EATONTON, Ga. (Farm Monitor) — Before the sun rises, before the gates open and the work begins, one small shadow is already by his side. His name is Rooster, and he is not just a dog—he is a full-time farmhand, right-hand man, and winner of the 2025 Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year.
On Shawn Raff’s cattle and dairy operation in Eatonton, Georgia, Rooster is there for every spray, every roundup, and every stubborn cow. Whether it is moving 300 head on his own or gently guiding dairy cattle through the barn, Rooster does it all—instinctively, precisely, and with a heart as big as Texas.
In this powerful story of loyalty and labor, Rooster proves that the best farmhands do not need to walk on two legs to make a lasting impact on an operation. Watch as we follow this remarkable border collie through daily life on the farm, his unshakable bond with Shawn, and the quiet, unseen work that earned him statewide recognition.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
January 30, 2026 12:51 PM
·
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
January 30, 2026 11:44 AM
·
A rapidly intensifying winter storm is expected to develop into a bomb cyclone this weekend, affecting the Southeast, southern Virginia, and potentially parts of the mid‑Atlantic and New England.
January 30, 2026 10:52 AM
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.
January 29, 2026 02:52 PM
·
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
January 29, 2026 01:31 PM
·
UT Extension also offers tips to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets, including meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing store or generic brands.
January 29, 2026 01:13 PM
·
