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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Building Homes and Bringing Hope to Mexico and Beyond

Like a line from Robert Frost’s poem, Latham® Dealer Mike Van Zee of Pella, Iowa, “took the road less traveled and it has made all the difference.” He has helped make a difference in the lives of people in low-economic regions of the United States, Niger, and Mexico.

“From the time I was 17, I’ve been blessed to take week-long mission trips,” says Mike. “It’s a pleasure to make a difference in someone’s life. Constructing houses with a group of friends and high school students is such a rewarding experience. We humbly serve and interact with the wonderful families we build houses for. We provide a great home for them and change their economic outlook. They show their gratitude by serving us an authentic Mexican meal with lots of hugs and smiles.”

Mike has traveled to Mexico for nine of the past 11 years through Third Church. More than a decade ago a partnership formed between Door of Faith Orphanage (DOFO) in La Misión, Mexico, and Third Church in Pella, Iowa, where Mike’s wife, Myra, works as Finance and Administrative Leader.

The Van Zee family’s involvement in the mission trip evolved from Mike serving as a youth leader, who chaperoned the high school ministry trips. He has had the opportunity to chaperone his daughters, too.

Mike and Evalee on her first mission trip.

Mike and Ella during her first mission trip.

“I went on three mission trips to the Door of Faith Orphanage while I was in high school,” says Ella Van Zee, Mike and Myra’s oldest daughter. “The first two trips were in the summers with my church. The third trip was just my dad and me. We went to surprise my friend Samariha. We also helped repair some lights near the cross that overlooks the orphanage after they had been damaged in a wildfire. These trips have helped me grow deeper in my love for God while serving the kids at DOFO and the community of La Misión.”

Stud with inspirational message.

Teams of 50 to 70 high school students and adults from the Pella, Iowa, area usually fly each summer into San Diego, California. They cross the Tijuana border with a mission of “building relationships, one house at a time.” They typically build two to four homes annually in this bedroom town between Rosarito and Ensenada along the Pacific Ocean.

Door of Faith staff work with local families, who apply for a house through DOFO’s house building ministry. Once approved, a family is required to buy the plot of land and have the concrete slab poured. The mission team from Third Church sends money in advance for DOFO staff to purchase the materials.

The mission team paints siding and prepares trusses at DOFO while a few team members begin the wall layout on the 24 x 30-foot pad on Monday. By Wednesday, roofing and siding begins. Thursday is window and drywall installation. Friday completes the build with a second coat of mud and doors. Then the receiving family will paint, lay flooring, and finish the house after the mission team leaves.

1st John 3:16-17.

“A typical home has three bedrooms, a living space wired for a kitchen area and an attached bathroom,” explains Mike. “Each of our 60-ish team members writes a prayer, scripture or other words or symbols of encouragement on a two-by-four stud. We dedicate the homes with a gift of a Bible, keys, and a broom, which is a symbol of ownership and care taking. This dedication is a reminder to us of our purpose in 1st John 3:16-17.”

“The houses are just the foundation to the relationship,” adds Mike. “Often times, the family helps with the build and offers refreshments. The family usually treats us to an authentic Mexican lunch of tamales or tacos served on handmade tortillas. Each Wednesday night during the mission trip, the Third Church team hosts a mini reunion at La Mission church. This meal consists of American favorites like hamburgers and hot dogs, cake, and ice cream The cakes are made at the Door of Faith Orphanage bakery, a small business that helps children learn life skills.”

The Mission Continues Despite Pandemic

Although the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has prevented Third Church from hosting mission trips for the past two years, the Van Zee family was able to complete a mission of its own in July 2021.

The Van Zee family in Mexico.

“Our oldest daughter, Ella, had a wonderful opportunity to serve as an intern with Door of Faith Orphanage,” says Mike. “Our family surprised Ella with a visit to Mexico at the end of her internship. We worked alongside a construction crew for three days to replace a roof on a shelter. While Ella stayed true to her internship, she provided Myra and her sisters a tour of the orphanage and helped serve a pizza party for the kids on Thursday night.”

A highlight of Ella’s summer internship was getting to spend time with the girls she sponsors.

“It was fun playing with the kids, serving them meals, and helping some of them with a reading program,” says Ella. “One night we got to watch a movie with the kids. That night both girls that I sponsor were sitting next to each other, so I sat in between them. I realized that most people who sponsor a child never get to meet them. They just get a picture or two and maybe a letter if they are lucky. Yet, I was blessed enough to get to sit within arms’ reach of both girls. I got to play with them, read with them, swim with them, and eat meals with them. I feel so blessed that I got to build personal relationships with them.”

With her internship complete, Ella moved to Orange City where she is a freshman at Northwestern College. She is participating in band and choir while pursuing a double major in Secondary Education and Spanish. She plans to become a high school Spanish teacher. Her sister Eliza is a junior in Pella High School; she is active in marching band, jazz band, basketball and soccer. Evalee (pronounced Ev-a-lee) is in eighth grade this year. She is active in band, basketball and soccer. Evalee also enjoys observing crop conditions and joining her dad in the combine during corn harvest.

