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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Celebrating the Holidays With Latham Hi-Tech Seeds

At Latham Seeds, we believe the holidays aren’t just about festive decorations and delicious food — they’re about celebrating the people who make this company feel like family. That’s why every December, our tradition of a holiday potluck takes center stage. And since National Ugly Sweater Day always falls in the mix, we encourage our team to dig deep into their closets (or their sense of humor!) and don their boldest holiday attire for the occasion.

This year’s ugly sweater celebration didn’t disappoint! From garish Grinches to light-up beachside Santas, the creativity brought many laughs. Of course, the potluck table was piled high with family recipes, each dish a reminder of the care and pride this team brings to every corner of their lives, both personal and professional.

One of the most heartwarming parts of our holiday potluck, though, isn’t the sweaters or even the incredible food — it’s the tradition of giving each Latham Seeds employee a handcrafted ornament. For years, our Site Manager, Rod Fesenmeyer, has been the mastermind behind these unique keepsakes. Each wooden ornament is carefully designed and made by Rod himself, serving as a lasting reminder of the bond we share as a team. The ornaments are different every year, making them as special and unique as the people who receive them. It’s this kind of thoughtfulness and care that reflects the heart of Latham Seeds: family-first values and a commitment to making every team member feel appreciated.

But what’s a potluck without a dish that steals the show? This year, Carma DeVries’ famous macaroni salad was the undisputed champ. Creamy, savory, and downright irresistible, it had everyone lining up for seconds. Carma is sharing her recipe with us today!

And so, as we gather this holiday season in ugly sweaters and good cheer, we’re reminded of how lucky we are to be part of such a supportive and close-knit team. From all of us at Latham Seeds, we wish you and yours a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and traditions that bring people together — ugly sweaters optional!

shannonlatham

December 19, 2024

Food & Family, General, Recipes, Season, Sides, Winter
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Meet Derrick Schulte: Latham Seeds’ New District Sales Manager

Latham Seeds is excited to introduce Derrick Schulte as our newest District Sales Manager! Derrick brings a wealth of agricultural experience, a passion for seed and a deep commitment to community, all of which will serve him well as he steps into this important role.

Derrick’s roots run deep in agriculture. He grew up on a small family farm outside of Norway, Iowa, where he was no stranger to farm life. From bailing hay and raising livestock to participating in 4-H and FFA, Derrick was immersed in the world of farming from an early age. His leadership skills flourished when he served as a senior class officer, which inspired him to pursue a career in sales management.

“I knew early on that I wanted to be a District Sales Manager,” Derrick shares. “Agriculture has always been a part of my life, and I’ve always had a passion for helping people grow.”

Derrick hails from a long line of hardworking farmers. His dad was a fifth-generation farmer, and his great-grandfather was known for having one of the first registered Hereford hogs in the region. Though his dad passed away in 2017, Derrick’s two older brothers, his mom and his sister now carry on the family farming legacy, raising beef cattle and row crops.

Derrick’s connection to Latham Seeds runs through his sister and brother-in-law, Sara and Shawn Kreutner, who are active Latham® Dealers in Northern Benton County.

“Through my brother-in-law’s experience as a Latham dealer, I learned about Latham Seeds and was impressed by the company’s commitment to quality and service,” Derrick says.

Derrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Studies from Iowa State University, and his background in agriculture, combined with his passion for seed, makes him an ideal fit for the DSM role with Latham Seeds. Derrick is excited to meet and build relationships with the dealer network, helping growers find the perfect seed for their operations.

“I look forward to growing the Latham Seeds brand and using my experience to provide top-notch service to our dealers,” Derrick says. “Helping our customers find the right fit for their acres is what I’m most excited about.”

When he’s not working, Derrick enjoys attending ISU events and going to live music concerts with his girlfriend, Abby Martin.

Join us in welcoming Derrick to the team, and enjoy one of his family’s favorite recipes for blueberry zucchini bread!

shannonlatham

December 13, 2024

Appetizers, Food & Family, General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Cyclone History in the Making: Latham Locker Room Report Brings Fans Closer to ISU’s Championship Journey

For the first time in its 133-year history, Iowa State University’s football team has achieved 10 regular season wins — an achievement Cyclone Nation won’t soon forget. This remarkable season has secured the No. 16 Cyclones a spot in the Big 12 Championship game this Saturday in Arlington, Texas, where they’ll face the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils in a historic matchup.

Saturday’s game marks Iowa State’s second appearance in the Big 12 Championship, with their first dating back to 2020.

That game ended in a close 27-21 loss to Oklahoma, but the Cyclones have grown stronger and more determined since then. A victory this Saturday would not only solidify this as one of the greatest seasons in program history but also cement the Cyclones’ place in college football’s elite tier.

