Farmer News
1 May, 2026
Working dog auction celebrates 30 years
STRONG demand is expected as Casterton gears up to celebrate 30 years as host of Australia’s premier working dog auction.
The auction, held as part of the annual Australian Kelpie Muster over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, continues to attract strong national attention.
Buyers and sellers are once again expected to travel from across the country, and organisers are confident on-line bidding will continue to rise in an attempt to secure some of Australia’s best working dogs.
Casterton, the recognised birthplace of the Australian Kelpie, provides the ideal setting for such a popular event.
The auction committee was in the process of finalising several final lots when the first rain for the season arrived in Victoria’s south west — a timely boost for producers and a positive sign leading into the event.
Behind every strong sale result is the skill of Australian farmers and handlers, whose work with livestock dogs continues to underpin the nation’s red meat and wool industries.
Whether circling a mob of sheep or holding pressure on stubborn cattle, kelpies remain a quiet but essential workforce on farm.
Their contribution reaches every part of the operation; reducing labour demands, improving stock flow, supporting animal welfare and lifting overall productivity.
For generations, these dogs have been relied upon to move, manage and protect livestock, and today they stand alongside machinery and infrastructure as a genuine farm asset.
Increasingly, that value is being recognised beyond the farm gate, with well-trained dogs attracting strong competition in the sale ring.
Events like the Premier Working Dog Auction provide an opportunity for handlers to showcase their training, with many turning that skill into an additional income stream — reinforcing that time invested in developing a good dog is both valued and worth the dollar.
The 2025 auction highlighted the event’s national reach and resilience, with strong interstate demand driving results despite challenging seasonal conditions.
The sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus, enabling buyers from South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia to actively participate.
Two Victorian kelpies reached the top price of $17,500, highlighting the continued demand for proven, high-quality working dogs.
Several other dogs sold between $8,000 and $16,500, with multiple lots exceeding $10,000 early in the sale.
This was a clear indication of confidence in the market.
Auctioneers James Tierney and Bernie Grant described the sale as having strong depth, noting that quality dogs continued to perform well despite seasonal pressures.
Online bidding again played a critical role, with dogs selling right across Australia, reinforcing Casterton’s position as the centre of the nation’s working dog industry.
Casterton Kelpie Association president Karen Stephens said the results highlight the enduring strength of the event and the offering ahead.
“Last year’s auction showed that demand for quality working dogs remains strong across the country,” she said.
“Casterton continues to bring together the best dogs, the best handlers and a national buying audience — whether they’re ringside or online.”
Mrs Stephens said this year’s auction will again offer depth across all levels.
“The auction has a dog for everybody. We sell young pups, started dogs, right through to fully trained dogs; there really is something for everyone,” she said.
With the event celebrating its 30th year, organisers are expecting another competitive and well-supported auction, with entries already attracting interest from across multiple states.
“The 30th milestone is a significant moment for the Muster and the auction.
“It’s a celebration of the kelpie’s legacy, and the role these dogs continue to play in Australian agriculture.”
The Australian Kelpie Muster draws more than 25,000 visitors annually and features a full weekend program including the Kelpie Triathlon, street festival, working dog demonstrations and community events.