Everyone on the family farm pitches in and does their part, including four-legged friends, prompting Farm Bureau to launch the Farm Dog of the Year contest five years ago — now a popular feature of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention.
“Farmers and ranchers love what they do, but it can be stressful, even on the best days,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Because farm dogs often play a dual role as both working dogs and companions to farm families, they can help ease the burden.”
The winner of the 2023 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Tough, a Border Collie owned by Kansas Farm Bureau members Denny and Donna Ashcraft. AFBF, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized Tough, four regional runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup today at its convention.
The contest celebrates farm dogs that work alongside farmers and ranchers as they sustainably produce nutritious food for families and their pets across America. Rounding up livestock and chasing off predators are among the many tasks performed by farm dogs.
Tough, the grand prize winner of the 2023 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award, is 14 years old and has been with the Ashcrafts since the age of two. Working livestock — helping move them where they need to go — is Tough’s primary role on the farm.
Until the age of 7, when she suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the neck down for a week, Tough also competed against the top herding dogs in the nation in livestock shows in Houston, San Antonio, Denver, and Fort Worth, taking home champion, reserve and third place honors several times.
Although the initial prognosis was uncertain, “Tough persevered, worked at rehab and is now about 90 percent back to normal,” Denny said. “She’s an inspiration to keep on keeping on.” The injury ended Tough competing at stock dog shows but there’s plenty to keep her busy on the farm.
“She lives to work, and she lives for Denny,” is how Donna describes what makes Tough tick.
Regional runners-ups
Four regional winners in the contest will each also receive $1,000 in prize money, a trophy plate and Purina products. They are:
- Stan, owned by Lexie Hain, New York Farm Bureau member (Northeast region)
- Pepper, owned by Tom and Stephanie Barnett, Tennessee Farm Bureau members (Southern region)
- Bree, owned by the Nowobielski family, Wisconsin Farm Bureau members (Midwest region)
- Fez, owned by Alexa Coniglione, Montana Farm Bureau member (Western region)
People’s Choice Pup
Case, owned by Louisiana Farm Bureau members Kelsi and Amanda Duhon, was named People’s Choice Pup in a social media contest with online voting as part of the overall competition. Case wins bragging rights, a year’s supply of Pro-Plan dog food and other Purina products.
Four other dogs were contenders for People’s Choice Pup:
- Bernice, owned by Illinois Farm Bureau members John and Sandy Brix
- Sage, owned by New York Farm Bureau member Denise Andrews
- Zora, owned by Wyoming Farm Bureau member Andrea Parish
- Hasty, owned by Arizona Farm Bureau members Ben and Ashley Menges
Purina sponsors the AFBF Farm Dog of the Year
Purina donated prizes for the contest again this year. This included $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a year’s supply of Pro-Plan dog food and other Purina products for Tough. The company has been helping dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives through scientifically based nutritional innovations for more than 90 years.
A panel of judges with expertise in the pet care industry, veterinary medicine and communications reviewed more than 100 nominations to select the 2023 Farm Dog of the Year. Judging criteria included the dog’s helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and their role in making life better on and off the farm. Farm Bureau members submitted written responses to questions, photos and video clips to nominate their dogs for Farm Dog of the Year.
Learn more and nominate your dog for the 2024 contest here.