The Van Zee family invite you to join them next year for a mission trip, with our church group or a team of your friends, to build homes and relationships in other communities. Contact Mike or visit www.trcpella.com

In honor of their trip to Mexico, the Van Zee family is sharing with us their favorite recipe for chicken enchiladas.

shannonlatham

September 14, 2021

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

Football Fans “To The Rescue” on Game Day
With 19 returning starters from last year’s Fiesta Bowl championship team and a #7 ranking in the Associated Press’ preseason poll, Iowa State University (ISU) fans are fired up for the Cyclones’ season opener on Sept. 4. Another highly anticipated game will be played Sept. 11 as part of the annual Cy-Hawk Series.

There have been years – more years than most Cyclone fans want to admit – when the only things that got fired up on Game Day were grills. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ General Manager Ryan and Meg Schon started honing their tailgating skills 25 years ago when their favorite team didn’t have a hope of post-season play, and “Tailgate Victoriously” became their rally cry.

Among the sea of pickup trucks and campers parked near Jack Trice Stadium, you’ll find creative tailgating vehicles like converted school buses and repurposed ambulances. This year marks the fourth season that Latham® Seeds Dealer Sean Waldstein will host family members and friends for tailgates before the Cyclone football games in a converted ambulance.

This year marks the fourth season that Latham® Seeds Dealer Sean Waldstein will host family members and friends for tailgates before the Cyclone football games in a converted ambulance.

“This year is an exciting step forward for ISU football,” says Sean Waldstein, who grew up cheering for Iowa State as both of his parents are alumni.

Retro logos add flare to the Waldstein tailgate ambulance.

After graduating in 2000 from Sioux Central High School, Sean attended classes at ISU where he completed his undergrad studies in Exercise Science. He volunteered for the ISU football strength program and completed an internship at the University of Wyoming in its strength program. He went on to earn his master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Iowa State. While attending Iowa State, Sean met his wife, Amanda, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from ISU and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Drake University.

The newly married couple made their home in Urbandale, Iowa, where Sean worked as a strength coach for Drake University and then ISU. In 2013, they moved near Lincoln, Nebraska, where Sean worked in corporate wellness and Amanda was able to stay home. In 2017, Sean and Amanda decided to raise their children near family and moved back to Sean’s hometown in Northwest Iowa. Amanda works as a Salesforce administrator / business analyst, and Sean farms with his dad. The Waldstein family grows corn and soybeans, as well as raises pigs.

Retro logos add flare to the Waldstein tailgate ambulance.

In addition, Sean works as a substitute teacher and coaches junior high girls basketball. He drives the bus mostly for the teams he coaches and helps with the school’s weight program. Sean and Amanda are the proud parents of two daughters and one son. Their oldest daughter, Ryleigh, is a freshman in high school and a four-sport athlete. Peyton is in sixth grade, and Evan is in third grade. This active family especially enjoys water sports all summer long.

“Water skiing, barefoot, solemn and wakeboarding… you name it, we do it!” says Sean.

Summer fun transitions into the fall tailgating season. Although Sean wasn’t looking for a tailgating vehicle, the opportunity presented itself.

“The guy who spreads our hog manure had used the ambulance as a service vehicle, but the ambulance no longer fit his needs,” says Sean. After striking a deal for the ambulance, Sean and Amanda got to work on making it suit their needs.

The first tailgating season they painted the outside of the ambulance and cleaned up the inside. The next season they added the 1983 and 1984 Cy logos on the outside. Most recently, a hitch was added to be able to transport a griddle.

Inside the retrofitted Waldstein tailgate ambulance.

“One of my cousins lives in Ames, so we take the ambulance down to her place for the season. On Game Day, our family and my cousin’s family all pile into the ambulance and head to the tailgate,” says Sean. “The ambulance has made tailgating so much more enjoyable because it stores all of our equipment. We don’t have to hassle with unloading tables, chairs, a tent and grill once we get home.”

The whole family piles into the ambulance on Game Day!

In celebration of the fall football season, today Sean is sharing with us one of his family’s favorite tailgating recipes for Pickle Wrap Dip. We’re also linking to several other Game Day recipes, so you can celebrate the season whether you’re sitting on a tailgate in a farm field during fall harvest or outside your favorite football field.

Related Links:
shannonlatham

September 1, 2021

Appetizers, Beef, Dairy, Fall, Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

2021 Sale of Champions Sets Four Records

It was another record-breaking weekend at the Iowa State Fair as the 2021 Sale of Champions set a record by raising more than $445,000 for scholarships! The Sale of Champions also broke four records for the highest selling species. The Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb, exhibited by Phoebe Sanders of Eagle Grove, set a new sheep record at $18,500.

The Champion and Reserve Champion animals selected during the Iowa State Fair livestock shows are sold annually during the last Saturday of the fair. The 16 winning exhibitors are asked to raise funds from their hometowns, and then buyers from across the nation put in the remaining funds.

Phoebe Sanders with her 2021 Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb.

