By Blake Jackson
Darby, a toy Australian shepherd and blue heeler mix, was named 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. Owned by Rob Flatness of Galena, Darby was among several farm dogs competing for the title, which celebrates the vital roles dogs play in supporting farmers and ranchers.
The 2026 contest was sponsored by Diamond Pet Foods, which will provide Darby with 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 chair of the agriculture department at Ozarks Technical College (OTC), has helped make Darby a campus favorite. From sitting in on lectures to assisting with commercial cattle and a flock of Katahdin sheep on OTC’s school farm, Darby works closely alongside Flatness and a number of students.
“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!”
Photo Credit: missouri-farm-bureau
Categories: Missouri, General