Georgia Farm Bureau Launches 2026 Farm Dog Contest

Furry farm heroes sought for annual competition celebrating the special role of dogs on Georgia farms.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:34pm

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Georgia Farm Bureau is now accepting entries for its 2026 Georgia Farm Dog Contest, which recognizes the important role farm dogs play in herding livestock, guarding property, and providing companionship to farm families. The contest is open to GFB members, and the winning dog and owner will receive a $500 gift card and be honored at the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Why it matters

Farm dogs are essential workers on many Georgia farms, helping with tasks like livestock management and property security. This contest celebrates the special bond between farmers and their canine companions, as well as the unique contributions farm dogs make to the state's agricultural community.

The details

The 2026 Georgia Farm Dog Contest is open to all Georgia Farm Bureau members ages 18 and older. Entries will be accepted until May 1 or until 200 submissions are received, whichever comes first. Judging will take place in May, and the winning dog and owner will be recognized at the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo in October. The grand prize is a $500 gift card.

  • The contest is open for entries until 10:59 p.m. on May 1, 2026.
  • Judging for the contest will take place in May 2026.
  • The winning dog and owner will be recognized at the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo in October.

The players

Georgia Farm Bureau

A grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the future of Georgia's family farms and access to locally grown food and fiber. GFB has had an Australian shepherd named Lucky serve as its mascot since 2021.

Rooster

The winning dog from the 2025 Georgia Farm Dog Contest, an Australian shepherd from Eatonton who works beef and dairy cattle for his owner, Shawn Ruff.

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What’s next

The deadline for entries in the 2026 Georgia Farm Dog Contest is May 1, 2026. The winning dog and owner will be announced and recognized at the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo in October.

The takeaway

This annual contest celebrates the vital role farm dogs play in Georgia's agricultural communities, from herding livestock to providing companionship. By recognizing these hardworking canines, the Georgia Farm Bureau is shining a light on the special bond between farmers and their furry helpers.