Budweiser Features North Dakota Farmer in Super Bowl Commercial

Barley producer Brian Fransen represents American agriculture in 'American Icons' ad

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Budweiser's newest commercial 'American Icons' aired during the NFL Championship game, featuring a North Dakota farmer named Brian Fransen who produces barley for the iconic beer brand. The commercial, which highlighted Budweiser's 150 years in America, showcased Fransen's farm in Coleharbor alongside the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and a bald eagle.

Why it matters

Budweiser's decision to feature a real North Dakota farmer in their high-profile Super Bowl ad is seen as a celebration of the state's agricultural heritage and the important role its farmers play in producing the ingredients for iconic American products. The commercial provides national exposure for North Dakota's farming community and reinforces the state's reputation for excellence in agriculture.

The details

The 'American Icons' commercial told the story of a friendship between a Clydesdale and a bald eagle, from their beginnings on a farm to becoming full grown. Budweiser Head of Marketing Kristina Zackler said the company was 'excited' to feature a real barley farmer like Brian Fransen in the ad this year. Fransen, who lives in Underwood but owns a farm in Coleharbor, produces barley that is used in Budweiser beer.

  • The 'American Icons' commercial officially aired during the NFL Championship game on February 8, 2026.
  • Budweiser is celebrating its 250th birthday as a company this year.

The players

Budweiser

An iconic American beer brand that is celebrating 150 years of being made in the United States.

Brian Fransen

A farmer from Coleharbor, North Dakota who produces barley that is used in Budweiser beer.

Kristina Zackler

The Head of Marketing for Budweiser.

Sen. John Hoeven

A Republican U.S. Senator from North Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“American Icons was not only a story for the Budweiser brand, but one for North Dakota. No one does ag better than North Dakota's farmers and ranchers and it's great to see a commercial that reminds Americans where their barley comes from.”

— Sen. John Hoeven

“What's better than a Clydesdale, a bald eagle and a farmer who literally works with this American soil to make his living.”

— Brian Fransen, Farmer

The takeaway

Budweiser's decision to feature a real North Dakota farmer in their high-profile Super Bowl commercial is a testament to the state's agricultural heritage and the important role its farming community plays in producing the ingredients for iconic American products. This national exposure helps reinforce North Dakota's reputation as a leader in agriculture.