WASHINGTON—Australian shepherds, border collies, mixed breeds and Great Pyrenees are among the many dog breeds that help protect livestock and property and herd animals for farmers.

Dogs who perform those and other farm tasks exceptionally well can be entered into the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest.

Entries must be received by midnight on July 12, and judging will take place between July 15 and Aug. 12.

Now in its seventh year, the contest is sponsored by AFBF with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare. The annual competition celebrates farm dogs and the numerous ways they support farmers and ranchers. Desired dog traits include helpfulness to a farmer and the farm family, playfulness and obedience.

A panel of judges will select the Farm Dog of the Year. The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, a year’s supply of Purina Pro-Plan dog food, and a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The 2025 Farm Dog of the Year also will be featured in a professionally produced video that will be shown at the convention.

Additionally, the public will be invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest. The people’s choice winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize, and a $500 stipend and two free adult registrations to the 2025 AFBF convention.

The contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and are a member of Farm Bureau in their state of residence. Visit vafb.com/membership-at-work/membership/join-now to join Virginia Farm Bureau.

View the profile of 2024 Farm Dog of the Year grand prize winner, Skippy, and access contest eligibility guidelines and submission requirements at fb.org/initiative/farm-dog-of-the-year.

Media: Contact Mike Tomko, AFBF director of communications, at 202-406-3642.