Iowa celebrates 40 years of  “America Needs Farmers.” 

Former Iowa Hawkeye standout and longtime NFL defensive back Micah Hyde will be honored as the 2025 inductee to the America Needs Farmers (ANF) Wall of Honor during Iowa’s Oct. 18 football game against Penn State. 

Hyde, who played for the Hawkeyes from 2009 to 2012 before going on to an 11-year career in the NFL, becomes the 13th member of the ANF Wall of Honor, which salutes past University of Iowa football players who exemplify the tenacity, work ethic and character of the Iowa farmer.

This year marks a special milestone as supporters and fans celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ANF initiative.

A former All-Big Ten defensive back for the Hawkeyes, Hyde credits his on-field success to a solid work ethic and lessons learned from years working on a family friend’s farm growing up in rural Ohio.

“Helping out on the farm baling hay and doing other chores, I learned firsthand the value of hard work, whether that meant getting up early or working late — whatever it took to get the job done,” says Hyde. “It taught me a way of life and how farmers go about their day. It doesn’t matter what the weather is, what obstacles are in their way, they’re going to put in the work. They’re going to get it done, and they’re going to show up the next day.

“So to have the identity of being a hard worker shares a special place in my heart because I want to be known for that. When working with my own kids and those through my foundation, I try to teach those lessons I learned while instilling the value of hard work to the next generation.” 

After retiring from the NFL, Hyde continues to make an impact through his Imagine For Youth Foundation, which supports children and families across the country.

Hyde joins a list of former Hawkeye greats previously inducted into the ANF Wall of Honor, including Casey Wiegmann (2012), Jared DeVries (2013), Bruce Nelson (2014), Robert Gallery (2015), Dallas Clark (2016), Chad Greenway (2017), Aaron Kampman (2018), Matt Kroul (2019), Marshal Yanda (2021), Tony Moeaki (2022), Bryan Bulaga (2023) and Brandon Myers (2024).


Celebrating 40 years

America Needs Farmers was created in 1985 by then Iowa football head coach Hayden Fry to show support for farmers during the height of the 1980s farm crisis. Since then, it has evolved into a platform celebrating and recognizing the contributions of farmers whose work creates a positive impact in Iowa and across the globe.     

“Farming and football have each evolved since the inception of ANF during the 1980s, but the values and qualities that define ANF are just as important today — commitment, integrity and a work ethic focused on continuous improvement,” says Brent Johnson, a Calhoun County farmer and Iowa Farm Bureau president. 

“We look forward to welcoming fans to the ANF Legends Tent on ANF game day to celebrate the importance of agriculture in our daily lives and recognizing Micah Hyde as the 2025 ANF Wall of Honoree.”  

ANF game day festivities will take place at the ANF Legends Tent at Krause Family Plaza outside of Kinnick Stadium, where fans can meet local farmers, win prizes and get autographs from former Hawkeyes, including Hyde. 

ANF merchandise will also be available for sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Iowa Food Bank Association. 


Win ANF Game Day package

This year’s milestone 40th anniversary will be marked with several initiatives leading up to the Oct. 18 game. 

Iowa Farm Bureau has partnered with “Iowa Nice Guy” Scott Siepker for a video series revealing 40 unexpected ways agriculture impacts our daily lives in many ways beyond food, fuel and fiber. 

Iowa Farm Bureau and the University of Iowa also are offering Hawkeye fans a chance to win four tickets and on-field sideline access to the ANF game on Oct. 18. 

For a chance to win, go to IowaFarmBureau.com/ANFExperience and take a short, multiple-choice quiz to learn how Iowa farmers are providing high-quality food while caring for the environment and their animals. The prize package also includes ANF gear and a football autographed by Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz. The contest runs through Oct. 8.  

For more information on the ANF initiative, visit www.AmericaNeedsFarmers.org.