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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Iowa Ag Secretary Recognizes Latham Seeds’ 75th Anniversary

Happy National Ag Week! This annual event is a great opportunity to say thank you to the farmers and agribusinesses that provide food and fuel for all of us. National Ag Week also provides us with an opportunity to showcase the importance of agriculture to others across our nation, as well as around the world.

Because one of his main responsibilities is being the chief promoter and advocate for Iowa agriculture, today we’re shining a spotlight on Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. He was born and raised on his family’s Century Farm near Cylinder, Iowa, where they raised crops and livestock. He remains active in the operation along with his father and uncle.

“The agriculture community shaped who I am. I still plant and harvest our family farm every year,” says Sec. Naig, who was elected in 2018 and is running for re-election in 2022.

Secretary Naig and his wife, Jaime, have three boys. Picture from L-R: Jaime, Zach, Mike, Joe, Mitch

“I’ve been in agriculture my entire life. I believe it’s important that the person holding the title of Secretary actually has experienced the industry, so they have a deep understanding of the challenges that our agriculture community faces daily.”

The people in Iowa’s agriculture community make this job worth doing, says Sec. Naig. Our farmers help feed, fuel and clothe the world. In addition, Iowa Agriculture is critical to the health of state’s economy and that of local communities.

Agriculture is about producing food and Secretary Naig has a passion to reduce food insecurity in our state. During a recent visit to the Bremer County Food Bank, he learned about a partnership between the food bank and a local pork producer who regularly donates.

“Our farmers and agribusinesses work hard every single day to feed and fuel consumers here and across the world. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them, hear their concerns, and then work together to solve those challenges,” says Sec. Naig. “My top priorities in this role include expanding markets domestically and internationally for Iowa’s farmers, accelerating the implementation of conservation practices that improve water quality, and supporting the next generation of leaders in Iowa agriculture.”

Secretary Naig recently made a visit to Clarion Locker, who is working to attain Cooperative Interstate Shipping status (CIS). The CIS program was implemented by Sec. Naig in early 2020 and provide meat lockers with the ability to remain under state inspection while also allowing them to ship their products across state lines to enter new markets.

Whether it’s representing Iowa on an international trade mission or meeting with a business that is considering moving into Iowa, Sec. Naig says he is always excited to share the great things we have going on in our state and agriculture community.

“Latham Seeds is a great Iowa business that supports Iowa’s farmers with the latest products and technologies on the market,” says Sec. Naig. “I love seeing a family business have such great success over the course of so many generations. Congratulations on 75 years of business and here’s to many more!”

Farm families celebrate special events, including milestone anniversaries and holidays, with food. When the Naig family gathers, kringla is usually served.

“Like most families, we’ve passed this kringla recipe down from previous generations. But it seems like no matter how closely we follow the recipe, we can never make it the same as mom,” says Sec. Naig. “Mom has a special way that is always far superior. I suppose that’s the case when you know the ingredients and process by heart, so you don’t have to rely on a recipe like we do at our house!”

Making kringla is an activity the Naig family enjoys.

“Jaime and I have never had an issue recruiting our boys to help with the rolling and shaping that’s required. After all, helping in the kitchen makes it a lot easier for them to sneak a bite when they’re still warm out of the oven.”

In celebration of strong families and productive farmers everywhere, enjoy this kringla recipe!

shannonlatham

March 24, 2022

Agriculture, Breads/Breakfast, Desserts, Food & Family, General, Industry News, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Surround Yourself with Greatness

Like all great athletes and entrepreneurs, Myron Keltgen has learned it pays to surround yourself with greatness. He was fortunate to get his start in the seed business in 1984 with Keltgen Seed Co.

Myron Keltgen, Corn Product Specialist

“I feel kind of like Brett Favre… I have one last chance to win the big one with the team that will carry me to the goal line,” says Keltgen, who has served as Western Corn Product Specialist for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds since July 2015. Myron also is a Latham® dealer through Lake Area Ag, which he owns and operates. “The thing that most excites me about Latham is the people on the team.”

