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Man’s Best Farmhand Could Win Big This Year

Man’s Best Farmhand Could Win Big This Year
Jul 23, 2025
By Farms.com

The Farm Dog of the Year contest is back—enter your loyal companion for a shot at cash, dog food, and national bragging rights.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Nestlé Purina PetCare, is seeking nominations for its annual Farm Dog of the Year Contest. This contest celebrates the essential role that farm dogs play on agricultural operations while also highlighting their bond with farm families. 

Terri Moore, Vice President of Communications for AFBF, explains that the contest not only honors the hardworking dogs but also provides the public with a glimpse into the agricultural world through a shared love of pets. “It’s a unique opportunity for the public to see how farm dogs help on the farm and how they’re loved by the families they serve,” Moore says. 

To qualify, a farm dog must actively contribute to farm operations and also be a family pet. According to Moore, this year’s ideal nominee should be “a true member of the family, as well as a valuable asset on the farm.” The contest deadline has been extended, with entries now accepted until Friday, the 25th, at midnight. 

Prizes for the Farm Dog of the Year include $5,000 for the winning farm family and a year’s supply of Purina dog food. The People’s Choice Pup Winner receives $2,500, along with dog food and a stipend to attend the American Farm Bureau’s convention in January. 

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit fb.org/farmdog. The deadline is fast approaching, so nominate your farm dog today! 

Photo:  2024 winner Skippy, owned by Donald and Laura Adams

Photo credit: AFBF Photo, Big Foot Media 


Trending Video

Advancing Swine Disease Traceability: USDA's No-Cost RFID Tag Program for Market Channels

Video: Advancing Swine Disease Traceability: USDA's No-Cost RFID Tag Program for Market Channels

On-demand webinar, hosted by the Meat Institute, experts from the USDA, National Pork Board (NPB) and Merck Animal Health introduced the no-cost 840 RFID tag program—a five-year initiative supported through African swine fever (ASF) preparedness efforts. Beginning in Fall 2025, eligible sow producers, exhibition swine owners and State Animal Health Officials can order USDA-funded RFID tags through Merck A2025-10_nimal Health.

NPB staff also highlighted an additional initiative, funded by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services through NPB, that helps reduce the cost of transitioning to RFID tags across the swine industry and strengthens national traceability efforts.

Topics Covered:

•USDA’s RFID tag initiative background and current traceability practices

•How to access and order no-cost 840 RFID tags

•Equipment support for tag readers and panels

•Implementation timelines for market and cull sow channels How RFID improves ASF preparedness an