The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has extended the nomination deadline for its beloved Farm Dog of the Year contest, giving farmers and ranchers a bit more time to shine a spotlight on their loyal canine companions. Originally set to close earlier this month, the deadline has now been extended to July 25, 2025, allowing more Farm Bureau members to participate in this heartwarming tribute to the dogs that make life on the farm better in every way.
Now in its eighth year, the Farm Dog of the Year award sponsored by Nestlé Purina PetCare recognizes dogs that play a vital role in daily farm life, from herding livestock and guarding property to providing emotional support to hardworking families. The contest celebrates not only the utility of farm dogs but also the deep bond between farmers and their animals.
The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 in cash, a year’s supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food, and will be featured in a professionally produced video. The winning dog and its owner will also be recognized at the AFBF Annual Convention in Anaheim, California, in January 2026. Additionally, four runners-up will each receive $1,000 in cash.
There’s also a separate “People’s Choice Pup” award, where the public can vote online for their favorite nominated dog starting in September. That winner will receive $2,500 in cash along with Purina products.
To apply, owners must be Farm Bureau members. The nomination process includes filling out an online form, submitting a short write-up about the dog’s role on the farm, and uploading at least one photo. Videos are optional but strongly encouraged to help tell each dog’s story.
📌 Apply here before July 25, 2025: https://www.fb.org/programs/afbf-dog-of-the-year/
AFBF President Zippy Duvall, a farmer himself, emphasized how special this contest has become: “Farm dogs are more than just animals they are loyal companions, tireless workers, and a part of the family. This contest is our way of saying thank you.”
If your farm has a faithful pup who deserves some well-earned recognition, now’s the time to share their story. Whether they’re herding cattle, guarding gates, or simply providing a wagging tail after a long day in the fields, every farm dog has something special to offer and this contest is the perfect way to honor them.
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