Despite an early morning downpour, the show went on Friday, July 30, at the Latham Country Fair in Alexander, Iowa. Everything – except for the corn and soybean fields – was moved inside. Click the following links for articles by the Globe Gazette and The Messenger which both did a great job summarizing the event.
More than 450 people turned out to hear agronomic presentations and to get a sneak peek 
at the corn and soybean products that Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds will have available for 2011 planting. Even the kids’ games and inflatable rides, plus the petting zoo, were moved inside. Children also enjoyed face painting and balloon animals by Silly Sally the Clown.
Thanks to Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Corn Specialist Roger Elmore sharing for sharing tips on how to produce 300-Bushel Corn and to the University of Minnesota’s Seth Naeve for sharing tops on how to make 80-bushel beans. We also appreciated listening to Darren Mueller, a researcher working on ISU’s Corn and Soybean Initiative, talk about how to stop nematodes in both corn and soybeans.
“The Big Show,” featuring WHO Radio’s Mark, Bob and Doug, broadcast live from Latham Seeds’ headquarters. And Mark Pearson, also host of Iowa Public Television’s Market to Market, served as the afternoon’s keynote speaker.
We were honored that Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Lang led a discussion on the 2012 Farm Bill.
In addition to esteemed speakers, the Latham Country Fair featured a day filled with entertaining and educational activities. The Franklin County Farm Bureau provided kids hands-on learning related to animal and livestock presentation through activities associated with their Ag in the Classroom Curriculum. Monsanto’s Mobile Technology Unit,TM showcasing advances in plant breeding, biotechnology and Genuity™ trait innovations in corn and soybeans, was on site providing guided tours.
Photo courtesy of Globe Gazette