Exploring new dishes before returning to family favorites
Many cooks enjoy exploring new recipes and styles of cooking, but they usually come back to familiar favorites. The pattern also holds for farm kids. Many like to explore new parts of the country and ways of life but eventually come back to the farm that has been in their families for generations.
Brothers Ross and Levi Brown of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, didn’t plan to take over the family farm from their parents, Kevin and Renee.
Ross graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 2005 and then went to basic training and Air Force technical training. In 2006, he started taking classes at South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings where he majored in Aviation Management. He was deployed three times, ranging from two to four months each time.
After graduating from high school in 2008, Levi had intended to become an engineer. He enrolled in the School of Mines, but it only took him one semester to realize that that college wasn’t the best fit for him. The following semester he transferred to SDSU where he earned a bachelor’s degree by double-majoring in Agricultural Business and Finance with a minor in Economics. Due to Ross’s deployments, he and Levi graduated from SDSU on the same day.
Levi and Olivia Brown and Family
Levi met his future wife, Olivia, in Brookings. Olivia earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from SDSU and graduated in August 2019 with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). She currently practices at Avera Health. After working for a few years for a farmer in Mitchell, Levi and Olivia moved to a farmstead three miles northwest of the home place where they established their home. They are the proud parents of 5-year-old Cora and 10-month-old Griffin.
Ross returned to the family farm in 2012 after working a couple of years at Raven Industries. He spent a great deal of time traveling for his job and realized how much time he would be sacrificing away from family if he continued in aviation.
Ross and his wife, Jen, are the proud parents of nine-year-old Elsa, seven-year-old Joe, five-year-old Arlo, and 1-year-old Rollie. Jen teaches first grade in Sioux Falls and is dedicated to making a difference in her students’ lives. Ross continues to serve in the Air National Guard. His 20th year of service will be 2025. Ross and Jen and their family live across the section to the north from the home place.
Ross and Jen Brown and Family
“Ross and Levi have really embraced technology, and that’s helped the bottom line of the farm,” says Kevin. “Technology adds another level of management, so I’m turning the reins over to them. They order our seed, chemicals and fertilizer because they know the prescriptions for each farm.”
The Browns farm separately, yet together. They also have a Latham Seed’s dealership. In addition to raising crops, Kevin and Levi each finish feeder cattle. Ross also finishes feeder cattle and calves about 120 cows each spring.
Today the Browns are sharing a family favorite recipe that promotes the beef they raise.
Gene Thormodsgaard raised his children two miles north of his family’s farm in Beresford, South Dakota, but he traveled thousands of miles before returning to the land and the lifestyle he has always loved.
After graduating from high school in 1960, Gene moved east for opportunity.
“My dad told me not to be a farmer, so I tried following his advice,” recalls Gene. “My brother and his friend were living in southern Illinois and working in the ironworks. They told me the pay was better out east, so I moved to Janesville, Wisconsin. I worked in Wisconsin for a year but realized factory life wasn’t for me. I moved home and went to work at the co-op. I really enjoyed working with farmers.”
Shortly thereafter, Gene was drafted into the United States Army. He served with the 724th maintenance battalion from 1964 to 1966 in southern Bavaria during the Vietnam War. He was a teletype operator with Company A of the 24th Infantry Division in Augsburg, Germany.
When his military service was complete, Gene returned to Bearsford. He started working once again at the co-op, delivering fuel to farmers. Gene also began farming rented ground in 1968. When one of his parents’ neighbors got hurt, Gene was given the chance to buy his farm. Gene bought his first farm at age 27.
Gene’s bachelor years consisted of working and farming until one life-changing evening when he and a buddy drove into Sioux Falls. They saw a couple of girls sitting at a table. Like the lyrics to Franki Valli’s 1967 hit, “Can’t take my eyes off of you,” Gene was drawn to Carol. The couple was married in 1974.
