Celebrating Agriculture’s Top Farm Dogs

There’s something special about a good farm dog. They’re there before the sun comes up and long after the chores are done. These trusty workers ride in the truck, wait by the gate, and somehow always know where they’re needed most. On farms and ranches across the country, dogs are more than companions. They’re part of the family and part of the work.

That’s why Farm Bureau is a proud partner with Nestlé Purina PetCare on the Farm Dog of the Year contest for the ninth year in a row. Nominations are now open for the 2027 contest, and I cannot wait to see who gets named top dog.

Every year, this contest gives us a chance to celebrate the hardworking dogs that help keep farms running and remind us of the important role agriculture plays in communities across America. Whether they’re gathering livestock, chasing off predators, greeting visitors, or simply staying close by through long days, farm dogs earn their keep in all kinds of ways. And if you’ve ever had one of these furry farm workers, you know they also have a way of lifting spirits after a tough day.

Farm Dogs Help Tell Agriculture’s Story

One of the things I enjoy most about this contest is hearing the stories behind the dogs and their farm family owners. Every farm dog has a personality that’s all their own. Some are all business. Others are more interested in riding along or finding the nearest pond to swim in. Most do a little bit of both.

Our family can certainly share some tales of our red heeler, Ziggy. Like a lot of farm dogs, he wants to be right in the middle of whatever is going on. I’ll admit, when we first brought Ziggy home, I insisted that our heeler would heel and be a true working dog. That certainly did not last long. These days, if I head out to feed cattle or check on the chickens, Ziggy is already waiting by the truck before I can grab the keys. My wife, Jennifer, might tell you that she knew all along that he'd work his way into my heart. Somewhere along the way, he became more than just a farm dog. He became part of the family.

That connection between farmers and their dogs is something folks understand no matter where they live. You do not have to grow up on a farm to appreciate loyalty, hard work, and the bond people share with their animals. In many ways, this contest helps open a window into agriculture for people who may never have stepped foot on a farm.

Celebrating America’s Farm Dogs

The Farm Dog of the Year contest has become a fun tradition for Farm Bureau. Thanks to our partnership with Purina, we are able to shine a spotlight on some truly incredible dogs and the farm families behind them.

The grand prize winner receives $5,000, a year’s supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food, and recognition at the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January. We’ll also once again have the People’s Choice Pup contest this fall, where the public can vote for their favorite farm dog online.

So, if you have a farm dog that deserves a little recognition, now is the time to nominate them. Applications are open through July 11, and I look forward to seeing the stories behind this year’s nominees. For more on the contest, to learn about past winners, and to submit a nomination, visit our website.