According to dog trial organizer Steve Bile, Rocklands, Rolleston, up to 80 working dogs representing both Border Collie, and Kelpie breeds are expected to nominate.

“We are expecting nominations from NSW, Toowoomba, Central Highlands, Townsville and the Daintree to vie for the winning purse of $1800.

The Working Cattle Dog Trials will be conducted in an area that has been especially constructed by Deweld Engineering of Rockhampton.

Other valued sponsors include Supercoat Pet Food, Dog Master Trainers, and ANZ Bank, Emerald.

The trials will be conducted in conjunction with the Working Cattle Dog Trial Association of Queensland.

The competition will be a three-round open competition, held over three days with the final round to be held on Saturday morning, July 12.

The dog with the highest score over the three-day competition will carry the 2008 Ag-Grow Working Dog Title.

Astute judge Robbie Collcott, of Middlemount, who is also an experienced competitor, will officiate at the competition.

The cattle will be lent by Middlemount beef producers Paul and Judy Wroe, of Natel.
Not only is the Wroe family providing some of their best Braford heifers to work with, but Paul will compete with his team of dogs.

In fact, it was Paul’s, dog Socksie, that claimed the covet title at last year’s event.

“This will be a great competition with the ‘best of the best’ at work, and each dog will represent years of breeding,” Steve said.

“This is a dedicated sport, and each master will be spending at least a good 10 minutes with their dog giving quality training leading up to this event.”

Apart from shouldering the responsibility of organizing the event, Steve has nominated his best three dogs.

Plans are underway for a dog sale to be held on Friday afternoon, July 11 at 3pm.
*For more information contact Steve Biles, phone 49 844 145.