Darby announced as MOFB’s 2026 Farm Dog of the Year

December 15, 2025

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Darby, a toy Australian shepherd and blue heeler mix, was announced the winner of the fourth annual Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) Farm Dog of the Year contest during the organization's 111th annual meeting on Monday, December 8. Darby, owned by Rob Flatness of Galena, was one of several farm dogs who competed for the top honor. The contest celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in their endeavors.

The 2026 contest was sponsored by Diamond Pet Foods, who will treat Darby to a year's supply of dog food. MOFB President Garrett Hawkins presented the award to Darby and Flatness on stage during the convention's general session.

Flatness, who serves as the agriculture department chair at Ozarks Technical College, has helped make Darby a campus celebrity. From listening in on lectures to helping manage commercial cows and a flock of Katahdin sheep on OTC's school farm, Darby is right alongside not just Flatness, but a number of students as well.

"Darby doesn't just enrich my life," Flatness said. "She brings joy to everyone she meets. In fact, when we walk into a room, she's always the first one greeted, with me a very distant second!"

A full video featuring Darby and Flatness is available on our Facebook page.