Working cattle dog trials have been a part of Australian farming life for as long as there has been farming life in Australia.

They have not until now been a part of the Nowra Show.

Tonight at 6.15 in the main arena Ron McKinnon from Wandandian will be joined by other local farmers in an exhibition that will put their working cattle dogs through their paces.

“The cattle dog has always been a great mate and invaluable worker to the dairy and beef cattle farmers of the Shoalhaven,” Mr McKinnon said.

“Each of the dogs, usually kelpies or border collies, will be given the task of driving three head of cattle through a set course, keeping them under control at all times.

“They will be awarded points for the time taken to complete the course as well as for satisfactory completion of each part of the trial,” he said.

Mr McKinnon hoped that if tonight’s exhibition event was popular enough a true competition could be included in future shows.

“There is growing interest in the event among the local farmers.

“We have some very good dogs in the area and I think quite a few farmers would like to test their dogs against the more experienced visiting trial dogs that could be competing.