Nominate Your Dog for Montana Farm Dog of the Year

There's some pretty cool farm and ranch dogs out there…but do you think your pup has what it takes to become the “Farm Dog of the Year”? Here's how to get in on the action.

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation wants everyone to know that “farmers and ranchers 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.”

Rounding up livestock, chasing off predators, opening gates, fetching or carrying tools/buckets and greeting visitors are among the many tasks performed by farm dogs, according to the Farm Bureau. They added that research from the Mayo Clinic and Purina shows that 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. This was also associated with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in a self-reported sense of well-being.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farm and ranch dogs play an important role on the farm and hold a special place in our hearts. They show up every day without complaint and are eager to pitch in. Many go above and beyond in caring for their farm families.”

Jack Scott, vice president, sustainable sourcing at Purina: “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. 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.”

Here's more details from the Montana Farm Bureau press release: 

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 at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, in January 2026. The 2026 Farm Dog of the Year will also be featured in a professionally produced video. The profile of 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Sirius can be viewed here. 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 and ranch dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. Not yet a Farm Bureau member but interested in nominating your farm dog? Visit mfbf.org/join to learn about becoming a member.

Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available fb.org/initiative/farm-dog-of-the-year. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and a video clip (optional), 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.