The California Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers across California. Farm Bureau members are invited to submit photos and a brief story about their beloved dog.
Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit cfbf.com/join to learn about becoming a member.
Winners receive recognition and a cash prize of $1,000, making it a fun and rewarding opportunity for farm dog enthusiasts to share their love and appreciation for their furry companions.
Grand Prize: $1,000
1st Runner-Up: $500
2nd Runner-Up: $250
3rd Runner-Up: $100
Madera County farm dog wins Farm Bureau contest
Story by Caitlin Fillmore
Photos by Tomas Ovalle
While humans continue their dogged pursuit of work-life balance, this year’s Farm Dog of the Year winners show how it’s done. The winners’ devotion to their farms and families is effortless and inspiring.
The California Farm Bureau’s fourth annual farm dog contest celebrates the best of both sides of a farm dog. With support from Nationwide and FieldClock, the contest asked Farm Bureau members to submit photos and a brief story about their beloved family member. The Grand Prize winner earned $1,000, with First Runner-up receiving $500, Second Runner-up, $250 and Third Runner-up, $100.
This year’s winners are as diligent as they are delightful, including Grand Prize winner Aussie, a hardworking pooch in Madera County who never misses a step.
Aussie, an Australian shepherd from Madera, leans on Kaydence Erickson, 15. In addition to catching gophers in the family’s orchards and vineyards, the farm dog protects livestock from predators.
Contest winners represent a full range of Rover resumes
Story by Linda DuBois
Photos by Caitlin Fillmore
Herding, guarding, comforting, securing. The title of “working dog” on the farm or ranch expands to fit the needs of the operation—much like the reality of being a farmer.
And the winners of California Farm Bureau’s fourth annual Farm Dog of the Year Contest truly embody the spectrum of work these dogs complete every day on their farms and ranches. With support from Nationwide, the contest asked Farm Bureau members to submit photos and a brief story about their beloved canine. The Grand Prize winner earned $1,000, with the first, second and third runners-up receiving $500, $250 and $100, respectively.
Loyal, diligent, affectionate and joyful, the dogs inspired a terrific story for each contestant to tell. The following is the story of the Grand Prize winners: a pair of mischievous brothers whose serendipitous second chance revealed their true family and purpose.
Zack Stuller appreciates his guard dogs Willie, left, and Waylon. The canine brothers won the Grand Prize in the California Farm Bureau’s fourth annual Farm Dog of the Year Contest. Photo: © 2024 Tomas Ovalle
Canine contest winners devoted to their jobs and their people
Story by Linda DuBois Photos by Henry Barrios
They greet their human companions with wagging tails and eager-to-please enthusiasm as they provide indispensable assistance around farms and ranches. Then, when the workday is done, they can’t wait to play or just cuddle on the couch.
Such are the attributes of farm dogs—and the winners of the California Farm Bureau’s third annual Farm Dog Contest are among the best of them.
The following is the story of the Grand Prize winner: Rip, a goat herder from Kern County.
Rip loves his job. He'd rather go to work at Poncetta Farms in Bakersfield than do almost anything else. Photo: © 2023 Henry Barrios
- Phone: (916) 561-5500
- Fax: (916) 561-4507
- Email: cfbf@cfbf.com
- 2600 River Plaza Dr.
- Sacramento, CA 95833
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