Darin Chapman Helps Farmers Move Their Data Forward
Some people embrace change while others do their best to avoid it. Like Socrates, Northwest Iowa native Darin Chapman chooses to focus his energy on creating something new.
A third-generation farmer, Darin is passionate about technology and continually looks for ways to improve his farming operation. He has the ideal background and interests to serve as a Precision Agronomy Advisor with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.
Darin farms near Spencer with his brother, Tim, who is a local ag lender. Five seasons ago they purchased a planter to test variable rates of Latham® brand corn and soybeans, as well as conduct side-by-side comparisons of different product numbers. Their on-farm research has increased over time. It also has helped shaped the development and evolution of Latham Seeds’ Data ForwardSM service.
“The more on-farm research we do with my multi-hybrid variable rate planter, the more we learn about product placement of Latham brand hybrids and varieties in my region,” says Darin. “I cannot stress enough the importance of on farm research on your farm.”
“Phil Long and I are conducting two different studies on one of my farms this year with four of our new excellent performing hybrids. The farm we are performing the study on is one single soil type across the entire field, so it is perfect for research,” adds Darin. “We have four different population zones for each hybrid: 32,000; 34,000; 36,000 and 40,000. This will give us great insight on performance of each hybrid with best performance per planting population. We are also doing a fungicide application study across each hybrid. We sprayed the north half of the field to monitor how each hybrid responds to fungicide treatment.”
Analyzing yield to understand optimal seeding rate for each hybrid on your fields is one benefit of Latham’s Data Forward service. Other benefits include data organization and trial results.
Latham Seeds in February 2020 introduced a Data Forward application to help farmers see more profit. Our precision agronomy advisors, including Darin and Phil Long, begin by conducting a data quality analysis. Then they clean and organize each layer of data before sharing results and providing recommendations.
“When I first started working with the Data Forward program in May, I was impressed with its capabilities,” says Evan Hansen, who has worked with three precision management platforms both on his home farm and during his summer internships. “Compared to other applications the Data Forward app is extremely functional and is only getting better. I have enjoyed talking with customers about how Latham can continue to help their operations prosper. Working with Phil (Long) and Darin (Chapman) has been awesome. I have gained a wealth of knowledge this summer from the team at Latham.”
One reason Darin is so passionate about using technology to improve profitability and sustainability is because he and his wife Sarah have three sons. Zander is almost 10 years old and enjoys being with his friends as much as possible playing sports and PlayStation or riding bikes around the neighborhood. Ledger is 6 years old. He enjoys his spending time with friends and pets, as well as working on the farm. Mason is almost 2 years old. He likes watching Elmo, playing with his brothers, and being outside.
Being outside and on the farm is where Darin wants to be, too.
“I have always found on-farm research interesting” says Darin. “What I enjoy most about my current position as Precision Agronomy Advisor is that I get to work with farmers across Latham Country who want to make the most of the data they gather each year and put it to work to make their operation as efficient as possible. This gives me great gratification.”
Outside of farming, Darin enjoys taking his kids fishing and getting together with friends and their families for cookouts. He and Sarah both enjoy cooking. Today they are sharing one of their family’s favorite recipes.
Evan Hansen Completes Summer Internship with Latham Seeds
With a 98 percent placement rate, Iowa State University’s Ag Career Fair it’s just as important that a company make a positive impression on a candidate as it is for the candidate to make a good first impression. Evan Hansen of Spencer in Northwest Iowa sought out Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ booth because his family planted Latham® seeds.
“My interest in Latham Seeds started three years ago when we first planted Latham on our farm. We have increased our use of Latham® seed,” says Evan. “I spoke with Laura (Cunningham) and Kilah (Watson) at the Iowa State College of Ag and Life Sciences career fair and was excited to hear that Latham was planning to release its own data management platform, Data ForwardSM. I have had the opportunity to work with three other management applications in my past summers and was excited to have the chance to see something new. After an enjoyable interview process and learning more about the family-owned company, I knew it was the place for me to spend my summer.”
This summer has presented its challenges due to the pandemic, but Evan says he has thoroughly enjoyed his internship.
“When I first started working with the Data Forward program in May, I was impressed with its capabilities,” says Evan. “I have enjoyed talking with growers about how Latham can continue to help their operations prosper. Working with Phil (Long) and Darin (Chapman) has been awesome. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from the team at Latham and always felt like I could reach out with questions. This team was welcoming and gave me, as a young person in ag, an excellent summer internship.”
Evan is heading back to Ames for his fourth and final year of studies. He plans to graduate in May 2021 with a double major in Agronomy and Animal Science.
“I knew I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to help producers improve their operations. This, along with my desire to work hands-on, led me to a degree in Agronomy,” says Evan. “The addition of my Animal Science major is a product of many factors. As our cow-calf herd grew, we needed pasture management, cover crops, corn stover, corn silage, and hay. I developed a greater desire for knowledge on livestock production as our home beef operation grew.”
