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A Note to Farmers from Secretary Naig to close out National Ag Week
Guest post by Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

Happy National Ag Week! This annual event is a great opportunity to say thank you to the farmers and agribusinesses who provide food and fuel for all of us. This past year reminded everyone what we, in agriculture, already know. Agriculture is essential to our livelihood, our food chain and our state’s economy.

My roots are in agriculture. I was born and raised on a crop and livestock farm in Cylinder, Iowa. The agriculture community shaped who I am and I still plant and harvest our family farm every year. But nothing makes me more proud than taking my wife and three boys to the family farm to teach them about agriculture and caring for our land. Latham Seeds celebrates food and family every Friday on this blog, The Field Position so I’m sharing the below recipe for Kringla, a favorite treat in my family.

During the past few days of National Ag Week I’ve been visiting farmers, agribusinesses and food security organizations across the state to say “thank you” for your contributions. This past year was not easy, but it highlighted the creativity, resilience and generosity of Iowa’s agriculture community.

There are two very special organizations I’d like to recognize this week — the Iowa State University Meats Lab and the Iowa Food Bank Association. These organizations went to extraordinary efforts to help livestock producers overcome supply chain disruptions and feed hungry Iowans during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a thank you, it’s my pleasure to present the Secretary’s Ag Leader Awards to both of these organizations.

The ISU Meats Lab, and the Iowa Food Bank Association and its six regional food banks, played vital roles in the state’s food security initiatives, including Pass the Pork, Beef Up Iowa, Pack the Pantry and Turkey to Table. These programs were developed by the Governor’s Feeding Iowans Task Force in the spring of 2020, in part, to help livestock producers market their protein when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced meat processing capacity at the state’s large processing facilities. Through these programs, 1.75 million servings of Iowa-raised pork, beef and turkey were delivered to the food bank and food pantry feeding programs.

I believe the Iowa agriculture community can continue leading important conversations and tackling difficult issues. Foreign animal disease prevention and planning, generating demand for renewable fuels, and scaling-up soil health and water quality projects continue to be my priorities.

As we spend this week thanking the farmers who work tirelessly to feed and fuel us, we must also recognize their businesses must be financially and environmentally sustainable to continue doing so.

That’s one reason why I’m working to establish a value-added agriculture grant program. If the funding is approved, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will provide grants that incentivize producers to explore new product offerings, production methods and marketing opportunities to help them be more profitable.

The Department is also investing in conservation programs that improve soil health and water quality, and we’re learning more about the new carbon markets. These market-based systems create revenue streams for farmers and landowners who invest in carbon-sequestration practices. This is one way farmers and landowners can build upon the conservation efforts underway across the state.

These are just two examples of the programs designed to give the Iowa agriculture community the resources it needs to continue its legacy of innovation. I am confident that the creativity and resiliency that served agriculture well in the past, will continue to drive innovation, environmental stewardship and profitability into the next decade and beyond.

Thank you for your contributions to the Iowa agriculture community. I hope you’ve enjoyed National Ag Week, you certainly deserve it.
- Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Laura Cunningham

March 24, 2021

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

Ms. Hain Builds Local FFA Chapter

Soils Judging Team

I BELIEVE in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years…

This first line of the “FFA Creed” is lived out by the group of men and women, who serve as FFA advisors and/or teach agricultural education. This small but mighty group is moving the needle toward an educated, innovative new generation of agriculturists.

Heidi Hain of Nora Springs, Iowa, is one of the new teachers shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Ms. Hain is in the middle of her second full year as a full-time Ag Education teacher. She teaches the 7^th through 12^th grade agricultural classes in the Nashua-Plainfield school district. Because agricultural classes and the FFA made such a profound impact in her life, she chose to become a teacher.

“Rockford Senior High had an Agricultural Education program, which is something my previous school had lacked. My older cousins had taken agricultural classes and were active in the same FFA chapter, so I decided to add that to my schedule,” explains Ms. Hain. “I was immediately drawn into the FFA, and Intro to Ag was my favorite course that year.”

Conduct of Meetings team from Northeast Sub-District of the North Central District!

