Latham Seeds Salutes Farmers at Hy-Vee’s INDYCAR Race Weekend
From the first lap in fields every spring to the final lap at harvest, Latham Seeds has always been committed to helping farmers grow. And this past weekend we were at the Iowa Speedway in Newton for a special Salute to Farmers at the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend.
As part of our own 75th milestone as a family-owned, farm-proven company, Latham Seeds sponsored the 75th lap of the race on Sunday. Check out our commercial below!
“Honoring farmers is something we have done ever since our grandfather established Latham Seeds back in 1947 right here in Iowa,” says John Latham, company president. “But it’s something we are especially proud to celebrate this year during our 75th anniversary.”
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Sponsors Iowa’s 4-H Career Pathways Academy to Inspire Youth
As a family-owned business, Latham Seeds has been a longtime supporter of Iowa’s 4-H mission to empower youth to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to sponsor a new, 12-month program for Iowa students that will not only provide pathways to higher education but careers in industries with the highest needs for skilled workers – such as agriculture.
The program kicked off earlier this week at Iowa State University, where 8-11 grade students from around the state met with Academy leaders and business mentors to begin their year-long journey exploring career possibilities and connecting with their local communities. These young people will take part in monthly sessions highlighting industry pathways in:
Agriculture
Entrepreneurship
Education
Healthcare
Manufacturing
STEAM
“Because agriculture is a STEM career, we have a vested interest in preparing the next generation for the growth of our industry,” says John Latham, president of Latham Seeds. “We’re especially excited that these students will participate in hands-on, research-based projects while connected with local businesses in their own communities.”
Cayla Taylor, director of the 4-H Career Pathways Academy, says its creation is the first step in establishing a more formal academy that serves as a “hub” for positive youth development, teaching and outreach for Iowa State University.
“Iowa has a continuing need for a skilled workforce, so it’s important to get our young people focused on college and career exploration at an early age,” she says. “This program will include valuable experiential learning opportunities such as guest speakers, job site visits, and field trips in healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, entrepreneurship and skilled trades.”
Learn more about the 4-H Career Pathways Academy at Iowa State, and stay tuned for how Latham Seeds is working with Iowa’s youth to build strong, lasting legacies in our field.
Latham Seeds is very active in our local communities across Latham Country. Check out other programs we support in an effort to make a difference. Learn more.
Our own Shannon Latham remembers learning how to make omelets when she attended 4-H camp — a skill she says has served her (and others!) well over the years. Today she shares a versatile recipe from the Iowa Egg Council.
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Welcomes Michael Theis as a Regional Sales Manager
Michael Theis (pronounced “Tice”) joined the Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds team on June 13 as a regional sales manager (RSM) for Northeast Iowa.
“I am very excited to have Michael join our team,” says Latham® Sales Manager Amy Rohe. “He brings experience working alongside independent dealers to really understand their goals and is there every step of the way to put those goals into action. Michael has a strong knack for sales and business that will also be a great asset when working with our dealers.”
The youngest of six kids, Michael grew up on a family farm in North Central Iowa raising corn, soybeans and hogs. He knew from an early age that agriculture was his passion, and served as vice president and president of his local FFA chapter. He has fond memories of his grandfather teaching him how to repair and maintain equipment in the shop and around the family farm. To this day, Michael says his favorite time of the year is the spring planting season, and “getting the crop in the ground no matter the challenges Mother Nature presents.”
Michael followed two of his older brothers to Iowa State University, where he joined the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and majored in Agriculture Studies. His first internship as a crop scout sealed his future: “I knew agronomy is what I wanted to focus on,” he says. Before joining Latham Seeds, Michael worked as a crop protection representative for Bayer CropScience in Illinois, and an agronomy sales advisor for a local co-op in Northeast Iowa.
“I am really looking forward to finding opportunities in the area to help growers maximize their ROI, and Latham Seeds adds value to farmers,” Michael says. “We have flexibility in our product lineup, and our people help growers in very specific areas across the Midwest – which most companies don’t deliver.”
He adds: “The family culture that Latham Seeds has instilled for employees and customers is very important to me. I am part of a company that has proven performance for 75 years, and is always looking to innovate to create solutions for growers.”