Evan grew up on his family’s row crop and cattle farm in Northwest Iowa. His father, Curt, farms fulltime with help from Evan’s uncle. Evan’s mom, Julie, is an elementary educator. She’s starting to help more on the farm now that Evan’s grandparents are not as actively involved. Evan’s oldest sister, Jordan, graduated from The University of Iowa and is pursuing a graduate degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at The Ohio State University. Evan’s younger sister, Kaylee, will be a senior at Spencer High School. His brother, Ethan, is starting eighth grade this fall.
“As I have grown, my roles have progressed from riding in the buddy seat to giving rides as we move between farms to eventually operating in separate fields from my dad. I spend time processing cows and calves, and I do the artificial insemination for our cattle,” says Evan, who showed cattle through 4-H and desires to raise Angus cattle after he graduates from Iowa State.
This year will be another busy one for Evan as he is a member of FarmHouse Fraternity where he has served on the Executive Committee as Assistant Alumni Director and as New Member Educator. He has participated in the Polar Bear Plunge, which supports Special Olympics. He also takes parts in various other Homecoming and Greek Week activities. In addition, he has been a waiter at Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
“What stands out about my time at Iowa State are the connections I have made. I am confident that I have met individuals whom I will work with for years to come. In addition, I have enjoyed bringing the knowledge I gained home to see it applied in the real world,” says Evan. “Iowa State has challenged me to think about doing things differently on not only my home farm, but also in the operations of growers I have had the opportunity to meet through my internships. Through this, I have seen that thoughtful change often brings growth.”
We certainly wish Evan in the future! With students heading back into the classrooms, it’s a reminder to us that fall harvest also is just around the corner. Today Evan is sharing with us one of his favorite harvest meals.
Mohawk Market couldn’t serve youth if it wasn’t for amazing volunteers. Renae shops for groceries and supplies, as well as helps pack boxes. She puts in countless hours to help make it happen.
That face.
One sweet little kindergarten girl’s face prompted Sasha Holstand and Tara Truex in May 2019 to start the Mohawk Market, so Roosevelt Elementary students would get the nutrition they needed. Today this unique food pantry, which is independently run by teachers and community volunteers, has expanded throughout the Mason City Community School District. It’s now serving 100 families that have been deemed food insecure.
“You must meet children’s basic needs before their educational needs. With COVID-19, we opened our pantry doors to all students of the district,” says Truex, a special education teacher at Roosevelt. “We have decided to keep our pantry running throughout the summer. We seek food that children can prepare for themselves.”
Mohawk Market shelves are packed with cereal, applesauce, crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, soup, canned meals, canned and frozen vegetables, canned chicken and tuna, boxed meals, pasta, pasta sauce, popcorn, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, snacks, and bananas.
Volunteers assemble weekly to box up the staples for pickup or delivery to local families. Some families do not have transportation. Other parents must work when the pantry is open. To remove barriers for families to get the food they need, the Mohawk Market offers pick-up times and has started a delivery service.
Truex would like to thank these volunteers for stepping in where they’re needed: Becky Buffington, Larry Collins, Valarie Wollner, Sheila Lang, Emily Younke, Jill Hobart, Penny Dahl, and Lisa Hugi, Britney Roe, and Renae Bergman. Iowa State University Extension in Cerro Gordo County also has started volunteering with their staff.
“We’ve been blessed to have the support of so many people. When Sasha and I pitched our idea to our principal, he was instantly onboard. He spoke with the administration and it was determined that we would have to do this through a third party to stay transparent with finances,” says Truex.
“Renae Bergman, a teacher at Lincoln Intermediate, reached out to Grace Church in Mason City. Grace Church opened an account for us. Then we began fundraising, grant writing and making this mission come to life. United Way and First Citizens Bank were instrumental in helping with startup costs for Mohawk Market,” adds Truex.
ISU Extension staff since April have been delivering food boxes to families in need throughout the Mason City Community School District (MC CSD).
The COVID-19 pandemic has created more demand for food pantries, and many shelves have stayed empty across the nation. Fortunately, North Iowans are coming together and supporting their own.
Rather than selling at the local farmer’s market, Lucas Ashland of Clear Lake decided to donate fresh vegetables this summer to the Mohawk Market. When the pandemic caused musicians to pull the plug on live performances, members of Betty and the Gents began uplifting people in their community with live Facebook concerts on Friday nights.
May 22 marked the 10th performance of “Live from the Quarantine: Tom and Betty’s Pajama Party.” Tom and Betsy Kirby, who are teachers with Mason City Schools, donate 100% of their virtual tips via Venmo and PayPal to Mohawk Market.
