Farm Dog of the Year
The Farm Dog of the Year contest, now in its ninth year, celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers.
The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, will recognize a grand prize winner—2027 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year—as well as a People’s Choice Pup winner.
A panel of judges selected by AFBF will select the Farm Dog of the Year.
The owner of the Farm Dog of the Year receives a $5,000 cash prize, a year’s supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2027 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket.
Meet the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year
Farm Dog of the Year Max’s primary role is to herd beef cattle on the Enns’ farm. His assistance is invaluable for John, who is disabled and uses a mobility scooter. Moving “momma cows” and their growing calves from pasture to pasture so they have access to nutritious, fresh grass is a recurring chore for John and Max.
People’s Choice Pup
The People’s Choice Pup contest is a popular social media element of the Farm Dog of the Year competition. Members of the public will be invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest as part of the overall competition. The owner of the People’s Choice Pup receives a $2,500 cash prize, a year's supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2027 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket.
Goose, a 12-year-old Red Heeler, took quickly to farm work as puppy. In 2021, Goose’s family made the difficult decision to remove both his eyes after he went blind from glaucoma. His family hoped for the best of course, but they were amazed at how his resilience carried him through his recovery. Though he can’t round up the cattle or fetch tools anymore, Goose is still a critical part of farm life, using instinct and memory to guide him.
Meet the Previous Farm Dog of the Year Winners
Sponsor / Prizes
For the 2027 contest, the American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized a grand prize winner—Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year—as well as the People’s Choice Pup winner.
Prizes include:
- A $5,000 cash prize, a year’s supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, a $500 travel stipend, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket for the Farm Dog of the Year winner from Nestlé Purina PetCare. AFBF will provide two free adult registrations to attend the 2027 AFBF Convention,
- A $2,500 cash prize, a year's supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, $500 travel stipend, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket for the People's Choice Pup winner from Nestlé Purina PetCare. AFBF will provide two free adult registrations to attend the 2027 AFBF Convention.
Judging
A panel of judges selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation shall select the winners Farm Dog of the Year. Members of the public will be invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest as part of the overall competition.
Judging of the contest will be based on nomination materials submitted. Desired attributes in the Farm Dog of the Year are helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience.
Contestants agree that the sole and final judgment as to all matters concerning the contest and interpretation of contest rules are at the sole discretion of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and their officers and staff.
Questions?
Send an email to AFBFComms@fb.org with questions about the contest.
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