Barellan Working Clydesdales Committee’s The Good Old Days Festival bullock driver Phil Thomson has provided information on the mallee roller from the Riverina Recorder, 1912.

“The work is very heavy on the bullocks as their feet and legs get knocked about considerably by constantly travelling over the rolled mallee, and light bullocks are preferred for this class of work to big heavy cattle,” he said.

“In good rolling mallee with a suitable plant, from seven to 10 acres can be rolled daily. Mallee that requires nicking, that is mallee four inches in diameter or over, from five to seven acres a day would be considered a fair day’s work.”

People can see the bullocks in action this year at Barellan Good Old Days Festival on 2-4 October. Tickets open at Easter via the website on www.barellanclydesdales.com.au #goodolddaysfestival.