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Prairie Farmer is rounding up the best farm dogs in Illinois, and we need your entries!

Holly Spangler, Senior Editor, Prairie Farmer

January 14, 2021

2 Min Read
2020 farm dog winner
2020 WINNER: Last year’s winner was Bailey, a 3-year-old black Labrador from Bunker Hill, Ill.Holly Spangler

As farm magazine editors, we know when we step onto a farm, there’s bound to be a farm dog there. They come in all shapes and sizes, from purebreds to mutts. And no matter what they look like, they’re always beloved members of the farm crew.

That’s why we launched the Prairie Farmer Favorite Farm Dog Contest back in 2000, and why we’ve continued to celebrate winning dogs every year since — like Bailey in 2020, Stella in 2019, Moxie in 2018 and Colby in 2017. We love reading your stories and seeing your photos of your beloved farm dogs!

So for 2021, show us your farm dogs! Entries for the 2021 Favorite Farm Dog Contest are open now. Send us your best photo of your farm dog, with a few words about what makes him or her your most faithful companion.

To enter, email us your photo and tell us, in 150 words or less, what makes your dog the perfect canine candidate. Please include your name, address and phone number, plus your dog’s name, age and breed. Don’t wait — entries are open now and will close March 1 at 8 a.m.

Winners will be chosen based on a combination of online voting and editorial voting, which will be based on the dog’s utility, companionship, work ethic and value as a family member.

Owners of the winning dog will receive a complete photo shoot of their dog on the farm, on the job, and with and without family members, plus a 16-by-20-inch Modern Metals wall art hanging featuring their favorite farm dog photo, complete with the winning credentials. In addition, the first-place farm dog will receive $100; second place will win $75; and third place will receive $50.

And don’t forget the real prize: neighborhood glory for your four-legged friend.

ENTER HERE! Send in your photo and tell us about your dog. Include your name, address and phone number, plus your dog’s name, age and breed.

About the Author(s)

Holly Spangler

Senior Editor, Prairie Farmer, Farm Progress

Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazine’s coverage. She currently serves as editor of Prairie Farmer magazine and Executive Editor for Farm Progress, managing editorial staff at six magazines throughout the eastern Corn Belt. She began her career with Prairie Farmer just before graduating from the University of Illinois in agricultural communications.

An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. In 2015, she became only the 10th U.S. agricultural journalist to earn the Writer of Merit designation and is a five-time winner of the top writing award for editorial opinion in U.S. agriculture. She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. She currently serves on the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation, the U of I Agricultural Communications Advisory committee, and is an advisory board member for the U of I College of ACES Research Station at Monmouth. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association.

Holly and her husband, John, farm in western Illinois where they raise corn, soybeans and beef cattle on 2,500 acres. Their operation includes 125 head of commercial cows in a cow/calf operation. The family farm includes John’s parents and their three children.

Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul and science of agriculture. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. They serve with their local 4-H and FFA programs, their school district, and are active in their church's youth and music ministries.

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