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Everyone works on the family farm, including four-legged friends, which prompted the Farm Bureau to launch the Farm Dog of the Year competition four years ago – now a popular element of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s convention.
The 2022 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Award winner is Fit, a border collie owned by Florida Farm Bureau members Cindy and Andrew Deak. AFBF, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, honored four regional runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup at its Convention Fit today.
“It’s exciting to partner with Purina in the fourth annual Farm Dog of the Year competition and to give the public another insight into daily life on the farm,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farming and raising livestock can be stressful even on the best of days. Farm dogs can help alleviate the burden as they often play dual roles as working dogs and companions of farm families. “
The competition celebrates farm dogs who work with farmers and ranchers to produce sustainable, nutritious food for families and their pets across America. Rounding up cattle and driving away predators are among the many tasks performed by farm dogs.
Fit, the main prize winner of the Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year 2022, is 5 years old and has been with the Deaks since she was a puppy. She helps move the sheep from pasture to pasture and helps with feeding and other tasks. Fit also helps Cindy teach younger dogs how to tend animals.
“Pretty much my right dog or girl is fit,” Cindy explained. “A really good working dog can make or break a farm situation. When I’m on the farm, Fit is almost always with me as our first working dog. We are very kindred spirits. I have the feeling that our souls are almost connected to one another. “
Cindy and Fit
Purina has again donated prizes for the competition this year. This included $ 5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, an annual supply of Pro-Plan dog food, and other Purina products for Fit. The company has been helping dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives through scientifically-based nutritional innovations for more than 90 years.
“Purina is proud to once again support the American Farm Bureau’s Farm Dog of the Year competition and to congratulate this year’s winner, Fit,” said Jack Scott, Vice President, Sustainability, Purina. “We recognize the important role dogs play on farms and believe that this is at the core of our goal, that people and pets are better together.”
Four regional runners-up in the competition will each receive US $ 1,000 cash, a trophy plate and Purina products. You are:
- Iorek, owned by Amanda Farnsworth, a member of the New York Farm Bureau, of the Northeast Region;
- On the Lamb Zip, owned by South Carolina Farm Bureau member Robin Elliott of the southern region;
- Digger, owned by Ohio Farm Bureau member Kim Beckman, of the Midwestern region; and
- Cinco owned by Caleb Smith, a member of the Utah Farm Bureau, from the western region.
Cinco, owned by Utah FB member Caleb Smith
Digger, owned by Ohio FB member Kim Beckman
Iorek, owned by New York FB member Amanda Farnsworth
On the Lamb Zip, owned by South Carolina FB member Robin Elliott
A jury with expertise in the pet industry, veterinary medicine and communication examined more than 100 nominations to choose the Farm Dog of the Year 2022. Evaluation criteria were the dog’s willingness to help the farmer and his family, playfulness and his role in improving life on and off the farm. Farm Bureau members submitted written answers to questions, photos and video clips to nominate their dogs for Farm Dog of the Year.
Find out more and nominate your dog for the 2023 competition at https://www.fb.org/farmdog.
People’s Choice Pup
Runner-up Iorek, owned by New York Farm Bureau member Amanda Farnsworth, was also named the People’s Choice Pup in a social media contest with online voting as part of the overall contest. Iorek wins bragging rights, an annual supply of Pro-Plan dog food and other Purina products.
Five other dogs completed the top 10 overall Farm Dog of the Year contest for People’s Choice Pup: Hasty, owned by Arizona Farm Bureau members Ben and Ashley Menges; Dixie, owned by Kaylie Ottley, a member of the Idaho Farm Bureau; Guardian owned by Donna Ashcraft, a member of the Kansas Farm Bureau; Maybelline, owned by Mary Tichy, a member of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau; and Ruger, owned by Laurie Stevens, a member of the Texas Farm Bureau.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has used science-based nutritional innovations to help dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Purina makes some of the world’s most trusted and popular grooming products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast, and Tidy Cats. Its 8,000+ US employees pride themselves on the company’s trusted pet food, treat, and bedding brands, which feed 51 million dogs and 65 million cats each year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians and animal care experts ensure the brand’s commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition. Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.
Via the American Farm Bureau Federation
The American Farm Bureau Federation is the voice of agriculture. We are farm and ranch families working together to build a sustainable future of safe and abundant food, fiber and renewable fuels for our nation and the world.
Contact:
Mike Tomko
Director, communication
(202) 406-3642
miket@fb.org
Bailey Corwine
Media relations specialist
(202) 406-3643
baileyc@fb.org
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