Northwest Championship History

The Northwest Championship Sheep Dog Trial is the oldest continuously running sheepdog competition west of the Mississippi River, and celebrated its 75th year in 2012 with a new trophy designed to last to the 99th year.

The Northwest Championship was founded by Don Bayne and first held in 1937, when the prize money was $11.00. The trial has grown in prestige, competitors, and prize money since then. In 1948 the first all-around award was presented. A new continuing trophy was started with the 75th anniversary trial in 2012, at the same time the trial moved to Wolston Farm, where it is still held today. From a trial that started out as a competition between local sheep farmers, it has grown to regularly include handlers from all the northwest states as well as from Canada and more far-flung states.

The trial is held in conjunction with the Linn County Lamb & Wool Fair, which is also the oldest fair in Oregon. While the trial has been held at many different locations around the Scio area over its long history, it has always been a popular event among locals and visitors alike.

If you would like to support the continuation of this historic event, please consider sponsoring a dog.