Merinos give trialers the runaround in run-up to SI champs

The wily woolly ways of merinos were under scrutiny last week as dog trialers took their first chance to herd the breed.

More than 200 dogs and 95 men and women competed in the two-day trials at Malvern Downs last week, with many farmers getting in some practice for this month's South Island championships in Omarama.

Lumsden farmer Dick Restall, who was at last week's trials with his dog Pun, said merino sheep were different to handle from crossbreds. "We normally use romneys ... I'm only getting used to this type of sheep for Omarama," he said. Another farmer, who did not want to be named, said the agility and fitness of merinos made them completely different to work with compared to crossbreds. MORE>>