The ability to talk to the people who make the decisions is something Myron enjoyed about working for Keltgen Seed. Myron’s father, Darwin, and Darwin’s brother, Keith, started the family-owned seed company.

“If I had an issue, I could go right to the president for help,” says Myron. “If I made a call in the field, I knew they trusted my judgement and would stand behind me. I also knew they sincerely cared about our customers and dealers. This is also what I enjoy about working with family-owned Latham Seeds. I can call John, Shannon or Chris Latham anytime I need help, and they will be there. They also are very sincere. They respect our dealers and customers and greatly care about each one’s success.”

One way Latham Seeds helps set up its dealers and customers for success is by offering the industry’s newest and most effective traits in genetics packages that are specific to the geographies the company serves. Myron’s passion has always been watching crops develop throughout the season, so product development is a great fit for his background and interests.

Myron spends countless hours walking soybean and corn fields every week throughout the growing season, looking for something that differentiates one product from another. He especially enjoys helping select products for Latham’s lineup. He also enjoys the opportunity to work with Gary Geske, who was a district sales manager at Keltgen Seeds and serves as Latham’s Northern Corn Product Specialist.

“I still enjoy calling on friends and customers from when I worked at Keltgen and Wensman,” says Myron. “I enjoy visiting with them and getting updates on their kids and grandkids. My youngest son, Jason, has joined the Lake Area Ag dealership in Watertown. I’m enjoying the opportunity to work with both of my sons now.”

Myron’s oldest son, James, is a regional sales manager for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. He and his wife Laurie also are the proud parents of one daughter.

The Keltgen Family

“All our kids and grandkids live within an hour of us, so we’re blessed they’re all so close,” says Myron. The Keltgen family enjoys spending time together at their farm. Many of their fields are research sites for the products they sell.

When he’s not working or farming, Myron enjoys spending time with his family at the river. He especially loves fishing the Lake Ohae area and often serves as a fishing guide. Since the family does an extensive amount of fishing, they shared with us their favorite walleye recipe!

shannonlatham

March 17, 2022

Corn, Crop, Food & Family, General, Recipes, Seafood
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Finding Peace Behind the Tractor Wheel

Spring is a time of new beginnings for farmers across the Upper Midwest. It was fitting that in April 2014 Matt Wyatt left his full-time job of 18 years as claims supervisor for Rain & Hail Agricultural Insurance to fully enjoy this new season of life.

Matt enjoys planting and harvesting crops without distractions including checking email frequently and fielding multiple phone calls related to crop insurance.

Frank Wyatt with son Matt Wyatt

“I like knowing I’ll be home every night, and I like working with my dad,” says Matt, the fourth generation of Wyatts to farm near Hudson in Northeast Iowa.

Matt and Frank raise corn and soybeans. They also have an early wean-to-finish pork operation. In addition, Frank has been a Latham® dealer since 1995. Matt joined the dealership in 2015.

Being alone with his thoughts for a good part of the day took some getting used to as Matt transitioned from his corporate job to farming full time. Now he enjoys spending time outside where the birds sing and his phone isn’t chirping incessantly. He can concentrate on doing the day’s job and planning for the future.

“Even if they don’t decide to pursue farming, I want my children to have an appreciation for the process,” adds Matt. “I want them to experience a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day, knowing the work that was done is all a part of something bigger.”

The Wyatt Family

Matt graduated in 1996 from Iowa State University (ISU) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Agronomy. It’s also where he met his wife, Chelsea, who stays busy with her children’s school and community activities. The couple are the proud parents of two sons and a daughter: Cael, Aiden and Ava. Cael is a senior at ISU, majoring in Communication Studies. Aiden is a sophomore at ISU, majoring in Journalism. Ava is a high school junior, who is considering ISU for her future studies.

Active in the community, Chelsea organized the community soccer program and chaired the local parent-teacher association for several years. Matt helped coach the community’s youth wrestling program and served as a coach for Ava’s youth soccer team. Matt also has been president of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck School Board and is active in his local church. In addition, Matt and his father, Frank, are active in the Masonic Lodge.

In their free time, the Wyatts enjoy cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebels. Matt enjoys golfing, and Chelsea enjoys taking family vacations to the beach.

