May 19, 2023
When Adam and Stacey Olin of Alexis, Ill., got the call that their long-haired miniature dachshund, Koda, had been awarded the title of 2023 Prairie Farmer Favorite Farm Dog, they laughed and smiled from ear to ear.
“I was shocked,” Adam explains. “I didn’t think he’d have a chance, since he’s kind of an accidental farm dog.”
Weighing in at 7.5 pounds, Koda’s road to becoming a farm dog is far from typical. Adam and Stacey were living and working in Chicago when they received Koda from a breeder in May 2021. He was the runt of his litter and a fighter from the start, as the breeder was initially concerned that the pup wouldn’t survive.
“He is a little dog with a big personality — and was from the get-go,” Stacey says.
Although Stacey had always dreamed of having a long-haired miniature dachshund, Adam was skeptical, knowing the couple would soon move to the family farm in Alexis.
“I didn’t want a little dog,” Adam says, explaining that he thought a larger breed would be better suited for farm work. “I didn’t think he would jive with the lifestyle out here. But I was wrong.”
Initially, while Stacey was at work, Koda would spend time with Adam on the farm so he didn’t have to be alone during the day. Soon, Koda began to accompany Adam on errand trips around town, first to the insurance office and then the bank.
Soon Koda became the Olin Farms co-captain of the truck, tractor or combine, lying in the sun and barking at varmints. And now when the tractor approaches, Koda lets out a squeal of excitement and wags his tail happily.
“During harvest and planting season, I find myself picking him up from the field at night from the seat of some farming vehicle,” Stacey says. “I didn’t expect that for him or myself. But he really does love it.”
Koda has also become a canine agriculture advocate via his Instagram profile @kodatheminidappledoxie. He’s starred in Instagram reels showing his followers, including Stacey’s Chicago-based family and friends, what harvest is like in Mercer County.
And although he may not have herding or labor abilities, Koda’s value to Olin Farms shines through in his company.
A true ally
“Koda’s farm dog utility lies in the mental health component of farming, especially during difficult seasons like harvest or planting,” Stacey says. “I’ve seen firsthand evidence of the benefit of having an actual companion in the tractor or combine from sunrise to sunset, especially during busier times of the year.”
Koda’s name couldn’t be more perfect. Stacey says she picked the name Koda in memory of her beloved grandfather, who was an avid Chicago Bears football fan.