Working Dogs and Kelpie Demonstration at NSA Sheep 2010
2010-06-04

The cream of the sheep sector’s working dogs and a new Kelpie demonstration will feature among the outdoor activities lined up at NSA Sheep 2010, the industry’s biennial event staged by the National Sheep Association at the Three Counties Show Ground, Malvern on Tuesday 3 August.

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The event will host the 13th biennial sale of working sheep dogs with more than 40 Border Collie entries expected from novice to trial dogs, including those registered with the International Sheep Dog Society. Prior to coming under the hammer, each dog will be put through its working paces on the sale site.

“The event will once again provide vendors with an opportunity to offer their dogs to a wide audience,” says Clee, Tompkinson and Francis auctioneer, Gareth Griffiths. “The true value of a good working dog is becoming even more unquantifiable in the current farming climate where reliable, skilled labour is a proving a challenge to find.” He adds: “As far as prospective buyers are concerned, they will be able to observe each entry working in an away from the farm environment, and for visitors, it provides another genuine attraction.”

NSA Sheep 2010 will also be featuring for the first time a working demonstration of Kelpies, the Australian bred dogs noted for their natural ability for backing sheep. Sheep farmer and shepherd, Kevin Reeves who runs the Salisbury based Lyndhurst stud together with Tracy Huxtable from the Devonairs stud will be putting 10 dogs through their paces in a yard and paddock demonstration.

“Dogs are an integral part of this event as they are of a sheep farmers’ business and their input cannot be underestimated,” says NSA Sheep 2010 organiser, Helen Davies. “The sheep dog sale has grown to become a huge focal point for vendors, purchasers and also spectators. Our new Kelpie demonstration will provide visitors with additional ideas of how dogs can help to increase a flock’s management efficiency.”

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