For Latham Seeds, supporting Iowa State football goes far beyond game day pride — it’s about fostering the same dedication and commitment that drives both our company and the Cyclone team. As a proud sponsor of Iowa State Athletics, Latham Seeds is thrilled to bring fans exclusive post-game insights through the Latham Locker Room Report, which airs on the Cyclone Radio Network after every game. The Latham Locker Room Report provides fans with interviews from players and coaches, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Cyclones’ journey.

This Saturday’s championship game promises to deliver unforgettable moments, and we’re excited to bring fans coverage straight from Arlington. Whether you’re cheering from Texas or tuning in from home, let’s show our Cyclone pride and support the team as they battle for the Big 12 title.

Here’s to making history — Go Cyclones! And here’s to also making an easy tailgate or party snack with this recipe from one of our favorite growers!

shannonlatham

December 5, 2024

Appetizers, Food & Family, General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Meet Renata Walsh: Latham’s New Accounts Payable Specialist

Renata Walsh recently joined the Latham Seeds family as our new Accounts Payable Specialist, bringing with her a rich history of farm life, finance expertise and creative passion.

Renata grew up on a farrow-to-finish hog farm near Osage, Iowa, alongside her twin sister and three brothers. As farm kids, they were always busy helping with chores, from sorting hogs to baling hay. While most of her family eventually relocated to Kansas and settled into farming and other jobs, Renata stayed in Osage, where she began her career and raised her son, Justin.

Her path led her to meet her husband, Thom, in Mason City while working at a car dealership. They married last year, making for an eventful season as they celebrated three weddings in their family! Renata now has a blended family that includes Thom’s two children and a granddaughter, Khloe.

Professionally, Renata’s experience in accounts payable spans several years, including three years at Sukup Manufacturing and 23 years as an office manager in Osage. When she saw the opportunity at Latham Seeds, she was excited to join a company closer to home and has enjoyed the warm, close-knit environment here.

In addition to her work in finance, Renata is a talented photographer. Together with her husband, she owns RenaThom Art Vibe Photography, specializing in nature, wildlife and wedding photography. With a studio at home, Renata loves capturing special moments, especially during wedding days. She’s also a passionate quilter, cook, and artist, always finding creative ways to bring her talents to life.

We’re thrilled to have Renata on board and look forward to the expertise, dedication, and creativity she brings to our team. Please join us in welcoming her to Latham Seeds! And enjoy one of her favorite recipes for pecan pie with a twist.

shannonlatham

November 21, 2024

Desserts, Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes

desserts, Food & Family, general, recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Proud to be 100% Latham

Ramon Kuntz’s introduction to Latham Seeds came as a young graduate of Iowa State University, when he went to work for a Latham® dealer named Gene Cole
in Grafton, Iowa. Ramon started in sales, familiarized himself with Latham’s lineup and learned how the products compared to others that his boss was
selling at the time.

Years later when asked if he’d be interested in taking on a Latham® dealership of his own. Ramon says he was quick to answer: “I went back to the farm and did it.”

Today, Ramon says he’s proud to be “100% Latham” for more than a decade. He’s a fourth-generation farmer in Grafton, continuing to work with his parents and one cousin. Ramon’s dad runs the combine in the fall; his mom runs the grain cart. Ramon and his wife, Sara, have two boys: Raiden and Brantly. Last year, Ramon was thrilled that Raiden ran the tractor by himself for the first time.

“He can run about anything. He’s done the grain cart and the big tractor with the disc,” Ramon says of his boy. “He’s done skid loaders. But it was good to see him going solo in the tractor.”

Ramon’s loyalty to Latham Seeds stems from years of proven product performance and family-owned customer service. When he started experimenting with moving to more conventional corn, Ramon says Latham supported him with product suggestions that fit well in his family’s operation.

“Latham is a regional company that selects hybrids and varieties that fit my area,” he says. “That’s important to my business.”

Personalized service has been important to Ramon’s success, too. A self- proclaimed “old-school” farmer, Ramon says he enjoys working with an independent company with leaders who know him by name. He calls it a “charm” that larger seed brands don’t understand.

“I like working with family-owned companies where I can walk straight up to the top executives if I have a question — and they’ll not only answer me, they’ll know me,” Ramon says. “That’s what I get with the Lathams.”

The Kuntzes have celebrated Grafton-area turkey farmers for decades. This is how his family makes a turkey — because, as Ramon says, “If you use an oven, you are ruining a good turkey!”

shannonlatham

November 8, 2024

Fall, Food & Family, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Welcome Carma DeVries, Latham’s New Office Manager

We’re excited to introduce Carma DeVries as the new office manager at Latham Seeds! With a lifetime of agriculture experience and a love for working with people, Carma joined us on October 7 and has already made her mark as a welcoming face at our Alexander office. Customers and dealers will quickly recognize her as the friendly voice answering the phones, but she’ll also be supporting human resources efforts, assisting with dealer reports, and keeping all of us organized.

