Sheepdogs cast out of Agfest arena

One of Agfest’s much-loved exhibits, the working dogs, will be absent for the first time in decades this week.

The move to a new location at the eastern end of the site last year has not been replicated, with some competitors complaining there was not enough room to cast dogs out wide around the sheep.

Not having a competition at Agfest is a blow to the Tasmanian Working Sheepdog Association, which has long showcased its working dogs in front of huge audiences at Quercus Park.

It built the original working dog arena at the eastern end of the site, however this was repurposed for equestrian displays in recent years.

The Association has declined to explain what led to the competition being withdrawn, although it did say it hopes to return to the venue in the future.

Rural Youth has stated that while it enjoys working with the Sheepdog Association and actively wishes to continue doing so, “we own our site and are at liberty to restructure our site as we see fit”.

“While the Sheepdog Association did contribute financially to the space they have used in the past, it was a very long time ago and it is in the event’s interest for that space to be reallocated,” a spokesperson said.

Some regular competitors are disappointed with the decision, saying what has become the highlight of their competition calendar will be missed by dog handlers and patrons. 

Traditionally the last trial of the season, Agfest was where consistency awards and Tasmanian state representatives were also decided and announced.

In particular a junior competition introduced last year to encourage younger members to take up three-sheep trialling will miss out.