“What I love about Iowa and agriculture is you’ll find an outpouring support of people who want to see you succeed,” says Phoebe, who is a junior in Agricultural Business at Iowa State University where she is active in Block & Bridle and Ag Business Club. “I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve received. This year we raised $11,000 to put toward buying my market lamb. Fareway and Lettow Show Pigs paid the remainder of the selling price.”

The Winner’s Circle

Proceeds raised from the annual Sale of Champions fund scholarships offered by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFFA). To be eligible for a Winner’s Circle Scholarship, students must study agriculture in either a two-year college or four-year university in Iowa. Scholarship applications are typically due April 1, and recipients are invited to a picnic held the day of the Sale of Champions.

“My favorite part about leading the Iowa Foundation for Ag Advancement (IFAA) is the Sale of Champions and the academic support we are able to provide to students studying agriculture in Iowa,” says Andrew Lauver, IFAA president. “I love seeing the scholarship recipients line up to receive their scholarships and then viewing the families enter the ring with their champion animals to celebrate their successes through the sale of their animals.”

The Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb, exhibited by Phoebe Sanders of Eagle Grove, set a new sheep record at $18,500.

Phoebe has been both a scholarship recipient and an exhibitor. She received a Winner’s Circle Scholarship in 2019, so she understands first-hand what a difference the IFFA scholarships make to students. She also has raised a significant amount of scholarship dollars for the past three years as she exhibited the Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb in both 2021 and 2020. In 2019, her market lamb was Iowa State Fair Reserve Grand Champion and also sold in the Sale of Champions.

As a Clarion – Goldfield – Dows FFA member, Phoebe started showing lambs seven years ago. She has one more year of state fair eligibility left.

“My favorite thing about the state fair is connecting with friends I haven’t seen for a whole year,” says Phoebe. “Showing animals has allowed me to make so many friends. I’m living in a house (at college) with six girls who I know from showing and none of them are from my hometown.”

Another benefit to showing livestock, says Phoebe, is developing confidence from being in the ring.

“I’m so grateful for my family and the support they give me. Growing up my brother, Denton, has been my mentor. One of my favorite memories was winning showmanship at the American Royal in Kansas City. My brother told me I had to do it even though I was reluctant, and I was glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone.”

Phoebe Sanders in the show ring with her market lamb.

Phoebe adds, “My advice for anyone showing an animal is to make connections and work hard because people will notice that. My family’s motto is to do our chores the best that we can and to work with our animals the best we can. After that, it’s just one man’s opinion.”

That work ethic is paying off for Phoebe both academically and professionally. This summer she worked under grain merchandisers at Gold Eagle Co-op. She also worked as an intern at Rule Sheep Co. in Hawarden. During the summer of 2020, she interned with ISU Extension and Outreach in Wright County. After graduation, Phoebe would like to work in grain merchandising or in ag sales.

In celebration of Phoebe’s Grand Champion Market Lamb, today we’re sharing a recipe from the Iowa Sheep Industry Association’s chili cookoff.

shannonlatham

August 25, 2021

Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Soups, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

39th Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Sets Records

Iowans are known for banding together for a cause, and Iowans have a love affair with the Iowa State Fair. It’s no wonder the 39^th Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show set new records in 2021! Record-breaking crowds of fairgoers are back after the 2020 Iowa State Fair was canceled due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

The 39th annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show on Saturday, August 14, raised approximately $375,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. The 2021 show and subsequent sale broke the previous record by about $80,000. Friends of the Franklin County Cattlemen and the Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust now hold records for the highest-selling steer in 2020 at a price of $27,000 and the third highest-selling steer in 2021 at a price of $30,500 for Patriot.

Showing cattle is a family affair. Family members and sponsors who showed up to support Isabella Noelck at the 2021 Governor’s Charity Steer Show on August 14 include, from left to right: Rana Janes, Braden Hansen, Brent Hansen, Brian Hansen, Karli Hansen, Andrew Benning and Maggie Hougland with the Franklin County Cattlemen, Collin Borcherding, Is Noelck, Kristin Noelck, Dennis Vanness of the Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust, Rep. Shannon Latham, Isabella Noelck, Reann Noelck and Issiah Noelck.

Patriot was the third highest-selling steer in 2021 at a price of $30,500.

Patriot, owned by Isabella Noelck of Hampton, was selected for the Governor’s Charity Steer Show after the smoke crossbred was named Grand Champion Steer and Supreme Market Animal at the 2021 Franklin County Fair. He also competed in the Central Iowa Showdown.

“It was amazing to be a part of the Governor’s Charity Steer Show because it helps so many families and makes such a difference in their lives,” says Noelck, who is the daughter of Is and Kristin Noelck. Isabella will be a senior at Hampton-Dumont High School. She is a class officer and a Student Council member. She also has been active in Tall Corn FFA, volleyball, golf, and St. Peters UCC youth group. In addition, she instituted a kindness campaign in the middle school.

The youth exhibitors competing in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show are the cream of the crop. They’re used to making a difference in their communities, and they appreciate the opportunity to use their passion for showing cattle to help sick children and their families. (Click here for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare for the Governor’s Charity Steer Show.)

