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:
Small Changes Can Have Big Results: Push for a Better You
When we think about new year resolutions, “health and fitness” often bubble to the top of the list. As a member of Team USA at the World Triathlon, Jen (Farrer) Schweigert has that part down. And yet she says her goals for 2023 are bigger (and scarier) than ever. For example:
Run the Boston Marathon in under three hours.
Win a “70.3” — which is a half Ironman-distance triathlon before national and world races begin.
Place in the Top 5 in both the sprint and standard (Olympic distance) at the US National Championship races.
Place in the Top 10 (preferably Top 5) for the 70.3 at the World Championship races.
To be fair, Jen is not a newcomer to the world of competitive sports; she has mastered health and fitness across the globe. She travels frequently with her husband Jim, who — like the owners of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds — is a third-generation seedsman. Jim is president of Gro Alliance, which produces seed in the U.S. and abroad. The couple owns and manages a SNAP Fitness franchise in Platteville, Wisconsin.
Jen and her husband Jim
“It’s important to me to get in my workouts, so I treat a day of traveling like I do a day at home,” says Jen, who shares her experiences online (#runtheworld), using the handle @jendoestri.
Her road to becoming an elite global athlete wasn’t exactly textbook. Jen recalls being unhappy with her weight in college and deciding to make very small, deliberate changes in her diet. “Instead of 50 Cheese-Its, I would count out 25,” she says. “Instead of drinking three gigantic Cokes each day, I cut down to one.”
Eventually, Jen started running with a roommate. At first, she could only run one block before having to stop and walk. She worked up to running two blocks, then three . . . and, well, the next thing she knew “my roommate and I were running a 5K on Thanksgiving Day.”
Last year, Jen was a World Triathlon podium finisher in Dubai, where she placed 2nd in the Super Sprint — a finish she admits she didn’t expect. “My goal in the super sprint was to race hard, have fun, learn the course and shake off the cobwebs,” Jen says. “I had no idea I would do so well.”
Jen finished 2nd place in the Super Sprint in Dubai
While in Dubai, Jen was able to spend a few days absorbing the “beauty and opulence” of the city. She especially enjoyed the diversity (more than 200 nationalities), touring Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) and eating “amazing meals” of hummus, pita, tabouli and kebabs.
Jen’s advice for anyone wanting to have a healthier new year is pretty simple: Remember the work is worth it.
“As long as you continue to put in the work and stay consistent, it will pay off,” she says. “You will see results. I may be getting older, but I’m also getting better. I can’t wait to see what I accomplish in 2023.”
To help you prepare a healthy meal, today Jen is sharing with us one of her favorite salads. Once you begin eating more vegetables, she says your body will crave them. Here’s to craving salad with cheese and fresh berries!
Motivation Monday: 10-Minute Walks Can Change Your Life
Schlichting Family
Oftentimes there’s one defining moment that leads to big changes in someone’s life. It might be a heart attack at age 40 as it was for Melissa Murphy or a humiliating moment on the wrestling mat in middle school as it was for Casey Schlichting.
Casey shared so many insights and provided a wealth of easy exercise tips that we’re sharing his story in two parts. (Click here to read Part I.)
“Everyone is busy. We all have time commitments. That’s why you must make a conscious effort for fitness,” says Casey, who raises corn and soybeans on his family farm near Clear Lake in North Central Iowa. “You can get the exercise you need anywhere – literally anywhere. You don’t even have to go to a gym. You can learn so much on YouTube without it costing you a dime.”
Casey finds inspiration, as well as gains knowledge about health and nutrition, by following body builders and triathletes online. The White Rhino, who holds the all-time raw world record of 2,226.6 pounds in powerlifting, is one professional whom Casey particularly enjoys following.
One of the best cardio workouts, according to The White Rhino, is taking three, 10-minute walks daily. Who can’t make time for that?
“Rhino Rants is a 12-minute podcast. If I’m waiting in a field with a seed tender, I can take a walk while listening to Rhino Rants. If I’m waiting for a combine to onload, I can take a 10-minute walk around the field.”
“I encourage my farmer friends to make time for healthy practice, especially during spring planting and fall harvest,” adds Casey. “Not only will it get your circulation flowing, it will provide you with more energy to power through the field work.”