If you’re interested in helping spread the Mohawk Market mission, you can:
Click here for a list of foods that may be purchased at Target and delivered to Roosevelt Elementary. This Mohawk Market Charity Registry also is available on target.com; or
“Our donors may only see the boxes of food they donate to help children. With each and every box, however, we see a child. We see the face of a child we know and love, and that sweet face is grateful for your support!” says Truex. “The difference you’re making in that child’s life is immeasurable. We are so thankful for your support!”
Check out Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s website page – Spend Smart. Eat Smart. – for recipes for budget-friendly and kid-friendly recipes. Special thanks to ISU Extension for allowing us to print one of its recipes today. Enjoy!
Soybeans are most often associated with seeds that farmers plant or commodities they market. Soy is not often something those of us living in rural America associate with healthy, power-packed diets – unless we’re developing a livestock ration.
However, soybeans offer many nutritional benefits for human diets. Soy provides heart-healthy fat and is cholesterol-free. Soyfoods such as tofu and TSP, textured soy protein, or TVP, textured vegetable protein, are ideal for adapting recipes for chili, soups, spaghetti sauce, tacos, salad dressings and desserts.
“Soyfoods easily add protein to trendy foods,” says Linda Funk, executive director of The Soyfoods Council. “Enhance avocado toast or hummus by incorporating edamame. One cup of edamame contains 188 calories and offers approximately 18 grams of protein, as well as 8 grams of fiber. Shelled edamame can be blended with fresh avocado for guacamole or made into Edamame Hummus with added ingredients such as garlic, lemon juice and fresh herbs.”
A quarter cup of shelf-stable granules of TSP/TVP contains about 12 grams of protein. Use it to extend ground turkey or beef. Add TSP to chili, pasta sauces.
“At breakfast, combine TSP half-and-half with oatmeal to start your day in a trendy way,” adds Funk. “Fermented soybeans are made into a tender soybean cake called tempeh, which offers 15 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. You can boost the protein level of a meal by adding tempeh to sandwiches, pizza or salads. Baste it with barbecue sauce and grill it for an easy entrée.”
Tofu is made from soymilk curds and is made firm using a coagulant, such as nigari flakes or calcium sulfate, which is the mineral used in craft brewing.
“Firm, water-packed tofu can be marinated in your favorite sauce. Then add it to curries, pasta dishes, or Asian noodle bowls,” says Funk. “Silken tofu is perfect for smoothies, soups, dips and desserts. A half-cup serving of tofu can provide approximately 10 grams of protein. Cut the fat and increase the protein in your favorite dips by substituting silken tofu for part of the mayonnaise when using salad dressing mixes.”
To help you incorporate soy into your diet, here are links to the most popular soy recipes from “The Field Position” blog:
Today we’re sharing with you a recipe from The Soyfoods Council for Mexican Veggie Salad, which is complement to grilled meats and deli sandwiches. For more recipes, visit www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com. The Soyfoods Council’s website also includes nutrition information, cooking tips, and recent research about soyfoods and your health.
Spring is a Fresh Start, so Try Something New in the Field
When the sun shines, the snow melts slowly and temperatures are above normal on a late Midwest winter’s day, folks across the Upper Midwest start thinking about the hope that comes from the changing of the seasons. No crop would ever get planted without optimism.
“South Dakota farmers came off an unprecedented in 2019 and then faced our hardest fall ever,” says Dustin Leiseth of Hazel, SD, who has farmed since 1999 with his father, Paul. “I was in Aberdeen for township meetings last fall, so I called Dad to ask how harvest was going. He said, ‘Well, nothing has broken down yet today.’ So… that’s how we were measuring success.”
Both final drives and the cleaning fan went out in the last 500 acres of combining. The Leiseth family finished the harvest on December 6, 2019. To commemorate the occasion, Dustin took a selfie in the field. Pictured with him are his father and Roger Adams, who has been one of Paul’s best friends since kindergarten. Roger has helped with harvest for years, taking vacation days to help the Leiseth family before he retired in 2014.
“I’ve never been so happy to be done,” says Dustin. “I told my dad, ‘You’re the only person I would want to do this with. I can’t see myself farming if one of my sons doesn’t farm with me. I’m going to tell my son, ‘This is our legacy. My grandpa moved here. Your grandpa and I have fought to keep this land in our family. I want you to farm with me and for this farm to be yours someday, if that’s what you want. Farming must be someone’s passion. No operation can truly be successful if the person who is running it doesn’t have a strong desire and passion for it.’ I just want us both to have open and honest communication when that day comes. It is, and always will be, about his passion in this life, not mine.”
Dustin is the third generation who felt called to farm this land, and he says he never wanted to do anything else. Like his father did upon graduating from high school, Dustin attended Lake Area Tech in Watertown where he learned many useful skills from electrical wiring to welding and carpentry.
“I was fortunate that my parents said they wanted me to come back to the farm,” says Dustin. “My wife understands this life comes with sacrifices. Bridget is very supportive. She makes my life even better, and she’s great with our sons. I make the farm go, and she keeps our family whole. Together we unify.”
