handler was required to walk straight across while their dog drove the sheep in the corridor shaped in a semi-circle arch from the bridge to the race. The course also saw the use of a bridge which I have been told isn’t too common in Utility courses but sorted the men from the boys (or the women from the girls!) I thoroughly enjoyed the course set and with Pink by my side, I was pleasantly surprised to finish the course every time. Shaundar Pink was one of my two entries in the Open and Championship Trial. She is a six-year-old Border Collie bitch out of Akoonah Floss by MGH Sol. Overall, Pink is bred to be a Three Sheep Trial dog but has now obtained placings in Three Sheep, Yard and Utility Trials with me as her handler. I have owned and trained Pink since she was 12 weeks old. While she is more the style of a Three Sheep competitor, her life as a working dog has enabled me to get her through most courses I have attempted, even in Yard and Utility trials. She is a mostly white bitch, with an easy cast, straight and confident walk up and very biddable nature. This all makes her quite pleasurable to work even with our lack of work and training leading up. Pink and I finished the first round with a pen and a score of 51. This had us enter the Top 15 in 9th place and me as the only female handler. A Top 15 round score of 61, found Pink and I just out of the Top 5 run off and in a final position of 7th in the Queensland State Utility Championship. Based on these results, the Queensland Representatives were also chosen in the form of Brad Clark with Ginger and myself with Shaundar Pink who were invited by Gary White to compete in the Interstate Challenge at the Australian Utility Championship held in Nyngan. I competed in all levels of the Queensland State Utility Championship with some scores but unfortunately no placings. Rick however upheld the team success and came home in 4th place with a new member of our team, Paton’s Sprout, in the Paycheck Working Dogs Encourage Trial. We both learnt a lot of what to do and what not to do over the weekend. The State Utility Championships were run for the first time by QYUTA and what a job the Committee did! Interstate competitor and Gilby and Thomson Contractors Championship winner Gary White from Whites Kelpies commended the Committee on a very well-run trial and as a new competitor to the sport, I have to agree. My trial career all over has only spanned approximately

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AROUND THE GROUNDS Texas Show Society Yard Trial A new agricultural show has been added to QYUTA’s calendar for yard trialling. The Texas Show Society yard trial was held on 29th and 30th July. The trial arena was centrally located between the main arena and side show alley. Although it was a little noisy at times, the location guaranteed maximum crowds to watch the trial. We had a full schedule of 2 days of trialling. Sheep and cartage were kindly donated by Dennis Rush and Andrew Gray respectively and Thomas Foods International were the main sponsors for the trial. Thanks to Inglewood Show Society for the loan of their yards. The sheep were challenging on Saturday with the Open, Novice and a local Bushmans trial. However Sunday’s fresh sheep were much improved for the maiden and encourage handlers with close scores in the finals. Many thanks to our judges, John Peters and Callum Storey. The special stockmanship prize at the trial was awarded to Chloe Owen. As this was the first yard trial ever held at the Texas Show and was a successful and popular event, we have been asked back in 2024. Many thanks to the show society and local Texas residents for their support of the yard trial

Chloe Owen, Stockmanship Award

By Shelly Burns

Results

Thomas Foods International Open 1. Peter Hogan & Peterson Ivan 2. Peter Hogan & Peterson Jay 3. Callum Storey & Surefoot Brandy 4. Lachlan Finlay & Jett

Thomas Foods International Novice 1. John Peters & Nulla 2. Peter Nankervis & Campaspe Champ 3. Rachael Bice & Bices Ellie 4. Chloe Pwen & Surefoot Munson

Texas Show Society Maiden

1. John Peters & Nulla 2. Peter Nankervis & Campaspe Champ 3. Lachlan Finlay & Jett 4. Chloe Owen & Surefoot Munson

Texas Show Society Encourage 1. Peter Nankervis & Campaspe Champ 2. Garry Elder & Jess 3. Garry Parker & Ollie 4. Rachael Bice & Bices Ellie