In high school, Ms. Hain served as a Co-Reporter and Vice-President for her FFA Chapter. She also served as the Auditing Committee Chair for her State during senior year. In college, she was involved with Iowa State’s Collegiate FFA/Ag Ed Club. She participated in the parliamentary procedure team and placed 3rd Nationally!

Today Ms. Hain strives to push her students to use their talents to the fullest. As an FFA Advisor, she oversees Career Development Events (CDEs), helps plan a variety of events and continually pushes her students to become better. She appreciates this part of her job the most as it’s the real-life application of what she teaches in the classroom.

“I’m constantly pushing my students to be better people. I tell them that no ‘magic’ can happen when you stay in your comfort zone. I find so much joy when they leave their comfort zone and acknowledge the growth they made!”

Ms. Hain is a prime example of doing what she loves. She shows the support on her social media pages to promote agricultural education and how she is contributing to developing the next generation of ag. Lastly, she shares the why behind what she does:

“To me, being ag Ag Education Teacher is being able to exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task. At the end of each day spent at county fair, prepping a contest or doing a fetal pig dissection is just as inspiring as the next task because I know it will make a difference in someone’s life.”

Webspec Admin

February 26, 2021

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

We’ve Always Believed in the Future of Agriculture

National FFA Week is time for us to remember our roots. The Lathams have grown up in FFA, and this time every year we think about the experiences that helped shape our hope in agriculture.

Front Right: Shannon Latham

Did you know that E.M. Tiffany had the foresight to write the FFA Creed in 1928? That was a long time ago! And yet, that Creed continues to apply to Future Farmers of America today:

“I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.”

Everyone has experienced discouragement at some point, and perhaps none so much as Iowa farmers over the years. We can’t forget the derecho in August 2020, which was one of the most costly thunderstorm disasters in U.S. history.

Before that, Iowa farmers were dealt with the Farm Crisis. The Federal Reserve’s tight money policies were intended to bring down high interest rates but caused farmland values to drop 60% in some parts of the Midwest from 1981 to 1985.

Every generation has had to face massive changes. But history gives us invaluable perspective. This is where we remember the last paragraph of FFA’s Creed:

“I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.”

We are blessed to be part of a family-owned seed company that is headquartered in America’s heartland. We’re honored to work with a network of other ag advocates across the Upper Midwest who share our passion. And we’re grateful for those who are committed to being a positive influence in their communities.

Let’s celebrate everyone who carries on the tradition of wearing the blue jacket.

The mac and cheese recipe below comes from the Stenjem family of Wisconsin! This recipe is often requested for FFA banquets and FFA members’ graduations. Enjoy!

shannonlatham

February 22, 2021

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

Heart-Healthy Foods to Love
Get enough sleep. Practice self-care. Enjoy heart-healthy foods.

A few simple steps can go a long way toward improving your heart health and total body wellness in 2021, says Anne Hytrek, MSEd, RD, LD, CDCES. Hytrek is a dietitian and diabetes educator for Hy-Vee, and an Advisory Committee member for the Iowa Food & Family Project.

“When we are tired, we tend to reach for less healthy snacks and beverages to give us a boost like energy drinks or sugary convenient foods. We also may lack the energy to exercise or cook a healthy meal,” says Hytrek. “Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel rested and ready to take on the day. Consuming tart cherry juice is beneficial in improving the sleep duration and quality in healthy adults. It may also help manage disturbed sleeping in some people.”

Poor sleep can drive insulin resistance, which Hytrek says is one of the strongest risk factors for weight gain and obesity. It disrupts your appetite hormones, reduces your physical and mental performance, as well as plays a role in your body’s immune response.

Physical fitness is obviously important, but it also is important to practice self-care. Self-care means taking care of your mind, body, and spirit so you can be healthy. Self-care looks different for everyone, but some examples include: journaling, breathing exercises, and fun movement like a walk in nature, dancing, riding a bike or enjoying a bubble bath with a bath bomb!

“Working hard and juggling all the things is great, but you can’t maintain your active lifestyle without a little ‘you’ time to recharge,” says Hytrek. “Self-care also means connecting to others. Human beings need social connections, so happiness is the heart of any effective self-care.”

