The hulking herd yoked together, dragging heavy logs at the commands of a dusty and crusty old bushman.

Now, wind back the clock and picture how a bullocky and his team start out.

Just like many of the bullockies through history Josh Stannard from Sussex Inlet is starting out young too.

At 15 he might not have the physical size or strength to be commanding a full sized team of bullocks yet, but he makes up for that with enthusiasm and patience.

For the past few months two Jersey calves named Dusty and Shadow have been the recipients of that attention and are on the way to becoming part of Josh’s first bullock team.

Josh is a friend of well-known Tomerong bullocky Ron McKinnon, whose team has made appearances at many local shows.

The two met at a show during a bullock demonstration when Josh showed an interest.

Now when Mr McKinnon is working his bullocks Josh often joins him.

“Not many young people are interested in such an old trade.

“Josh has started to break in some Jersey steers.

“I’ve helped him and advised him about working with the animals, and when I last saw them they were going very well.

“He rings me up to tell me what he’s doing, and I advise him on body language, how to talk to them.

“He’s got the passion for it and he’s learning very fast,” Mr McKinnon said.

Josh said he has always been amazed by Ron’s control over his bullock team.

“Now I’ll be adding my team to Australia’s history. I’ve had these two cows since they were five weeks old, and I love them, they’re great.

“I’m using the yoke that Ron used to train his first bullocks.

“I hope to build my team up to work in the bush and I will probably put them in the show too,” he said.