How America Needs Farmers Began At Iowa

                As a company situated in the heartland, we are familiar with America Needs Farmers (ANF) branded products. Although most fans have seen the logo and recognize the acronym, there are still many who don’t know the meaning behind the words.

                By way a brief history, the idea for America Needs Farmers originated with the Iowa Hawkeyes coach, Hayden Fry.  By the mid 1980’s the farmers were really hurting – even more so than the average American worker.  Coach Fry wanted to do something to help and bring recognition to their plight.  As many of the players and Hawkeye staff were from the farming community, the idea quickly caught on and was embraced.

                ANF was added to the helmets worn by the players and soon, with the televised broadcasts, it grew nationwide.  As a creative way of helping recognize all the hard work and importance of the farmers, it has also generated over $100,000 to help feed needy families across the state of Iowa according to the Iowa Farm Bureau in 2015.

                We at Sporting Up want to send a shout out to our local farmers and tell you that we appreciate all the thankless work you do for all of us.  We also want to thank the Iowa Farm Bureau for their service to all the hungry families of Iowa, many of whom are helped by the ANF contributions.