Rachael Bice on Course

STOCKMANS

KELPIES COLLARS and

Bill and Marg Scott North East Victoria 0428662728 stockmans5@bigpond.com www.stockmans.com.au Stockmans Kelpies - Stockmans Collars

2023 Coprice AGL Australian Utility Championships, Nyngan Article & Photos by Angie White

The 2023 Australian Utility Championships in Nyngan were held over 5 beautiful winter days in the small town in the centre of NSW. Nyngan is synonymous for holding Australian events – having held the Australian 3 sheep championships for over twenty-three years commencing in 1956.

with two dogs to come in second place, closely followed by South Australian workers Tom Joyce and Kristina Crawford, NSW represented by Maurice Metherall and Gary White and Queensland’s Tammie Conroy and Brad Clark. All represented their state with pride with conjecture already underway on who can scoop the pool next year.

The town has deep rooted connections to all thing’s sheep dogs, being surrounded by some of Australia’s best known sheep stations and renowned sheep and dog breeders making it steeped in history and tradition.

Another highlight of the event was the Junior Nursery which saw workers aged 6 – 12 years compete in one of the most fun events. The girls who are all friends loved competing against each other and it was amazing to see the stock and dog handling skills they showed.

Not to mention that John and Joy White along with committees continued to run a trialling event in Nyngan from 1979 onwards, with 2023 being the first time since 1956, that neither of them were present.

With over 200 runs for the week, the Dorpers, donated by Jack and Dione Carter, were at times a dream and at times a challenge, which kept the competitors on their toes.

An Interstate Challenge was run for the first time and States were asked to select representatives and competitors wore their state colours with pride.

With the top 15 and then the final 7 in the Championships, the big prize was taken out by Adam James with Myamba Moss in a well-deserved display by both handler and dog. Greg Walton scored 1st place in the Improver with Milburn Harvey while Les Eveleigh took out the Novice with Beetle. Young up and comer Sam Taylor took out the Nursery section with 9 - year-old Hanna Crawford getting the gold cup for the Junior Nursery Section.

Those who competed did so with good natured banter and sledging prior to and during the event to the entertainment of the watching crowd.

With only three on the committee the organisers were so grateful to all who chipped in and helped out which made for a great feeling of comradery for the event.

Victoria took out the event with competitors Adam James and Aoidh Doyle, with Tasmania’s Adrian Carpenter representing

Planning is already underway for next years trial event and we look forward to seeing everyone again.

This year the event had a buzz about it as Competitors once again travelled from all over Australia to attend and try their hand at Utility trialling.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Results Australian Utility Championships 1. Adam James & Myamba Moss - 252 2. Greg Walton & MIlburn Harvey - 221 3. Aoidh Doyle & Whisper Snip - 218 4. Kevin Howell & Karana Roy - 208 5. Daniel Camilleri & Pilbara Trick - 197 6. Gary White & White’s Billy - 188 7. Les Eveleigh & Nellie - 148

Improver

1. Greg Walton & Milburn Harvey - 152 2. Les Eveleigh & Nellie - 148 3. Dave Motley & Motleys Joy - 114 U/P. Kevin Howell & Karana Ace - 80

Novice

1. Les Eveleigh & Beetle - 160 2. Jacob Ryan & Spider - 158 3. Les Eveleigh & Ivy - 157 4. Tom Joyce & Keilira Boon - 153 5. Les Eveleigh & Major - 152 U/P. Adam James & Greg Walton

Nursery

1. Sam Taylor & Opal - 79 2. Sam Taylor & Roy - 76 3. Hannah Parker & Bev - 57

Junior Nursery

1. Hanna Crawford & Walkandi Jack - 68 2. Miley Davis & Gunna Try - 59 3. Ella Crawford & Clancy - 50 4. Sophie Crawford & Weekaroo Billie - 50

Interstate Challenge 1. Victoria - 160 2. Tasmania - 121 3. South Australia - 109 4. New South Wales 5. Queensland

AROUND THE GROUNDS

2023 Toogoolawah Show Society Working Cattle Dog Trial Article & Photos Provided by Steele Cannell

The scenery was set at this year’s Toogoolawah Cattle dog trial July 15th and 16th with sky divers falling from the sky from the famous nearby Ramblers drop zone and with the break in the normal chilly winter weather, beautiful sunny days were amidst, and cattle dog trialing was the task at hand.

