SHEEP and working dogs will come together when the third Monaro Merino Muster joins forces with the annual NSW State Yard Dog Championship at the Jindabyne Equestrian Resort on Saturday, February 7.
Showcasing some of the best stud and commercial Merinos from around the district, the concept behind the muster began in 2012, when members of the Monaro Merino Association (MMA) developed the idea of hosting a Merino field day to showcase the highly productive ‘Monaro Merino’.
The aim of the event was to give exposure to the studs of the Monaro at an alternate time of year to the ram selling season of October/November and at the same time, promoting the region.
The event ensures a commercial focus and offers significant prize money, totalling $5500, for a series of commercial ewe and fleece competitions.
Entries are being sought for the Fabstock commercial ewe of the year and the Gordon Litchfield wool pen of eight ewes.
Entries for these sections close tomorrow, January 30.
Nine local studs will be on display and will also compete for the Thermoskin Monaro ram of the year and the Southern Tablelands Fibre Testing premium three ram lambs.
Lou Armstrong, Pemcaw Merino stud, Dunedoo, will judge these competitions.
Visitors to the muster will also go into the draw to win the $1000 wfi Ram voucher to go towards the purchase of a ram from any of the participating studs.
With a terrific season being experienced in the Monaro, sheep are expected to present well, providing an excellent opportunity to see quality Merino sheep and some of the best working dogs in the country.
The Monaro Utility Dog Club (MUDC) will host the annual NSW Yard Dog Championship in conjunction with the Muster.
There will be several classes of competition from beginner to championship.
The Barclay’s Kelpie and Livestock Services Encourage event will be judged by Peter Kropman, Bathurst.
The major event, the Westpac NSW State Yard Dog Championship, will be judged by Robert Cox, Manildra, and Andrew King, Harden.
Robert Cox and Andrew King will also offiociate at the Snowy Plains Merino Improver and Charter Coaches Open.
Other events over the two days are the Highland Ground Spreading Maiden and High Country Automotive Group Novice, both to be judged by Matt Whitley, Wagga Wagga.
Yard Dog trialling was brought to NSW by a group of enthusiasts in 1985 to showcase the benefits of good sheep work by the dog and handler within the confines of a sheep yard.
The MUDC was formed in 1988 by a group of Monaro sheep men with the aim to give the club a name and reputation and to improve stockmanship through yard dog trials and farm events.
About the same time, the NSW Yard Dog Association was formed with members discussing and voting on a set of rules which would apply to all yard dog trials.
So far, entry numbers have exceeded expectations which will ensure two full days of trialling competition and action.
n Contact Neil Lynch on 6452 3425 for yard dog inquiries. Contact Simon King on 0414 897 390 for Merino Muster inquiries and entry forms.