The Australian
WORKING
STOCK DOG Magazine
Stockman’s Profile: Lee Mickan
December 2022
RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)
Issue 21
RECORD BREAKING AUCTIONS
AROUND THE GROUNDS:
International Schools
PLAY HARD. WORK HARDER. Nothing feels more satisfying than putting in a hard day’s work – all working dogs know that better than anyone. They get up and work day in, day out, pushing themselves and never giving up until the job is done. Hard work like this requires the right fuel. Cobber Working Dog, with optimal protein and fat and Cobber’s unique balance of Diamond V XPC® postbiotic, vitamins and minerals gives them everything they need to stay in top condition – no matter what is thrown at them. Cobber Working Dog. EAT. SLEEP. RUN. REPEAT. Call 1300 666 657 to find your local stockist.
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Editors Thoughts With the end of 2022 fast approaching, I can’t help but think, what a year it has been! With so many twists and turns, as a country we have all been holding on to one tough ride. From widespread floods to Covid to Foot and Mouth Disease concerns, it seems one thing at least remains unchanged, as a country, we the people, continue to band together, help out and get stronger. I am signing off on this issue as I prepare to head to Carcoar for the Working Dog Challenge and Trial run by RLX where we are planning to have a merchandise stand and run a dog or two. I know a lot of people are really looking forward to the event, fingers crossed the weather holds up for a great time. I want to thank all of our contributors, advertisers and the people who help me out time after time with the magazine. Without this continued support I would not be able to bring four quality issues to you each year and I am forever grateful for their assistance and friendship. We are always on the lookout for people to join us, so if you have an idea or would like to write for us, please get in touch.
In 2023, I would like to include more articles and stories about the people within our working dog community and will be looking for help to uncover some of these characters who are not always in the limelight or seen in competition. I again encourage people to call or email me with suggestions and thoughts to help keep the magazine alive, enjoyable and relevant. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay Safe and all the best for a wonderful 2023. This issue has a lot of great content for you to enjoy, so grab your favourite drink and dive in.
Laura
The Australian
WORKING
STOCK DOG
Magazine
Publisher and Editor: Laura McKillop Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Phone: Laura – 0459 031 729 Advertising Enquiries: Laura McKillop Advertising, Articles & Stories Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Mail: PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale, NSW 2753 Front Cover Photograph: Photography by Naomi White at the 2022 Supreme Stock Dog Challenge
Contributors: Nathan Brown, Dr Jasmin Hyatt, Cobber Challenge, Nick Foster, Darius Cosgrave, Lee Mickan, Heidi Matthews, Dan Matthews, Janice De Generro, Ken Sykes, Hooked On Hounds, Teeah Bungey - AuctionsPlus, Catherin McMillan, Riverina Grazier, Mary McCrabb, Dr Emily Thompson, Belinda Carter, Western Sydney Dog Lovers Photography, Amy Kerr, Kirby McPhee, GoGetta Kelpie Stud, Angie White, Queensland Yard and Utility Trial Association (QYUTA), Jan Lowing.
www.stockdogs.com.au The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine takes due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistake, misprint or typographical error. Articles that appear in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or its officers and employees. Nor does publication of said articles constitute an endorsement of views that they may express. Accuracy of all material
is the sole responsibility of the authors. Appearance of an advertisement in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or the goods or services offered therein. The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited material of any kind. No Part of Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine may be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the Publishers.
Contents
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65
28
72
42
82
08 Rising Star - Nathan Brown
56 Photo Essay
10 Vet Check
61 Kelly’s Kennel
14 Cobber Challenge
62 Coming Events
22 Stockman’s Profile - Lee Mickan
64 - 81 Around The Grounds • Inaugural Cattle Dog Muster • Sydney Championship Yard Trial • Breaking Record - Capree Stud On-site Ram & Working Dog Auction • Geurie Auction • Whites Kelpie Stud in Europe 2022
28 A Dog’s Life - Lance 34 The Training Pen 38 Introducing your Pup to Stock 42 AuctionsPlus 2022 Sale Roundup 54 Collapse In the Paddock - A Less Common Cause
• •
Ben & Belinda’s Ben & Belinda’s 2022 South African Australian Cattle Dog Trip Queensland Yard and Utility Trial Association
83 No Bake Rocky Road Cheesecake 85 Mail Order Form 86 Breeders Directory 88 Business Directory
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rom the small country town of Woolbrook NSW, 22yr old Nathan Brown is a fifthgeneration farmer. Throughout Nathan’s childhood he always had working dogs around him. His dad, Phil Brown, gave Nathan his first introduction working dogs as well as the trial world, and they still now compete alongside each other. Nathan claims his passion for dogs and the agricultural life comes from his family and the lifestyle he had growing up. He knew from a very young age that it was what he wanted to do with his life. After completing year twelve at Walcha Secondary School, Nathan trained and sold working dogs, both Kelpies, Collies, and crossbreds. Nathan now works on a property at Emu Creek and also for Gary and Rhonda Olrich. With both properties thoroughly supporting Nathan with his dogs by allowing him to train his dogs on fresh cattle and sheep, to this Nathan is very appreciative.
