Woody, an Australian shepherd owned by Texas Farm Bureau members Joe and Mary Sheeran, is the winner of the 2019 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award. AFBF, with support from Nestlé Purina, recognized Woody and four runners-up at AFBF’s 100th Annual Convention.

“It’s exciting to celebrate the important role of farm dogs on farms and ranches,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “They are loyal work partners every day on the farm. Their faithful and playful companionship constantly enriches the lives of farmers and their families.”

Woody, the grand prize winner of the 2019 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award, won a year’s worth of Purina dog food, $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate and a basket of Purina products. Four runners-up in the contest will each receive $1,000 in prize money, a trophy plate and a basket of Purina products. They are:

Clue, owned by Florida Farm Bureau members Andrew and Cindy Deak;

Shine, owned by Kansas Farm Bureau members Denny and Donna Ashcraft;

Finn, owned by New Hampshire Farm Bureau members Tim and Lisa Molinero; and

Flint, owned by Utah Farm Bureau members Rhett and Beth Crandall.

A panel of judges with expertise in the pet care industry, veterinary medicine and communications reviewed more than 90 nominations to select the Farm Dog of the Year.

Desired attributes included helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and the role dogs play to make life better on and off the farm. Farm Bureau members submitted written responses to questions, still photos and video clips to nominate their dogs for Farm Dog of the Year.

Learn more about the contest at AFBF’s website.