Belle bags Mackenzie Young Farmers Bark up

Flynn (9), left, and his dad Marcus Nurse, with their dogs were among those who competed in the recent Mackenzie Young Farmers Bark Up in Fairlie. The pair returned home with prizes for their efforts. Photo / Alexia Johnston

Budding young farmer Flynn Nurse and his pet dog, Belle, make a good team.

The duo won the title of youngest competitor at the recent Mackenzie Young Farmers Bark Up, after putting on quite a show.

Flynn's aim was to make Belle bark on command while standing on a stage in front of fellow competitors and spectators at the Gladstone Pub in Fairlie.

And that she did — securing Flynn (9) a prize pack, which included an engraved dog whistle.

''You have to get your dog up on the stage and make it bark,'' he said.

''The loudest bark wins, and [the dog which is] most consistent and doesn't stop until you tell it.''

Flynn, who was competing for the first time and was watched by his dad, Marcus Nurse, was ''excited'' to win.

Marcus also competed in the event's whip cracking competition, a title which he won.

Days spent working as a stockman in the Kimberley, Western Australia, set him up well for the win, which ultimately secured him a Svord knife.

Marcus, who is now a local rural real estate agent, plans to return to the event next year with Flynn and younger son Samuel (8).

''I might take Fang,'' Flynn said, referring to one of the family's other working dogs.

Although Belle and Flynn have developed a bond, the youngster plans to let Samuel compete with her next time instead.

''The Fairlie bottom pub bark up was a great community event,'' Marcus said.

He plans to support it again next year, not just by entering, but by spreading the word, encouraging more children to take part and drumming up sponsorship.

ALEXIA.JOHNSTON@alliedpress.co.nz

Central Rural Life