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Jenny
Jenny celebrating at our Feliz Navidad party!

Taking care of business (and people) has always been Jenny Moore’s passion. As Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ newest team member, she’s doing both for us!

Born and raised in Belmond, Iowa, Jenny was an all-around athlete. She played basketball, softball, volleyball and track throughout high school. She also was a clarinet-playing band kid, and says she was happy to “twirl the flag” in marching band.

“I was good at that,” Jenny says with a laugh.

She’s also good at helping people in their darkest times of need.

Before joining Latham Seeds, Jenny worked for more than 20 years at Mercy One in Mason City. As a patient care technician in the emergency room, Jenny served countless families through their worst traumas. Jenny managed paperwork, documented patient needs and, especially, held the hands of people who needed it most. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became the primary prevention police officer in her unit. Jenny trained colleagues on a whole new hospital protocol, from how to properly wash hands to safely move in and out of patients’ rooms.

“I definitely wasn’t the most popular person at work during that time,” Jenny says. “But I knew I was doing the right work.”

One of Jenny’s cousins told her about Latham’s executive administrative assistant opening, a job she thought sounded perfect at the time. Jenny has fond memories of traveling to meet with seed dealers with her ex-husband, a former ag sales rep.

“The trust and bond we all had was very inspiring,” Jenny says. “I am extremely happy to be a part of the Latham Seeds family now.”

Jenny is most grateful for the patience and grace that her fellow Latham colleagues have shown her in the last two months since she joined the team. “Nobody makes me feel like I’m asking too many questions,” Jenny says. “Everyone is so kind to me. I’m very happy where I am.”

Jenny’s parents, Curtis and Byrul, live on a farm near Rowan, Iowa, where they raise corn and beans. Jenny is the middle child of their three daughters. Kim, the oldest, lives Texas. Jamie, the youngest, lives in Dows, Iowa. The sisters have an older brother who passed away in 1999.

In her free time, Jenny loves doing anything outdoors — especially camping at the Iowa State Fair where her family has a coveted camp site. She also travels with her dad every year as he races his fastest vintage car.

Jenny Mx2

“Nothing’s better than that,” Jenny says.

One thing that might come close is this recipe from Jenny’s beloved grandmother. Take note of Grandma June’s Homemade Mac ‘n Cheese recipe below.

Grandma June’s Homemade Mac ‘n Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1/4cup butter, divided
  • 1/4cup flour
  • 1cup milk
  • 1/2pound (8 oz ) Velveeta cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2cups elbow macaroni, cooked
  • 1/2cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 to 8buttery crackers crushed

Directions

  • Heat oven to 350°
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually stir in milk.
  • Bring to a boil, cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened.
  • Add Velveeta; cook 3 minutes or until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni.
  • Spoon into 2-quart casserole sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Melt remaining butter, toss with cracker crumbs, sprinkle over casserole.
  • Bake 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.