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r a t S g
Article by AWSDM | Photos Provided by Nathan Brown
Nathan Brown Nathan has found many people have been willing to help him with his dogs, but in particular he has found both his dad and Jennifer Burrell to be the most influential in the early stages of getting him hooked on training and trialing dogs. When it comes to trialing, Dick Chapman has provided Nathan with a lot of knowledge and help. Nathan finds Dick to be “phenomenal with his dogs and that he can do anything with them”. The late Robert Johnston was another influential person to help Nathan over the years. Throughout the years Nathan has had many dogs, but his most memorable would be his first trial dog, Naden, a black crossbred dog and Shady Acres Shiloh who unfortunately passed away recently. Nathan now has a very promising young dog whom he is very fond of, Buckol Meagan, and is very excited for her future. Some of Meagan’s recent achievements, along with some of Nathans favourite achievements were at the 2022 Bonalbo Cattle Dog trial, where Meagan won the Futurity, Maiden and Novice, and came second in the Open all in the same day. Along with this, Nathan recently competed at the Australian Championship Working Cattle Dog trial were Meagan made every eligible final at only 16 months old. Nathans future ambitions with his dogs is to see how far he can go with them, he wants his dogs to be able to do the whole lot – sheep trial, utility, and cattle trial.
His favourite thing about dogs is seeing just how much you can teach them and how eager they are to learn. When it comes to choosing a dog, Nathan prefers crossbreds as he finds they seem to provide him with a quality all-round dog that can complete all tasks. Nathan’s advice to anyone wanting to start out in the agricultural industry or who wants to start trialing working dogs is to find someone who you admire. Watch how they do things, listen to what they tell you and practice what they preach.
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AUSTRALIAN WORKING BORDER COLLIE REGISTRY Inc. 9896908
A National Registery for pure bred working border collies, our aim is to maintain the stud book and promote the responsible breeding of the working border collie within Australia. Offering members access to the online stud book, provenance in bloodlines and pedigrees. Pictured - Peta Aitchison’s SKY A1225
WWW.AWBCR.COM
Contact: awbcrinfo@gmail.com or Registrar Tricia Thomas E: eastrossgole@bigpond.com
CANINE BREEDING SOLUTIONS TAS SERVICES include: • Storage of semen under liquid nitrogen. • Ability to do site visits within Tasmania. • In house Progesterone testing. • Preparing chilled semen for transport. • Semen collection and evaluation. • Artificial Inseminations.
Phone 0407 486 261 graemewright@bigpond.com 374 Briggs Rd, Brighton TAS 7030 GRAEME WRIGHT – HISTORY • • • • • • • •
40yrs+ breeding and exhibiting bull terriers. Imported bull terrier semen from USA in 2002 to improve lineage and health. 2007 Completed the world known Camelot Farms freezing system course. Accredited Greyhounds Australasia. Accredited ANKC (Australian National Kennel Control). Accredited Dogs Tasmania. Accreditation in Microchipping (Animal Industries Resource Centre). Invited to Judge at the Dutch Bull Terrier Intercountry Competition.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT auctions@trianglehorsesale.com 0408 380 322 TRIANGLEHORSESALE.COM
HUSANLEY WORKING STOCK D0GS STOCK D0G training clinics • • • • •
Over 40 years experience training stock dogs and breeding border collies. Competing very successfully in working cattle dog trials since 1981. Running regular clinics for beginners through to experienced stock people. ' Clinics run at my place or yours, one-on-one or small group sessions available. Anyone with a herding dog wishing to practice herding or learn more can be catered for.
Stan Hughes P: 0428 967 613 E: russtanony@skymesh.com.au Located at Aubigny QLD @Husanley Working Stock Dogs
NSW Kelpie Team are top dogs for 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay Article and Photos Provided by Cobber Chall bnnnnnnenge
NSW Kelpies team are the top dogs for 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay This year’s Cobber Challenge introduced a new relay format for competitors, with teams of farm dogs competing across Australia and New Zealand to be crowned the hardest-working crew. The 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay winners are a team of four, Koonama Working Kelpies. Cracka, Drake, Sorcha and Bundy have done their owner, Nick Foster – a stockman from Boorowa, New South Wales – proud. “I’m on top of the world,” says Nick. The team have been busy managing over 20,000 sheep and cattle – mainly mustering and herding for the duration of the competition. “I loved every minute of it. It’s helped me understand how my dogs work. For example, yard work is really tiring on them, but it was interesting to see they don’t actually do that many kilometres in the yard. It’s the mental effort that’s the challenge.” Nick describes the Kelpies as part of his family, and in fact the four dogs are related. Cracka and Drake are brothers, and Cracka sired Scorcha and Bundy.
