Bendigo yard dog trial reaches record numbers

Entries to the Australian Sheep and Wool Show yard dog trials hit record highs this year. Meet the faces behind the event.

Yard dog trial competitors say “it’s cool to be country”, as a pinnacle Bendigo event reaches a new record.

Victorian Yard Utility Farm Dog Association president Rod Cavill said there were 280 runs across the Australian Sheep and Wool Show three-day event, a new record for the association.

“This trial has turned into the most popular in Victoria, with the venue and the time of the year helps,” he said.

“I think there’s been a real drive for good stockmanship on properties, and calm stockwork, and this is where they can really learn it.”

”It’s cool to be country”, says Andrew Whelan and Megan Campbell. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Mortlake’s Adam James won the Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships with dog Jindi Jaja, while Dale Thompson placed second with Giles Creek Clay and Sarah Lee was third and fourth with The Lee’s Ice and The Lee’s Rock.

Caramut dog trainer Megan Campbell has competed in yard dog trials for 10 years alongside her paramedic career, and joined ASWS trials for the first time on Friday.

She competed with her Kelpie companions Agnes, Iceman and Strut, and placed third in the novice and maiden category with Beloka Agnes.

“It’s just getting bigger and bigger,” she said.

Andrew Whelan with Whelans Run Burls and Megan Campbell with Whelans Run Iceman. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“In the drought, people have been lonely and it’s a good place to come and catch up with like-minded people.”

Swan Reach dog trainer Andrew Whelan believed ABC TV program Muster Dogs had influenced the industry, with more teenagers taking part in the sport.

“I think it’s a cultural thing. It used to be ‘not cool’,” he said.

“There’s a lot of younger people doing it. Now, it’s cool to be country.”