Dustin and Bridget have two sons, 12-year old Preston and 7-year old Caleb.
“I get to raise my sons on the farm where they have the freedom to be who they are,” says Dustin, who enjoys fishing and boating with his family. He also enjoys hunting pheasants and white tail deer. “The boys ride bikes down the back-country roads and the 4-wheeler across the home section. They just experience good country living.”
Huntin’, fishin’, and lovin’ every day… That’s the prayer that a country boy prays.
Like the lyrics to a good country music song, Dustin is thankful that God blessed him this way.
“There are several things I enjoy about farming. Every day is different. Days may be similar, but no two days are ever the same,” says Dustin. “Spring is a fresh start and time to try a few new things like new seed varieties, increasing seed populations, or applying fertilizer at varying rates and application timing. I strive to try one or two new things each year. The good Lord only gives us a finite number of chances to plant and harvest on this earth, so I try to make each one better than the last.”
Rebuilding Roads & Roadways
Flooding washed away gravel and washed out culverts in 2019. Large amounts of snowfall this winter has many South Dakota residents concerned that snowmelt combined with spring rains will cause more flooding in 2020.
While many farmers are aware of how flooding in 2019 left their farm-to-market roads in disrepair, Dustin is aware of how much damage was caused statewide. He has been a township clerk for the past 10 years. He has served as
a director for the South Dakota Association of Towns & Townships for the past four years and as its president for the past two years.
“South Dakota has experienced two disasters in the past eight years that have involved FEMA,” explains Dustin, who started attending township meetings as a 17-year-old with his dad. “Our last disaster started at the end of March 2019, and 11 months later we haven’t received a check. Our township was the second out of 13 to complete all of our documents, but we’re still waiting for the money to arrive.”
Dustin Leiseth and his son, Preston, in February participated in the Polar Plunge on Lake Kampeska. The event raises approximately $45,000 annually for Special Olympics South Dakota and the Special Olympics Watertown.
Flood repairs push South Dakota townships to financial brink. As president of the state’s Towns & Townships association, Dustin attends meetings for the joint committee of Appropriations in Pierre. He meets with the Secretary of Transportation and the Association of Counties. Five entities have been meeting throughout the winter because they were supporting a bill to help fund large culverts.
There is a push from the hunting and gaming commission for township roads to be repaired and maintained, so hunters and fishermen can get to the sloughs. The problem is that neither the county nor state wants to pay townships to rebuild these roads. More money is needed for infrastructure repair at a time when statewide revenue is lower due to fewer hunting and fishing licenses.
“Hunting and fishing has been a large part of South Dakota’s tourism, so there is a push underway to engage the next generation. If kids don’t have a parent to go with, they grab their phones instead of a pole. When we were kids, we’d call one another and go fishing. That’s not happening today.”
Spring is on the horizon, so there is renewed hope that families will return to the great outdoors to enjoy camping, fishing and riding bicycles. To help power through these remaining late winter days and those damp, early spring days, Dustin is sharing with us one of his family’s favorite recipe for a hearty stew.
Teresa Erger Stays Strong by Adapting and Overcoming
During a trip to Alaska in August 2018 with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, Tess Erger decided she needed to make getting in shape a priority.
When life becomes challenging for people, they’re either going to get defeated or become more determined. Teresa (Tess) Erger of Brandon, Iowa, isn’t one to get knocked over and stay down. She has learned to overcome challenges by focusing on what she can do to make a positive difference in the world around her.
Teresa is a wife, mother of two, grandmother of eight, and an entrepreneur.
“Because I have my online gym, I don’t have any excuses not to work out,” says Tess. “I can take my ‘gym’ anywhere I go. I carry my iPad with me wherever I go. Last year when the combine broke down, I did my workout in the middle of a corn field. I also have grandkids, so that motivates me. I want to be a positive role model for them. I want to be the grandma that rocks, not the one who sits in a rocking chair!”
In April 2019, Tess opened her virtual gym. She has learned to overcome excuses and makes time to exercise daily. She also encourages others to do the same. Fifty-nine women and nine men join her regularly for virtual workouts.
Tess was an aerobics instructor in the 1980s, but like many of us, she has had lots of other demands on her time based on each chapter of life. She operated her own beauty salon for 15 years. When her children started high school, she went back to college and earned a degree in elementary education with endorsements in Pre-K Special Education and Reading. Tess also earned a master’s degree in Differentiated Instructional Strategies.
While she has always helped on the farm before and after her off-farm job and on weekends, Tess has served as her family’s official grain cart operator for the past 10 years. She has learned to adapt and fill a need as it arises.
Tess’s virtual gym is filled with daily inspirational messages, workouts and recipes.
“On November 19, 2015, our family was hit hard with the reality of how quickly life can change in a blink of an eye,” says Tess. “My husband, Dave, had a massive heart attack at the age of 52. He underwent emergency surgery that day and was resuscitated twice. You prioritize and look at life differently when you almost lose love someone you love.”