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“My dogs have also been doing trials throughout the entire competition. Cracka took home third place in the NSW Championship trials, and we’ve been in some local comps too. He won Murringo, an open yard trial during the competition as well. “I can’t believe they can be doing this many kilometres, and then placing in trials on the weekends. I’m extremely proud of all my dogs.”
The Koonama Working Kelpies crew shared the GPS collar around, to track how hard they worked. Each day Nick picked one of the dogs to wear the GPS collar.
As farm manager, Ryan missed a few days early in the competition due to his management responsibilities – but that only made him thirsty for the top spot.
A few times, the dog wearing the collar recorded more than 60km in a day. That’s a lot of ground covered by this hardworking team.
“I didn’t think we would catch up to Nick and his team, but I wanted to give it my best shot. It’s been an amazing experience seeing the kilometres my dogs do. It’s not even our busiest time, that’s in April when we’re shearing,” says Ryan.
“It’s been a crazy time. We had terrible weather, wind and rain. But it meant we had stock all over the place and plenty to do,” says Nick. At the end of the three-week competition, the team’s average speed is 10.14km/h, their total distance is 853.7km, and they spent over 84 hours working. The teams coming in second, third and fourth have been tight for the entire competition. Representing Western Australia, Hill View Kelpies – Flick, Millie, Suzie and Tez – came in second. Ryan Eade and his Kelpies run 45,000 Merino sheep on a 50,000-hectare property in Bodallin. They also took out the top spot for speed, with an average of 11.1km/h. Competitors for the 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay •
Nick Foster of Boorowa, NSW - Team ‘Koonama Working Kelpies’ incl. dogs Cracka, Drake, Scorcha and Bundy
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Olly Hanson of Corinella, NSW - Team ‘Lost River Kelpies’ incl. dogs Jake, Bowie and Hex
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Sarah Richards of Coolah, NSW - Team ‘Nerremen Kelpies’ incl. dogs Kora, Spud, Cash and Tank
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Georgie Constance of Binalong, NSW - Team ‘The Young Guns’ incl. dogs Belle, Beau, Murray and Jess
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Darius Cosgrave of Tintinara, South Australia Team ‘Superior Wool Merino’ incl. dogs Jip and Boots
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Ali Hodgson of Greenways, South Australia - Team ‘Circus’ incl. dogs Opie, Becham Floyd and Midi
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Jordan Flemming of Fingal, Tasmania - Team ‘Redhead Kelpies’ incl. dogs Nuts, Claire and Nip
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Ryan Eade of Bodallin, Western Australia - Team ‘Hill View Kelpies’ incl. dogs Flick, Millie, Tezz and Suzie
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Taylor Bird of Mount Somers, New Zealand - Team ‘Hakatere Station’ incl. dogs Bruno, Kate, Tom and Moss.
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Melissa Smith and Dan McKinnon of Skipton, Victoria - Team ‘Anywhere Crutching’ incl. dogs Caviar Keith, Roy, Pip and Jude
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Dane Simmonds of Myrniong, Victoria - Team ‘Parwan Prime’ incl. dogs Ruby and Tullyenine
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Jenine Jackson of Charters Towers, Queensland Team ‘Team Turbo’ incl. dogs Whiskey, Buck and Nick
“Congratulations to Nick and his team. And thank you Cobber for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this challenge.” Parwan Prime from Myrniong in Victoria – Dane Simmonds and his Kelpies Ruby and Tully – took out third. With livestock constantly coming in and out of Parwan Prime, there’s always plenty to do. “We work seven days a week. The Cobber Challenge Relay was fun to do. I would’ve been happy wherever my dogs ended up and it is so good to see what they do,” says Dane. Tasmanian team Redhead Kelpies got edged out of the top three in the last few days. Jordan Flemming and his young crew of dogs – Nip, Nuts and Claire – work a 20,000-acre full-stock farm in Fingal. “A huge congratulations to the winners, and all the teams this year,” says organiser Kellie Savage, Cobber Marketing Manager “The Cobber Challenge Relay is an incredible celebration of working dogs and their invaluable contribution to properties all across Australia and New Zealand. Congratulations to all the teams for tracking their dogs across different terrains and weather conditions, and for sharing wonderful photos and videos of their working dog teams in action.” Cobber Working Dog Food provides the fuel for the dogs competing in the Cobber Challenge as well as thousands of others working hard every day around the country.
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