TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
February 2017
O R
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IN
G
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TO SHEEP DOGS BY DENISE GUNN
TARANAKI SHEEP AND BEEF FARMER GRAEME DICKSON TOOK UP SHEEP DOG TRIALS AROUND THE SAME TIME HE TOOK UP FULL-TIME SHEARING, SOON AFTER LEAVING HIGH SCHOOL.
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hearing initially took him around south Taranaki before leading to more work in the South Island. As well as shearing in the summer months, Graeme also took on pre-lamb shearing in July and August. Born and raised on a sheep and beef farm, Graeme’s desire to own a farm
was always in the background. So when the opportunity to manage a sheep and beef farm in Ararata came up, Graeme took on the position. He now owns a 700ha farm near Hawera, running 6,000 stock units. Graeme said his involvement with dog trialling was a community thing to do.
Through observing others working their dogs, Graeme initially picked up knowledge and skills. “I basically learnt how to work dogs from the guys I worked with when I left school. I was told to go and watch the guys that do well at trials week after week, and work out why they were doing well,” he said. “That was good advice.” Graeme has since gone on to win four Huntaway titles and three island titles. His knowledge and experience has also been put to good use in the judging box, including at North Island and New
Zealand championships. “I generally try to compete in all the Taranaki trials, and go to a couple outside of the centre, and go to the island and New Zealand championships,” he said. Graeme tends to breeds his own pups. “I have four bitches at present that I breed to dogs of a quality that I look for.” This quality includes good type, good noise, style and flare, good stock handling and concentration on stock. “Basically looking for something with the X factor,” he said. “I am not afraid to try something bred differently. A good dog is a good dog
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