With the event running smoothly and completing the 75 first round open runs in good time the majority of competitors participated in a novelty Stock Dog Challenge with a modified course which was a huge success and won by Sam Connelly out of 21 competitors.

After hosting a massive Australian Championships, the previous year the small but dedicated committee were relieved with tending to a standard size trial. Challenges we still faced preparing for the competition as event organiser Steele Cannell competed at the Australian Championships in Scone NSW the weekend leading up to event and raced home to get the event organised and under way.

After a great day of trialing, an amazing meal was enjoyed while sharing a few yarns amongst friends. A wonderful crowd had gathered in the stands for the open final under lights Saturday night and away we went. The open final consisting of the top 12 was fiercely contested and after the dust had settled, Mr Stan Hughes and Husanley Jagg emerged victorious. After a great day and the traditional after party competitors retreated to prepare for the maiden/novice event on the Sunday.

The Toogoolawah show society would like to give a big thank you to its trusty team of helpers including the back yards helpers, time/score keepers and catering staff which all make the event the success that it was. A special mention to trialer’s Sam Connolly and Paul Wroe from Blue Mountain and Middlemount who didn’t travel home after also competing at Scone to participate in the event and to Paul Wroe for his assistance throughout the week setting up. Also, to Ross Kehl, competitor and good friend from Wallumbilla for once again assisting in preparing the cattle for the event weeks prior. This leads me to acknowledging the Major Sponsors of the event being Ashvale Station (cattle donors), Amberoak Rural (open sponsor), Toogoolawah Tyre & Battery (novice sponsor) and Mystcview Working Dogs (maiden Sponsor), all who made the event another success. With the event set, the 24-handlers got under way in the open trial at 7:00am sharp under the watchful eye of Judge Bob Pronard.

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Sunday saw out the 67 maiden/novice runs supervised by judge Glenn Mckay and to finish off the day the successful competitors competed in the maiden top 10 final and the novice top 13 final. Nick Edwards taking out the maiden trial with Craiglea Bert and Mick Seeney taking out the novice trial with Gi. Congratulations to all competitors and a big thank you for supporting the Toogoolawah Cattle dog trial once again. The weekend ended up great success and to wrap it up the Toogoolawah Show Society committee would like to thank the remaining sponsors of the event. Being Nutrien Ag Solutions Toogoolawah, HLE Smith & Co Transport, P & F Eggleston, Ray White Esk/Toogoolawah, LJ Hooker Esk/Toogoolawah, South East Country Vets Toogoolawah, Seymours Toyota Toogoolawah, Brisbane Valley Meats, Pro Weed Spraying, E.M.E Smith & Morden Pastoral, Shepherdson & Boyd Livestock, Craig Donald Electrical, Cobber Dog Food and Finally Laura from the AWSDM. Thank You! And see you all again next year.

Cumnock Utility Trial July saw the return of the Bowyer & Livermore Cumnock Utility Trial after a long 9-year absence.

Article by Daniel Pumpa | Photos by Wandering Co. Photography

The lovely Cumnock Showgrounds we welcomed 20 competitors and saw over 85 runs over the 22nd and 23rd July 2023. Competitors travelled from a range of different locations including Greater Sydney, the Central West and the greater region. With this being my first time running a utility trial I was very grateful to all the people who helped me set up, let out sheep, pack up, time keep and everything else to keep the weekend running. We bought down Justin Tombs from Armidale to judge both our Novice and Open event. He had a couple of long days and did an extremely good job. The sheep were supplied from local bloke Gus Shannon, who was also the successful winner of the ewe hogget competition this year. The sheep were wonderful sheep to handle and they made us all look good which is exactly what I was looking for with our first event. With over $5000 in prize money handed out along with an unbelievable amount of merchandise, we are forever thankful to the support from all of our sponsors. Next year we have plans to run the trial in between the South Australian State Utility Championship at Melrose and the Australian Utility Championships at Nyngan. Our idea is to allow anyone to either do the full circuit or just Cumnock and Nyngan in quick succession.

