Ever wondered just how far the humble farm dog runs each day?
It’s hard to know when the work of these crucial team members varies so much on every farm across the country, as they tackle different livestock, geography and production systems.
But this evening, when 12 canines from across the nation come in after a day’s work in the paddock, they will have the data to show just what they’ve been up to.
This morning, they’re setting out wearing GPS collars as part of the third annual Cobber Challenge, in the search for Australia’s toughest work dog.
This national competition sees the dogs’ movements tracked every day for three weeks, with speed, duration and distance results uploaded to the website each evening. Points are earned based on daily activity until Sunday 2 September to determine the winner of the coveted Cobber Challenge trophy.
"We can’t wait to see the results begin to roll in this evening, as our 12 competitors come in from a day of hard work," says Cobber Brand Manager Marika O’Leary.
"Each has something different planned for the first day of the competition – it’s all dependent on the season and what jobs need to be done within their individual farm businesses."
Today, Molly Cornish and her kelpie Hooch from Tasmania will be checking lambing ewes, doing the stock rounds, moving lambs and moving heifers.
"It will be more of a quiet day for us, so I’m keen to see what he does. I’m just keen as to see how we go!"
Henry Lawrence and his dog Boof from Victoria were in a similar place.
"Boof and I are excited to get started on the first day of the Cobber Challenge. This is the quietest time of year for us but I think he’ll still do really well."
Meanwhile, Matt Scharkie and his dog Mitch from Terowie, South Australia, will be tackling a full day of shearing.
"There’s plenty of yard work to be done."
Cobber Working Dog Food provides the fuel for these dogs, as it does for thousands of working dogs every day around the country and picking the winner is tough. Ms O’Leary said more than 60 stores are running local tipping competitions.
"Everyone has their favourite – and are typically very parochial - and we’ll all be following along on the website each night just to see how our pick is tracking."
Brad McDonald, the owner of last year’s winner Flow, is tipping fellow Tasmanians Molly and Hooch.
"She’s very driven and as someone with her own stud, really knows her dogs," he said.
Damien Clifford, the competition’s inaugural winner reckons the Western Australian duo Bec Martin and Tiges will take out the title.
"I’ve seen some of Tiges’ progeny and I’m sure he’s got what it takes to win the Cobber Challenge." ---
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