In honor of the pork they produce and the tropical vacations they enjoy, the Wyatts are sharing a family favorite recipe.

“It’s rare that I make the same thing twice, but this recipe is great for tailgating and entertaining,” says Chelsea. “You can whip it up the night before, it feeds a lot of people and is always a hit!

shannonlatham

March 10, 2022

Appetizers, Breads/Breakfast, Dairy, Food & Family, General, Pork, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Free Throws Total $65k Donation from Latham Seeds
Each time a member of the men’s basketball team at the University of Iowa or Iowa State University stands at the free throw line the American Cancer Society has a shot at winning. For the 10th consecutive season, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has teamed up with Cyclone Sports Properties and Hawkeye Sports Properties to donate funds to the American Cancer Society through Coaches vs. Cancer. Over the course of 10 years, Latham Seeds has donated $65k.

2022 Iowa Hawkeye Charity Stripe Check Presentation.

2022 Iowa State Cyclone Charity Stripe Check Presentation.

Coaches vs. Cancer was championed by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri men’s basketball program. As a cancer survivor and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Stewart challenged fans to pledge a dollar amount for points made by his team. The American Cancer Society and the NABC adopted that concept in 1993, transforming it into a nationwide effort to provide help and hope to people facing cancer.

“We have been committed to supporting the American Cancer Society through the Charity Stripe Promotion since 2013 because we know first-hand what a gift hope can be,” says John Latham, president of family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds in Alexander, Iowa. “On February 20, 2010, my father underwent a stem cell transplant to battle AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia). He and my mom moved into the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester after he was released from the hospital. That transplant extended Dad’s life for more than five years, and we are grateful for all of the support he received during his cancer battle. I also grateful that my mom is a two-time cancer survivor.”

Whether it’s ourselves, our parents, a neighbor or a coworker, each of us has a cancer story. More than 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States. No one fights alone.

Related Articles:
- 2013: Coaches vs. Cancer nets $15,000
- 2014: Coaches vs. Cancer nets $17,000
- 2015: Put the Full Court Press on Cancer
- 2016: Will to Win is a Common Denominator
- 2019: Latham Seeds Provides Cancer Support One Free Throw at a Time
- 2020: Providing Hope is Our “Why”
- 2021: Coming Back from Childhood Cancer
- 2021: Schminke Family Goes the Distance
shannonlatham

March 3, 2022

Food & Family, General, Industry News, Season, Winter
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Be North Dakota Legendary

“North Dakota Legendary” is more than a tourism slogan for the State of North Dakota. It’s a way of life.

North Dakota State University’s (NDSU) football team has won 17 national championships. The Bison are a dominating force in FCS, having won nine titles in 11 seasons. Most recently, North Dakota State crushed Montana State on January 8, 2022.

The Hankey Family

“Our oldest son, Abraham, played quarterback throughout his high school football career. Our youngest son, Jackson, played full back and middle linebacker in high school. They won the Class A High School Championship in 2014, and we thought, ‘It can’t get any better than this,” says Dave Hankey, a fourth generation farmer and owner of Hankey Seed Co. in Park River, ND.

Upon graduating from Park River High, Abraham followed in his parents’ footsteps by majoring in Agricultural Economics at NDSU. Jackson planned to do the same, but he also had the goal of playing football at NDSU. Jackson never considered attending another college or playing football anywhere else. You might assume success came easily if you only read the headlines like this one, “Hankey leaving NDSU as one of its best defensive players.

Jackson Hankey with his NDSU Teammates

Jackson’s story is one of perseverance. Despite being a standout high school athlete, he began his Bison football career as a walk-on. Jackson earned academic scholarships, but it took him two years to earn a football scholarship. As quarterback of the defense, he had to learn the Bisons’ complex defensive scheme. Jackson didn’t play at all his freshman year. After his freshman red shirt year, Jackson became the backup middle linebacker in his sophomore year.

Year three on the NDSU football team was a turning point for Jackson. He became a three-year starter and two-time team captain. He was part of four national championship teams during his five years at NDSU. He holds a Top 10 spot for career tackles at NDSU.

