Farm dogs play a special role on farms and ranches across the country. These animals are more than beloved pets for farm families. Farm dogs take on important jobs, pitching in and lifting spirits. That’s why Farm Bureau is a proud partner with Nestlé Purina PetCare on the Farm Dog of the Year contest for the eighth year in a row.
This contest has become a highlight of the AFBF Convention every year, and for good reason. This is a chance for us to celebrate our four-legged friends who show up, day in and day out, tails wagging and eager to help. From rounding up and protecting livestock to opening gates and chasing off pests, there’s a broad range of jobs, which farmers and ranchers rely on their trusted dogs for. Some dogs are even trained to sniff out crop diseases. Dogs like my red heeler, Ziggy, can also serve as the welcoming committee to the farm.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, and I cannot wait to see who gets named top dog next January. I know for each farm and ranch family, though, your dog will be “farm dog of the year” every year for the help and joy they bring. Because it is so hard to pick just one winner, we also have the People’s Choice Pup contest. Stay tuned for that popular social media contest this September when profiles of several dogs from the running for Farm Dog of the Year will be shared for the public to vote on.
This contest is important for families off the farm as well. Shining a spotlight on our dogs and their special place on our farms and in our hearts helps us connect with folks outside our fencerows. Affection for our furry, four-legged friends is something we hold in common with folks from urban, suburban and rural areas alike. With that common ground, this contest offers folks who have never been on a farm another way to connect with agriculture. You might even say that we could add another farm job to the list for our dogs, agricultural ambassador. But if your dogs are anything like my Ziggy, they might need a bath first. I’ve never seen a dog happier than when he is caked in mud and ready to join in to help with farm chores. Truly, farm dogs are some of the hardest workers around, and they are up to any task.
So, does your farm dog have what it takes to be the next Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year? You can encourage your friends and neighbors to apply too. Just get those nominations in by July 11. The grand prize winner, selected by a panel of judges, will take home $5,000 in prize money and a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food. For more on the contest, to learn about past winners, and to submit a nomination, visit our website.
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