AFBF accepting nominations for Farm Bureau Dog of the Year contest

If you have a furry friend helping on the farm, now is your chance to boast to a national audience about your farm dog’s contributions.

Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which features bragging rights and cash prizes. Sponsored by American Farm Bureau Federation and supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the national contest celebrates farm dogs and the countless ways they assist farmers and ranchers.

“Farm dogs play an important role on the farm, coming alongside farmers to pitch in and to keep us company in our work,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We’re pleased to continue this popular contest, which offers a glimpse into daily life on the farm or ranch for people who may not have the opportunity to experience it for themselves.”

Rounding up livestock, chasing off predators, fetching tools and greeting visitors are among the many tasks that canines champion on the farm.

With many uncontrollable stressors associated with farming, farm dogs also can offer needed emotional support.

Research from a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Purina indicates that interacting with pets can provide health benefits. After spending just 20 minutes with a dog, participants experienced a significant increase in levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in moderating stress. This also was associated with an increase in a self-reported sense of well-being, and a decrease in heart rate and pain.

Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to farmers and their families, playfulness and obedience.

The grand prize winner will receive a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money, and will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year awards ceremony at the AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2025.

The 2025 Farm Dog of the Year also will be featured in a professionally produced video.

View the profile of 2024 Farm Dog of the Year grand prize winner, Skippy, and access contest eligibility guidelines and submission requirements at fb.org/initiative/farm-dog-of-the-year.

Returning this year is the People’s Choice Pup, a popular social media element of the contest. Profiles of several dogs nominated for the contest will be shared beginning in October, with the public invited to vote. Bragging rights and a $2,500 cash prize from Purina will be awarded to the People’s Choice Pup.

Farm Dog of the Year nominations must be received by July 12. Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition.

Visit vafb.com/membership-at-work/membership/join-now to learn more about becoming a member.