Montana pup named runner-up in American Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, January 8, 2023 – Fez, a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd qualified and owned by Lexie Coniglione from Glasgow, Montana, was named runner-up/western location in the 2023 Farm Doggy of the Calendar year Contest. The contest celebrates farm canine that operate together with farmers and ranchers as they sustainably deliver nutritious food items for households and their pets throughout The usa. Rounding up livestock and chasing off predators are amongst the numerous tasks done by farm pet dogs.

Fez came into Coniglione’s coronary heart at a very low level in 2021. She had dropped a single family member to a tragic accident, and experienced just occur again from a branding when she learned that her greatest pal considering the fact that college or university experienced taken his individual lifestyle.

“I was at a low point dealing with the grief. I had gotten in contact online with a excellent spouse and children in Ekalaka who were proud of their inventory dogs—rough-coat Border Collies with a quarter Australian shepherd. I didn’t know if finding a pup would work out and if I had place emotionally,” Coniglione explained. “Fez has turn into my best friend. He will perform a 30-mile day or assistance me with modest jobs at the feedlot. He’s been my correct hand. I have watched him quit for a minute to seem about and see my close intention. He is a minor mind reader. That’s what I value most about him, the link we have.”

Farm Bureau introduced the Farm Pet of the Yr contest 5 many years ago – now a well-liked feature of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention. A panel of judges with abilities in the pet treatment business, veterinary medication and communications reviewed additional than 100 nominations to pick the 2023 Farm Canine of the Calendar year. Judging requirements involved the dog’s helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and their purpose in making life better on and off the farm. Farm Bureau associates submitted published responses to inquiries, photographs and movie clips to nominate their canine for Farm Canine of the 12 months.

The Valley County Farm Bureau member was thrilled to learn that Fez experienced been named a runner-up in the opposition. “There are exceptional operating canines, and having them regarded in a countrywide competitiveness is amazing,” she explained.

Coniglione receives $1,000 in prize money, a trophy plate and Purina goods.

The winner of the 2023 Farm Bureau Farm Pet of the Yr award was Rough, a Border Collie owned by Kansas Farm Bureau associates Denny and Donna Ashcraft. AFBF, with assist from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized Hard, 4 regional runners-up including Fez, and a People’s Alternative Pup now at its conference.

“We’re incredibly thrilled to spouse with Purina for the fifth yearly Farm Pet dog of the Yr contest, providing the public a seem into every day everyday living on the farm or ranch,” claimed AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers enjoy what they do, but it can be annoying, even on the most effective days. Due to the fact farm canine often participate in a twin job as both equally functioning canines and companions to farm households, they can enable ease the burden.”

“Purina is happy to once again assist the American Farm Bureau’s Farm Dog of the Calendar year contest and congratulate this year’s winner, Difficult,” explained Jack Scott, vice president of sustainable sourcing at Nestlé Purina PetCare. “We figure out the critical role puppies perform on farms and believe that this is at the core of our purpose that people and animals are superior collectively.”