Who is a good boy (or girl)? It is once again time to find out who is the best farm dog around. Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2021 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest. This is the third year of the contest, which celebrates farm dogs that work alongside farmers and ranchers to produce nutritious food for families and their pets across America.
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 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January. Up to four regional runners-up will win $1,000 each in prize money.
According to scientific research insights provided by 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,” AFBF President Zippy 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:
“We understand the positive impacts pets have on people’s lives as companions and contributors to farmers’ and ranchers’ operations,” said Jack Scott, VP of sustainability at Purina. “All of the fantastic submissions we receive truly help demonstrate that people and pets are better together, and we look forward to hearing and seeing many more stories in this year’s contest.”
Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit fb.org/join to learn about becoming a member.
Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available here. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, still photos, and a video clip (optional), must be received by August 20, 2020, for consideration. The Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest is sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
People’s Choice Pup was a popular element of the 2020 contest. More than 100,000 social media followers voted, commented, shared or liked their favorite dog. People’s Choice Pup will return for the 2021 contest, with profiles of the top 10 dogs shared starting in October, with the public invited to vote. Bragging rights and a $50 cash prize will be awarded to the People’s Choice Pup.