“Fast forward one year, and Dave’s health continued to decline. Doctors couldn’t pinpoint why, so we ended up going to the Mayo Clinic. After three days of testing, Dave was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus, Hashimoto, Sjogren’s disease. All three are auto immune diseases for which there is no cure. Dave’s disease is treated like cancer, so doctors use various medications to trick the disease into remaining dormant,” adds Tess. “We have spent so many hours, days, and weeks at the hospital dealing with the damage this disease has caused to my husband’s internal organs. His diseases have attacked everything from heart, lungs, kidneys and his nervous system to his eyes, teeth and skin. Eating healthy and getting fit became our main focuses to prolong and to give Dave quality life.”
Tess has a Group Fitness and Boot Camp instructor certification from the American Sports and Fitness Association. She also is certified in POUND, REFIT, BoKwa, and Zumba.
“I didn’t like being put in a specific category as a fitness instructor or having limitations as to what I could or couldn’t do, so I created my own program, routines, and workout programs. I created a group called ‘Choose to Change Group Fitness.’ I have been able to adjust, modify, and develop a program that works for all ages and stages of life. One thing that was missing from my program was a nutrition, supplements/vitamins, meal plans, and helping people change how they view fitness, health, and wellness. That is when I found BeachBody®.”
“Beachbody has such a great success record with workout programs, meal plans, and nutrition,” says Tess. “I became a coach and got my certification in Portion Control. Then I started an online virtual gym for both women and men. People can now workout in the convenience of their own home when it fits their schedules, and they have me as their personal coach, motivator, and biggest cheerleader. I help people work on professional development and help them find confidence in who they are and who they want to become.”
Fitness becomes part of your daily routine just like brushing your teeth or combing your hair, says Tess Erger. She adjusts, modifies and develop workout programs for people in all ages and stages of life.
Working vs. Working Out
“There is a huge difference in working and working out! I feel we need to workout at least 30 minutes a day to stay in shape, build muscles and stay strong, so we can handle all types of jobs and minimize the risk of getting hurt. Working out and getting our heart rate up also helps keep us from getting fatigued. When we workout, endorphins are released which make us feel better and makes us happier,” says Tess.
“On the farm, we work hard from dusk until dawn and even longer hours in the spring and fall,” adds Tess. “Some of the tasks and jobs that must be done require manual labor. Cleaning out a grain bin, for example, requires a lot of strength, endurance and cardio. It is back breaking work. The same is true with baling hay, picking up rocks, fixing equipment, feeding and caring for livestock, and more. There also are a lot of jobs that require sitting such as driving tractors, lawn mowers, going to agriculture meetings, and hauling grain to town.”
“My workouts are my therapy,” says Tess. “I feel lost when I don’t do them. Once you start this journey and you do it every day, it becomes part of your daily routine just like brushing your teeth or combing your hair. You do it without really thinking about it. I also need to release those positive endorphins in order to stay positive and keep my mind right. Dealing with a sick husband is stressful. Farming isn’t easy and it takes a lot of dedication and self-motivation to keep going.
Plan for Success
Planning ahead and learning portion sizes is key to success, says Tess. She uses Portion Control Containers because they take all the guess work out of how much to eat and what types of foods to eat.
Because the containers are color-coded, it’s easy to track and measure each of the food groups:
green for vegetables
purple for fruit
red for proteins
yellow for carbs
blue for healthy fats; and
orange for seeds or dressings.
“Many times, we order a salad thinking we are making a healthy choice, but it often is large enough to feed two or three people,” says Tess. “I plan meals on Saturday and prep on Sundays. I keep pre-measured snacks in baggies in the refrigerator, so they’re read to grab and go. I make it a rule to not eat in the car.”
Grapes, carrots, celery, strawberries, diced watermelon, peanuts and almonds are a few of Tess’s prepped “to go” snacks.
“When we go out to eat, I often request a burger without a bun, choose a vegetable or a fruit instead of fries, and take it easy on dressings and sauces. Remember, ‘dip, don’t drench’,” coaches Tess. “I choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. I try to stay away from pre-packaged or processed foods. If God created it, then you can eat it!”
With that said, Tess doesn’t believe in denying oneself from special treats. She says she isn’t going to pass up a piece of birthday cake or a homemade cookie. She just eats sweets in moderation.
“I eat to fuel my body not to fill my belly. I eat when I’m hungry not because it’s time to eat,” she says. “I monitor my moods and make sure I’m not emotional eating or sabotaging the progress I’ve made because I’m upset. Instead of eating to deal with my problems, I choose to push ‘play’ and do a workout instead. The most important thing is to make up your mind to get more active and eat healthy. We all can find time to do a 20 or 30-minute workout or move our bodies. You just need to find something you like to do and make it a priority to fit it into your schedule.”
Remember to practice patience. Results will come.
