The winner of the 2020 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Flint, an Australian shepherd owned by Utah Farm Bureau members Rhett and Beth Crandall, the Farm Bureau says in a press release.
“It is great to see interest in this award grow in just a few years to become a great point of connection with the public,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We celebrate the important role dogs play on farms and ranches. Their stories inspire people on and off the farm, providing a glimpse into farm life for some. Farm dogs are loyal work partners that enhance the lives of farm families.”
Flint is 11 years old and at the age of 7, he became a passionate working dog. Flint helps herd beef cattle and other livestock. On top of his work on the farm, Flint is also certified through the Canine Good Citizen program and spends time lifting the spirits of residents at a local senior center.
“When moving livestock on the ranch, it’s very important to have a well-trained dog that’s bred to do this type of work,” Beth emphasized. “The dogs are truly part of our family,” Rhett said, referring to Flint and the couple’s two other dogs. “They enrich our lives and make ranching the best job in the world.”
Nestlé Purina
As the winner, Flint and his family won $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a year’s worth of Purina dog food, and other Purina products for Flint.
A panel of judges reviewed 80 nominations to select the Farm Dog of the Year.
Dogs were judged on their helpfulness to the farmer and his or her family, playfulness, and their role in making life better on and off the farm.