Team members of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds welcomed Latham dealers from six Upper Midwest states to Iowa’s Capital City, July 14-15, to kick off our 2022-2023 seed sales year. This year’s event was particularly meaningful as our family-owned and managed company celebrated its 75th “birthday” in grand fashion – from balloon creations and face painting for the kids to horse-drawn wagon rides and a delicious meal catered by the Iowa Machine Shed at Living History Farms.
We chose Living History Farms for this celebratory event because of its iconic nod to Iowa agriculture and its beautiful surroundings, including native Iowa prairie. We enjoyed going back to a simpler time of life when community members gathered for lawn games and ice cream.
What began in 1947 with an innovative farmer’s vision and his wife’s office management skills has since grown into a seed company with one of the industry’s deepest portfolios. Willard and Evelyn Latham worked hard to help fellow farmers be more profitable through forward-thinking solutions, all while raising five sons who have carried forth the company’s mission. And that mission – to be a trusted partner for farmers by providing personalized solutions today so they can grow even stronger legacies tomorrow – hasn’t changed.
Whether we’re hosting a Latham event on our family’s Iowa Century Farm or in a farm field somewhere in the middle of Latham Country, we honor Evelyn Latham by continuing her tradition of hospitality. Evelyn was named Wallaces Farmer Homemaker of the Year in 1962. She developed a reputation for always having a fresh pot of coffee on the burner and homemade cookies on the table when customers came calling. Scotcharoos were often on Evelyn’s cookie plate, but that goes to reason since Rice Krispies® were invented by an Iowa State University graduate.
Scotcharoos are often served with Maid-Rites (not to be confused with Sloppy Joe’s). Who knew Iowa is home of the Maid-Rite® sandwich, too? Fred Angell served the first loose-meat sandwich in 1926 and franchised his idea in 1927. At Taylor’s Maid-Rite in Marshalltown, they still grind 100% choice beef daily to ensure its quality and freshness. We’re sharing a recipe for this Iowa classic, so you can enjoy loose-meat sandwiches at home.
We enjoy learning about regional fare as we travel across the Upper Midwest, visiting Latham dealers and customers. We’re linking to our past Kickoff blogs to give you a taste, too!
Related Posts:
- Kickoff 2021 in Sioux Falls, featuring recipe for Garden Grill Tri Tip
- Virtual Kickoff in 2020, featuring Barbecue Pork Sandwiches
- Kickoff 2019 at Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Altoona, Iowa, featuring a recipe for Crumb-Crusted Top Sirloin and Roasted Garlic Potatoes with Bourbon Sauce
- Kickoff 2018 at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, featuring a recipe for Honey Lavender Cheesecake Bites
- Kickoff 2017 at Branson, Missouri, featuring Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
Iowa Loose-Meat Sandwiches
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (85/15)
- 1/3 cup dehydrated chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper
- 1½ Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1½ Tablespoons steak sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Directions
Directions
- Brown beef with onions, salt, pepper and sauces.
- Drain beef and return to pan; add broth.
- Simmer for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Scoop onto warm buns. Garnish with pickles, ketchup and mustard.
COOK’S TIP: To keep warm in a crock pot, set temperature on low. Add 1 cup of broth/water per hour the meat will be in the pot.