WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Sept. 25, 2012 - In Iowa, fall is a time for touchdowns and tractors as football players and farmers take to their respective fields. And it's the perfect time to learn about the connection between the two groups at the newly launched www.americaneedsfarmers.org website.
The new website offers visitors a closer look at the legendary America Needs Farmers (ANF) campaign, started by Hayden Fry during the 1980s Farm Crisis, and a better understanding of how farmers raise food, fuel and fiber.
"We know consumers want to know more about where their food comes from and we want to provide as much information as we can," said Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill. "Farming is a lot different now than it was in 1985 and the refreshed website provides more information to help consumers understand those changes. But one thing hasn't changed - making sure consumers have safe, wholesome food choices."
"Growing up in Iowa taught me the value of hard work," explained Dallas Clark, former Hawkeye great and current receiver with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "No job is too big and no obstacle is too hard to overcome. These are the same values I take to the field every day, just like Iowa farmers."
Clark is just one player featured at www.americaneedsfarmers.org, which takes a fresh look at the Iowa Hawkeye football and National Football League (NFL) players with ties to farming that many fans will recognize and introduces visitors to Iowa farm families that team up to farm together.
"Farming has always been in our family," explained Eric Crosman, who raises corn, soybeans and hogs in Boone County. "As a kid, I always wanted to be out on the farm with my dad. Today, I work with him every day. Farming is what we do; it's who we are."
In addition, the site offers a chance to win the Ultimate ANF experience package for ANF Game Day Oct. 20 when the Iowa Hawkeyes take on Penn State. The package includes:
• Four game tickets to the ANF Game on Oct. 20.
• Opportunity to watch one quarter from the sideline of Kinnick Stadium.
• Autographed football signed by Head Coach Kirk Ferentz
• ANF Game Day gear
To register for your chance to win, simply fill out the entry form at www.americaneedsfarmers.org. One entry per email address allowed. All entries must be received by Friday, Oct. 5 and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
ANF and Hawkeye fans can also find flair at the America Needs Farmers website. There are buttons, banners and twibbons available for download to add some Iowa character to your Facebook, website or Twitter profile.
For more information about why America needs farmers or ANF Game Day, click on www.americaneedsfarmers.org.
-30-
About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.