Franklin County’s Contribution

The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association in 1983 joined forces with Gov. Terry Branstad and organized the Governor’s Charity Steer Show (GCSS). At the Governor’s request, the designated charity for the first-time event was the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa. Houses are now located in Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City. These facilities house the family members of seriously ill children being treated in area hospitals. Since its inception, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show has generated over $4.1 million – equivalent to more than 270,000 nights stays – in support of Iowa’s Ronald McDonald House chapters. During that same time, nearly 50,000 Iowa families have been served. Additionally, another 8,000 families coming from all 50 states and more than 60 foreign countries have used the Iowa facilities.

“The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is a great way to give to a great cause while promoting the beef industry,” says Andrew Benning, who coordinates fundraising for the steer on behalf of the Franklin County Cattlemen. “Franklin County Cattlemen really appreciate all the support from the community and from the Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust. Everyone has been great to work with over the years.”

Shannon Latham and Isabella Noelck show Patriot at the 2021 Governor’s Charity Steer Show.

Foster and Evelyn Barkema set up a trust to support both charitable and educational contributions to public health and public services. The Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust in 2015 made its first five-year pledge to the University of Iowa Hospital. That gave Franklin County Cattlemen the idea to inquire with board members for the trust about partnering for the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show.

Ronald McDonald Houses and the families they support hold a special place in the heart of Dennis Vanness, who is a board member for the Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust.

“We had a special needs child in the 60s. He had three surgeries at Mayo Clinic. Then we had him evaluated in Iowa City. They didn’t have a Ronald McDonald House then, so we had to scramble to find a place to stay,” says Vanness. “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that we can help make a difference for families at the Ronald McDonald House.”

Advocating from the Show Ring

I couldn’t agree more. It is a wonderful feeling to combine your passion for doing something you love while lending others a helping hand.

Shannon Latham and Isabella Noelck show Patriot at the 2021 Governor’s Charity Steer Show.

Although I had never shown a steer before, I always have wanted to show one. I spent countless hours hanging out with my friends in the cattle barns at the Butler County Fair and at the Iowa State Fair. As a 10-year 4-H member and a former Iowa State 4-H Council member, I try to live the pledge by using my hands for a larger service “for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” I am passionate about advocating for agriculture and greatly appreciate the opportunity provided by Franklin County Cattlemen, the Barkema Charitable Trust and the Noelck family to advocate in the biggest ring in this state.

Showing livestock is definitely a family affair, and I greatly appreciate the Noelcks for welcoming me into their family on the day of the Governor’s Charity Steer Show. Today they’re sharing with us one of their favorite beef recipes.

shannonlatham

August 18, 2021

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

Latham’s Summer Interns Return to the Classroom

At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we believe a summer internship should be mutually beneficial for both the student and our family-owned company. We want our summer interns to set goals for their time with us as they work to complete agreed-upon projects. In addition, we want them to understand how all aspects of our company – from production and sales to marketing and research – are all intertwined.

“I wanted to intern with Latham Seeds because to learn more about the Sales and Agronomy sides of the business. I spent my summers during high school washing hard boxes and pulling weeds,” says Ian Latham, the son of John and Shannon Latham, who founded Latham Hi‑Tech Hybrids in 2004. They started doing business as Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds in 2009 when they, and John’s brother, Chris, purchased the family’s soybean-only business and brought the two companies together.

John Latham with interns Ian Latham and Kirsten Suntken.

This fall Ian will be a sophomore at Iowa State University (ISU), majoring in Agricultural Studies with minors in Agronomy and International Ag. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity where he is assistant Vice Noble Ruler (VNR) of Recruitment. He is involved in the Agriculture Business Club and the collegiate Iowa Corn Growers Association. He also was selected to serve as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).

“Agronomy is one of my college minors, so it was really cool to participate in sales training related to seed product research and testing. I got to attend company meetings and sales training sessions. I also got to help recruit new dealers, primarily in North Central Iowa.”

One highlight of Ian’s summer included watching his dad preside over the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) annual Policy Leadership Development Conference (PLDC), in Washington, D.C.

Ian also really enjoyed participating in product training led by Bob Foley, which also was a highlight for Kirsten Suntken. Kirsten served this summer as a Precision Agronomy intern for Latham Seeds. Other highlights of her summer internship included helping Latham’s Precision Agronomist Phil Long develop the company’s new Premier Agronomy Center at Latham’s headquarters in Alexander, Iowa. Because her college classes were online in the spring, she was able to spend more time working outside. As a result, Kirsten was able to be involved in everything from planting research plots to scouting fields throughout the growing season.

“My favorite part of my internship was the people I worked with, and I’m going to miss everyone,” said Kirsten. “I learned so much. I told Phil that I wanted to do a little bit of everything, so I could learn as much as possible. I was able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to my job at Latham Seeds. I also will be able to take what I learned this summer and apply it in the classroom.”