Another important part of a healthy lifestyle is eating well. Hytrek says confusing messages have been shared in recent years about saturated fats and heart disease. Saturated fat is not “good” for you when eaten in excess. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure or are at high risk for heart disease, you may want to take note of these two key points from the research: (1) You may reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke by replacing saturated fats (butter, cheese, coconut oil, palm oil) with unsaturated fats (nuts, seeds, fatty fish like tuna and salmon, olive oil, avocados) in your diet. (2) You will likely increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke by replacing the saturated fats in your diet with low-fiber, fast-digesting carbohydrates (examples: fruit juice, pop, candy, pasta, rice, energy bars).

Moderation is really the key. Hytrek recommends eating these three foods to show your heart some love:
1. Low-carb Vegetables – serving size is ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw or 2 cups raw leafy greens. Examples: green beans, broccoli, spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, Brussels sprouts. These veggies are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber and are low-calorie in comparison to other food groups.
2. Walnuts – serving size is 1 ounce or approximately 7 walnuts. Walnuts are primarily a healthy fat source with some carbohydrate and a little bit of protein. They are high in vitamin B6, folate, thiamin – playing a role in cellular energy and a healthy nervous system.
3. Salmon/Tuna – salmon and tuna are both fatty fish and are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fat. Studies have found when participants replaced just 1% of their saturated fat intake with the same amount of calories coming from polyunsaturated fats, their risk of heart attack or stroke decreased by an average of 7%. The American Heart Association considers 3.5 ounces of cooked fish or ¾ cup to be a single serving. For adults, two servings per week are recommended to help lower risk for heart disease.
In celebration of February Heart Month, Ann Hytrek is sharing a recipe for a warm salad that contains all three of these foods and is rated 5 stars! This simple one-pan meal is rich with heart-healthy ingredients.

RELATED POSTS:
1. Clifton PM, Keogh JB. A systematic review of the effect of dietary saturated and polyunsaturated fat on heart disease. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2017 Dec;27(12):1060-1080. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2017.10.010. Epub 2017 Oct 18. PMID: 29174025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29174025/
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
shannonlatham

February 5, 2021

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

Andrew Carruth Named DSM in Northern Minnesota

“We’ve been interested in growing our sales team in Minnesota for quite some time, so it’s super exciting to see this plan come together with the recent addition of Dan Miller in Mapleton and Andrew Carruth in Danvers,” says Amy Rohe, Latham Seeds sales manager. “Both Dan and Andrew have strong agronomic backgrounds, which really fits our organization because we want to be more than seed sellers. Our approach is to study a given field to determine which of our products best fits the soil, disease and weed challenges, as well as a farmer’s management style and lifestyle.”

Andrew understands firsthand how important it is for a seed seller to understand a farmer’s crop management system and lifestyle. When he was in high school, Andrew helped milk 130 head of Holstein cows at 5 A.M. and 5 P.M. daily. He also helped his dad and uncles farm corn and soybeans. He credits his upbringing for helping him develop good listening and teamworking skills. It also gives Andrew an understanding of the important role seed selection plays in a product’s end use.

“I’ve always spent as much time as I could helping my dad with field work and cattle,” says Andrew, who was active in both 4-H and FFA. He was on a two-person team that advanced to National FFA Convention for the Science Fair. “I’ve always wanted to farm, so I feel fortunate to have a job that allows me to do what I love.”

Andrew enjoys spending time outdoors, walking fields with customers and working on projects. He spends as much time as he can helping his brother, Adam, and their father, Joe, farm. Andrew also enjoys spending time with his two nephews and one niece. Adam and his wife, Kelly, live nearby with their son and daughter. Andrew’s sister, Emily, lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, Robb, and their son, Leo. Andrew’s mom, Jolene, provides daycare for Peyton and Maddie. Peyton especially loves riding in the buddy seat with Uncle Andrew.

It took a few years for Andrew to make his way back home, but that journey helps him appreciate the everyday moments even more.

