INDIANA — Farmers and ranchers across the country are invited to nominate their hardest-working four-legged partners for the 2027 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest. Now in its ninth year, the competition celebrates the vital roles these loyal companions play in American agriculture, from managing livestock to providing family companionship.
The contest is supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, a partner that highlights the deep connection between working dogs and the farmers who produce the ingredients for their food.
Prizes and Recognition
The top honor comes with significant rewards for the winning dog and its owner:
- Grand Prize: The Farm Dog of the Year will receive $5,000 in prize money and a one-year supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food.
- National Spotlight: The winner will be featured in a professionally produced video and recognized during an award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027.
- People’s Choice: The “People’s Choice Pup” social media contest returns this September, offering the winner $2,500 in prize money and official bragging rights.
Farm dogs are more than just pets; they are essential employees on the farm. Common tasks performed by these animals include rounding up livestock, deterring predators, opening gates, and carrying tools or buckets.
“Farm dogs are often important partners in our daily work as well as wonderful companions for farm families,” said American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall. He noted that the 2026 winner, a dog named Max, exemplified the loyalty and dedication required for the title.
Beyond physical labor, research conducted by the Mayo Clinic and Purina suggests that interacting with these dogs for just 20 minutes can lower heart rates and increase hormones that help moderate stress.
Eligibility and Nomination Details
To enter, owners must be active Farm Bureau members. Those who are not yet members can learn how to join at fb.org/join.
Judges will look for several key attributes in nominees, including:
- Helpfulness to the farmer and their family.
- Obedience and discipline in the field.
- Playfulness as a family companion.
Nominations must include written responses to specific questions and at least one still photo. While optional, a video clip of the dog in action is also encouraged.
All entries must be received by July 11, 2026, for consideration. Detailed eligibility guidelines and submission forms are available through the American Farm Bureau Federation.