Kirsten’s summer was especially exciting as she was crowned Franklin County Fair Queen, and this week she is participating in the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest. She also served as the 2019 Franklin County Beef Queen. After the pageantry is complete, Kirsten will return to Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny where she is majoring in Ag Business.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we didn’t send off our interns with one of Latham Seeds’ customary potlucks. It’s likely Kirsten would have brought Grape Salad with Irish Twist, which is a recipe her mom shared recently on our blog. Click here to find a link to Kirsten’s favorite recipe for pot roast in a crockpot. One of Ian’s favorite meals when he was growing up was Spaghetti Pie, so we’re sharing that recipe today on “The Field Position.”

shannonlatham

August 13, 2021

Food & Family, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

The Iowa State Fair Returns

By Aaron Putze

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This often-cited comment isn’t just a favored figure of speech. A 2013 published study proved that people involved in long-distance relationships had more meaningful interactions than those who saw each other daily.

While I prefer seeing those I love frequently, perhaps the adage best applies to Iowans’ love affair with the Iowa State Fair.

Sunset at the iconic Iowa State Fair

After its absence last year, one of our nation’s most iconic events returns Aug 12-22.

Call it a hunch, but my gut tells me the crowds will be enormous.

This will be my 25th fair in 26 years. After teetering on state fair burnout at the close of the 2019 edition, I’m ready and waiting for the gates to open and the canon sound 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 12.

America Needs Farmers artwork at the Iowa State Fair

Once again, I’m relishing thoughts of riding the sky glide, walking the cattle barn, navigating the Grand Concourse, sampling corn dogs, hot beef sundaes, and deep fried deviled eggs (check out the latter at the Cluck ‘n Coop tucked just inside the Midway operated by my friend Shon Bruellman).

I’m also looking forward to advocating once again for farmers during the 11-day event. The number of state fair visitors routinely tops one million. Most who walk the grounds have little to no connection to agriculture.

The Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP) returns to the southeast atrium of the Varied Industries Building. It’s our 10^th year in the location. Given roughly 250,000 fairgoers pass through the atrium annually, simple math tells me we’ve rubbed elbows with almost 2.5 million people.

Rooster at the Iowa State Fair

The impact has been measurable. Each fair, we add thousands of new fans to Iowa FFP’s audience. In addition to having an appetite for state fair cuisine, they hunger for candid and accurate information about the food they eat, how it’s grown and who grows it. The Iowa FFP is an open book about food, family and farming. We welcome the interest people have in all things food-related, from the simple (no, chocolate milk doesn’t come from brown cows!) to the complicated (yes, genetic modification is a good thing).

Those who sign up to engage with Iowa FFP receive farm-fresh information about modern agriculture via a

combination of our e-newsletter, popular Fresh Pickings Magazine (published quarterly) and social media offerings. Not only does the audience stick, but surveys show that those engaged with the Iowa FFP are 6% more trusting of modern agriculture than the general public.

Aaron Putze, APR, serves as the Sr. Dir., Information and Education for the Iowa Soybean Association. He was raised on a farm near West Bend and lives in Waukee with his wife Crystal and children Garrett, Grant and Jaelyn.

Given it’s our 10^th fair, we’re going back to how it all began. In August 2010, our first exhibit featured numerous ag-centric creations made entirely out of canned and packaged food items. In 2021, we’re constructing a larger-than-life tribute to Iowa farmers. It will again be built entirely of canned and packaged food. While I’m not about to spill the beans on what we’ll be constructing, rest assured that you’ll leave the exhibit knowing that our food, land and future is in good hands because of the dedication of Iowa’s farm families.

But that’s not the only place the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) will have a presence. In addition to joining with Iowa’s commodity organizations to bring the Iowa FFP exhibit to life, biodiesel made from soybeans will power the state fair trams. Children participating in the super-popular Little Hands on the Farm will learn how soybeans are grown while visitors to the Ag Building will have the opportunity to visit with soybean farmers on select days. ISA is also helping support the volunteers who will be caring for the pigs, poults and turkeys fairgoers will ooh and awe at in the Animal Learning Center.

Absence might make the heart grow fonder but coming together is the best way to connect people who don’t farm with those who do.

And, so it will be again this year at the Iowa State Fair. I for one can’t wait.

Webspec Admin

August 5, 2021

Appetizers, Dairy, Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Sides, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Turkey Producers Serve Up Tasty State Fair Traditions
“Fun, delicious, unique and healthy” aren’t usually the words fairgoers associate with food on a stick, but that’s exactly what Iowa’s turkey producers serve up at the “Turkey Grill.” You can get a taste of it at the 2021 Iowa State Fair (ISF) from Thursday, August 12, through Sunday, August 22, 2022.

“The Turkey Grill started with the goal to promote turkey and to provide a healthy, delicious alternative for fair-goers, and it continues to do so today, 38 years later,” says Gretta Irwin, Executive Director & Home Economist for the Iowa Turkey Federation / Iowa Turkey Marketing Council.

The Turkey Grill is located east of the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. To learn more about the fair or to get answers to frequently asked questions, visit IowaStateFair.org. There’s also an official Iowa State Fair app.

We strive to serve fun, delicious, unique and HEALTHY turkey items.