The highlight of Jackson’s football career was 2019-2020 championship game where he won the Elite 90 award, which is given to the athlete with the highest grade point average (GPA) in each of the NCAA’s national championships. Jackson also was the leading tackler at the 2019 national championship game. For the 2021 season, Jackson was among the 50 student-athletes selected to the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Academic All-Star Team. He started all 14 games during the 2021-2022 season and was NDSU’s leading tackler for the third straight season.

While many people expected him to continue his football career, Jackson feels called to do something else. He graduated in 2020 from NDSU with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. While playing football this past year, Jackson has been working toward a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He’s four classes away from earning his MBA, but Jackson is focusing his attention on theology as he plans to enter ministry. He also is engaged to marry Mikayla Koenig (pronounced co-neg), a member of the NDSU women’s cross-country team. They met through Fellowship Christian Athletes (FCA).

Continuing Education

Gaining life experiences and engaging in life-long learning is what the Hankey family does. After graduating from NDSU in 1985 with a degree in Ag Economics, Dave Hankey earned his MBA from the University of Santa Clara. He worked for a few years in San Francisco before he grew tired of the traffic.

“I couldn’t afford to live downtown, so I had to commute. I got on a train at 6:30 a.m. for an 8 a.m. job. That was a good experience to try something different, but I was always interested in keeping our farm in the family,” explains Dave, who returned to North Dakota when he was 25. “My dad and his brother farmed together for years, and my uncle didn’t have anyone to take over for him.”

“We built our seed processing facility in 1987,” adds Dave. “Our operation was very time and capital intensive at the time because we were also raising potatoes in North Dakota, Minnesota and Illinois. I was spending a lot of time overseeing production crews, but that wasn’t my passion.”

When his father fully retired in 2003, it was time to reevaluate the business. Running a multi-state potato business was taking Dave away from his wife, Jana, and their two sons. He wanted to focus on seed production, which he enjoyed. It also allowed him to be home every night. Win-win.

“We raise wheat seed, soybean seed, sugar beets and corn/canola depending on the year. We also process soybeans and wheat,” says Dave, who once again finds his family’s farming operation in a transition as his oldest son Abraham makes plans to return to the family’s agricultural business.

After graduating with a degree in Ag Economics from NDSU, Abraham earned a degree from the University of North Dakota (UND) Law School. His long-time girlfriend, Haylee Borgen, also is a UND law student. Abraham plans to return to the farm after he passes the bar exam. He has a passion for farming, especially precision farming. Abraham also likes to travel, golf and bow hunt.

“We’re looking forward to having Abraham take on more of the day-to-day responsibilities,” says Dave, who plans to spend more time traveling with Jana during the winter months. “There are just some people you work well with, and Abraham and I work well together. We speak the same language. He understands what I want done, and he is able to communicate that better than I can to our employees. He’s a better communicator than I am, so it will be interesting to see how this all works.”

Hankey Seed Co. also is transitioning away from North Star Genetics, where Dave was a shareholder and owner for more than 20 years.

Left to Right: Abraham, Jana, Jackson and Dave Hankey

“We were looking for a seed partner that could offer us access to both Enlist and Xtend,” says Dave. “The more we researched family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, the more we liked what we saw. We interviewed a couple other seed companies, but we chose Latham Seeds for a couple of reasons. Latham has proven performance, and we can process the seed that we grow. We appreciate that Latham Seeds is a family-owned, Midwest-based company. We’re looking forward to learning more about Latham and growing together.”

When the Hankey family isn’t in the farm field or at the football field, they enjoy sitting down to meals together. Today they’re sharing with us one of their family’s favorite recipes: Spaghetti Pie.

shannonlatham

February 17, 2022

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

Three Generations of Franklin County Farmers Raise Latham Seed Beans

Producing corn, soybeans and pork on a farm is commonplace in Iowa, where livestock feed has been the primary use of grain crops throughout that state’s 175-year history. Families, like the Jacobsens of Dows in Franklin County, are proud of their farming legacy.

