A forward-thinking farmer is in a field of his own – after devising a new way to herd his sheep.
Paul Brennan from Carlow in the south-east of Ireland is keeping his fluffy flock in line using a sophisticated drone instead of a traditional sheepdog.
A video, captured by the remote-controlled quadcopter, appropriately named Shep, shows the device making a faultless job of guiding the animals through a gate and into to a neighbouring field.
However experts in the north and north-east said the modern method would never replace man’s best friend.
Keith Marley, from the North East Wildlife and Animal Rescue Centre (New Arc) near Ellon, said no equipment would ever prove as reliable as a trusty border collie.
“It does threaten the usefulness of the dogs, but you need the right weather conditions, if it was a windy day you wouldn’t be able herd sheep using a drone,” he said.
“Sheepdogs also do more than herd sheep. They keep down pests and guard the farmer’s home.
“A drone will only work when you order it to work, but a sheepdog will always find something to do. They have a natural herding instinct so they will round up whatever they can find – whether it’s ducks or chickens, it’s part of their character.”
Neil Ross of Working Sheepdogs in Kincraig, has spent his whole life on the farm, however said having a collie is away of life.
He added: “The sheepdog itself is a deep part in farming culture and it will outlast any sort of technology.
“Nothing will ever replace it.”