What’s a farmer without a faithful canine sidekick? If our years of Favorite Farm Dogs are any indication, he or she would be a lonely one - because Illinois farmers love their dogs. Even better, we’ve learned they have some pretty incredible dogs.

What about you? Is your farm dog tops? We’re willing to bet they are. Make sure your dog gets his (or her) day by nominating them for our 2016 Favorite Farm Dog contest. To enter your dog, send in your best photo and an essay sharing all your dog’s best stories and exactly why they should be our 2016 Favorite Farm Dog. Please limit essays to 300 words.

RECOGNIZE YOUR DOG: It's time for the Farm Dog Contest again this year. Your dog can't be recognized unless you enter.

In your essay, please include your dog’s name, breed, age and what makes him or her the perfect canine candidate. Include your name, address and phone number, plus the photographer’s name. Entries are due March 18.

Prizes for you

The winning dog’s owners will receive a $100 gift card to their favorite farm store, $75 to second place and $50 for third place. But the real prize: neighborhood glory for your four-legged friend.

Last year, Dixie the Australian Shepherd took top honors for her ability to help manage a 150-head cow herd. Dixie’s owners, Matt and Liz Hulsizer, went straight for top recommendations in finding their perfect farm dog, looking up our 2009 winning farm dog, Smokey, and his owner, Tony Tadie.

Tony’s advice: “Don’t pick a dog; let the dog pick you.” Timeless wisdom.

Liz reports it was spot on. When Matt first met the dog he would call Dixie, “It was as if she ran up to him and said, ‘You’re finally here, I’ve been waiting for you.’”

And in 2014, Bear took home top honors in the Favorite Farm Dog contest. According to his owners, Mark and Pam Eigsti, Bear caught the scent of escaping anhydrous ammonia and caught their attention. Turns out, thieves had attempted to drain anhydrous from a tank but became overwhelmed by the smell and took off. Bear’s keen border collie sense of smell helped them discover the problem and get it stopped before even more anhydrous leaked out.

Be sure to get those nominations polished and sent our way by March 18. Send entries to [email protected], or Favorite Farm Dog, 3369 E. Cucumber Hollow Rd., Marietta, IL 61459. Please do not submit Polaroid photos or photos printed at home. All photos become property of Prairie Farmer and will not be returned.

Get famous? We like to feature the top farm dog on our cover. Could your dog be next?