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Results Open

1. Greg Walton & Karana Max 2. Kevin Howell & Karana Roy 3. Kevin Howell & Karana Ace 4. Jacob Ryan & Whites Darby 5. Greg Walton & Milburn Harvey

Novice

1. Greg Walton & Milburn Harvey 2. Greg Walton & Iuna Louie 3. Nigel Brazier & Braziers Sterlo 4. Andrew Heath & Gallon 5. Daniel Pumpa & Colite Turbo

AROUND THE GROUNDS

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Chris Bagnall & Shy, Australian Championship Open Winners

2023 Australian Cattle Dog Championship & Upper Hunter Stock Dog Challenge

Article & Photos Provided by Grace Halsted

The ‘Upper Hunter Stock Dog Challenge’ has been a great success once again but this year it also hosted the Australian Working Dog Championships. Drawing handlers from the top of Queensland through to lower Victoria all to the outstanding venue ‘White Park Scone’. There were around 80 competitors that went head to head in a battle to get the win. The weekend started out with the Australian Maiden/Novice run in the undercover arena and the Australian Open ran outside in the campdraft arena. The cattle were testing enough but the cream really rose to the top and we saw the best of the best move on to the top 25 finals with Andrew Clode and Samantha Connolly leading the pack.

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The SPONSORS TEAMS DASH 4 CASH was a huge success with a lot of fun. There were 34 names drawn out of a hat at random and a hybrid course was set up for them to complete. The winners of this were Zac Ede with Snoopy and Drew Stone with Rooter. Saturday was jam packed with the continuation of the Cow Dog Challenge and the start of the top 25 maiden and novice finalists. Saturday evening, we began the night with the ALL ROUND COW DOG. This event was the top 5 highest Open scores and Cow Dog Challenge scores. They went head to battle on a hybrid course with Judge, Nathan Brown from New South Wales. The winner was the very handy handler and dog Graham Langham and Dougal. This combination is always very strong.

Following, we had the STATE OF ORIGIN competition ran. This is always a close battle, and the cattle were fabulous. Around 2 hours of watching the top 6 dogs in QLD and NSW go head to head was a huge highlight of the weekend. At the end of the night the NSW team were victors by just 3 points. The winning team consisted of, Captain Dan Mathews, Graham Langham, Andrew Clode, Athol Essery, Nathan Brown and the veteran Dick Chapman with this being his 22nd time representing NSW.

Samantha Connolly and Biles Trip, Australian Championship Maiden Winners

Sunday brought some of the better handler and dog work we have seen. We wrapped up the Cowdog top 25 and moved into the undercover arena for the top 10 maiden, novice, open and cowdog finals. The Australian Champion Maiden winner was Samantha Connolly and Biles Trip. The Australian Champion Novice winner was Dick Chapman and Bonnie. The Australian Champion Open winner was Chris Bagnall and Shy. The Cowdog Challenge winner was Jamie Sturrock with Craiglea Abby. Jamie also placed second and third with other dogs. This event couldn’t possibly run without the great sponsors that came on board to help Zoetis, Bowers Cattle and Ag, Bailey, HRLX, Cobber Dog, Mach Energy and North west mining.

Jamie Sturrock & Craiglea Abby, Cow Dog Challenge Winners

The major Cattle donors Waverly Station and Scone Pastroal, A HUGE THANKYOU. We will see you all next year!

