Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the eighth year of the contest, supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers.
The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized in January 2026 at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California.
The 2026 Farm Dog of the Year will also be featured in a professionally produced video. Since its inception the contest has provided a link to the farm for pet-loving Americans who vote for their favorite farm dog online.
“Farm dogs play an important role on the farm and hold a special place in our hearts,” said Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation president. “They show up every day without complaint and are eager to pitch in. Many go above and beyond in caring for their farm families.”
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Rounding up livestock, chasing off predators, opening gates, fetching or carrying tools and buckets, and greeting visitors are among the many tasks performed by farm dogs.
Scientific research insights from a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Purina reveal that interacting with pets can provide health benefits. For example after spending just 20 minutes with a dog, people experienced a significant increase in levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in moderating stress. It was also associated with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in a self-reported sense of well-being. Following the interaction with the dog, people were in a more-positive emotional state.
“We are proud to continue supporting and celebrating hard-working and loving farm dogs through the American Farm Bureau’s Farm Dog of the Year contest,” said Jack Scott, vice-president of sustainable sourcing at Purina. “Purina sources nutritious ingredients from American farms to make our pet food, and we support the hard work and dedication of American farmers feeding generations of people and pets.”
Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to the farmer and his or her family, playfulness and obedience.
Farm-dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. If not yet a Farm Bureau member but interested in nominating a farm dog, visit fb.org/join to learn about becoming a member.
Visit fb.org/initiative/farm-dog-of-the-year for eligibility guidelines and submission requirements. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and an optional video clip must be received by July 11, 2025, for consideration. The Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest is sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
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