Raised in Franklin County, Carma has spent her entire life deeply involved in agriculture, from showing livestock in 4-H and FFA as a kid to working for more than a decade on a Quarter Horse farm. As a lifelong animal lover, Carma continues to volunteer at the Franklin County 4-H and FFA horse show each summer. Carma and her husband, Mark, a farmer and cattle producer, now carry on a farming legacy with their son Joe, raising cattle and cultivating corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Joe is also a Latham® Dealer and serves as the Northwest Member Services Director for the Iowa Cattlemen Association.

Carma’s background in the seed industry spans 31 years. She majored in horse science technology at Kirkwood Community College. Prior to joining Latham, Carma worked in customer service and office coordination at Profi-Seed, AgVenture, and Simplot, where she developed hands-on expertise in soybean seed, shipping, and customer support. Carma says she’s excited to bring this knowledge to Latham Seeds, reconnecting with her love of working with growers and their products.

“Since starting here, I realized how much I missed working with soybean seed along with the growers who raised them,” Carma says.

Outside the office, Carma stays busy with hobbies like gardening and canning and is actively involved in her local church. She’s thrilled to be part of the Latham team, and looking forward to getting to know our growers, dealers, and her new colleagues. Be sure to stop by and give her a warm welcome the next time you’re in touch with Latham Seeds!

shannonlatham

October 29, 2024

Food & Family, General, Recipes

Food & Family, recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Focus on Precise Measurements for Best Results

Like many boys who grow up on a farm, Landon Aldinger was fascinated with equipment.
Years later he would combine his fascination with equipment and farming with skills in
technology and engineering to help others get more results using fewer inputs.

Watching big machines on the family farm led to Landon getting a bachelor’s degree in Ag
Engineering from Iowa State University. He then worked nearly seven years as a Senior Design
Engineer for the Toro Company in Minneapolis before his story finally came full circle.

“I really enjoyed my time and my career in the cities,” Landon says. “But when I turned 30, my
priorities started to shift. I was ready to head home and become more involved in the farming
operation.”

Landon had been assisting his father, Mike Aldinger, since 2008 with their seed, chemical and
consulting business. Mike started the business with his father (Landon’s grandfather), Merle.
After Merle retired, the business became Precision Farm Management, using the latest
products to implement more precision ag services like variable rate seeding, fertilizer and
nitrogen.

Besides managing the farming business, Landon runs Aldinger Engineering LLC consulting. He
also spends time “carpet farming” and helping his oldest son, Grady, fix his equipment in their
living room. Landon sees signs of a second-generation engineer/farmer in his son.

“Grady continues to love all things agriculture and equipment,” Landon says proudly. “It is not
uncommon for him to head out to the field for a few hours to ride along and ‘help’ anyway he
can. I love watching his excitement.” Landon and his wife, Kinsey, also have a younger son
named McCoy, who will soon compete with his older brother for the buddy seat.

In addition to raising kids and crops, the Aldingers also raise cattle and pork. Warm and
hearty soups like this one help keep their crew growing.

shannonlatham

October 18, 2024

Food & Family, General, Pork, Recipes, Soups, Uncategorized

Food & Family, recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

A Tradition of Growing Only the Best

Growing Latham’s high-quality soybeans has become a legacy for many farm families, as Steve and Karen Bruns demonstrate from their North Central Iowa farm.

“I have enjoyed working with everyone at Latham Seeds,” says Steve Bruns, who’s been a contract grower of Latham® seed beans since 1999. While he was in high school, Steve worked on weekends and during the summer for Latham grower Hugh Porterfield. Steve later custom-farmed Hugh’s ground for 20 years.

“The people I work with at Latham are the ones I’ve known since grade school,” adds Steve, who grew up northeast of Alexander, Iowa, on a farm his grandfather purchased in 1949.

Finding Farming Again

Like many young people, Steve left the area for a few years before he decided to choose farming as his livelihood. Sadly, Steve’s father developed cancer around that same time.

“I had to quickly take over the farm, right in the middle of the Farm Crisis,” says Steve, whose father, Dean, was just 44 years old when he passed. “Luckily, I didn’t have the chance to accumulate a lot of debt, which forced a lot of our farmers out of business during those turbulent years.”

What’s Next for Pork Producers

During the 1980s and 1990s, the pork industry changed a lot. Contracts to hog producers allowed for a steady income and took away the market swings. Steve got back into the pork industry in 2000 and operated a 4,000-head site for 20 years. As a top Iowa pork producer, his family’s photo was displayed outside the Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fair in 2005.