Dick Chapman & Bonnie, Australian Championship Novice Winners

Team NSW, State of Origin Winners

Sydney Championship Yard & 3 Sheep Trial Article by Sydney Sheep Dog Club | Photos by Natural Focus Photography

From 6th to 9th July 2023, Sydney Sheepdog Club ran their first combined 3 Sheep and Yard championship trial since 2019. We had perfect weather, beautiful grounds, challenging sheep, lots of hard work and a whole heap of FUN.

us number quality sheep. Getting those sheep into Sydney was the biggest expense for us. Having Bendigo Community Bank sponsor us by paying for the transport was a very generous and much appreciated support.

Thursday and Friday saw the Open, Novice and Encourage first 3 rounds take place in the 3 sheep trial, with some big scores being put on the board. Saturday saw the finish of the last rounds in the 3 sheep and the Novice and Encourage yard trial ran. Sunday was a big day with all the finals ran in the 3 sheep arena and the Open Championship Yard and Maiden yard completed.

During the lead up to the trial, we ran a series of Mock Trials, both as Fundraisers and as a way to encourage new members to have a go. They say “many hands make light work” and as a club we are fortunate and grateful to have a large pool of helpers to set up, pack up and run the trial.

“Overall Highpoint Dog” was a new award was added to our trial this year. It was awarded to the dog who achieved the highest combined score in their 3 Sheep and Yard runs. Barrick Parkers, Sophie who scored well in both to take out the win. We also ran a Team Yard Event where pairs of handlers and dogs raced against the clock and clicker to finish a yard course. There were plenty of laughs and cheering from spectators. It was a heap of fun with winners being father and daughter combination, Emelia Stokehill & Andrew Walton. The team from Rufftrack attended with a coffee van, put on a high jump competition and it was great to see some of these young people and the dogs they have trained also entering the yard trial. Running a trial needs 3 things: sheep, money and workers. We are grateful to Sydney University for once again loaning

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Results Open Yard Winner Nick Foster & Koonama Cracka

Novice Yard Winner

Antony Attard & Hawkesbury Dee

Maiden Yard Winner

Emelia Stokehill & Getem Ardie

Encourage Yard Winner

Robbie Heath & Braziers Sterlo II

Open 3 Sheep Winner

Will Goggin & Vaimari Trixie

Improver 3 Sheep Winner Will Goggin & Bredbo Scooter

Novice 3 Sheep Winner Jon Cantrall & Princes Tyson

Encourage 3 Sheep Winner Todd Kissick & MGH Socks

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QLD Supreme & TransTasman Representative Selection Trial

QLD Representatives; L-R: Bailey Knight & Melnunni Duncan and Jim O’Connell & Fleetwood Paw

Results QLD Supreme Open

1. Bill Davidson & Wirchilleba Stormy 2. Douglas Taylor & Jackie 3. Bill Davidson & Grassvalley Flake =4. Barry Knight & Larner’s Mavis =4. Jim O’Connell & Camara Mia 6. Geoff Gibson & Gibsons Polly

Improver

Article by Tony Jackson | Photos Provided by Lisa Walsh, Julie Spry & Rosemary Gibson

The 8th to the 11th June saw the Queensland Working Sheepdog Association hold their Queensland Supreme and Trans-Tasman Representative Selection at Tara after a change of venue. Our Trans-Tasman Representative run off had fierce compeition between, Geoff Gibson with Swampoak Abbey, Jim O’Connell with two dogs, Camara Mia and Fleetwood Paw, Bailey Knight had Camara Gwen and Melnunni Duncan and Barry Knight had Larner’s Mavis and Fiesta Henry. Judge, Bill Davidson had some tough judging over the three runs leading to Bailey Knight and Melnunni Duncan and Jim O’Connell and Fleetwood Paw coming out on top to be our Queensland State representatives in the Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge in Strathalbyn, South Australia.