Schlichting powerlifting at a meet last spring.
Taking short walks also gives your brain a break, says Casey, who has been known to take periodic walks during all-day industry meetings.
“I’m not used to sitting all day. I feel better when I get out of my seat and get moving during breaks,” says Casey, who serves on the board of directors for Five Star Co-op and for the Cerro Gordo Farm Bureau. He also has served as the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) District 2 director since 2017.
There is always so much good food served at farmer meetings. Donuts for breakfast and Scotch-a-Roos for afternoon snacks are one of Casey’s downfalls.
“If I travel to a meeting, I run in the morning or do the elliptical to get my blood flowing before the meeting starts. It works best for me to workout first thing in the morning whether or not I have to travel. My morning workout is my time to clear my head,” says Casey, who takes on more household responsibilities while his wife, Teresa, works full-time off the farm as principal at Lincoln Intermediate School in Mason City, Iowa. Casey takes their active twins, who are in fifth grade, to and from school. He also works his schedule around their extracurricular activities.
Casey participating in a Sprint Triathlon.
It can be hard to stay on track, as Casey knows first-hand. He says maintaining a healthy weight has been a life-long struggle. He started making a conscious effort to build muscle and fuel his body the summer before his freshman year of high school. He had been doing well for years. Like many of us who get married and get busy with our jobs and families, Casey put his own health and wellness needs on the back burner.
“Thanksgiving Day 2015 I stepped on a scale and almost went into shock,” says Casey. “Our scale went to 330 pounds, and I weighed more than that. Talk about a wakeup call! I started going to the Y (YMCA). I made a conscious effort to eat better.”
It was during that time that Casey also got active on social media, following health and wellness professionals. He also stayed in close contact with friends who encouraged him to mix up his exercise routine.
As a former high school athlete who played college football for one year at Waldorf College, Casey is motivated by competition and is always looking for his next challenge. He ran his first triathlon in 2017 – almost on a whim.
“From my days of go-kart racing, I have a buddy in North Carolina. He’s a strength and conditioning coach there, and he does IRONMAN competitions. Another buddy in Nebraska is into athletic training. I was chatting back and forth with both guys, and they convinced me that I should switch up my exercise routine by biking and swimming. Since our farm is connected to Clear Lake with a bike trail, I bought a bike. It’s a 13.7-mile ride to the lake, so I started doing that regularly. Then I swam 32 laps at the Y. It took me 90 minutes, but I made my goal of swimming 1 mile without dying.”
As the chat continued, one of Casey’s buddies says he read that Mason City was hosting a spring 2017 triathlon. That meant Casey had three months to train for it.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d be able to compete in a triathlon. My biggest challenge was figuring out the nutrition needed to get the macros needed. I learned a lot about nutrition from Triathlon Taren on YouTube and Twitter. However, race day nutrition was another challenge.”
Casey learned that it’s important to time snacks to keep your body fueled throughout the competition. He didn’t drink enough on the bike ride, so his legs cramped when he got off the bike and started running.
“I had passed a ton of people on the bike, and then they all ran past me. My goal was to finish – and I did,” said Casey. Then he entered a second triathlon in 2018 to improve his personal time.
All the exercise and attention to diet allowed Casey to maintain his weight loss from 2015 until January 2019. For no apparent reason, Casey started gaining weight. He was irritable and lethargic. He had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning and lacked the focus to complete daily tasks. A visit to his local doctor suggested he was depressed, but he didn’t believe that was the right diagnosis.
Casey advocated for his own health and sought a second opinion at Mayo Clinic. More blood work and a sleep apnea were completed. The sleep apnea test revealed Casey slept better than nearly 90% of people, so an appointment was scheduled with an endocrinologist.
The diagnosis was low testosterone, which he learned is a common problem that is very often misdiagnosed. Symptoms of sleep apnea, depression, hypothyroidism and low testosterone are very similar. Casey has been on a testosterone replacement therapy regiment for about six months and says he’s feeling like his old self again. He encourages anyone who has questions about it to reach out to him on social media (@getfitfarmer).
