James brings over 35 years of practical stock-dog experience to the field. He began working his first Australian
Shepherd on a diversified livestock operation in Iowa, handling feedlot cattle and a large farrowing program. Since the early 1990s, James has competed extensively, offered lessons and clinics, and worked with most herding breeds. He has earned WTCH titles on seven Australian Shepherds and two Belgian Tervurens, along with numerous titles on other breeds. For the past six years, he has helped condition and set cattle for the Australian Shepherd Club of America Nationals and Finals. Known for explaining complex concepts in practical, down-to-earth terms, James considers his greatest success seeing students finish ahead of him in trials!
Maple Grove Farm welcomes James Bergert of Amarillo, Texas, for a 2-day Stockdog Clinic April 13 & 14, 2026.
