[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   RECOGNIZING AMERICAN FARM COMPANY

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize 
American Farm Company of Hospers, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  Founded by 29-year-old Rachel Granstra in 2021, American Farm Company 
is a clothing line specially designed to represent farmers, ranchers, 
farm wives, and farm families. As part of a multigenerational farm 
family, Rachel takes pride in her agricultural roots and strives to use 
her direct-to-consumer online apparel business to promote farming and 
agriculture in a way that reaches the next generation. American Farm 
Company first grew out of a blog that Rachel started in 2018 called 
``Little House on the Feedlot.'' She would share recipes and anecdotes 
about her life on a family farm as she and her husband Brennan raise 
cattle and grow corn and soybeans. After developing a large following, 
Rachel began to sell original farmer-themed t-shirt designs. Her 
business soon took off as many people sought out her creative and 
authentic designs.
  In 2021, Rachel rebranded her business as American Farm Company and 
expanded into a large warehouse in Hospers. American Farm Company sells 
a variety of products such as crewneck sweaters, t-shirts, headwear, 
backpacks, and flags. She even sells a flagship light beer in 
collaboration with West O'Beer in Milford, which she brands as 
``Farmer's Water.'' Rachel now employs 20 women who help her fulfill 
orders for her growing online retail business. Rachel is proud to use 
her business to advocate for the American farming industry, and she 
recently launched a new product, the Co-Op Box, which directly connects 
consumers with high-quality products from small American farms.
  The American Farm Company's commitment to providing quality apparel 
products in Hospers, IA, is clear. I want to congratulate Rachel 
Granstra and the entire team at American Farm Company for their 
continued dedication to our ag communities. I look forward to seeing 
their continued growth and success in Iowa.

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