Skippy Feature

Farm Dog of the Year

Farm Dog of the Year

The Farm Dog of the Year contest celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers.

The grand prize winner—Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year—won a year’s worth of Purina Pro-Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner was recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2024. Three regional runners-up each won $1,000 in prize money.

Meet the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year

Meet the 2024 Farm Dog of the Year, Skippy. After Donald Adams was injured on the farm, he faced a long road to recovery. Skippy joined the Adams family and quickly became more than just a farm dog. Thanks to Skippy, Donald continues to farm, growing stronger every day.

It’s really an amazing thing to have a dog like her. I think it’s a once in a life time thing.

- Cindy and Andrew Deak, Florida Farm Bureau

She’s more than just a tool on the farm. Bindi’s work goes beyond the farm. At the end of the day, Bindi is my constant companion.

- Sonja Galley, New York Farm Bureau

Woody is my constant companion. When he got that cow off of me I knew there was something to him and he’s been a great farm dog.

- Joe Sheeran, Texas Farm Bureau

How important a ranch dog is to a rancher... They truly enrich our lives and make ranching the best job in the world.

- Beth and Rhett Crandall, Utah Farm Bureau

People's Choice Pup 

Members of the public were invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest as part of the overall competition. Over 100,000 votes were cast for the 2024 People's Choice Pup. Casper, a Great Pyrenees from Georgia took home a $1,000 cash prize, but his owner, John Wierwille, directed the funds to LifeLine Animal Project. LifeLine cared for Casper after he was injured by coyotes while protecting his flock of sheep.

Casper: Great Pyrenees, Georgia

Best known for fending off coyotes to protect his flock of sheep.

Sponsor / Prizes

For the 2024 contest, the American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized a grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – as well as three regional runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup.

Prizes provided by Nestlé Purina PetCare included –

  • One year’s worth of Purina Pro-Plan dry dog food and other products, a trophy plate and a $5,000 cash prize for the Farm Dog of the Year
  • A $1,000 cash prize, trophy plate and Purina Pro-Plan products for three regional Farm Dog of the Year runners-up
  • A $1,000 cash prize for the winner of the People’s Choice Pup

Judging

A panel of judges selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation shall select the winners. Judging of the contest will be based on nomination materials submitted. Desired attributes in the Farm Dog of the Year are helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience.

Contestants agree that the sole and final judgment as to all matters concerning the contest and interpretation of contest rules are at the sole discretion of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and their officers and staff.

Contest Rules

No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited. By entering, entrant agrees to be bound by these official rules.

Questions?

Send an email to farmdog@fb.org with questions about the contest.