Experiencing Shepherd Herding: Beyond the Basics
Shepherd herding in the Outback Australian region during the 1960s and 1970s offered a unique insight into a traditional and demanding lifestyle that hinged on managing and moving sheep across vast landscapes. Fast forward to today, the role and experience of a shepherd have evolved with modern tools and methods, but the core elements remain essential to efficient and humane sheep management.
The Challenges of Herding Sheep in the Outback (Droving)
In dry years, when food sources for grazing sheep were scarce, a practice called droving became common. Drovings would move sheep to more productive pastures or graze them on the verges of roads, known as the Long Yard. This required a high level of skill, knowledge, and patience, especially in an environment where conditions were harsh and unpredictable. Moving sheep on the Long Yard involved not only directing them but also ensuring the safety of both the animals and the human handlers (farmers) from passing vehicles.
The Importance of Sheepdogs
A team of well-trained sheepdogs played an invaluable role in herding sheep on the Long Yard. In my experience, a red kelpie and a blue heeler worked exceptionally well together. Their proficient understanding of my whistled and spoken commands helped in effectively guiding the flock. For example, "Go way back Sport! Get behind Mirri!". The dogs knew how to position themselves and when to drive the sheep, thanks to their training. The farmer's signal and the dogs' responses created a harmonious dance that moved the sheep with precision and efficiency.
Efforts to Ensure Safety
To ensure the safety of both the sheep and the vehicles on the roads, it was customary to alert passing motorists by posting individuals at each end of the migrating herd with “Sheep Ahead” signs. This precaution was necessary because, despite the farmer's warnings, some visitors from the city often underestimated the sheep's movements or were unaware of the risk posed by the animals. Sheep, while generally docile, can be unfazed by approaching vehicles and might stand still, leading to dangerous situations that could harm both parties.
Memories of Shepherd Herding
I vividly remember the hot summer days filled with dust, blowflies, and the distinctive sounds of sheep. The journey was rarely an easy one. In the earlier days of the farm, it was common to use riding horses, but as I grew older, I would use a small motorbike. My role was to either actively herd the animals or act as a sign-poster to alert cars to slow down. I was often accompanied by my father’s dogs, Mirri and Sport, whose grace and control contributed significantly to the herding process. They, along with the sheep, performed a dance that was both efficient and almost magical, under the watchful eye of the farmer.
Advantages of Poddies
One of the highlights of herding was the occasional encounter with a poddy, a sheep that is rejected by its mother as a lamb and is hand-reared. These sheep, despite their origins, often proved to be as effective as a sheepdog. The farm kids would treat them as pets, and as they grew, they would willingly follow a call from their handler. Poddy sheep had no fear of humans and could be easily summoned, making them a valuable asset to the herd. The majority of sheep exhibit a natural inclination to follow any confident sheep, regardless of its status in the flock, which made moving them through gates much easier.
The Role of Sheepdogs in Modern Times
Even without a poddy, a pair of good working dogs can significantly enhance herding efficiency. These dogs know when to drive, stand their ground, give way, or move the flock gently. A belligerent ewe or a wether moving in the wrong direction would find guidance from the dogs. They also look to the farmer for direction, making their role indispensable in modern sheep herding. The bond between the farmer and the sheepdog can be as harmonious as any dance, promoting a safer and more efficient herding process.
Conclusion
The experience of shepherd herding, while demanding, offers an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and the animals we care for. In Australia, the Outback provided a challenging yet rewarding environment for such work, where traditional skills and modern techniques came together to maintain the well-being of the flock and the safety of all involved. The lessons learned from these experiences continue to be applicable in modern sheep herding practices.