Competition publicity officer Adrian Carpenter, who manages the historic property, said that the three-day event would feature some of the country's best kelpies and handlers in the novice and open categories.

"There will be about 50 dogs in each category worked by about 25 handlers," he said.

"Reigning Australian champion Gary White, of Nyngan, New South Wales, will be there to defend his title.

"Kevin Howell, also from New South Wales, will be doing his best to claim the title and there will also be also handlers from Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmanian."

Mr Carpenter said that Simon Bowden, of Melton Mowbray, was probably Tasmania's best chance for the championship, with other handlers including Pyengana's Lance Clifford and himself.

"This is a field utility trial and is different from other trials in that it combines paddock and yard work and only kelpies compete," he said.

"You have five sheep out in the paddock which are taken through three obstacles before they're brought into the yard and another 10 sheep added for the yard obstacles.

"Handlers then have to separate off the original five paddock sheep and take them back outside to complete the obstacles."