Because Andrew’s siblings had attended South Dakota State University (SDSU), Andrew was familiar with the campus and really enjoyed taking trips to Brookings. He graduated from SDSU in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy with a minor in Soil Science. Andrew worked after college for three years as a sales agronomist for Glacial Plains Cooperative in Clontarf, Minnesota. He gained experience in everything from dispatching sprayers to writing farm plans for seed, fertilizer and chemistry. He also became a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).

Andrew jumped at the opportunity in 2019 to focus on only selling seed plus he it provided him with the opportunity to work from home in Danvers. His move to Latham Seeds seemed like the next logical move. As a district sales manager (DSM), Andrew will be calling primarily on Latham® seed dealers and recruiting more farmers to become seed dealers.

“Anyone can show up on the farm and hand out a price sheet, so I like to add value,” says Andrew, who enjoys walking fields and sharing agronomic information. “I’m looking forward to helping Latham dealers build their business however they want. I know more farmers in this area will appreciate working with an independent, family-owned seed business. Their focus on family is one thing that drew me to Latham Seeds. Everyone in the office is so welcoming. I know the people I do business with feel comfortable doing business with Latham, too.”

When Andrew isn’t working, he enjoys spending time at the lake. He also enjoys deer hunting and ice fishing. He recently took his girlfriend, Brittany, ice fishing for the first time and she enjoyed it. Brittany teaches pre-school. She and Andrew enjoying spending time with his nieces and nephew, as well as working on projects together.

Andrew also appreciates a homecooked meal. Today he is sharing with us a recipe for Meatballs with Stroganoff Sauce because it’s one of favorite food that his mom makes when the family gathers. It sounds like the perfect comfort food to enjoy during a Midwest winter.

shannonlatham

January 29, 2021

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

Thanksgiving Leftovers? Try a Turkey Dressing Sandwich

Guest Blog post by Darcy Maulsby

Now that the big Thanksgiving feast is over, what do you do with the leftover turkey and dressing? It’s time to try a delicious, northeast Iowa classic that’s been dubbed everything from “iconic” to “starch-a-pa-looza.”

We’re talking about and dressing sandwiches—a flavorful mixture of turkey, gravy and stuffing mixed together and served in a bun. Yes, these are starch on starch with plenty of turkey mixed in for good measure. No, they aren’t hot turkey sandwiches, where gravy is poured over a sandwich stuffed with sliced turkey. These are a food all their own, and they are a cult classic around Dubuque, Iowa.

“These sandwiches are a staple around here,” says JoAnne Gregorich, whose family farms near La Motte in eastern Iowa, south of Dubuque.

Turkey dressing sandwiches don’t just turn after Thanksgiving. If you attend enough graduation parties, bridal showers or wedding receptions in parts of Eastern Iowa, there’s a good chance that turkey dressing sandwiches will be on the menu.

You can either make your own, or if you’re anywhere near Dubuque, stop by Cremer’s Grocery. For more than 70 years, Dubuque’s last family-owned grocery has helped make meals special, thanks to their Famous Turkey ‘N’ Dressing sandwiches.

Just a sidenote: When I shared my Culinary History of Iowa program at the Carnegie-Stout Library in Dubuque in September 2017, the library also hosted a potluck featuring Dubuque foods. The mere fact that the librarians felt the need to post the sign “Cremer’s Turkey and Dressing Sandwiches: One per person please” says a lot about how popular these sandwiches are.

There often are no specific recipes for turkey dressing sandwiches, and every family takes their own twist on this local classic. The Gregorich family prefers to go heavy on the turkey. “I’d say I use about 95 percent turkey, along with a little stuffing and gravy,” says JoAnne, who adds that leftover cranberry sauce on the side is a good option.

What if you pour gravy on top of a turkey dressing sandwich, similar to a hot beef sandwich? “That’s something different than a turkey dressing sandwich,” JoAnne confirms.

Farming, food and family go hand in hand
Turkey and dressing sandwiches reflect the resourcefulness of generations of Iowa farm cooks who know how to maximize leftovers and give them a creative, new spin. The hearty sandwiches also fit with the region’s strong agricultural heritage, which the Gregorich family is proud to maintain.