With his energy levels returning, Casey is now focused on a new goal. He plans to compete in the Strongman competition during the 2020 Iowa Games. Events will be decided on the day of competition but they may include: Farmers Walk, Tire Flip, Vehicle Pull, Loading Relay, Arm Over Arm Pull, Ground to Overhead Relay, Car Deadlift, and/or Overhead Press.
Best of luck to Casey as he works toward yet another health and fitness goal!
Middle school is a time riddled with self-doubt and self-consciousness for nearly everyone. For Casey Schlichting of Clear Lake, Iowa, that time in his life was downright humiliating. One defining moment prompted him to make a lifestyle change.
“I was in eighth grade. At an Eagle Grove wrestling tournament, there wasn’t a heavyweight in my age bracket. They brought a Junior down to wrestle me, and you can about imagine how that went!” says Casey. “I was big, but I wasn’t strong. I couldn’t even do one chin-up. I decided I needed to do something about it, so I started going to the weight room.”
“When I was a freshman, my sister was a senior. All her friends looked out for me in the weight room,” adds Casey. “The senior class was supportive and encouraging. I was there every morning at 6:15 and completed an hour-long workout.”
Because the school didn’t serve breakfast at that time, Casey got the protein he needed by opening old school cans of tuna and packing boiled eggs. He says eating a well-balanced diet doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Rather than downing sugary drinks and empty calories, he continues to look for foods that are low in both sodium and added sugars.
“There are literally 100 different types of diets, but the ‘right one’ is the one that you can follow,” says Casey, who has learned that Keto isn’t right for him. He needs complex carbohydrates to provide energy to train for powerlifting and triathlons. He believes in eating all food groups in moderation.
Casey participating in a Sprint Triathlon.
Casey finds inspiration, as well as gains knowledge about health and nutrition, by following body builders and triathletes online. The White Rhino, who holds the all-time raw world record of 2,226.6 pounds in powerlifting, is one professional whom Casey particularly enjoys following.
With two triathlons under his belt, Casey is once again focusing on weightlifting. He competed in bench press competition while he was in high school. For many years, he was focused on power lifting. Now he’s has a goal of competing in the Strongman competition at the 2020 Iowa Games.
Summer also means Casey will log many miles again on his bicycle. He and Teresa enjoy going on bike rides with their twins. Their home is close to the trail, so they often bicycle to Big Blue or Clear Lake where they enjoy swimming before riding back home. Their daughter, Josie, also enjoys playing basketball and volleyball. Their son, Jack, isn’t sure if he wants to continue playing baseball this summer. He enjoys helping his dad and grandpa on the farm.
Schlichting Family
“I enjoy raising my family in the house where my grandparents lived,” says Casey. “At night, we can sit around the fire in our Adirondack chairs and watch the crops grow.”
While the Schlichting family eagerly awaits the change of season, they’re staying active inside. The family enjoys their Y membership where they can swim, as well as play basketball and racquetball. Teresa also enjoys yoga.
For more ideas on how your family can stay active this winter, follow Casey and the other members of Iowa Food & Family Project’s Farm Team during their 10 Week Wellness Challenge. Better yet, join along! Although it’s too late to register for this particular challenge, it’s never too late to begin your own health and wellness journey! To help you get started, today Casey is sharing one of his favorite post-workout breakfast recipes, Stan Efferding’s Monster Mash.
Some days, it can feel like connecting with consumers is nearly impossible.
With each trendy diet, noisy advertisement or misinformed social media comment, it seems like the distance between the 2% who farm and 98% who don’t is widening.
In my consumer-facing role with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP), I work to unite Iowans in conversations about modern agriculture. I work to showcase the work farmers do to raise safe, nutritious products to feed their families, neighbors and the world.
Each time I speak with a farmer, their question to me remains the same: “What do consumers really want to know about farming and how can I connect with them?” This leadership and openness are the first steps in shrinking the seemingly significant divide between consumers and farmers.
And the bridge goes both ways. More than 130,000 Iowa consumers (that’s the combined population of Iowa City, Cedar Falls and Boone!) are engaging with Iowa FFP content, activities and events. They’re hungry to meet farmers and have authentic conversations about how food is grown and raised.