The Jacobsen Family

Doug and Carolyn Jacobsen began growing seed beans for Latham Seeds in the 1970s. Their Iowa Century Farm is located one mile from where their son, Corey, and his wife, Kim, farm. Corey began growing seed beans in 1986 when he rented his first farm. Corey and Kim’s oldest son, a fifth generation Iowa farmer, began growing Latham seed beans in 2018.

“I appreciate the opportunity to raise Latham seed beans because most years we get access to newer genetics a year earlier than if we raised soybeans just commercially. I like seeing what’s new in the lineup,” says Corey. “It’s fun visiting with everybody in the fall when we deliver beans to the plant. Plus, it’s nice to know we can pick up the phone or stop by the office whenever we have questions about production or want input.”

Corey has been working toward his goal of farming since he graduated from high school. While studying ag business at Iowa State University (ISU), he helped plant four crops and maintained his breeding-to-finish swine operation. Corey traveled home each weekend to do chores and made countless other trips whenever needed for breeding or farrowing.

“I met Corey at the 1985 Franklin County Fair where he was showing pigs and I was working in the Extension office,” says Kim, who grew up on a farm south of Coulter and enjoyed showing horses in 4-H. It’s only natural their three sons would become showmen.

When Corey graduated from ISU in 1990, he began working at Brenton Bank in Clarion. One year later he started at Dows United Bank & Trust. Corey retired as bank president in 2000, and then he and Kim began farming full time. Kim also retired after teaching high school math and coaching volleyball and track for 10 years at Clarion-Goldfield Dows. Their more flexible schedules allowed their family to spend more time on their pork operation.

“Pork is truly a family project that we all enjoy,” says Kim. She and Corey custom-finished pigs for years and raised show pigs. Now they run an independent wean-to-finish operation. “Raising livestock taught our boys day-to-day responsibility that many other activities can’t provide. They learned that it takes teamwork to be successful and to accomplish what needs to be done.”

When their boys were in middle and high school, the Jacobsen family participated several livestock shows annually including: the Iowa State Fair, Ak-Sar-Ben, World Pork Expo, National Barrow Show, Sioux Empire in South Dakota, Iowa State University’s Block & Bridle, as well as numerous county and state 4-H and FFA shows. Ben had the honor of showing the Reserve Champion FFA Market Hog at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

“Through 4-H, our boys learned skills they use on the farm also such as welding, woodworking, small engines, along with the communication and record keeping,” says Kim. “Now that they’ve all graduated from high school, I love to see our sons use their skills and continue to educate others about agriculture. Caleb won the Outstanding Agriculture Exhibit by ISU College of Agriculture and Life Science at the Iowa State Fair for his project teaching the truth of GMO’s. Matt is known as the ‘farm kid’ and go-to resource at college. He has skills in welding, woodworking, painting and general carpentry that most other students do not have. He laughs at all of this, especially the time he was a hero changing a gas tank on a gas grill, much to the amazement and awe of others. He also educates classmates and others in the city about livestock and agriculture.”

Matthew will graduate in May 2022 from Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a degree in Molecular and Neurological Biology. He has been a part of the Harvard Curling Club, John Adams debate society and Harvard Pro-Life while keeping up with research projects. Matthew plans to continue research for another year and then attend medical school.

The Jacobsen’s youngest son, Caleb, is a freshman majoring in Ag business at Iowa State University. He enjoys being active in the Ag Business Club and the SALT network through Cornerstone Church. Caleb is following the steps of his oldest brother, Ben, who graduated from ISU in 2018 with a degree in ag business. Ben farms with Corey and Kim. Frances is a Talent and Acquisition Specialist for Boston Scientific, working from their home in Ames. They are expecting their first child in June.

“We feel blessed to have our children grow up on the farm learning the value of honesty, hard work and sacrifice to accomplish goals,” says Kim. “Now the next generation will grow up farming in a community that has been so supportive. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”

During this time of transition, Corey and Kim are freeing up their schedules to make more time for travel. Corey had served on the Dows school board for 20 years and retired when the school district merged. Kim has relinquished most of her off-farm obligations but continues to serve on the Iowa Specialty Hospital Board. They enjoy following the Iowa State Cyclones to Bowl games and other destinations. They have greatly enjoyed making spontaneous trips and have especially enjoyed visiting Matt in Boston.