“It takes 21 days to build a new habit, three months to make it a routine, and one year for it to become automatic,” says Tess. “Keep in mind that our health is our wealth. Invest in yourself!”
To help you take a step toward healthy eating, today Tess is sharing with us a one of her recipes for Perfectly Portioned Lasagna Roll Ups. Perfectly portioned Lasagna Roll Ups use poultry sausage, frozen spinach, and three cheeses to make a crowd-pleasing dinner! Do yourself a favor and make a double batch. It freezes well.
This historic 19th century building has served many purposes throughout the years: church, masonry and horse barn. Today it houses the West Fork FFA’s Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), which range from farrowing hogs to laying hens and thriving bee hives.
Like many rural communities across North Iowa and the Midwest, Sheffield has a population of approximately 1,200. The community is bordered on all sides by productive farmland. The north side of town also is home to Sukup Manufacturing. Less than one mile from Sukup headquarters, there is a quaint little barn that Sukups rents out for use by the FFA. This late 1800s barn serves as West Fork’s Animal Learning Center.
Thanks in part to the Animal Learning Center and extra hours logged by a passionate teacher, the West Fork FFA chapter has nearly doubled in just two years. There were 37 members when Kaitlyn (Bonzer) Porter accepted the role as agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor here; today there are 63.
Half of the West Fork FFA’s chapter members live in town, and many of them are interested in raising livestock. Fortunately, these students can learn from a passionate agricultural education instructor both inside the classroom and outside in their Animal Learning Facility.
“During the 2017-18 school year, we had two gilts farrow their first litters in the Animal Learning Facility. Since then, our students have had a chance to breed their own gilts. This is an excellent opportunity for them to learn a little bit about genetics, how to artificially inseminate, and how the farrowing process works,” says West Fork FFA Advisor Mrs. Porter, 2016 recipient of the Iowa Agricultural Association of Educator’s Outstanding Young Member for the North Central District.
“Livestock births don’t always go according to plan, but we’ve had great support from our community members,” adds Mrs.Porter. “Local livestock producers have been a Godsend when some of these gilts have had trouble farrowing. It’s great to have interaction between community members and students because that provides more learning opportunities.”
In addition to farrowing sows, the Animal Learning Facility provides real-world supervised agricultural experiences (SAE) for other students interested in raising laying hens and bees. Students who house their SAE projects inside the Animal al Learning Facility are asked to sign a contract to ensure they take responsibility in their learning. When school isn’t in session, a student is chosen to take care of the barn and earns hours towards his/her Iowa Degree.
The FFA is as diverse as students’ interests. Take Hope Hartman, for example. “When she was a freshman, Hope was asked to join FFA. As a town dweller she was not sure what she could do in FFA but decided to give it a try,” says Hope’s mom Michelle Hartmen. “In FFA, I have seen Hope try things and go for projects that she never would have before. I have also seen her gain so much interest, take leadership roles and work very hard on our family Christmas Tree farm. FFA has so much to offer students, and I highly suggest that everyone give it a try as they enter high school!”
Hope is a great example of students finding their passion in AgEd and FFA. She was recently elected as chapter reporter.
Other leadership and development opportunities are offered to FFA members through a variety of contests and learning experiences since Mrs. Porter joined the faculty. In her first year, four teams competed in the North Central District Soils contest. Ian Latham, son of John and Shannon Latham, was a member of the team that advanced to the state competition. The Latham’s daughter joined FFA in her senior year. She’s had the opportunity to learn about species and crops we don’t raise, and she’s become intrigued by animal science.
Because a West Fork FFA member was elected to serve as a North Central regional officer, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds proudly sponsored the officer team’s polo shirts. Congratulations to Jason Meier on being re-elected for the second year as North Central District Secretary.
In May, the West Fork FFA will hold its 4th annual sale of vegetable garden starter plants, hanging baskets, and flower bed plants. Plans also are underway for the 5th Annual West Fork Summer Classic the first weekend in June at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hampton. The show began to get students more involved in the swine industry, as well as to raise funds for the chapter. The show is an Iowa Swine Jackpot Series (ISJS) sanctioned show, so for those circuit showers, registration will open online for the show. All youth are eligible for this show, however. Registration will take place the day of the show for those who are not an ISJS member.
“I enjoy watching students experience agriculture in so many facets,” says Mrs. Porter. “Some kids have little farm experience prior to taking class with me, so they get really excited about experiencing things that many typical ‘farm kids’ have been doing their entire lives like watching livestock give birth. Other kids that have been involved with agriculture for longer periods of time, and I really enjoy the challenge of teaching them new things. Seeing kids enjoy learning makes my job so rewarding!”