Each year, Iowa FFP conducts a Consumer Pulse Survey among food purchasers in the state. Now in its eighth year, the survey gauges grocery shopping habits, food label influence and attitudes toward farming.
These objective survey findings shape Iowa FFP’s approach to connecting farmers and consumers. And best of all, these findings can help farmers answer the question: “What do consumers really want to know about farming and how can I connect with them?”
Here are three key takeaways from the most recent survey:
Iowans are fans of farmers: 83% of grocery shoppers agreed they have a positive opinion of farming in Iowa. In fact, 9 in 10 agree that farmers are on the right track with building strong communities and providing safe foods.
Trends aren’t that trendy: Only 3% of food purchasers shop for groceries online. Almost 9 in 10 shoppers agree they are unlikely to replace meat with imitation meat for any given meal.
Mistrust in food marketing: Half of shoppers seek information on front-of-package food marketing (call outs like “organic,” “hormone-free” or “all natural”), with 83% finding it misleading. Since 2016, the purchasing influence of front-of-package marketing has dropped from 32% to 19%. Food quality and price of food top the list as the most important factors when grocery shopping.
The November 2019 survey had 597 responses and 307 were engaged with Iowa FFP as monthly newsletter subscribers. Respondents’ age groups, income levels, education levels and geographic regions closely follow the state’s population, resulting in a 4% margin of error. Blue Compass, a digital marketing agency in West Des Moines, conducted the survey analysis from data collected through Dynata’s business-to-consumer panel.
For additional survey insights and resources that connect farmers and consumers, visit iowafoodandfamily.com.
Content fills Dr. Seuss books with relatable messages and fun pictures for all ages. We took bits and pieces from Dr. Seuss’s collection and celebrated Rachael Bruns and baby Bruns last week at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.
Rachael has been a part of our team since May 2018 and currently serves as a Sales Account Manager. She has a knack of building relationships with dealers and regional sales managers she works with daily. We wanted to turn Rachael’s attention from helping others through the shipping season to celebrating herself and baby Bruns by throwing her a surprise baby shower!
Green (deviled) eggs and ham (balls) starred as the main appetizers for Rachael’s celebration. We also had goldfish in a fishbowl accompanied with Red Seuss Juice & Blue Seuss Juice. Members of Team Latham had the chance to offer their advice for the soon-to-be parents of Baby B. We wrapped up the celebration with gift opening and exquisite Dr. Seuss sugar cookies for dessert.
Celebrating team members started with Evelyn Latham by sharing the gift of presence. Surprise baby showers and bridal showers do just that – it allows us to take a break and enter conversation with each other. I am thankful to be a part of a family-owned company that honors these values and celebrates one another’s milestones.
From all of us at Latham Seeds, we wish Rachael, her husband Jeff, and Baby Bruns the absolute best. Congratulations again, Rachael!
Today we are sharing the delicious ham ball recipe from the shower. These can be used as an appetizer or main dish. Enjoy!
5 Secrets to Becoming the Best Version of You in the New Year!
Photo credit to the Iowa Food & Family Project
guest blog post by Anne Hytrek, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator for Ankeny Prairie Trail Hy-Vee
You may have pictured it in your head numerous times – the best version of you. The best could mean the healthiest version, the happiest version, the smoke-free version or the less-stressed version of you.
Whatever your best version means, the following 5 secrets can help you reach your maximum potential in 2020:
Balance Your Diet – Take a good hard look at your daily food intake. Does it include at least a couple of servings of fruits and vegetables per day? Is it made up of sugary processed foods? Are you skipping meals? According to Forbes, only 8% of Americans achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Take this opportunity to be part of that 8%! Your Hy-Vee registered dietitian can work on your nutrition goals. He or she can keep you accountable and ensure that your diet is balanced and fulfilling.
Water, Water, Water – Most of us have heard it before, “You need to drink more water.” Take this message to heart and focus on making the majority of your daily beverage intake water. To help increase your intake, take a clear water bottle and draw hash marks evenly spaced along the side of the bottle. Starting at the top, label each hash mark with a time of the day (i.e. 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., etc.). Use that as your hour-by-hour water intake goal.