“We love traveling, trying restaurants, experiencing other cultures and visiting farming operations in other places,” says Kim. Today they’re sharing with us one of their favorite game day recipes of Sausage and Cheese Egg Roll Wraps.

shannonlatham

February 10, 2022

Appetizers, Breads/Breakfast, Food & Family, General, Recipes, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Cooking Up Memories for Farm Boys and Girls

It’s not uncommon for kids to follow in their parents’ footsteps. After all, we literally look up to our parents from the moment we take our first steps. Dave Bergquist of Foxhome, Minnesota, was no different. He’s always wanted to be a farmer like his father.

The Bergquist Family

You might say opportunity knocked one day when a sales manager for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds came to the Bergquist’s door. No one in their area had a Latham® dealership. Dave’s father, Mike, said that national companies already had several dealers in the area, so he really liked the idea of working with a family-owned company that shares similar values.

A Latham® dealership provided the Bergquists with an opportunity to plan for Dave to join the family’s farming operation. They worked to grow their Latham seed dealership. Meanwhile, Dave completed the John Deere program at North Dakota State College of Science. Then Dave worked full-time for five years as a technician at a John Deere dealership where he developed many skills that are much needed on the farm, as well as in their seed dealership.

“One of the reasons it was so easy for Mike and Dave to join Latham Seeds is because it’s a family-owned company,” says Dave’s wife, Chloe. “We appreciate that families are included in Latham dealer gatherings. The Bergquists are all about family, and our family gathers often at Mike and Patty’s. Our sons are blessed with 10 boy cousins and one girl cousin, who also have a love for being at the farm.”

Mike and Dave are point people for their operation, but it really is a family operation. Dave’s four sisters, his mom and his wife pitch in when needed. Chloe also helps keep books for their farming operation and works as a dental hygienist.

“Our sons love farming as much as their dad and Papa,” says Chloe. “There is nothing better than watching the boys check planting depths with Dad or Papa in the spring. When harvest time comes, they get so excited to ride in the combine, grain cart, beet lifter or truck.”

Although they work hard, they also look forward to spending time together at the lake. Dave also enjoys fishing and hunting and looks forward to the day when his sons can go with him.

“I grew up wanting to be like my dad,” says Dave. “As someone who you look up to your whole life, it only makes sense to do what you were taught. I really enjoy farming. It’s satisfying to plant seed, watch the plants grow and harvest the year-long accomplishments.”

Dave and Chloe look forward to continuing family traditions and creating memories with their children. They also enjoy family mealtime whether it’s around the supper table or a tailgate meal in the field. Today they’re sharing one of their favorite recipes with us.

shannonlatham

February 3, 2022

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

Growing Seed Beans is a Family Tradition for the Bruns Family

The Bruns Family

Just as Latham Seeds is a multi-generational, family-owned business, growing our high-quality soybeans has become a legacy for many North Central Iowa farm families.

“I have enjoyed working with everyone at Latham Seeds,” says Steve Bruns. Steve has been a contract grower of Latham® seed beans since 1999, but he has many more years of experience. 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. He and his wife, Karen, raised their three children in the same house where Steve was raised. “We go to church together. We’ve sat on bleachers watching our kids play. We are all community!”

Like many young people, Steve left the area for a few years before he decided to choose farming as his livelihood.

“Farming is the last thing I wanted to do when I went off to college,” says Steve, who graduated in Commercial Arts. “I worked in advertising for a few years and decided it wasn’t for me, so in 1980 I moved back to the area and started farming.”

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 out farmers out of business during those turbulent years.”

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, so I got back into the pork industry in 2000,” says Steve, who operated a 4,000-head site for 20 years. Steve and his family were recognized in 2005 as one of Christensen Farm’s top producers, so their photo hung outside the Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fair. “The most enjoyable part of hog production was the people I worked with from service managers to load crews to truckers and repairmen. Everyone was working together to raise a quality product.”

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. We’ve seen a 10- to 20-bushel yield bump when manure has been applied under the right conditions,” says Steve.

