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.
Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auction joined us to discuss today’s cattle offering, market demand, and what producers should watch as they plan upcoming sales.
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First-grade teacher Taylor Dougherty at Eastern Elementary School was named the 2026 Ag in the Classroom Award winner for her efforts to teach students about agriculture.
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Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
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Arkansas Farm Trail Passport brings visitors to operations across the state, like Horton’s Produce & More, where strawberry harvest focuses on quality over quantity.
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller joins us with an update on the most recent case of New World screwworm 90 miles from the U.S. Southern border.
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Variety meat demand is helping offset weaker beef exports.
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