Darby Wins 2026 Missouri Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year (Video)
Darby, a toy Australian shepherd-blue heeler mix, was named the 2026 Missouri Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year for her exceptional work with students at Ozarks Tech.
The toy Australian shepherd-blue heeler mix has been a constant presence on the Richwood Valley Campus since she was six weeks old. She helps her owner, Agriculture Department Chair Rob Flatness, manage the college farm.
As Rob tells us, Darby’s not only his teaching partner; she’s the soul of the ag program.
How does Darby enrich your life?
Rob: Darby is more than just a dog. She’s my shadow and best friend. If I’m headed anywhere that’s not a grocery store or restaurant, she’s riding shotgun. On Sundays, she joins us at Sac River Cowboy Church, where she happily soaks up the attention of her congregation family.
Every weekday, she is by my side at Ozarks Tech, where I serve as Agriculture Department Chair on the Richwood Valley Campus. Darby is a true campus celebrity, especially within the agriculture family. During lectures, she might sit at the front like the most attentive student in the room, curl up in a willing lap or show off her tug-of-war skills with her favorite rope toy. Darby brings joy to everyone she meets. In fact, when we walk into a room, she’s always the first one greeted. I come in a very distant second.
How does Darby support you on the Richwood Valley farm?
Rob: I manage a herd of commercial cows and a flock of Katahdin sheep on the school farm, and having Darby by my side is like gaining two extra ranch hands. She makes tough jobs easier, safer and a whole lot more enjoyable. Students also have the valuable opportunity to learn how to work alongside and manage a skilled farm dog.
Darby’s training is a top priority since she interacts daily with students and the public. She knows her manners, and I have set clear rules for how others can interact with her to keep both her and the students safe.
What jobs does Darby have at Ozarks Tech?
Rob: Darby’s a natural herder, rounding up livestock with precision and enthusiasm. She also welcomes visitors at the Agriculture Training Center and serves as a four-legged recruiter who charms every student she meets. She’s not just part of the team; she’s the heartbeat of it.
What do you and Darby do for fun?
Rob: Darby is all about adventure when we’re not working. She loves riding in the side-by-side or hopping into the truck for errands. She is equally at home on the water, ears flying as the boat skims across the lake. Tug-of-war is her favorite game, though she will happily chase down a frisbee. As for tricks, she can roll over or play dead on command.