Now that he has retired from pork production, Steve hopes to have more time for golfing, fishing and hunting. Karen worked 21 years for the postal service and retired in 2014 after serving the last eight years as postmaster. She enjoys spending time sewing, walking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family.

“Karen helps a lot on the farm. She keeps this place looking great. She also does most of the ripping in the fall and field cultivating in the spring, and she still finds the time to make sure we all have a full lunch cooler to take with us to the field every day,” says Steve. “A few years ago, we had some volunteer corn escapes in a field of seed beans. She cleaned up the entire 200-acre field by herself while we combined other fields. I’m sure they wouldn’t have made the grade if she hadn’t done such a great job.”

Taking pride in a job well done runs in the family. Eric is proud to be a sixth generation Iowa farmer. Eric and Steve farm some acres 50:50, and they also run some of their own acres. In addition, Eric has been a contract grower for Latham Seeds since 2010. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Eric also works as an insurance agent. His wife, Traci, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She also earned a master’s degree in Education and is an ESL teacher. They live in Latimer with their children, Haidyn and Hudson. The Bruns’ oldest daughter, Jami and her husband, Adam, both graduated from Iowa State University. Jami is an interior design strategist. Adam has an MBA and is a vice president of product for Denim Social. They live in Huxley with their three children, Anea, Cale and Drew. The Bruns’ youngest daughter, Lindsey, and her husband, Zeb, graduated from Coe College. They live in West Des Moines where Lindsey is a nurse anesthetist, and Zeb is a salesman.

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

shannonlatham

January 27, 2022

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

Latham Seeds Hires Megan McDonald as Sales Project Manager

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds welcomes Megan McDonald to the team as Sales Project Manager. She will be instrumental in developing resources to help Latham dealers build relationships and capture new opportunities, plus planning internal, dealer and customer events.

“Latham Seeds has been a company that I have admired ever since I attended Ag Career Fair when I was an Iowa State student,” says Megan, who graduated in 2018 from Iowa State University (ISU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing plus a minor in Agronomy.

After college, Megan planned events and developed marketing materials for a six-location John Deere Dealership in western Iowa. She then worked in a fast-paced startup environment. Most recently, she worked as a Digital Marketing Specialist for CornerPost Marketing in Fort Dodge. She was responsible for researching and implementing digital strategy for agricultural clients.

“I am so excited to have Megan’s communications talents on our team. She brings a can-do attitude and loves to work with people to make things happen! I look forward to the ways she will help bring our team together and connect our Regional Sales Managers and dealers to people and resources that will make them successful,” says Amy Rohe, sales manager for Latham Seeds.

Megan looks forward to working closely with Latham’s Sales Team to reach their goals and to help the team better understand how to use tools that will help bring increased awareness to the company.

“I appreciate the loyalty the Latham brand has, and I’m looking forward to helping promote the Latham brand even more,” says Megan. “I’ve heard that Latham Seeds has a wonderful family environment. As a working mom, this is important to me. This position sounds like a perfect fit for me, my family and my career.”

Chance and Megan McDonald with their children Cash (age 2) and Maesen (6 months)

Megan and her husband, Chance, live on an acreage near Roland in Central Iowa with their two-year-old son, Cash, and their six-month-old daughter, Maesen. The McDonalds enjoy being close to their alma mater, so they can attend Cyclone football and basketball games. They also enjoy being close to Chance’s sister and brother-in-law, who farm just outside of Roland.

“We hope to teach our kids about loving the land and how farming really is a family affair,” says Megan. “The generations before us have set us up for the success that we have today, we hope to pass this legacy on to future generations. Agriculture is more than a job. It is a way of life. It instills a work ethic and a pride of being part of something bigger than just yourself.”

Megan is proud to be a fourth generation Iowa farmer. She and Chance farm with her parents. Chance is a full-time precision agronomist, working with clients throughout the state of Iowa. Chance also serves as agronomist for her family and his brother-in-law.

