The 2026 college football season is officially underway, and the 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. 3 against Ohio 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 Sept. 24.  

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.  

Brandon Scherff Named 2026 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, Brandon Scherff, becomes the 14th member of the prestigious group.

Scherff finished his career with the Iowa Hawkeyes as one of the program’s most decorated players.  Scherff twice earned first team All-Big10 selections and was the recipient of the Outland Trophy in 2014, an honor presented by the Football Writers Association of America to the nation’s best interior lineman in football.  Following his decorated career for the Hawkeyes, Scherff was selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft as the fifth overall pick. Scherff was an NFL All-Pro selection in 2020 and a five-time Pro Bowl selection (2016, 2017, 2019-2020). 

Growing up in Denison, Iowa, Scherff’s connection to farming started at an early age spending time on his mother’s family farm in Holstein, rounding up cattle, planting sweet corn and doing farm chores with family.  That’s where he fell in love with life on the farm and learned lessons that shaped his playing career and life.  

Scherff’s wife also comes from an agricultural family, and today they proudly share the joys of farm life with their children.  From ringing the bell calling cattle into feed, to helping pick fresh sweet corn, farming is more than just an occupation for the Scherff family-- it’s a way of life. Defined by hard work, selflessness and commitment, Scherff sees parallels between the values that define both farmers and the Iowa football team.

“When you play at Iowa, you know you’re going to get the hardest workers, the most physical and selfless players, and guys who will do anything to help the team,” Scherff says.  “And that’s the same in the farming community where they’re going to work hard and do whatever it takes to feed the country.”  

As an owner of an Iowa farm, Scherff prioritizes conservation and finding ways to improve the land.  “I think conservation is important, so anytime I can plant grass or put new waterways in, I’m going to try and do that,” Scherff said.  “I think it’s important to work to improve the land and not take away from it.” 

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), Brandon Myers (2024) and Micah Hyde (2025).     

ANF Legends Tent at Kinnick Stadium 

“Farming and football look much different today than when Coach Fry launched ANF in the 1980s, but the values and qualities that define ANF remain as important today — commitment, integrity and a work ethic that’s second-to-none,” says Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “We look forward to welcoming fans to the ANF Legends Tent on ANF game day as we celebrate the importance of agriculture in our daily lives and recognizing Brandon Scherff as the 2026 ANF Wall of Honoree.”  

During ANF game day, Iowa Farm Bureau will welcome fans to the ANF Legends Tent at Krause Family Plaza where they can interact with local farmers, win prizes and get autographs from former Hawkeye greats, including this year’s ANF Wall of Honoree, Brandon Scherff. Fans can also visit the ANF Plaza located on the northwest corner of the stadium to see displays honoring all previous ANF Wall of Honorees. Additionally, ANF merchandise is sold year-round, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Iowa Food Bank Association. For more information, visit www.AmericaNeedsFarmers.org.