The newlyweds made their home on the farm Gene has purchased. They were blessed with two sons.
“Carol is an organizer extraordinaire,” says Gene with a smile. “She does so much for all of us.”
In 1975, Gene and his neighbors decided to buy Northrup-King seed together to save money. Back then, seed was delivered on a flatbed truck. The truck driver backed up to the barn, and every bag was manually unloaded.
“My NK rep made the move to Latham Seeds, and he encouraged me to try some,” says Gene. “I wasn’t getting the product I wanted from NK at the time, so I tried Latham® soybeans. They were great! When you pulled the rip cord, you didn’t see dust. There was nothing but pure seed inside a bag. Once my customers tried Latham, they didn’t want to plant anything else. It wasn’t long before Latham was all I sold. Latham remains the best quality seed on the market.”
Gene enjoys working with farmers and selling seed so much that he continues to operate his dealership. Like many good farmers, he won’t ever really retire. One of his neighbors began renting Gene and Carol’s farm ground in 2012, but Gene still helps him put in and take out the crop each year.
“I got into Latham because of the quality of the seed, but I’ve stayed with the company because of the quality and they are a great company to do business,” says Gene. “My RSM, Ramie Coughlin, is always there when I need her. She does an awesome job.”
In addition to selling seed and farming, Gene has been active in his community. He is a member of the VFW Legion. He served on Co-op Service Association at Bearsford for 12 years, and then he started serving on the board of the Eastern South Dakota Soil & Water Research Farm in Brookings. Gene was its treasurer for 30 years and remains an active board member. He served on the Lincoln County Conservation Board for 48 years. Gene is also active in his church and has served on church council. He has been a deacon and trustee, as well. When his children were young, Gene taught Sunday school. Gene’s wife Carol was involved in ladies aid as president and vice president through the years. She was involved as a Cub Scout leader and the Thormodsgaard family was awarded Cub Scout Family of the Year. Carol enjoys keeping up with landscaping and her flower gardens across the farm.
The Thormodsgaard’s oldest son, Tyson, is a senior software engineer for Lockheed Martin. His wife, Jenny, is a speech pathologist in Colorado Springs. Their 15-year-old son, Colin, has medaled in golf. Their 13 daughter, Annika, has earned two black belts in Tao Kwando. The Thormodsgaard’s youngest son, Trent, is an account rep for PartsDoctor.com. His wife Victorria is a registered nurse. She is the manager of the case management department at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.
The Thormodsgaard FamilyTyson and Jenny ThormodsgaardTrent and Victorria Thormodsgaard
The Ride of His Life
Trent gave Gene, a race fan, the gift of driving a stock car at the racetrack in Newton, Iowa. Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the outing was postponed until August 2021. After two hours of instruction, Gene got behind the wheel.
“I was 79 when I crawled in there! You have to crawl through the window, and it’s really tight inside the car,” explains Gene. “My son thinks I was running 120 miles per hour around that truck. I didn’t dare put it to the floorboard! That was quite the experience and I sure enjoyed it. I met the nicest people there and became instant friends with a guy from Wisconsin, who attended the driving school with me.”
Gene and Carol enjoy unique experiences, which is one of the reasons they look forward to attending the annual Latham® Dealer Kickoff meetings. They also enjoy traveling as often as possible to visit their grandchildren in Colorado. They also enjoyed visiting Gene’s great aunt, who lived in Washington state. In loving memory of her, the Thormodsgaards are sharing a recipe that Aunt Hannah used to make when they visited her.
“This hearty salad is a great choice to brighten up a cool Midwest day, or a great way to cool down on a hot summer’s evening,” says Carol. “It especially good with a glass of white wine.”
I pledge My HEAD to clearer thinking, My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to larger service and My HEALTH to better living, for my CLUB, my COMMUNITY, my COUNTRY and my WORLD.
The 4-H Pledge isn’t something the Mattsons simply recite; it’s a credo they live by.
