WASHINGTON—If you have a furry friend making a difference on the farm, now’s your chance to showcase your farm dog’s contributions.

Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2027 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. Sponsored by American Farm Bureau Federation and supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, the national contest celebrates farm dogs and the countless ways they assist farmers and ranchers.

“Farm dogs are often important partners in our daily work as well as wonderful companions for farm families,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “As we saw with our 2026 winner, Max, these loyal companions go above and beyond to look after both the land and the farm families they work alongside.”

Rounding up livestock, chasing off predators, fetching tools and greeting visitors are among the many tasks that canines champion on the farm.
With many uncontrollable stressors associated with farming, farm dogs also can offer needed emotional support.

Research from a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Purina reveals that interacting with pets can provide health benefits. For example, spending just 20 minutes with a dog increased a hormone that helps moderate stress. This also was associated with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in a self-reported sense of well-being.

“We are honored to continue supporting the hard-working, devoted farm dogs featured in the American Farm Bureau’s Farm Dog of the Year contest,” said Jack Scott, vice president of sustainable sourcing at Purina. “Purina proudly uses nutritious ingredients sourced from American farms to make our pet food, and we remain committed to supporting American farmers who have fed generations of people and pets.”

Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to farmers and their families, playfulness and obedience.

The grand prize winner will receive 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 AFBF Annual Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2027.

The 2027 Farm Dog of the Year also will be featured in a professionally produced video.

View the profile of 2026 Farm Dog of the Year grand prize winner, Max, and access contest eligibility guidelines and submission requirements.

Returning this year is the People’s Choice Pup, a popular social media element of the contest. 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.

Farm Dog of the Year nominations must be received by July 11, 2026, for consideration. Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition.

Learn more about becoming a VFB member.

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