Meet Max, the Farm Bureau’s 2026 Farm Dog of the Year!

The Farm Bureau’s honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.

OKLAHOMA (AFBF) — Farm dogs are often more than just working animals — they are part of the family. That bond is especially true for one Oklahoma operation that is now in the national spotlight.

Max has been named the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 Farm Dog of the Year, earning recognition as a loyal partner who helps keep the operation running strong through whatever challenges come their way.

Max and his owner, John, will receive a $5,000 cash prize along with a year’s supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food. The pair also received a $500 stipend to attend the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention, which is currently taking place in Anaheim, California.

The honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.

Related Stories
Let’s check back in with Iowa Soybean FarmHER April Hemmes for Women’s History Month this year after she was featured on FarmHER Season 1.
In a call with reporters on Tuesday, RFD-TV News reporter Lily Raby asked Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for his opinion on Des Moines school leaders’ decisions to halt ag education programs, which also threatens the future of the city’s FFA chapter.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.