Moving Day - Off to Greener Pastures

Having the pleasure of joining our neighbours when they bring their livestock “off the island” (Tautuku Peninsula) is always one of the highlights in our calendar.

The gods need to align the low tides to the premium time, weather and general ‘attitude’ of the stock being moved.  They have a walk of around 15km to get from the peninsula to the farm.

Access to the peninsula is via the beach at low tide, with a river crossing, just to make it more interesting!

The mob is mustered from the block using the farm working dogs. On occasion a breakaway faction need to be persuaded that being part of the larger flock is the best option.

Interesting Stat - There are about 200,000 working farm dogs in New Zealand.

The dogs all have different functions - some are stealthy and will work wide to bring in the flock, others will bark, and all understand and follow commands to stand, to move left or right or to move back to the handler to wait.  These commands are issued verbally or via a dog whistle.

Once mustered the sheep are moved onto the beach and toward their river crossing. This can be a challenging time when the water is too deep, or the lead animals are not keen to take the plunge. Generally, once underway they will all follow (just like sheep).  Watching Cam, working with his dogs to move the sheep is fascinating. 

This mob of 1,500 ewes have now crossed the river and started the walk along the beach.

Then it's up the hill .....  

along the road ... contending with traffic in both directions

up ANOTHER hill  (this sorts out the fit from the not so fit!) and the field spreads out ... 

and just on dusk we all arrive home at the farm.

They will stay here until they have had their lambs and some will go back to the island again so the journey takes place in reverse.