Illinois Farm Dog Named Contest Winner
A three-year-old mixed-breed dog from Stockton has won the 2026 Prairie Farmer Favorite Farm Dog contest.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Dogs
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Pez, a three-year-old dog, has been named the winner of the 2026 Prairie Farmer Favorite Farm Dog contest. The dog lives on a Stockton, Illinois, farm where he assists with dairy cattle management.
Why it matters
The annual competition recognizes the vital role that working dogs play in supporting daily operations on family-run farms. By highlighting these animals, the contest brings attention to the practical contributions they make to agriculture.
The winner, a 3-year-old dog, is a mix of border collie, Australian shepherd, and blue heeler. Pez supports a farm operation that manages 100 dairy cows and a 120-head cow-calf herd.
The players
Pez
A 3-year-old farm dog of mixed border collie, Australian shepherd, and blue heeler heritage who assists with livestock management.
Prairie Farmer
The publication that organizes the annual Favorite Farm Dog contest to celebrate working dogs in the agricultural industry.
Olivia Charles
A 2024 University of Illinois graduate who owns the contest-winning farm dog alongside Daniel Kloepping.
The details
Pez was selected for the top honor after being raised on a Stockton, Illinois, farm by owners Olivia Charles and Daniel Kloepping. The contest also saw Jacey Girl place second and Roxi finish in third place.
Timeline
2024: Olivia Charles graduated from the University of Illinois.
2026: Pez won the Prairie Farmer Favorite Farm Dog contest.
Culture Shift
This recognition is part of a long-standing tradition within the Midwestern agricultural community to celebrate the partnership between farmers and their working animals. The event reinforces the cultural value placed on working dogs as essential, rather than purely companion, members of the rural labor force.
For local farmers, the contest highlights the practical value of training dogs to assist in daily livestock operations. Residents of Stockton may recognize the local operation that maintains the 100-cow dairy herd.
The takeaway
Working farm dogs like Pez provide significant utility in managing livestock pens and moving cattle herds. Farmers looking to utilize canine help should consider traits from breeds like border collies and Australian shepherds.
Further reading
For more information on local pet recognition, visit Dogs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Farm Progress.
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