“Growing up on a farm was the best way to be as a kid. Exploring the outdoors and having animals right outside the front door was so much fun. We had horses, pigs, sheep, cats and rabbits. My brother and I helped my dad and grandpa around the farm. I really enjoyed riding in the combine with Grandpa and with Dad when he drove the semi. In turn, they helped us with our various 4-H projects,” said Megan, who served on the Grundy County 4-H Council. She also was the 2014 Grundy County Fair Queen and named Runner Up Iowa State Fair Queen that same year.

In her free time, Megan enjoys quilting and sewing and making T-shirt and memory quilts. She enjoys cooking, baking and gardening. Chance and Megan preserve a variety of produce from their garden, as well as homemade salsa and spaghetti sauce.

Today Megan is sharing with us a family favorite recipe for alfredo. She really enjoys the versatility of this recipe as you can change it up by adding different vegetables like broccoli or substituting chicken for shrimp.

shannonlatham

January 13, 2022

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

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Welcomes Kate Van Manen as Digital Marketing Strategist

Kate Van Manen, Digital Marketing Strategist

She was supposed to be on vacation that summer day instead of working. He had an internship he was supposed to be at, yet he happened to be at his parents’ farm helping give a tour to a group. Their meeting was serendipitous.

Today Kate and Jacob Van Manen are raising their children just a quarter mile away from where Jacob was raised – and where his parents still farm – near Kellogg in Central Iowa. They raise cattle, field corn, soybeans, sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins.

Tomato production was Kate’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) when she was in FFA, so she has renewed her interest in vegetable production. In 2020 they built a high tunnel, so she enjoys spending quiet time picking tomatoes after her children are asleep.

“As our kids get older, I’m excited to share with them lifelong lessons, as well as spiritual truths that closely align with many aspects of the farm,” says Kate, who grew up on a farm in Northwest Iowa near Storm Lake. Her family raised corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs. “Many tasks on the farm are done with family, which is something really special. Our daughter, Kennedy (age 4), gets excited about picking sweet corn at 5 a.m. with her great grandma. Kennedy also enthusiastically scoops cattle bunks in her Frozen® dress. It will be fun to see what farm tasks that Karter (age 1) enjoys.”

“There is something about letting your kids get their hands dirty and drink from a hose,” adds Kate. “One fun Dutch tradition that I married into is ‘coffee time.’ Great Grandma Trudy Van Manen lives across the road from us. She hosts a coffee time daily at 9 a.m., which brings everyone together for a break during which we enjoy the most delicious, homemade Dutch treats. Some mornings there are four generations present! It’s a simple thing but so special.”

Shared family values are one of the reasons Kate decided to join family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

“I am glad to be back in the ag industry professionally as I enjoy working with the most amazing, down-to-earth people,” says Kate, who had managed social media and assisted with marketing efforts for another regional seed business after she graduated in 2014 from Iowa State University with a major in Agriculture Communications and a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies. Most recently, she worked in marketing and communications at a regional hospital. “I really appreciate the level of flexibility and trust that Latham Seeds provides to its team members. I feel very empowered to manage my time and projects and grow in my career skills. I also appreciate their values and importance on family and the understanding of farming challenges.”

Kate says she is especially looking forward to attending Latham® Dealer Kickoff this summer. She says she looks forward to meeting Latham dealers in person and interacting with them and their spouses online in her new role as digital media strategist for Latham Seeds. Kate is responsible for developing strategy and implementing tactics for Latham’s social media channels.

Jacob, Kate, Kennedy and Karter Van Manen

In her free time, Kate enjoys traveling, gardening, fitness and going on gator rides with her family to check their crops. They often spend a few hours – after 5 p.m. during the summer months – pulling weeds from their pumpkin patch. Kate also enjoys cooking.

“I did not grow up baking Dutch treats, and I’ve learned that’s entirely something different!” says Kate. “I usually volunteer to bring vegetables to Van Manen family gatherings, but a friend shared with me a recipe for Dutch letter bars. This recipe is so easy to make, and it tastes exactly like Dutch letters without all of the work. I brought these bars to coffee time once, and everyone thought they were delicious! I make these when we need something sweet in a pinch.”

shannonlatham

January 7, 2022

Desserts, Food & Family, General