Relax, Renew and Refocus – Let’s admit we could all use some stress reduction in our hectic lives. Whether you like to listen to music, read, meditate or exercise, try to take time each day to give yourself a mental break. This mental break can help you refocus your time and perhaps make you more productive because you gave yourself a chance to just breathe.
Move More – According to The Huffington Post, it takes 21 days to develop a new habit. Start slowly. Do something you enjoy. Move more throughout your day, and after about three weeks, it will become a new healthy habit for you.
Give Yourself Some Attention – In 2021, make it a point to write down the things that make you happy. Keep this list handy and add to it throughout the year. Focusing on your happiness may inspire you to have a better outlook on life. We only get one life, so make it your best!
Whether you work on all five of these secrets at once or just one at a time, it’s a step in the right direction toward being the best version of you. Your Hy-Vee registered dietitian can help you throughout the entire journey. In the words of Zig Ziglar, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
To wrap up the past year of Food & Family Features, we’re highlighting the top five most viewed blogs from 2019. Each one of the following posts contains a recipe that is special to the family being featured.
Click on the links below to revisit each of these top stories from the past year:
Filzens Work Together to Carry on Family Legacy. No matter what job you have, it’s all about relationships. That’s a lesson Latham® seed dealer Dale Filzen learned from his father, and it’s a lesson he’s passed along to his three daughters. Click on the link to read the rest of the story and to download one of the Filzen family’s favorite recipes. Celebrate January soup month by downloading their hearty recipe, which is sure to warm you up on a cold winter’s night.
These Super Fans Bring Superb Tailgating Skills to the Table. Ryan and Meg Schon (pronounced “shown”) honed their tailgating skills when their favorite team didn’t have a hope or a prayer of post-season play. The Schons met when they were both students at Iowa State University. Like many Cyclone fans, they’ve been loyal and forever true to their school. Their eternal optimism prompted them to develop the mantra of “Tailgate Victoriously.” It’s a tagline that has become so ingrained in their fall activities that Ryan created Cyclone jerseys with the numbers “19” and “95” to commemorate the year he and Meg were married.
Iowa’s First Authenic Farm Stay Opens. One travel trend is local experiences you can’t find at the office, down the street or from mainstream motel or hotel. A North Central Iowa dairy family offers a unique travel experience by combining a sleep experience with agritourism. Dan and Lynn Bolin of Clarksville, Iowa, have opened New Day Dairy Guest Barn. Attached to their dairy barn, the loft of the Guest Barn features two cow-gazing windows. Each of the three bedrooms has a private attached bathroom. A kitchen and dining area finish out the space. You can book a stay now through AirBnB and Sleep with the Cows: AirBnB at bit.ly/sleepwiththecows
Broedlow Family is Living their Legacy in Southeastern Wisconsin. Their families owned land adjacent to one another. Their childhood homes were just one mile apart, yet Brady and Lynsey Broedlow didn’t meet until they were both out of high school. Even their first meeting is unusual for teenagers raised in a small town… When she was 16, Lynsey joined the Helenville (Wisconsin) Volunteer Fire Department because her dad has been on the department since he was 18. His service ignited Lynsey’s desire to serve. Brady joined the department a few years later when he turned 18, which is where their love story begins.
Pozarski Finds His Niche in Niche Markets. When you think of maple syrup production, chances are you think of New England. You wouldn’t be wrong. However, Wisconsin is the fourth top maple-producing state. Maple syrup is uniquely a North American product due to our climate. Freezing nights and warmer days are required for the sap to flow properly from the trees. Latham® dealer Blake Pozarski of Pozarski Family Farms grew up on a dairy farm and says there are many similarities between dairying and producing syrup. “I joke with my kids, ‘I’m milking trees today’. When you grow up farming, it’s in your blood.”
Meeting our dealers, customers and friends in agriculture is something we truly enjoy. We enjoy telling stories that showcase how farmers are making an impact in the agricultural industry and in their communities.
We’re always looking for a good story to tell – and every family has one! Feel free to call our office at 641.692.3258 or drop us an email at TeamLatham@gmail.com. It would be an honor to share your story on “The Field Position” in the year ahead. We wish you a happy 2020!
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. 
“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.”
“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.”