“4-H Beef and Dairy Projects have allowed three generations to work side by side,” says Kerri, who grew up on a Wisconsin farm and has served as a 4-H leader for 15 years. “It’s so rewarding to be involved in an operation where parents, kids and grandkids work together to accomplish the day-to-day goals. Our kids learned to accept responsibility at a young age, and they developed a work ethic they can use everywhere.”
It’s these shared values that brought Matt and Kerri together when they were college students at University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Matt studied Ag Business and Animal Science, and Kerri double-majored in Chemistry and Secondary Education. After they were married in 1994, Kerri finished her coursework and graduated from University of Minnesota Morris.
Matt and Kerri have raised their three children on their family farm near Kensington, Minnesota.
The Mattson Family
Faith, family and farming sustained this family in the face of tragedy when their daughter, Taylor, passed away in April 2021 due to a car accident.
Family and Friends Celebrating Taylor Mattson’s Life.
“Looking back, the pandemic was a blessing for our family. We spent more time together, playing games, laughing and growing closer. We will forever cherish those times,” says Kerri. “Our faith in Jesus Christ and his triumph over the grave and his sacrifice for our sins is the cornerstone of our family. Our faith is what gives us the strength to move forward after Taylor’s accident. Even though we are hurting, Christ gives us hope for our future.”
A memorial tree was planted in remembrance of Taylor.
Many of the activities in which Matt and Kerri are involved honor Taylor’s interests. She belonged to the Ben Wade Blazers 4-H Club. Taylor was West Central Area (WCA) Football and Boys Basketball Manager, a WCA Track Athlete, as well as a Main Street Athletics Athlete and Coach. She also served as a Kensington Covenant Church Sunday School Helper and enjoyed showing cattle. Their oldest son, Zachary, works as a butcher. He and his fiancée, Jenna, are planning a September 2022 wedding. The Mattson’s middle child, Austin, graduated in 2021. He is in first year of the Marine, Motorcycle, Powersports Technician program at Alexandria Technical & Community College.
Working in partnership with Matt’s parents, the Mattsons raise approximately 400 newborn dairy bull calves to around 500 pounds each year. They also have 90 cow/calf pairs on pasture. In addition, they grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa and small grains.
Matt’s father, Rodger, is the main cattle hauler and closely monitors the calves year-round. He also does much of the tillage work during the crop season. Matt’s mother, Patty, is the farm historian. She keeps records and organizes documents. Matt handles all the logistics. Kerri does the bookkeeping and crop insurance.
“Everyone is invaluable to our operation,” says Matt. “We have one almost full-time employee, Erick, who is like family. He has been with us for more than 15 years and is like another son/brother. We also get part-time help from our sons, our nephew and other friends as needed.”
In 2015, Matt and Kerri took on a Latham® dealership as another income stream.
“We would like to bring additional family members home, so we need other income opportunities like a seed dealership,” says Kerri. “We chose Latham because it is family owned and Latham team members share many of our values. It’s important to work with a company that you trust and for us that is Latham Seeds. Plus, Latham has one of the best seed lineups in the business.”
In addition to operating a multi-faceted farming enterprise, the Mattson family believes it is important to give back to their community. Matt is chairman at Kensington Covenant Church. He serves on the board of directors for Runestone Electric Cooperative and is president of West Central Area (WCA) Ag Boosters. Kerri is the Sunday School superintendent at Kensington Covenant Church. She is past president of the Pope County Farm Bureau and is currently chairing its Breakfast on the Farm. She also serves as the Nora Township Clerk/Treasurer, as well as treasurer for WCA Ag Boosters and the Pope Co. Ag Society.
Community involvement and farm chores don’t get in the way of family time, however. The Mattsons make time to sit down and enjoy meals together. Today they’re sharing with us one of their favorite ways to enjoy the beef they raise. Enjoy their Upside Down Meatloaf recipe below!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