Front Row (L to R): Autumn Stonecypher, Mya Mathies, Elle Latham, Kale Petersen, Carson Nuehring (Sentinel), Collin Witte (Vice President), Grant Nuehring (President), Macy Dirksen (Secretary), Hope Hartman (Reporter), Ali Rice, Macey Rust, RaeLynn Nash, Tiyana Rogers, Kalli Trewin
Back Row (L to R): Nate Hubka, Ki Janssen, Max Heimbuch, Levi Janssen, David Sturges, Carter Koop, Cannon Craighton, Edison Caspers, Jason Meier, Kacee Guritz, Riley Peterson, Reed Stonebraker, Cassidy Wegner, Lindsey Eberling, Nick McKinney, Rose Rother, Brett Witte
Not Pictured: BetiJo Hayes, Nate Akins, Cail Weaver, Elli Weaver, Christian Dixon, Cole McKee, Ava Henricks, MacKenzie Ames, Josh Hagin, Nashuan Bryant, Keelee Sheriff
Many FFA chapters will be hosting spring banquets, and the summer potluck season will soon be upon us. April Hemmes of Hampton, Iowa, says she always took homegrown beef roast to potlucks when her kids were in high school. Beef Roast a classic meal that’s always a treat, whether or not you raise your own beef. In honor of National FFA Week and farmers like our friend April, today we’re sharing a classic recipe with you.
North Iowa Farmer Takes Step-by-Step Approach to Fitness
Just like his mentor Jason Landers of Strive Fitness, Phil Pitzenberger of Greene, Iowa, believes in a step-by-step approach to fitness. He puts on 5 to 9 miles a day during the cropping season as he climbs steps into the tractor cab, walks to equipment and climbs grain bins.
Phil’s days are especially busy from April through November as he grows seed beans for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds and is a seed dealer. He and his brothers farm with their dad, Ted Pitzenberger of Tyden Farm No. 6. Phil also operates a custom spraying business with his brother Ian.
During the winter months, Phil stays active by lifting weights four times weekly.
“A good workout routine gives you so much more energy. After a month or two of not working out, I feel sluggish and find myself tiring more quickly,” says Phil, who started working out in high school when he participated in wrestling and football. “As I’ve gotten older, weight just doesn’t fall off like it used to by just lifting free weights. Now that I’m 42, it’s just an accomplishment to string together good workouts.”
“The scale isn’t the only measure of success,” adds Phil. “It gets tougher every year for me to see results when I start lifting again after harvest. I don’t ever feel intimidated in the gym because everyone is there for his or her own reasons. Everyone has had a first time in the gym, so I try to be welcoming for those who are new.”
As a proud father of three, Phil says his kids are his motivation to work out regularly.
“Staying committed to working out sets a great example,” says Phil, who also enjoys outdoor sports like hunting and fishing. Hunting is a natural physical activity that requires endurance to walk woods and track animals. Game meat also is nutritious and is generally a lean protein.
“I’m not sure how much hunting I would do if we didn’t have the ground that we have,” says Phil. “I didn’t have to introduce my boys to hunting because they want to go with me. It’s just something they have grown up enjoying. They also love fishing. Finn is the best fisherman, just ask him! While it takes a lot of work to take the boys fishing, it’s pretty satisfying watching them. They all stand there with a pole in their hands, anxiously waiting for a fish to bite.”
Outdoor activities and farming also provide this former agricultural education teacher with an opportunity for real-life teaching opportunities. Phil attended Kirkwood Community College before transferring to Iowa State University. He graduated from ISU in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education. Phil’s wife, Lyndsie, graduated from the University of Iowa. As librarian for Greene Public Library, Lyndsie shares Phil’s passion for helping kids learn, discovering new things and using their resources wisely.
Today the Pitzenberger family is sharing with us a family favorite recipe for Deer Jerky.
Kayleen and Jason, owners of Strive Fitness in Greene, Iowa. Visit them online at www.StriveFitnessCenter.com.
Want to adopt a healthier lifestyle? Take it one step at a time.
“Imagine a long ladder. Every rung on the ladder is a simple, healthy change that you can incorporate into your life. Don’t focus at the top of the ladder. Focus on the rungs by making small changes, over time, to advance to the top. You can’t climb the ladder of health and wellness, if you are standing at the bottom with your hands in your pocket,” says Jason Landers, who in 2008 opened Strive Fitness in Greene, Iowa. Jason and his wife, Kayleen, operate Strive Fitness together. The 24-hour gym was named Strive because no matter what your health goals are, you must always “strive” to achieve them.
Jason has been striving to meet his health and fitness goals since he was in elementary school. That’s when he became fascinated with bodybuilding after watching Lou Ferrigno star in the TV show, “The Incredible Hulk.” Since the internet had yet to be invented, information about bodybuilding and training was scarce. Jason’s search for bodybuilding knowledge began by reading books, magazines, and renting old movies like “Hercules.” Jason laughs as he remembers sending in a mail-order ad for the Charles Atlas weightlifting plan which was advertised in the back of comic books and “Boys Life” magazine.
