At Prairie Farmer, we love visiting farms and farmers across the state. Often, right next to those farmers is a loyal and furry four-legged companion, greeting us with a smile and wagging tail. To recognize the special role the farmer’s best friend plays on the farm, we created the Prairie Farmer Favorite Farm Dog Contest.
The contest began 25 years ago and has continued to celebrate winning dogs ever since — like Kay in 2024, Koda in 2023, Bahia in 2022 and Ace in 2021.
2024 winner Kay lives on a cattle farm near Virginia, Ill., with owners Dalton Johnston and Devin Bollman. Both grew up with dogs but say they never had one like Kay, a border collie.
“Kay is worth her weight in gold,” Devin says. “She’s so much more than a cow dog.”
Enter now
We couldn’t help but agree, and we can’t wait to meet more outstanding Illinois farm dogs! Entries for the 2025 Prairie Farmer Favorite Farm Dog Contest are now open: Click here to enter.
What you’ll need:
- the best photo of your farm dog (no Snapchat or other social media images, please)
- 150 words or less about your faithful companion
- your name, address and phone number
- your dog’s name, age and breed
Owners of the winning dog will receive:
- on-farm photo shoot with Prairie Farmer of their dog in action
- feature story in the September issue of Prairie Farmer
- 16-by-20-inch Modern Metals wall art of their favorite farm dog photo
- cash prize: $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place
Winners will be selected through a combination of online voting and staff selection, based on the dog’s utility, companionship, work ethic and value as a family member. Entries will close Friday, July 18, at 11:59 p.m.