Both JoAnne and her husband, David, grew up in Jackson County. They remain close to their rural roots on their Jackson County farm, where they raise corn, hay and beef cattle. JoAnne is glad the couple had the chance to raise their two daughters, Cassie and Kellie, on the farm.

“Growing up on a farm teaches you responsibility and instills a work ethic in you,” JoAnne says. “I also appreciated the times we were all able to work together as a family.”

While the girls are grown and are pursuing their own careers in agriculture, they always enjoy coming home and spending time with their family on the farm. There’s a good chance that turkey and dressing sandwiches will be served at many of these gatherings. “They are a very good sandwich,” JoAnne says.

Team Latham

November 27, 2020

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

Latham® Dealership Brings Next Generation Home

“Gotta love the spunk she has!” says Patty of the time her 91-year-old mother spent in the field during 2020 beet harvest. “I’m so glad she got to enjoy it with her David!”

They had never planted Latham® Hi‑Tech Seeds but that didn’t prevent Mike and Patty Bergquist of Foxhome, Minnesota, from become a seed dealer when asked.

“We were looking for a way to bring our son, David, home and this ‘solution’ seemed to present itself,” said Mike as he recalled that particular day in 2015. “You might say opportunity knocked when Latham’s regional sales manager came to our door and talked with us about Latham Seeds.”

They weren’t able to get the soybean brand they were accustomed to planting, so the Bergquists decided to try Latham Hi‑Tech Soybeans. They also put Latham brand corn to the test, and it topped their on-farm yield test. They were sold on the Latham’s on-farm performance!

No one else in their area had a Latham Seeds dealership, but national companies had several dealers in the area. Mike liked the idea of working with a family-owned company that shares his values of commitment to family and community.

Mike Berquist

Mike served for three years in the U.S. Navy. He returned home to farm with his step-grandfather, Harold. To supplement his income, Mike started working campaigns in 1975 at the local sugar beet processing plant. He worked at the plant whenever Harold didn’t need him in the field.

Mike and his wife, Patty, were married in 1977. Harold offered to let the newlyweds move a trailer house onto the farm. They appreciated living on the farm. Four years later their first child was born, and Mike had to choose between accepting a promotion at the beet plant or farming full time with Harold. He chose farming.

Harold passed away in 1985. The 1980s Farm Crisis made it challenging for a young couple to support a growing family, so in 1988, this father of five went back to working campaigns at the beet plant. Mike accepted a full-time position there in 1989. He worked his way to plant supervisor and retired from Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative on June 3, 2019.

Because Mike only got weekends off once every four years, it helped to have David involved with the farming operation. David, the Bergquist’s youngest child and only son, completed the John Deere program at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton. He worked full-time for four years at RDO Equipment as a John Deere technician while also helping his father farm. David was able to double his farming operation and started farming full-time in 2018. David married his high school sweetheart, Chloe. They’re the proud parents of two sons, Briar and Bowen. Chloe also works as a dental hygienist.

Mike with salmon

The Berquist’s oldest daughter, Kari, and her husband, Tim Marquardt, live nearby in Rothsay with their three children: Hunter, 14; Hadley, 12; and Hudson, 9. Kari is a stay-at-home mom, and Tim works for Wilkens County. Mike and Patty’s second oldest, Heidi, works for Red River Human Services in Breckinridge where she lives with her three fur babies.

Third in birth order is Katie. She is a daycare provider for her brother’s children. Her husband, Derrick, is an engineer for Willrich. They have three sons: Dawson, 9; Carsten, 6; and Grayson, 4 months.

Their youngest daughter, Holly, was a nanny until her twins arrived. Her husband, Travis, is a John Deere technician in Wheaton and also farms. They are the parents of five boys: Michael, 10; Bennett, 6; Henry, 2; and 5-month old twins, Kamden and Cooper.

This photo was taken Sept. 29, 2020
From left to right: Bowen, 6 months; Grayson, 2 months; and 4-month old twins, Cooper and Kamden

“I love having our grandkids come to the farm,” says Patty, a proud grandmother of 12 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. “We hang out in the shop, go for Ranger rides, rock babies and read books. It’s so much fun to hear the laughter and to see smiles on the kids’ faces. We let them stay as often as they want now. We know that in a blink of an eye they will be too old. We hope they have good memories of staying with us.”

