Nominations open for 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year

Farmers can now submit nominations for the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes — and, of course, bragging rights! This is the eighth year of the contest, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers.

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

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.

Scientific research insights from a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Purina reveal that interacting with pets can provide health benefits. For example, 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. Following the interaction with the dog, people were in a more positive emotional state.

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

Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience.

Farm 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 fb.org/join to learn about becoming a member.

Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available here. 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.

The People’s Choice Pup, a popular social media element of the Farm Dog of the Year competition, returns for 2026. Profiles of several dogs nominated for the contest will be shared beginning in September, with the public invited to vote. Bragging rights and a $2,500 cash prize from Purina will be awarded to the People’s Choice Pup.