Australian Sheep and Wool Show: Man’s best friend put to the test

Central Victorian cattle and sheep farmer Kane Gardner’s troupe of talented Kelpies will be on be on show at Bendigo’s Yard Dog Championships.

There are some days cattle and sheep farmer Kane Gardner goes hours without speaking to another human being.

But he’s never alone.

Always by his side is his troupe of working dogs; his Australian Kelpies Ziggy, Jackie, Pete and Roy, who work with him to muster and manage his stock across his 1011ha property.

And his passion for his working dogs has led him to showing off his animals’ skills at sheep dog trials across the country, including the upcoming Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo next month.

Based at Romsey in Victoria, Mr Gardner attended his first sheep dog trial about nine years ago, and has spent the better part of the past decade honing his training and commanding skills.

Kane Gardner and his working dog Bruiser will strut their stuff at the upcoming Bendigo Australian Sheep and Wool Show. Picture: Zoe Phillips.

“The dogs have got to be able to do everything, to work cattle, sheep, lambs, and bulls, they have got to be versatile,” Mr Gardner said.

“I’ve been farming for a while and always loved the working dogs. I went along to a trial at Heathcote and thought ‘Gee, me and the old dog could have a crack at this’. We went along, joined the Victorian Yard Utility Farm Dog Association at Ballarat, had a run in the lower class and came second.

Australian Kelpie Brusier on his farm at Romsey, Victoria. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“I thought, I’m halfway handy at this … and have been hooked ever since.”

Not only will Mr Gardner be competing with his troupe of dogs next month, but he will be casting his expert eye over the maiden, novice and open classes as a judge.

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show O’Sullivans Transport Central Victorian Yard Dog Championships will take place July 14-16 in Bendigo.