The older grandkids are active in sports, so the Berquists enjoy attending their basketball, football and baseball games. In summer months, the Bergquist family enjoys camping together.

“There is a lot of love when we all get together, and that’s the way we like it!” says Patty. “We’re making memories and more memories!”

Today Patty is sharing with us one of her family’s favorite recipes for Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Casserole.

shannonlatham

November 20, 2020

Breads/Breakfast, Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

15 Success Tips from an Iowa Veteran, Part II
Guest blog post by Darcy Maulsby, author of the rural Iowa history book “Calhoun County,” “A Culinary History of Iowa,” and “Dallas County.” New in 2020: “Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Food and Family” from The History Press and “Iowa’s Lost History on the Titanic.”

For part 1 of this story, click here.

15 Success Tips from an Iowa Veteran, Part II

There were few things Ethan Dial cared about more than high school sports in the early 1990s. He also appreciated the patriotism around the Super Bowl and the American flag’s place of honor at other sporting events. It’s no wonder this Lake City, Iowa, farm kid committed to playing baseball for the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He completed his West Point training in 1999.

Although he retired after 20 years from full-time military service, Dial enjoys sharing the practical wisdom he gained through his military service, especially with new lieutenants during their commissioning ceremony.

Dial’s 15 strategies for success can apply to any occupation:
1. Participate in your own survival. Life is a contact sport. To succeed, you can’t sit on the sidelines. “You must roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and make it happen,” Dial said. “Be proactive, not reactive. Create the conditions for success in your position.”
2. Embrace “more hands make light work.” You can’t shoulder the entire load all of the time. Help others, and ask others for help. “The Army is a team activity,” Dial said. “When you get every soldier in your platoon or section working in synch, the collective power of the team is amazing.” Also, don’t be afraid to dig in and get your hands dirty, no matter your role. “Soldiers will respect you when they see that nothing you ask them to do is beneath you, since you’re willing to get in there and work alongside them,” Dial said. “You’ll learn a ton doing it, too.”
3. Remember “Horse – Saddle – Rider.” Be prepared. In the military, whether you’re returning from the range or a month-long field training exercise, your first priority should be the vehicle or aircraft you traveled in. Refuel it, clean it and prep it for the next mission—which might only be minutes away. Also, clean up your gear, refill your aid bags and top off your canteens. “Again, you’ll never know when you only have seconds to grab your gear, and you’ll be thankful your kit is ready to go,” Dial said. Take care of yourself last. Get cleaned up, fed, hydrated, lay out your clothes for the next day, then rest. Many of these same principals of preparation also apply if you’re running a business or a household. “The next mission will come sooner than you expect,” he added.
4. Show up early. If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re already 15 minutes late. Don’t forget the corollary that “being early is free, being late will cost you.” “Make being early a habit,” Dial said. Give yourself time to collect your thoughts, check and re-check important things and put out any last-minute fires. “If you’re at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform, with the right attitude,” you’re definitely 99% on the road to success,” Dial said.
5. Four generations of the Dial Family
  
  Surround yourself with positive people. Seek people who challenge you to always improve. “You’ll be amazed by how much the people you chose to surround yourself with impact your physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being,” Dial said. “Your attitude changes, your outlook improves, but most importantly, your outcomes start to match your expectations.” Positivity and an attitude of gratitude are contagious, he added.
6. Adapt and overcome. As a leader, you’re going to be asked to make decisions and provide guidance. Don’t panic. “If no-one is bleeding and no bullets are firing, it probably isn’t a catastrophe,” Dial said. Take in all available information, evaluate possible tactics and think through potential responses to these tactics. Then make a decision and stick with it. “Be consistent, calm and confident,” Dial said. “Be the problem-solving, adaptable leader your team and your followers need you to be.”
7. Develop your natural curiosity. Never accept the first report. Do your research. Ask questions to draw out the facts and separate out the drama. “Always be learning, always be inquisitive, strive to learn more and live a more thorough life,” Dial said.
8. In the absence of orders – attack. Always be moving forward. Sometimes you’ll have to decide whether you’ll need to be an “ask for permission” leader or “beg for forgiveness” leader. “Once you make a decision, you own it, good or bad, right or wrong,” Dial said. Throughout your career, you’ll get better at decision making, he added. Read about other’s decision-making style. Study intuition and gut feelings. Practice your decision-making skills. “Don’t sit back and wait for a handout, email or text telling you what to do,” Dial said. “Listen early for intent and guidance, but in the absence of orders – attack!”
9. Do you GAS (give a sh**)? Pay attention to the details, and most everything else will fall into place. Take the extra 5 minutes to straighten something, fix something and make it look professional. “If it looks good, it probably is,” Dial said.
10. Ethan Dial & son
  
