Key Takeaways
- Five kids from small towns in Australia have been given the opportunity to own a puppy from a champion muster dog, Banjo.
- The puppies’ owner, Kim Dodson, and fellow Muster Dogs participants are mentoring the kids in the art of mustering to ensure a future for young farmers.
- The program aims to address labor shortages in regional areas and encourage young people to stay on the land.
- The kids will learn new skills, such as training and working with dogs, and will have a companion for their adventures on the farm.
- The program is part of a larger effort to safeguard skills and ensure a future of skilled workers in regional areas.
Introduction to the Program
In small towns scattered around Australia, five kids have hit the jackpot. Not only have they been given an adorable puppy of their very own, but those puppies come from a champion muster dog, Banjo. Banjo, the beloved Kelpie, has fathered a litter of 12 puppies, and his handler Kim Dodson wanted regional kids to benefit from this opportunity. Kim asked her fellow Muster Dogs participants to find the perfect recipient in their patch to mentor in the art of mustering. This program is not only a great way to pay it forward, but it also ensures a future for young farmers.
Mentoring the Next Generation
For Kim, it’s about ensuring a future for young farmers, which is why her pick of the bunch is going to 11-year-old Eric from Tooborac in Victoria. Eric works on his family’s pig farm with two working dogs, and now has a puppy of his own, Diesel, to train. Eric is excited to learn new skills and have a companion for his adventures on the farm. Fellow season three participants Marlene Brewer, Blythe Calnan, Nathan Obst, and Jack Kennedy are taking part to help the next generation and better their own skills. Marlene, who has chosen 11-year-old Phoebe to give a pup to, is determined to empower women living on the land through her mentoring and speaking engagements.
Addressing Labor Shortages
For Muster Dogs’ youngest participant, 18-year-old Nathan Obst, his mission is to encourage young people to stay on the land as skills shortages grip the regions. According to the Jobs and Skills Australia roadmap, 36.8% of regional jobs are impacted by hiring challenges, which is well-above the 23.2% in major cities. Nathan knows that with the help of the community, farm work can be incredibly enriching, and he’s chosen to gift a pup to 14-year-old Will, who helps his family raise stud bulls on their farm. Will is eager to take on the challenge of training his new dog Rascal and is grateful for the opportunity to learn from Nathan.
Finding Purpose and Learning New Skills
Learning agricultural practices at a young age will also set up 16-year-old Western Australian Cameron for success. He’s being mentored by Blythe Calnan, and has been given pup Bindi to hone his skills. Cameron lives and works at Ethel Creek Station, after having difficulty in the schooling system. Blythe is encouraging Cameron to follow his passions, and Cameron is excited to learn new skills and work with dogs. For Blythe, it’s a privilege to show Cameron the ropes, and she’s happy to see him thrive in his new role.
A Bright Future Ahead
The program is not only benefiting the kids but also the community. By encouraging young people to stay on the land and learn new skills, the program is helping to address labor shortages and ensure a future of skilled workers in regional areas. The kids are excited to learn and grow, and the mentors are happy to pass on their knowledge and experience. With the help of the community, these kids will have a bright future ahead of them, and the program will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young farmers. As the kids continue to learn and grow, they will become the next generation of skilled workers in regional areas, and the program will have played a significant role in their success.