Skippy Feature

Farm Dog of the Year

Farm Dog of the Year

The Farm Dog of the Year contest 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 – 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. 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 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 2025 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket. The owner of the People’s Choice Pup receives a $2,500 cash prize, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket.

People’s Choice Pup

Members of the public are invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest as part of the overall competition. The People’s Choice Pup will win bragging rights and Purina products including one year’s worth of Purina Pro-Plan dry dog food. The winner of People’s Choice Pup, along with the Farm Dog of the Year and runners-up, will be announced in January at the American Farm Bureau Convention. May the best pup win! 

Meet the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year

Meet the 2024 Farm Dog of the Year, Skippy. After Donald Adams was injured on the farm, he faced a long road to recovery. Skippy joined the Adams family and quickly became more than just a farm dog. Thanks to Skippy, Donald continues to farm, growing stronger every day.

She’s more than just a tool on the farm. Bindi’s work goes beyond the farm. At the end of the day, Bindi is my constant companion.

- Sonja Galley, New York Farm Bureau

Woody is my constant companion. When he got that cow off of me I knew there was something to him and he’s been a great farm dog.

- Joe Sheeran, Texas Farm Bureau

How important a ranch dog is to a rancher... They truly enrich our lives and make ranching the best job in the world.

- Beth and Rhett Crandall, Utah Farm Bureau

People's Choice Pup 

Members of the public were invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest as part of the overall competition. Over 100,000 votes were cast for the 2024 People's Choice Pup. Casper, a Great Pyrenees from Georgia took home a $1,000 cash prize, but his owner, John Wierwille, directed the funds to LifeLine Animal Project. LifeLine cared for Casper after he was injured by coyotes while protecting his flock of sheep.

Casper: Great Pyrenees, Georgia

Best known for fending off coyotes to protect his flock of sheep.

Sponsor / Prizes

For the 2025 contest, the American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, will recognize a grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – as well as the People’s Choice Pup winner. 

Prizes provided by Nestlé Purina PetCare include: 

  • 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 2025 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket for the Farm Dog of the Year winner. 
  • A $2,500 cash prize, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Convention, a trophy plate and a Purina products basket for the People's Choice Pup winner. 

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.

Contest Rules

No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited. By entering, entrant agrees to be bound by these official rules.

Questions?

Send an email to farmdog@fb.org with questions about the contest.