Precocious pups to go head to head at Mackenzie Young Farmers Bark Up

Gus Gibson gets his dog amped up during last year's Mackenzie Young Farmers Bark Up. The competition will return to Fairlie on March 17. Photo: Allied Press

May the best dog win when the Mackenzie Young Farmers Bark Up returns to Fairlie next month.

Dogs will join their masters at the Gladstone Pub, also known as The Top Pub, on March 17 to determine which pooch is Mackenzie's best barker. Event founder Hayley Johnson was, once again, supporting the competition, which was now being run by the Mackenzie Young Farmers.

Money raised will go back to the young farmers group and possibly towards prizes for next year's event.

Miss Johnson decided to organise the Mackenzie Bark Up four years ago while working as a shepherd.

"I just thought it would be something fun to do."

She said there was a gap for such an event at the time and with a strong rural sector in the district, hoped it would be well supported. It was and continues to be. Entries open from 3.30pm and events start at 5.30pm. Registrations can be made on the night.