Danny Shilling: Stockdog Trainer & USBCHA Judge

Danvel farm is located in Bois D'Arc, a small community near Springfield, MO. We have run our cow-calf operation near since the 1960's, grazing our herd at three properties located in Bois D'Arc and Joplin. Our cows are Shorthorn and Shorthorn/Limousin cross cattle.

We have four grown children--including a set of twins--and several grandchildren. We really enjoy their visits to the farm.

Besides raising our own children, we have hosted five exchange students from different countries and are still in touch with them. Danny was able to visit our German student and her family during his 2004 herding-themed trip to Europe and the UK, and we both visited our Brazilian student and his family three times in the past five years.

Danny's main hobby is training Border Collies and judging herding trials. Velda enjoys cooking and gardening, and has a very impressive flower garden.

Danny is the past president and current vice president of the Mid-States Stockdog Association, where he has also earned the Year End High Points award.

He is a herding judge for the United States Border Collie Handlers' Association (USBCHA), and has judged trials in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Mississippi, among others. He also judged the 2005 and 2006 Brazilian National Sheep and Cattle Dog Championships and will also judge in 2007.

Besides judging, Danny is a popular clinic presenter in the U.S. and abroad. While specializing in Border Collies, Danny has worked with a variety of herding breeds, including English Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, and Australian Cattle Dogs. Danny is very supportive, gives clear advice, and enjoys working with both new and experienced handlers.

NOVEMBER 2007: Danny's Clinic at the National Small Farm Show: Danny holds a stockdog clinic each year at the National Small Farm Trade Show & Conference in Columbia MO. The next clinic will be November 2006 and all levels and breeds are welcome. For more information, call 1-800-633-2535.

As an experienced cattle farmer, trial judge and trainer, Danny has been involved in breeding his own line of working Border Collies for many years. Puppies and started dogs are occasionally available throughout the year.

Note that Danny's puppies are bred to work and are normally available only to working homes. Occasionally, Danny may have a puppy or adult that is suitable for an agility, obedience or pet home (his sister the veterinarian competes in agility). Please call the number below for more information on available dogs.