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Nampo Cape 2024 introduces an exciting new feature with the Sheepdog Programme, held at the BKB Livestock Centre from Wednesday to Friday, 11 to 13 September 2024.
Read this press release in Afrikaans here.
Pippa Philip, the national secretary of the South African Sheepdog Association (SASDA), and one of the organisers at NAMPO Cape 2024, explains: “Despite technology taking over many aspects of agriculture, working stock dogs still have a very valuable role to play. A well-trained dog can assist a producer or his staff in working a flock of sheep or herd of cattle in an efficient and stress-free manner. Mechanical devices, such as drones, are only as good as their operator, while a good stock dog can ‘read’ the livestock and act appropriately. These dogs have been selected over hundreds of years for their ability to gather a flock of sheep and for their trainability. An experienced partnership between a handler and his dog is magnificent to see and these dogs, when properly trained and managed, can perform the most amazing tasks. There is nothing more satisfying than executing a difficult job with yourself and your dog!”
Read more about this year’s Nampo Cape here.
An exciting programme
The programme on Wednesday and Thursday begins at 9:00 a.m. with an hour-long demonstration and explanation of how to start training a dog to herd sheep. There will be dogs in various stages of training, showcasing the progress of the training process, with an interactive session for spectators to ask questions and get advice.
Philip continues: “On Wednesday, between 11:00 and 13:00, and 15:00 and 17:00, there will be a Yard-trial competition for any farm- or farm worker handlers who want to participate, with a prescribed course and set time limit. Depending on entries, a few rounds are planned, with each round’s winner advancing to the final round at the end of the day, followed by a prize-giving, sponsored by Optimizor dog food. Participation is free of charge, but those interested are requested to contact the SASDA office on 078 439 0329.”
On Thursday, during the same hours, a yard competition, with some of the SASDA members, will be presented, which will follow the same format. Among those taking part is the reigning Dog of the Year 2023, Diesel, and his handler Mark Trollip from Swellendam. The Dog of the Year Award is a prestigious award given to the best-performing dog throughout the year. The 2023 SA National Champion, Mac, together with his handler, Pierre Strydom from Kareedouw, will also compete. Commentary during the event will give a clear explanation of what the judges will be looking for.
On Friday between 11:00 and 13:00 there will be a short competition between SASDA members, with a demonstration of two dogs being worked at the same time (brace). There will also be a question-and-answer session, with demonstrations if possible.
“Throughout the three days, we will have a stall in the BKB Livestock Centre, manned by members of SASDA, who will be happy to answer questions and will offer training materials for sale. We are very grateful to our sponsors for the programme, namely BKB and Optimizor Dog Food”, Philip concluded.
For more information contact the SASDA:
Cell number: 078 439 0329 (Tuesday to Friday, 09:00 to 13:00)
E-mail: sasda@jenny.co.za
General information: www.sasda.za.net
See you there!
Entrance tickets are available online from 1 July 2024 at www.ticketpros.co.za, with discounted entry fees for online purchases at R80 for adults and R50 for school-aged children. Tickets at the gates will be on sale at R100 for adults and R50 for children. Entry for pre-schooled children is free of charge. Nampo Cape takes place from 11 to 13 September 2024 from 08:00 to 17:00 and on 14 September from 08:00 to 14:00. Visitors can contact the Cape Agulhas Tourism Office for accommodation on 028 424 2584 / 082 896 2225 or www.overberg-info.co.za.
For more information regarding NAMPO Cape 2024, visit www.nampocape.co.za, contact Chrystal van Wyk on 028 050 1385 or email admin@expo.org.za. For any media queries, contact Gerda Kriel at 072 664 7667 or email media@expo.org.za. – Press release, Grain SA
