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Nominations accepted through Aug. 20 for contest, which recognizes dogs for helpfulness to farmer, playfulness and obedience.

July 2, 2020

2 Min Read

Nominations for the 2021 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest are now open. This is the third year of the contest, which celebrates farm dogs that work alongside farmers and ranchers.

The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina 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 Convention in January. Up to four regional runners-up will win $1,000 each in prize money.

“We’re pleased to continue this award, which provides a great point of connection for the general public to get a glimpse into farm life,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “It’s especially appropriate after a year of unprecedented challenges in agriculture to recognize the dual role farm dogs often play as both working dogs and companions to farm families.”

According to scientific research insights provided by our partner Purina, living with pets can provide marked health benefits. For example, spending just 30 minutes with a dog has been proven to boost human levels of oxytocin, which has been found to reduce stress, fight depression and create feelings of trust.

“Even in these uncertain times, farm and ranch work doesn’t stop, and farmers count on farm dogs to be right there to face these challenges together,” Duvall said.

Desired attributes in the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience. The 2021 Farm Dog of the Year will also be featured in a video. The profile of 2020 Farm Dog of the Year Flint can be viewed here.

“Purina is proud to support the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm Dog of the Year contest,” said Jack Scott, VP of sustainability at Purina. “We understand the positive impacts pets have on people’s lives as companions and contributors to farmers’ and ranchers’ operations.”

Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition.

Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available at https://fb.org/2021farmdog. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, still photos and a video clip (optional), must be received by Aug. 20, 2020, for consideration

Source: AFBF, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

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