JEFFERSON CITY — An Australian Shepard named Cole was announced the winner of the Second Annual Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) Farm Dog of the Year contest during the organization’s annual meeting on December 4. Cole, owned by Aaron Brown of Concordia, was one of several farm dogs vying for the honor. The contest celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets.
The contest is supported by Purina Petcare, who will treat Cole to a year’s supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food. MOFB President Garrett Hawkins presented the award to Cole and Brown on stage during the opening session of the convention.
Although you’d never be able to tell due to their inseparability, Brown was not Cole’s initial owner.
The previous owner was called to serve overseas, and Brown acquired him after reaching out via social media.
“I had always wanted an Australian Shepard,” Brown said. “The blue eye caught my attention on Facebook Messenger, and so I thought, ‘well, I’ll give it a shot.’”
After seeing how he interacted with the cattle on his farm, Brown adopted him. Cole quickly established himself as a loyal farm companion and has been with Brown for the last two years. Every day, he meets Brown at the back door of his home as he leaves for his off-farm job. Cole greets him again as he returns to do farm chores. Most commonly, you’ll find Cole riding either in the Gator UTV or on the truck toolbox to check fences, feed cattle and occasionally go into town with Brown.
“He’s just an all-around good farm dog,” Brown said. “Some people look at farm dogs as wanting to work with cattle and so forth, but mine is more of a companion and a friend, and that’s what I consider my farm dog.”
A full video featuring Cole and Aaron is available here: https://fb.watch/oPZaORxZge/