Laura Hicks grew up on a cattle ranch where her family used dogs for help from time to time.  The best memories she has of her youth revolve around a particular Australian Shepherd that was always helping in one form or another. 

Laura, along with her husband Mike and two sons, Dustin and Brady, ranch in southwestern South Dakota.  They currently run both cattle and sheep as well as raising and training Border Collies for stock work.  The manpower the dogs save while working livestock has become invaluable to the family!

Laura also competes in cattle and sheep trials whenever time allows.  She enjoys the camaraderie and competition that comes along with the dog trials.  She is currently serving on the United States Border Collie Association's Board of Directors as well as being a Co-Chairperson for the National Sheepdog Finals that will be taking place this September in Sturgis, SD.  

A few highlights of Laura's trialing career to date are listed below:  

• 2002: Res. Inter. Champ. NWSS sheep trial (Zac)
• 2004 NE Open Dog of the Year (Zac)
• 2004 National Nursery Finals Rookie of the Year (Kat)
• 2005 Qualified for the Double Lift final at the Nat'l Sheepdog Finals (Zac)
• 2005-2007 Qualified for the Double Lift at the Kaycee $10,000 Sheepdog Competition (finished in top 8 each year) (Zac and Kat)
• 2006 Meeker Sheepdog Classic 12th (out of 120 dogs) (Zac)
• 2006 Meeker Sheepdog Classic Driving Award (Zac)
• 2006 Meeker Sheepdog Classic Shining Star Award. (Zac)
• 2002-2007 Qualified for the National Cattledog Finals
• 2007 Qualified for Double Lift finals at Nat'l Cattledog Finals (both Zac and Jag)
• 2007 National Cattledog Finals 6th place (Zac) and 18th place (Jag)
• 2007 National All Around Stockdog award (Zac)

  Laura is currently trialing Zac, Jag and Uno, and has some exciting young dogs in training.  While she has enjoyed her trialing success immensely, her greatest pride comes in passing her passion for working dogs on to others! Visit L & M Stock Dogs at www.LMstockdogs.com.