Although he’s no longer producing pork, Steve uses hog manure for fertilizer on as many acres as he can.

“Hog manure gives an extra yield bump if conditions are right when it’s applied,” he says. “We’ve seen a 10- to 20-bushel yield bump when manure has been applied under the right conditions.”

The Bruns Family

Now that he has retired from pork production, Steve hopes to have more time for golfing, fishing and hunting. Karen retired from the postal service after 21 years. She enjoys sewing, walking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family. The couple has three grown children: Eric, Jami and Lindsey.

The Bruns Family

The Bruns family enjoys gathering at the farm for great meals like this Ground Pork Casserole, a recipe passed down by Steve’s grandmother Elsie.

shannonlatham

October 3, 2024

Food & Family, General, Pork, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Don Latham Honored as ISU’s Military Hero of the Game

In a special moment of gratitude in front of thousands of Cyclone fans, Don Latham, Vietnam veteran and former vice president of Latham Seeds, was honored as the Military Hero of the Game at Iowa State University’s football game on Sept. 21. This distinguished recognition is part of ISU’s ongoing Military Hero of the Game program, which celebrates the service and dedication of active-duty military and veterans.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Don Latham’s commitment to country extends back to his days as a U.S. Army officer during the Vietnam War. Serving from 1967 to 1969, Latham was tasked with responsibilities that required courage and leadership under incredibly challenging conditions. Reflecting on his service years later, he recalls both the friendships forged and the profound lessons that helped shape the way he approached leadership and innovation in business.

In 2021, Don shared his Vietnam experience in an interview, reflecting on the sacrifices made by his fellow servicemen and women, as well as the lasting impact it had on his life and career. He continues to serve others, not only through his work in agriculture but also through his advocacy for veterans’ causes.

ISU’s Military Hero of the Game Program

The Military Hero of the Game initiative at Iowa State University allows Cyclone Nation to pause and recognize the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. During halftime at each home game in Ames, Iowa, one veteran or active-duty service member is invited onto the field for a special presentation. This powerful moment highlights the service, courage and dedication of those who have defended our freedoms.

A Day of Celebration: The Latham Seeds Cyclone Tailgate

In a perfect alignment of celebration and gratitude, Don’s Hero of the Game award coincided with Latham Seeds’ annual Cyclone Tailgate, an event we look forward to every year as we gather with dealers, customers and friends. This tailgate is a Latham Seeds tradition, and this year’s festivities took on even greater meaning as we honored Don’s legacy — in the military and as a leader in the agricultural industry.

bonnie-harris

September 23, 2024

Food & Family, Latham News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds Announces Justin Prokosch as Sales Agronomist

Two days after his twin boys were born prematurely, Justin Prokosch started working at Latham Hi-Tech Seeds as a regional sales manager in South Central Minnesota. With two babies in the hospital and two older boys at home, Justin and his wife, Katie, weren’t sure what kind of first impression he’d be able to make at his new job.

They needn’t have worried. Justin quickly learned what working for a family-owned company really meant.

“The owners treat their employees and dealers like their own family and truly care about their customers,” he says. “We can go to the owners at any time and feel heard. Being able to work alongside the third generation is something you don’t see very often today.”

Six years (and one more boy later), Justin is moving from his RSM position to serve as Latham’s newest sales agronomist in the central and southern areas. It’s a perfect fit for Justin, who grew up on a century farm in Wabasso, Minn., only 1.5 miles from where his family lives now. At Southwest Minnesota State University, Justin majored in Ag Business and minored in Agronomy. Since he always had a passion for agriculture, those two areas of study made sense to him.

“Justin knows our products, understands good management practices and is committed to his new role to help our customers and dealers thrive,” says Amy Rohe, Latham’s sales manager. “His experience will serve us well as sales agronomist.”

Seeing how different products respond differently to certain situations — and helping dealers promote and place products with confidence — is something Justin is looking forward to in his new role. As an RSM, he says he could have used the support of a sales agronomist himself, to help bring a new perspective to his dealers’ operations and extend those relationships on an agronomic level.

“I am excited to really get to know their business,” Justin says. “I have grown a passion for product placement and product characteristics.”

Justin and Katie Prokosch have been married for 10 years and have five boys. Katie keeps their busy family going and volunteers on the local ambulance service. The boys love being outdoors, helping with farm chores, wrestling and playing baseball. Like their dad when he was growing up, the Prokosch boys also enjoy being a part of the local 4-H club and showing animals at the county fair.

When he isn’t chasing after his sons or participating in “whatever they are up to at any given time of the year,” Justin enjoys ice fishing and hunting pheasant and deer.

Here is a Prokosch family favorite recipe that keeps their whole crew warm.

shannonlatham

September 19, 2024

Agronomics, Food & Family, Latham News, Pork, Recipes, Soups