NILE Stock Show Hosts Mountain States Stockdog Association Trials

October 20, 2022

Stock dogs not only make great companions for ranchers, they’re also important when comes to handling and moving livestock. This year at the NILE Stock Show and Rodeo in Billings, Mont. stock dogs and their owners are showing off their skills at the Mountain States Stockdog Association Trials.

"These dogs are incredible," said Jeannie Biggers, Vice President and Executive Secretary of the Mountain States Stockdog Association from Ontario, Ore. "The heart that they have and give us is amazing. An average border collie, kelpie, or Aussie weigh 40 pounds. These cattle are anywhere from 500 to 800 pounds. The grit and the confidence that they have and the training that goes in is incredible. The amount of hours that you put into a dog to get them ready to trial is tremendous."

She says with labor shortages, stock dogs can be a tremendous asset to ranchers.

"We've had some ranchers come and watch our trials and want to get inovlved," said Biggers. "They come, watch and they participate. They realize if they put some more training in their dogs, how much easier their everyday life will be on the ranch."

She says the Mountain States Stockdog Association is excited to be at the NILE Stock Show and Rodeo for the first time.

"We wanted to come here," said Biggers. "We're hoping that it really grows and becomes one of our biggest trials. It's really exciting. I love the NILE. I used to used to rodeo in this arena."

The Mountain States Stock Dog Association Finals will take place in June 2023 headed for Afton, Wyo. For more information, about the Mountain States Stock Dog Association, click here.

Source: Western Ag Network