Former Hawkeye standout Micah Hyde joins ANF Wall of Honor as Fans Celebrate 40 years of ANF 

With the first full week of the college football season on the horizon, Iowa Farm Bureau and University of Iowa are offering Hawkeye fans a chance to win four tickets and on-field sideline access to the America Needs Farmers (ANF) game on Oct. 18 against Penn State University. 

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 a Kirk Ferentz autographed football and ANF gear.  The contest runs through Oct. 8.  

America Needs Farmers was launched by Hawkeye Coach Hayden Fry to show support for farmers during the 1980s Farm Crisis. In this same spirit, the ANF game recognizes the hardworking men and women in agriculture whose work creates a positive impact in Iowa and across the globe.   

This year marks a special milestone for the initiative as supporters and fans celebrate the 40th anniversary of ANF.  From crayons to cosmetics, agriculture touches our daily lives in many ways beyond what’s top of mind, like food, fuel and fiber.  To celebrate 40 years of ANF, Iowa Farm Bureau has partnered with ‘Iowa Nice Guy’ Scott Siepker for a video series revealing 40 surprising ways agriculture touches our daily lives as we approach the 2025 ANF game day.  

Micah Hyde named 2025 ANF Wall of Honoree

The ANF Wall of Honor salutes past University of Iowa football players who exemplify the tenacity, work ethic and character of the Iowa farmer, and former Hawkeye standout and NFL star, Micah Hyde, becomes the 13th member of the prestigious group.

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. Hyde’s dedication and strong work ethic helped fuel his successful 11-year NFL career while earning several awards and recognitions.  

“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.  “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.” 

Following his NFL playing days, Hyde continues to make an impact through his Imagine For Youth Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars to support thousands of children and families.  

Previous ANF Wall of Honor recipients include 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).     

“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, 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.”  

During ANF game day, Iowa Farm Bureau will be present at the ANF Legends Tent at Krause Family Plaza where fans can interact with local farmers, win prizes and get autographs from former Hawkeye greats, including this year’s ANF Wall of Honoree, Micah Hyde. ANF merchandise will also be for sale in ANF Plaza with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Iowa Food Bank Association. For more information, visit www.AmericaNeedsFarmers.org.