NEW! Breakfast Poppers

The Turkey Grill’s new Breakfast Poppers.
- $2
- Breakfast in a meatball! Turkey, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, onion, green pepper, red peppers.
- 5 meatballs per serving
- Guests can put their favorite condiment (ketchup, salsa, hot sauce) with the meatballs.
Turkey Tenderloin
- $7
- Marinated breast meat and slow grilled (recipe below)
- On the Iowa State Fair “Healthy Choices” list
- 166 calories, 25 grams of protein and only 1 gram of saturated fat
- We will serve it in a bun or on a stick
- No allergens. Marinated in lemon juice, soy sauce alternative so gluten free, vegetable oil, red wine, onion, ginger, pepper and garlic powder
Not Your Momma’s Taco
- $6
- Deep-fried flour tortilla, Mexican-seasoned shredded turkey, homemade veggie slaw, mango salsa
- On the Iowa State Fair “Healthy Choices” list
- The meat is made exclusively for us by West Liberty Foods, the same turkey is featured on our shredded turkey sandwich, without the Mexican seasoning
- People’s Choice Best New Fair Food of 2016
  The Turkey Grill’s grilled Turkey Tenderloin on a bun.
- Sold almost 17,000 turkey tacos at the 2016 Iowa State Fair
Pulled Turkey Sandwich
- $6
- Shredded Turkey Sandwich (all white meat)
- Will remind you of that perfect turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving
- 120 calories, 1-gram saturated fat and 26 grams protein
- No allergens. Ingredients: Breast meat, natural turkey broth, salt, sodium phosphate and natural flavorings.
Turkey Drumstick
- $10
- Brined, smoked and slow grilled to perfection
- Only 140 calories per 3 ounce serving and 1 gram of saturated fat, this perfect-to-share fair item since it is about 16 ounces of meat.
- No allergens, no wheat gluten or milk products, gluten free
Griddle Sticks
- $2
- pancake batter covering a turkey sausage on a stick, served in a tray with syrup
- 160 calories, 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 7 grams of protein
- Contains egg, milk, soy and wheat
“We hope that our guests enjoy this powerful protein year-round!” adds Irwin.

To help encourage you to eat turkey year-round, below are links to a few of our favorite blog posts about Iowa turkey producers with links to turkey recipes:
How delicious does Lemon Garlic Rotini with Zucchini sound? This recipe, which features a pound of turkey breast meat, is included in a link within a blog post above. Because it’s zucchini season, I wanted to be sure you check it out.

The Iowa Turkey Federation also is sharing its recipe for Grilled Turkey Tenderloin Marinade. Trust me, it’s incredibly delicious. Better yet, try it yourself!
shannonlatham

July 30, 2021

Food & Family, Poultry, Recipes, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Seeds Unveils its New Mission Statement at Annual Dealer Meeting
Latham® Dealers from six Upper Midwest states recently gathered in Sioux Falls, SD, to kick off the start of the 2021-2022 sales year. This year’s Latham Dealer Kickoff event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of our family-owned seed company’s 75^th anniversary.

“I’m sure my grandfather, Willard Latham, never thought about his legacy when Latham Seeds was founded on his family farm back in 1947. His business got a humble start when Grandpa literally answered a call from a neighboring farmer with an oats smut problem. It was such a widespread problem that Grandpa retrofitted a piece of equipment to clean oats, which led him to start selling certified oats seeds,” says third-generation seedsman John Latham, president of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Today Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds sells hybrid seed corn, soybeans, alfalfa and cover crops across six Upper Midwest states. The company has continued to innovate by providing services like Data Forward^SM that helps farmers use their own data to make more informed management decisions. Data Forward can help determine whether a new piece of equipment will provide a return on investment (ROI) or whether another corn hybrid is better suited for a particular field.

“Farming today is certainly much different than when my grandfather founded Latham Seeds. It’s even much different than when my father, Bill Latham, served as president of Latham Seeds,” says John Latham. “While each generation has had its own challenges to overcome, we believe it’s becoming harder for multi-generational families to stay on the farm. We understand what it’s like to want to preserve your family’s legacy, and that’s why we’re committed to working with our seed dealers and our farmer-customers to live their legacies with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.”

Latham Seeds is so committed to helping family farmers preserve their legacies that in 2021 it unveiled its new company mission:

At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we know family farming is only getting harder. We believe farmers should have trusted partners who provide personalized solutions today, so they can grow even stronger legacies tomorrow.

We can’t “be on a mission” alone, says John Latham, so we’re looking for people who share our values. We need farmers to represent our company across Iowa and into Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. We’re looking for farmer-dealers who:
- Have a passion for rural communities
- Are self-motivated
- Have an entrepreneurial mindset
We’re also looking to add members to the Latham Team, from truck drivers to regional sales managers, who understand the importance of delivering five-star customer experiences.

Shannon Latham and Scott McKain, a bestselling author and Professional Speakers Hall of Fame member, delivered the keynote address during the kickoff event.

“Ultimate Customer Experiences® don’t just happen,” is a trademark of bestselling author and Professional Speakers Hall of Fame member Scott McKain. During his keynote address at the Latham Dealer Kickoff event in Sioux Falls, McKain reminded us that no one stays loyal to a generic brand. “How can you differentiate yourself? How can you provide such an exceptional experience that your customers remain loyal?”

McKain certainly provided food for thought. Speaking of food… no Friday blog on “The Field Position” would be complete without a recipe! Did you know that South Dakota’s culinary heritage is a combination of indigenous peoples and the German/Russian immigrants who came to the region? Of course, its food scene is influenced heavily by the foods produced in the area like top-quality beef. Today we’re sharing with you a recipe from the South Dakota Beef Industry Council that is perfectly fitting for National Grilling Month.

Latham Seeds General Manager Ryan Schon and his wife, Meg, embrace our annual Kickoff location by dressing the part. They wore Kentucky Derby attire when this event was held at Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Des Moines, and they were outfitted in western wear for Sioux Falls.

The event included a smores bar.

The “Dueling Fiddles” duo based out of Des Moines, Iowa, provided evening entertainment for our annual awards banquet.

Related Posts:
- Latham Dealer Kickoff 2018 (Mall of America)
- Latham Dealer Kickoff 2019 (Prairie Meadows Racetrack)
- Latham Dealer Kickoff 2020 (Virtual broadcast from Ames, Iowa)
shannonlatham

July 15, 2021

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

John Latham’s Term as ASTA Chair Ends with a “Bang”
John Latham of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds recently participated in his first – and final – in-person meeting as chair of the 2020-2021 American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).

Approximately 100 industry leaders from across the United States gathered in our nation’s capitol and another 100 gathered online for ASTA’s annual Policy and Leadership Development Conference (PLDC). In fact, ASTA made news for becoming the first agricultural group to meet in Washington, D.C., in more than a year, writes Jerry Hagstrom in his National Journal column. The meeting shows that gathering in Washington is still worthwhile.

In appreciation for his year of service, incoming ASTA Chair Brad May presents John Latham with a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on John’s birthday.

“It’s so good to be back together as an industry, a community, and as friends,” Latham said in his opening remarks on Monday, June 21, 2021. “The past year was far different than any of us could ever have imagined. Despite the challenges, it has been such an honor to serve as chair of the American Seed Trade Association during this truly unprecedented time.”

Congressman Feenstra of Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District addressed ASTA members on the importance of telling the story of agriculture. He is pictured (left) with John, Ian and Shannon Latham during the meeting.

Latham continued, “I am most proud that we kept the association business moving forward during the pandemic. ASTA board members updated the existing Strategic Plan and added Sustainability as its own pillar. After all, ‘sustainability’ is a part of everything we do – it always has been! Sustainability is a key to telling the story of how the seed industry helps feed the world while protecting, improving, and replenishing our resources for future generations.”

Congressman Feenstra of Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District reiterated the importance of telling agriculture’s story. In his address to ASTA members, he said, “We (in agriculture) have a story to tell.” Feenstra went on to say he is thrilled to tell ag’s story as a member of the House Ag Committee. He also serves on the House Committee on the Budget, as well as the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

“We appreciate that Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra addressed PLDC participants in person,” says Latham. “We greatly appreciate his understanding of agriculture. We need more advocates like Congressman Feenstra, who understand the connection between agriculture, economic security, food security and national security.” Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Senator Joni Ernst also addressed the conference.

Visiting with members of Congress is one important component of the annual ASTA meeting, and association members traditionally visit their respective state’s congressional delegations on Capitol Hill. However, most legislative visits this year were conducted virtually. Seed industry leaders talked with elected officials about sustainability, innovation, and trade issues.

In addition to legislative advocacy efforts, the 2021 PLDC agenda covered timely business topics. General sessions and panel discussions ranged from how to attract more minorities and how to advance women to reopening offices. Concerns also were raised about how legislation and regulation could hamper the seed industry.

John Latham facilitated the “Women in Seed” discussion which included Shannon Latham as a panelist.

To help quell those fears, USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh said on a live video chat that “it all begins with the seed.” (“First the seed” is ASTA’s motto and the name of its foundation.) The Deputy Secretary also said she hopes the success of the COVID-19 vaccine leads to renewed faith in science.

“We can’t pick and choose which science we like,” said Bronaugh. This was welcome news to the seed industry, which fears science skeptics will halt the innovation of seeds.

The importance of seed innovations will continue to be a key message communicated by ASTA members. Because there is a new administration in the White House and many new members of Congress, Latham stressed the importance of building relationships. “Never doubt the power, and necessity, of our strong collective voice,” he said as he addressed ASTA members during a general session.

Legislative priorities for ASTA include:
- Opposing new bills at the state level that limit treated seed, which is such a vital tool for agriculture and have tremendous benefits for farmers and the environment.
- Engaging in the UN Food Systems Summit where the international community will come together to address global food challenges – with significant impacts on future policy. It’s important the global policy environment encourages continued innovation for the future.
- Continuing ASTA’s great work regarding innovation, and specifically gene editing as it has so much promise for companies of all sizes, as well as for all kinds of seeds from corn and soybeans to vegetables and beyond. Gene editing has the promise to help feed the world and maybe even prevent the next global pandemic.
  John Latham said he appreciated all the support he received during the week of PLDC in Washington, D.C. He enjoyed introducing Latham Team members to his industry colleagues and friends.
Keeping with tradition, Latham hosted a Chairman’s Dinner on the last evening of the annual summer ASTA conference. The event was held at the newly opened The Point with a waterfront view. Because Washington, D.C., is known for its crab cakes – and crab cakes were served at the Chairman’s Dinner – today we’re sharing with you a recipe, so you can make these delicacies at home. Bon Appetit!

*Recipe excerpted from “Dining by Fireflies” cookbook.
shannonlatham

July 7, 2021

Agriculture, Dairy, Food & Family, Industry News, Recipes, Seafood, Seed Technology
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

A Family Farm Legacy Built to Last

The Erger family poses for a photo in Iowa’s largest frying pan in Brandon.

They say in Iowa, “If you build it, they will come.”

That’s exactly what happened in 2004. Someone commented to Dave Erger from Brandon, Iowa, that it must take a really big frying pan to feed the entire town during its annual Cowboy Breakfast Festival. So a pan was built and now hundreds of tourists annually make a roadside stop for a photo opportunity.

“My dad, along with several other local farmers, met in Dad’s shop,” says Andy, who is the fourth generation to own and operate his family’s farm in eastern Iowa. “It was supposed to be more of a joke, but before they knew it, it had become a pretty big deal.” Iowa’s largest frying pan is an impressive nine feet wide and 14 feet long, including the handle. The skillet could fry 44 dozen eggs or 88 pounds of bacon.

Farmers are known for rising to any challenge, whether it’s fabricating a giant frying pan or surviving a global pandemic. Unfortunately, Dave Erger faced a health challenge in 2014 that became life changing. He suffered a heart attack that resulted from Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes one’s body to attack itself. Lupus has made farming more difficult for Dave. As a result, Andy has accepted more responsibility in recent years. That’s why in the spring of 2021 Dave and his wife, Teresa Erger, approached Andy and his wife, Jamee, about purchasing the farm.

“Jamee and I have spent countless hours crunching numbers. We met with our bankers, FSA consultants, and tax advisors. We were relieved when we received confirmation in April that our loans had been approved,” says Andy. “Keeping my family farm running and thriving has always been a dream of mine. I get to share my dream with my wife and our children.”

The Erger Family

Andy and Jamee are the proud parents of four daughters and one son: Kayleigh, Amiliah, Davennah and Rosaleigh and Gilbert (Gib), who was named after Andy’s great grandfather.

Jamee is learning all the ropes of becoming primarily responsible for their Latham seed dealership, Erger Seeds.

With Andy taking on more of the farming responsibilities in addition to his custom hay baling business, Jamee is learning all the ropes of becoming primarily responsible for their Latham® seed dealership, Erger Seeds. Andy became a Latham® Seeds dealer in 2014 because he knew the extra income would help support his family.

“Latham products have worked great on our farm, so I wanted to share it with others around me,” says Andy. “Our dealership also has provided opportunities to create new friendships.”

Andy and Jamee are very much business partners. In addition to helping Andy with the farm and seed dealership, Jamee runs a Revital U business and helps their daughters with an egg business.

“Our home-based businesses allow us to show our kids how the world works and how much work it takes to be successful in the things you care about,” says Jamee. “Having chickens has helped teach the girls responsibility by managing money and taking care of animals. They also help care for three horses, many cats and dogs.”

The Erger family in spring 2021 started a Labrador Retriever breeding business called North of the River Family Labs. Their dogs are fully AKC registered, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certified, and Embark genetic tested.

They work and play hard, too. They make time for family fun like boating, camping, horseback riding, four-wheeling, visiting parks or zoos or roasting s’mores over a bonfire. The Erger family also makes time to exercise together.

The Erger girls run an egg business with the help of Jamee.

“It’s good to teach our kids about self care,” says Jamee, who like her mother-in-law, is committed to exercise and eating a balanced diet.

“We only get one life to live, so we want to make sure we live it to its fullest,” says Andy. “We love the life of farming and we always put our full attention to anything we care about whether it’s taking care of our family, farm, pets or seed customers. We understand the blood, sweat and tears that are shed by generations of family farms, so we want to help our customers and neighbors be successful.

Andy adds, “It’s nice to be part of a family-owned seed company that was founded in Iowa. The Lathams strive to treat their dealers like family, and in turn, we strive to treat our farmer-customers like family.”

One way they show their customers how much they appreciate them is by delivering homemade cookies and bars during the spring planting and fall harvest seasons. Jamee also enjoys taking meals to the fields for her family during baling hay, and harvest.

“I feed em’ and leave em’,” says Jamee. “It’s important to me to make sure that the guys get a decent meal to help keep them going.”

One way Erger Seeds shows customer appreciation is by delivering homemade cookies and bars during the spring planting and fall harvest seasons.

Today Jamee is sharing with us her favorite cookie recipe, which is a perfect complement to her homemade ice cream. Enjoy June Dairy Month and July Ice Cream Month!

shannonlatham

June 25, 2021

#RootsInBoots, Dairy, Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Summer