  Show your loyalty. “What’s the best unit you’ve ever been in? The one you’re in at that moment,” Dial said. Demonstrate your loyalty to your organization. Wear your company’s logoed apparel, and attention the “optional” and “highly encouraged” functions. “It’s visible, it makes a difference, and it’s part of the small things that do not go unnoticed,” Dial said.
11. Know it’s ok to say you don’t know. Even if you don’t know the answer, say so, but add, “I will find out.” Then follow up as soon as possible.
12. Pick three to five things to focus on daily. You can’t do it all. Prioritizing tasks is the key, Dial said. “Imagine what you can accomplish by only worrying about getting three to five things done a day.”
13. Only worry about those things YOU can control. Whatever happened is in the past. “None of us has a time machine to go back and fix something,” Dial said. “It is what it is—now what?” Asses what changed, decide who needs to know and determine what the next steps should be. “Focus on going forward, improving, changing and learning from mistakes,” Dial said.
14. Don’t whine. Complaining without offering a potential solution is whining. No one likes whiners, so be part of the solution. “It’s ok to identify problems,” Dial said. “While it’s harder to identify solutions, that separates great leaders from the rest.”
1. Focus on continuous improvement. Do you know as much about your profession as you expect your doctor to know about his/her profession? “Be a lifelong learner, never be satisfied, get better every day,” Dial said.
Grandma Dial’s Famous Lemon Pie

While Dial sometimes took for granted the peace and serenity of farm life when he was growing up, he’s gained a new appreciation for small-town Iowa’s advantages. “Being back in Iowa has enabled my family to help my dad, Dwight, on the farm when we can,” Dial said. “He also comes to Ames to enjoy family time and attend Iowa State football, basketball and wrestling events with us.”

When the Dial family gets together, they enjoy preparing some of the recipes that have been part of their family for generations. Nothing says comfort food more than this lemon pie, the signature dessert of Ethan Dial’s grandma, the late Alice Ann Dial of rural Lake City.
Webspec Admin

November 13, 2020

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

15 Success Tips from an Iowa Veteran, Part I

Guest blog post by Darcy Maulsby, author of the rural Iowa history book “Calhoun County,” “A Culinary History of Iowa,” and “Dallas County.” New in 2020: “Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Food and Family” from The History Press and “Iowa’s Lost History on the Titanic.”

In the early 1990s, there were few things Ethan Dial cared about more high school sports with baseball at the top of the list. This Lake City, Iowa, farm kid felt fortunate to attract some interest from West Point’s baseball coach, so he applied to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, a decision that would alter the course of his life.

“I was fortunate to have had a safe 20 years of service,” said Dial, who completed his West Point training in 1999, is retired from full-time military service and lives in Ames with his wife, Dawn, and son, Brendan. “I’ve been lucky to serve alongside absolutely great Americans who are still my friends.”

Veterans Day has been meaningful to Dial and his family for generations. “I was definitely influenced by my Grandpa Gerald Dial’s service as a B-17 tail gunner in World War II and my uncle Lynn Dial’s military service,” said Dial, who also credits both sides of his family with teaching him to honor patriotic holidays like Memorial Day and the 4^th of July.

Dial and his son, Brendan.

The patriotism around the Super Bowl and the American flag’s place of honor at other sporting events further solidified Dial’s desire to serve his country. Then there were the hundreds of flags flown at the Lake City Cemetery each Memorial Day. Each flag listed the name of a local veteran, and each name was read during the Memorial Day service. “All this made a big impression on me,” Dial said.