With the goal of becoming a professional bodybuilder, Jason’s journey covered many long years. He never lost sight of the desired results.
Jason was a junior in high school when he wanted to gain more size and strength for football. The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) was recruiting him to play, but there wasn’t an adequate gym in his rural hometown. So, Jason drove about 40 miles to Cedar Falls four to five times weekly to work out at UNI. There he met Joe Hatchett, a former national wrestling champ and a bodybuilder.
“I soaked up all the information I could while occasionally working out with Joe Hatchett,” says Jason. “He got me interested in trying the Teenage Mr. Iowa contest and helped me prepare for that.”
Jason continued to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bodybuilder even while earning an associate degree in Athletic Training. He then transferred to UNI where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Wellness.
Pro Card Mr. Midwest 2003
Nearly 30 years after he was inspired by Lou Ferrigno, Jason won the 2003 Mr. Midwest bodybuilding championships. He earned his Pro Card and qualified to compete in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF). Jason won Mr. Iowa twice before winning his Pro card.
The Pursuit of Health & Wellness
“You can’t change everything overnight, so don’t expect dramatic results fast,” says Jason. “If your health plan is too difficult to apply, you will fail. Incorporate small, additional healthy tasks into your daily routines that are manageable and build from there. For example, walking daily, taking the stairs instead of an elevator, or replacing soda with water with meals are very achievable changes.”
“The pursuit of health and wellness shouldn’t be about how you look or about the numbers on a scale. It should be about how you feel,” says Jason. “You can eat healthy and make good choices no matter where you are. Most fast food restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores all have healthy meals or quick snacks if you really look.”
Plan out your day ahead of time, so you don’t splurge on junk food because you were not prepared.
“The old saying, ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,’ is very true with your daily nutrition. It doesn’t have to be complicated or hard. You can bring healthy snacks and substitute healthy alternatives. Google ‘healthy snack substitutes for junk food,’ and you’ll be amazed how simple and tasty some are.”
Motivation to exercise can come in many different forms. The trick, says Jason, is to use that motivation to fuel your exercise plan. Exercising with a partner or friend can help you both stay accountable. Rewarding yourself with a small gift might motivate you to complete several workouts in a row without missing. Changing your exercise routine every few weeks will help you stay challenged and prevent boredom.
“I love helping others pursue a healthier lifestyle. It’s satisfying to offer the community in which I grew up a healthy fitness resource,” says Jason. “Whether it’s weight-loss, strength training, or rehab, I really enjoy helping others with exercise and nutrition.”
Jason still enjoys working out daily. Although he’s no longer competing in bodybuilding competitions, he still maintains the basic bodybuilding lifestyle of good nutrition and training.
“I consume five or six small meals daily and that includes one or two protein drinks,” says Jason. “I work out every morning at 6 A.M., so I don’t have time to whip up my first meal of the day before work. I always rely on a protein drink.”
Today Jason is sharing a recipe for his favorite protein shake.
That simple statement printed on the front of a t-shirt is the reason Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has sponsored Iowa State University’s Men’s Basketball Charity Stripe promotion since it began. Bill, the father of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ owners John and Chris Latham, was diagnosed in the fall of 2009 with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). February 20, 2020, was the 10th anniversary of when Bill underwent a stem cell transplant that extended his life for more than five years.
Our family’s experience gave us a new appreciation for all the lifesaving research, treatment and support provided by the American Cancer Society. The organization provides resources for those diagnosed with different types of cancer, as well as to promote awareness for detection and prevention.
It’s our pleasure to join other sponsors each year as we present a check to the American Cancer Society for free throws made by the ISU men’s basketball team. We’re proud to have doubled our donation, beginning in 2019, by sponsoring a similar promotion at the University of Iowa.
Coaches vs. Cancer was championed by cancer survivor and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Norm Stewart, who served as head coach for the University of Missouri men’s basketball program. 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.”
This year, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds created a #GoGold campaign to fight childhood cancer with the University of Iowa Dance Marathon. Check out these inspiring stories from our very own Latham Family:
“Phil Long and I are conducting two different studies on one of my farms this year with four of our new excellent performing hybrids. The farm we are performing the study on is one single soil type across the entire field, so it is perfect for research,” adds Darin. “We have four different population zones for each hybrid: 32,000; 34,000; 36,000 and 40,000. This will give us great insight on performance of each hybrid with best performance per planting population. We are also doing a fungicide application study across each hybrid. We sprayed the north half of the field to monitor how each hybrid responds to fungicide treatment.”
One reason Darin is so passionate about using technology to improve profitability and sustainability is because he and his wife Sarah have three sons. Zander is almost 10 years old and enjoys being with his friends as much as possible playing sports and PlayStation or riding bikes around the neighborhood. Ledger is 6 years old. He enjoys his spending time with friends and pets, as well as working on the farm. Mason is almost 2 years old. He likes watching Elmo, playing with his brothers, and being outside.
