GRAY NEWS: SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH The 2024 Farm Dog of the Year was a sheepdog from Georgia.
The award was given out during the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City to Skippy, a 4-year-old mixed breed.
The competition honors farm dogs that assist ranchers and farmers in growing food for households and pets around the nation.
Farm dogs frequently assist in rounding up cattle and protecting against predators, so their life is not without risk.
As she assists her owners, Donald and Laura Adams, members of the Georgia Farm Bureau, Skippy is accustomed to performing many of these duties. She has worked with the Adams family for approximately two years, primarily assisting with the transportation of beef cattle to their destination.
Because Donald Adams was paralyzed from the neck down in 2019 from an injury he experienced, her role on the farm is even more significant.
He remarked, “Skippy is a pet and a partner who helps us with the cattle every day.” “She has made a huge contribution to being able to keep the cows and having something to live for every day.”
Purina donated several prizes that Skippy and the Adams won, including $5,000, a trophy plate, and a year’s worth of dog food and other supplies for Skippy.
At the convention, there were also awards for three regional runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup.