Riggs, a tri-red Australian shepherd who lives on a farm in Morgan County with his owner, Kelly Smith, was named the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo on Oct. 20. Riggs, a tri-red Australian shepherd, is shown here with his owner, Kelly Smith. Farm dogs help their farmers with a lot of tasks. They help move livestock. They guard cattle, chickens, sheep and goats from predators. They ride along in the truck or tractor to keep their farmers company and relieve stress during long work days. Realizing the special role farm dogs play in helping their farmers, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) held its 3rd Annual Georgia Farm Dog of the Year contest this year to honor the canines who help with chores and offer unconditional love to their farmers. Riggs, a tri-red Australian shepherd who lives on Shadow Lane Farm in Morgan County was named the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year during the Willie B. Withers Sunbelt Expo Luncheon on Oct. 20. As the winner, Riggs received a medal and his person, Kelly Smith, received a gift card to buy Riggs treats. “For many Georgia farmers, a good farm dog is their right-hand companion. This is why Georgia Farm Bureau is proud to recognize these dogs through our Georgia Farm Dog of the Year Contest,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Georgia Farm Bureau is dedicated to supporting Georgia’s farm families. Honoring the dogs who work beside them is one way we say thank you for the work that happens on our farms every…
*This content (including text, artwork, graphics, photography, and video) was provided by the third party(ies) as referenced above. Any rights or other content questions or inquiries should be directed to such third-party provider(s).
