Saturday, May 28, 2011

Old Cars and Tractors at National Cattle Dog Finals

There were plenty of old cars and tractors at the National Cattle Dog Finals on Day Three of the competition. The Dukes of Hazzard car got a lot of attention and there were several others to look at. There was a race car there as well as an old Ford with the slogan, "Real trucks don't wear bow ties." It seems Ford was already developing a brand image of rugged toughness back in those days. Morris Carpenter of Redding had two of his old tractors there, a 1948 Allis Chalmers and a 1952 Case. John Campbell of Mount Ayr brought his 1949 Farmall and Dave Irving brought his 1947 Farmall Cub; both men decorated their tractors with patriotic flags to mark Memorial Day. Daryl Stevens brought his Farmall Super K Loader while Dan King of Redding brought his McCormick W-9.

Among some of the local folks who came were Tiffany Troutwine along with niece and nephew Sydney and Travis; Breanna Harker was there selling her six puppies along with three which belonged to Don Null. Harker's puppies were 3/4 Collie and 1/4 Australian Shepherd. Null's puppies were purebred Beagles. Also in attendance were Jeff Quick of Redding, Andy Welch, John Campbell of Mount Ayr, Dan King of Redding, Rusty Nail, Ken and Linda Gray Smith and some of their family including Susie Smith and Erica Smith and Delbert and Hazel Jackson. Delbert showed off a wooden knife made by Len Green; the Grant City Assembly of God preacher is not only a preacher and musician and golfer, he is a woodworker as well. He does all sorts of woodworking projects. The knife that Delbert has is made of 100% wood with no metal springs whatsoever.

Among groups and businesses that set up shot were American Legion Post 443 out of Blockton, Kettle Corn, Farmers Cooperative (which raffled off some dog food), and Connie's Corner Embroidery, which could embroider jackets for customers while they waited.

As before, people from all over the country were present. Rick Strohl and dog "Dusty" were from Bowie, TX. Another contestant was from Washington. The day was a challenging day for the contestants as the cattle were much more interested in licking the salt block and grazing than they were in being herded by some strange dog. One of the contestants said, "I can't believe you did that!" in frustration as the cattle ran right back through the chute after the dog had just herded them in. "It was so frustrating," said another contestant.

Although the dogs were always restless and excited at times, there was no problem with dogs running onto the field -- dogs always know their owner's voice and whistle. But it takes a special dog to be able to master the art of herding cattle. They have to know when to bite the cattle on the legs to get them going and be willing to risk being trampled on; if they are afraid of being attacked by the animals, there is no chance for them at all. All the contestants have different styles of commanding their dogs; some try and hurry the process along while others were in no hurry but were simply taking their time and letting the cattle and the dog get used to each other.

There was a BBQ contest Sunday; several of the contestants for that were already getting set up. A cowboy church with Jim Warner was held Sunday morning. There was one day of running left before the prizes were awarded.

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