1. Greg Campbell & MGH Scott 2. Clinton Hall & Trapline Pretty 3. Charlie Knight & Koba Josie 4. Gina Milburn & Rivercoe Murphy 5. Jess Macleod & Wondara Idle 6. Michael Rigby & Barcoo Lionel

The Queensland Supreme had over 266 first round runs and was a great few days with wonderful weather. Brandon Cherry and Freestone Dixie had two wonderful runs to win the Encourage. Merv McCahon and Booberoi Blake won the novice, Greg Campbell and MGH Scott took out the Improver. However, it was New South Wales competitor and our Trans-Tasman Representative judge, Bill Davidson who took out the 2023 Queensland Supreme with Wirchillaba Stormy.

Novice

Grantley and Fiona Hackles generously put on a wonderful BBQ dinner with dessert for a gold coin donation on the Saturday night. The money raised from the dinner went towards assisting with the sheep hire & cartage.

1. Mervyn McCahon & Booberoi Blake 2. Brad Anderson & Andersons Skye 3. Matthew Parsons & Shaundar Flirt 4. Barry Knight & Knights Frank 5. Brad Clark & Patrons Sprout 6. Roy Potticary & Camara River

Encourage

1. Brandon Cherry & Freestone Dixie 2. Sandy Dow & Shaundar Spud 3. Brandon Cherry & Shaundar Reef 4. Matt Preston & Shaundar Bill 5. Tammy Preston & Shaundar Cloud 6. Troy Simpson & Walkabout Sophie

Thank you to our major sponsor Dogpro, to Alison and your team great to have you with us here in QLD. Thanks to the Dogpro sponsorship we have $13,000 dollars in our kitty to assist with the running of our next Australian Supreme. Thank you also to Graham and the team at Hip Pocket for your ongoing support of Queensland trials it is greatly appreciated. To all the organising committees who run the trails in Queensland it’s a big job and thank you for supporting our sport. Thank you to everyone who judged this year if we all take our turn it’s easy. We’ll have another judging seminar at Surat in coming months.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

QLD Supreme Top 15 Competitors

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AROUND THE GROUNDS

2023 South Australian State Utility Trial, Melrose Article and Photos supplied by Sandy Wilksch

The South Australian State Utility Championships were held on July 21st to 23rd in the picturise town of Melrose. Once again competitors came from near and far hoping to take the trophy home. There was a good line up of competitors and equally talented dogs. Novice was judged by Mr Lyndon Cooper from South Australia. First and second went to Gary White with Whites Bindi and Whites Albert, with third and fourth going to Kristina Crawford with Jack and Jimmy. Norm Severs made a long drive over to judge the Championship and we are very grateful. There was a good mix of dogs in the Open final and not a lot between in scores With Ali Davies and Lee Mickan going in on equal top score followed by Lyndon Cooper but Gary white was not far behind and was not giving up without a fight with 3 in the final. Kristina Crawford was first out in the final with new sheep that were breaking hard and unfortunately ran out of time as did 5 others in the final. With the sheep proving difficult Gary came out to put a handy 77 on the board, Ali and Lee both ran out of time with their final runs. Gary came out and put a 74 on the board which put him in the lead with Whites Billie and Whites Pint. Lyndon with Nitro scored a 42 after running out of time but had a first-round score of 82 – not bad for a 12 year old dog. Last dog out was Lee Mickan with Kelvale Gus who went into the final with a 76. Gus delivered a consistent run to score a 79 in a nail-biting finish and win the Championship by one point from Gary White. We look forward to seeing you all next year.

Results Open Championship

1. Lee Mickan & Kelvale Gus 2. Gary White & Whites Billie 3. Gary White & Whites Pint 4. Gary White & Whites Albert 5. Lee Mickan & Joker 6. Lyndon Cooper & Pushemup Nirto

Novice

1. Gary White & Whites Bindi 2. Gary White & Whites Albert 3. Kristina Crawford & Jack 4. Kristina Crawford & Jimmy

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Business Directory

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45TH ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE

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Friday September 15, 2023 Inspection from 10am Ram Auction 1pm e Fre rest Inte ferred De ment Pa y i o n s Opt

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