Marton Young Farmers go barking mad at first ever bark up event

The bark up event has dogs barking as loud as they possibly can in front of a judge and on this occasion, the winner received cash, dog biscuits and a silver engraved whistle. Photo / Supplied

More than 30 huntaway dogs howled out loud in front of a judge at the first Marton Young Farmers Club bark up on Saturday night.

148 farmers purchased tickets to the event held at the Stewart's station on Jeffersons Line and many of them brought man's best friend along for the ride.

Treasurer of the Marton Young Farmers Club Stephanie Sloan said it was great to see so many people show up.

"We just decided to do it this year, we wanted to include more of the Hunterville and Taihape guys because there's no club between here and Ruapehu," Sloan said.

"A lot of people change their jobs in the middle of the year as well, especially in the dairy industry, so basically it was part of canvassing for new members in Marton too."

Tickets to the event were $30, which provided the buyer with entry to compete, watch the band Beyond Nothing and eat as much barbecue as they liked.

50 per cent of the profits made would be donated to causes such as The Spinal Foundation, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and local schools.

"We had a lot of competitions, there was agility, terrier racing, best dressed and best trick. Then we had the actual bark up with the huntaways," Sloan said.

"Basically, every dog jumped up on the wool bale and barked. We had a judge and they had to bark up to a certain octave."

From their the top six were selected to bark again before a winner was chosen.

The winner of the bark up won a cash prize 10 bags of Tux dog biscuits and a silver engraved whistle, but everyone that competed got a prize.

Sloan said the event was a success and the club would discuss whether to make it an annual or bi-annual event at their next meeting.