Michael and his wife, Rachel, were married in August 2018 – a wedding “strategically timed” so it didn’t interfere with any Iowa State football games. They welcomed their first child, Jaxson, just before Thanksgiving last year. When they’re not cheering on the Cyclones, Rachel likes to golf and Michael likes “attempting to golf” with her. He also loves helping out on the family farm, and looks forward to having Jaxson in the fields with him this fall.
Michael and his wife Rachel
The Theis Family
Today Michael is sharing a favorite recipe that was always a treat growing up – especially since his family raised turkeys for many years. He asked his mom for the recipe because he loves it so much, and promises it is simple enough for a perfectly grilled meal.
Bonnie Harris Joins Latham Seeds as Communications Manager
She took a leap of faith and landed in Iowa.
Bonnie Harris’ path to become communications manager at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds isn’t what you might expect. She grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the youngest of four kids. This blonde-haired beach girl ran barefoot on the beaches of Florida and went fishing with her dad.
Bonnie Harris, Communications Manager
A desire to major in Journalism took Bonnie to the University of Maryland in College Park. She interned for Congressional Quarterly and rode in the underground cars on Capitol Hill to record all the votes during session.
“I learned so much about politics as a young person,” says Bonnie. “But I also learned to appreciate the process, the total picture of our democracy – far more than I ever learned in a classroom.”
After graduating with a journalism degree and a minor in public relations, Bonnie accepted her first full-time newspaper job in Spokane, Washington. Four years later she was hired by the Los Angeles Times and moved to Southern California, where she covered cops, courts and crime. She also traveled for months with both presidential candidates in 2000, earning the nickname “Sunshine” from George W. Bush.
“As a reporter at the Los Angeles Times, I had to work with photographers to help cover my stories. I went to the Photo Desk in the newsroom and dealt with Don Tormey, a photo editor who was grumpy and literally annoying,” says Bonnie.
Opposites attract as they say, and Bonnie and Don were married.
“When we found out we were having twins, I quickly decided I did not want to raise them in Southern California,” says Bonnie. “I researched job opportunities for me and Don. The Des Moines Register jumped on his credentials and moved us to Iowa. Our boys were just 13 months old.”
Jackson (left) and James (right) 6 Months Old
Neither Bonnie nor Don had any ties to Iowa.
“We took a leap of faith in a state that was – to us coming from Southern California – more affordable, with better schools, an easy commute and GOOD PEOPLE. We endured many questions about our decision to transplant our family here, and that’s OK. We are honorary Iowans. Our boys, who are now almost 20 years old, have always called Iowa their home. And we do, too.”
Jackson, Bonnie, Don and James
Bonnie and Don’s son James just completed his first year at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He wants to become a fighter pilot. Their son Jackson will be a sophomore this fall at Iowa State University, where he is double-majoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. He wants to teach high school and coach varsity basketball.
Bonnie, James and Jackson
Now that she is an empty-nester, Bonnie decided the time was right to again make a career change. She has worked the past five years in client relations, project management and PR with advertising and design firms in Greater Des Moines.
“I am most excited to work with the marketing and sales teams to promote the brand and share the Latham Seeds story. I know there is tremendous brand loyalty for this company and that speaks volumes about its leadership and commitment to customer service,” says Bonnie. “I am really looking forward to meeting our dealers this summer and celebrating their ongoing partnership with Latham Seeds. I’m also excited to learn how technology plays an important role in delivering the highest-quality products to Latham Seeds’ family of customers.”
Bonnie adds: “Latham Seeds is a family-owned company with a rich history that is appealing to me. While neither my husband nor I have an ag background, some of our dearest friends do – and we’ve grown to love the cyclical, beautiful life we see in farming. I’ve been fortunate to have worked in marketing for several ag companies, including a large animal feed business, and I’m always inspired by the hard-working, down-to-earth people I meet. Working for a company that helps farmers feed the world is a blessing by itself!”
In her spare time, Bonnie enjoys reading and cooking. She says her family enjoys traveling, golfing and playing ridiculously competitive board games. They also never miss a Cyclone tailgate. Today Bonnie is sharing with us one of her favorite recipes for Key Lime Pie.
