The cancellation of the Royal Melbourne Show has disappointed many producers who prepare for the event months in advance, and it is also unlikely they will get other opportunities to compete.
In western Victoria, local shows are being cancelled or postponed as social restrictions of mass gatherings show no signs of easing.
For Koroit sheepdog trainer Barry Paton, showing off his pooches is one of his favourite pastimes.
And like many regular attendees, the show is also an important social event.
"It's going to affect a lot of people who are unable to [showcase their talents]. So it's not just the bigger shows, it's all the small ones too," he said.
"There are a lot of country shows that have struggled over the years and small towns are going to struggle with not being able to get the public to go."
Mr Paton organises the Koroit sheepdog trials and says these events bring money into the town.
"I know when we run our sheepdog trials here the business people do well," he said.
"People come and eat, and they've gotta live here for a week, so [businesses] do well from other people coming from interstate and supporting all the businesses."
"Towns are going to miss out in the next little while."
Meeting mates at shows
In addition to the excitement of showcasing his dogs, Mr Paton says he has a group of friends he looks forward to catching up with at the events.
"You meet up with a lot of people who are good mates, you just sit around and have a good chat. You miss the people a lot," he said.
"I'm missing it and probably doing it a little bit hard here. It's a bit hard just working your dogs at home and not being able to compete with them."
Mr Paton says not having the set goal of upcoming shows has changed how he trains his dogs.
"Leading up to the shows you do a lot more training with your dogs," he said.
"I've relaxed a bit with the older dogs and I've been training some of the young ones.
"We're not going to be able to showcase the best dogs and our best workers."
But Mr Paton is thankful to have his four-legged companions with him while he isolates from COVID-19, even though he can not show off their talents to the public.
"It's so good to be in the country on a few acres when you've got your dogs and you can go out and do something with them," he said.
"They're good mates, they notice too that you're not going to trials.
"They step up and they love going to the trials. That's what we breed them for, that's what we train them for.
"I don't know where I'd be without them to be quite honest with you."
