VBCA MISSION STATEMENT
The Virginia Border Collie Association is established to create and support interest in the training and breeding of the working Border Collie on livestock; to conduct and promote working trials on a uniform basis throughout the State of Virginia; and to promote cordial relationships among its members and through community relations.
2010 National Finals Site
photo by Nancy Cox Starkey
The VBCA is proud to have Virginia as the home for the 1999, 2010 and 2013 National Sheepdog Finals at Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, VA.
2010 Finals trophies - photo by Michelle Dobbs
HOST A SHEEPDOG TRIAL
Photo by Michelle Dobbs
Farm owners may earn $700-$1,000 on a weekend for allowing the VBCA to hold a sheepdog trial. The VBCA provides liability insurance and all trial management labor. Your farm provides a fenced field and trial sheep. Proceeds are split 50/50 between the VBCA and the farm, after expenses (judges, porta-johns, etc.)
Montpelier Sheepdog Trial - photo by Michelle Dobbs
Leased flock at Montpelier - photo by Michelle Dobbs
SHEEP PRODUCERS
OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Virginia Border Collie Association supports sheep producers by providing resources to increase your productivity, enhance stockmanship and promote agritourism for your farm.
We encourage sheep producers to learn more about using working Border Collies to help on the farm. We offer a large variety of resources for you and your farm dogs so you can enhance your efficiency and experience the benefits of the working dog. The VBCA is dedicated to partnering with sheep producers and farm owners. We offer opportunities for you to share your assets in creative ways to increase and diversify your farm in come.
AGRITOURISM
The VBCA annual October trial is the main attraction to the Fall Fiber Festival at James Madison's Montpelier. We have amazed and educated thousands of spectators over this 2-day event for the past 24 years.
Montpelier - 2011 - photo by Michelle Dobbs
LEASE YOUR SITE FOR A TRIAL
The VBCA can bring in a flock of 80-100 sheep and hold a sheepdog trial on your fenced field. Our club pays a site fee to your farm, provides liability insurance, porta-johns and trial management.
Sheep arriving on-site - photo by Dan King
LEASE SHEEP FOR A TRIAL
The VBCA is looking for well-matched flocks of 80-100 sheep which would be available for lease and transport to our trial sites. At our site, sheep are cared for, fed and watered, and watched overnight. Groups of 3 or 4 sheep are used for each trial course. Typically sheep are used twice per day. This can vary by weather and condition of the stock.