Dial appreciates Iowa State Army ROTC

Unlike Memorial Day, which honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or deceased. It especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. That includes Dial, who achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel by the time he retired from the military on October 1, 2019.

The Dial family

Rural America is home to many veterans. In 2011–2015, nearly one fourth (24.1 percent) of the veteran population 18 years and older lived in areas designated as rural, according to census.gov.

Today, Dial works for Emerson in Marshalltown as the project manager for the CAP1400 nuclear power plant project. “My family and I have enjoyed living in nine locations over my 20 years of military service, but our last four years in Ames with the Iowa State Army ROTC program have been the best four years I’ve served,” said Dial, whose younger brother, Andy, is a fellow West Point graduate currently serving in the U.S. Army.

Click here to read Part II of this story.

Webspec Admin

November 11, 2020

Food & Family
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham’s 2020 Virtual Field Day Was “Made for You”
At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we have hosted multiple field day on wheels. We’ve showcased emerging technologies that allow us to check crops from the air, but this is the first year we didn’t have to worry about the weather on our field day. It’s also the first time we a virtual day event.

Welcome to 2020! The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses around the globe to deliver information using technology like Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube. Although we prefer to meet with farmers in person, our team of industry experts has developed some interesting and informative content for you. We hope you enjoy it and find it of value!

Below is a recap of our 2020 Latham® Virtual Field Day with links, so you can watch agronomic presentations from the comfort of your office or the cab of your tractor or combine:
- Fortunately, weather events did not affect our production fields. It looks to be another banner year for Latham seed production! You’re invited to join us for this 40-minute industry roundtable with Latham’s Product Team.
- In this “challenges of harvest” roundtable hosted by Bob Foley, farmers from across the Upper Midwest tell us how they’re managing harvest in not-so-ideal conditions.
- Put products and practices to the test on your on farm! Precision Agronomy Advisor Darin Chapman discusses on-farm research and the benefits. He covers how you can use “small data” to work on your own farm.
- Soybean Product Manager Mark Grundmeier provides tips for Selecting Soybean Products that are Built for Battle. Did you know farmers don’t have to give up yield when planting defensive soybeans? Mark talks about how Latham’s exclusive IRONCLAD^TM products are bred to combat local diseases.
- Latham’s Northern Product Manager Gary Geske explains how seed treatment helps maximize yield potential. He explains what makes Latham Seeds’ SoyShield® so unique, so elite and so effective.
- Latham Corn Product Manager, Lyle Marcus, shares how to maximize performance and reduce risk with Latham® corn hybrids in 2021. He also introduces eight new hybrids for spring planting.
- In this 20-minute workshop on seed placement and performance, Precision Agronomy Advisor Phil Long explains how to use Latham’s product guide to choose seed products for 2021. Did you know that placement can affect yield by up to 20 percent? That’s a 20- to 50-bushel yield swing! Phil walks us through how to match management style to product characteristics for best placement and performance.
One of the things we enjoy most about hosting field days is sitting at the table with Latham® dealers and customers. We always enjoy hearing about our customers’ families and learning more about farming operations. If you attend a Latham Seeds’ event, you can count on great conversation and a wonderful meal.

In true field day fashion, we are sharing with you a typical field day menu. Below are links to some of our favorite fall recipes:
- Harvest BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, a recipe shared by Iowa’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Julie Kenney
- Sweet & Spicy Baked Beans
- Cranberry Waldorf Salad (Although this recipe isn’t from “The Field Position” blog, it’s a hit every time I make it for a group that visits Enchanted Acres pumpkin patch.)
- Apple Crisp
With the cool fall weather this week, we thought it would be the perfect time to share a new crockpot dish. Scroll down to find a recipe for Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine. Recipe and image sourced here.
shannonlatham

September 11, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Emergence, Fertility, Food & Family, Fungicide, Growth Stages, Insects, Poultry, Precision Ag, Recipes, Seed Treatment, Sides, Soil, Soybeans, Weed Control