Farming is at the heart of Kyle and Sally Johnson’s family — so much so that they made sure their wedding vows included the words “in sunshine and in rain” when they were married 22 years ago. Sally’s wedding ring has a head of wheat engraved on each side, a reflection of their Minnesota farm near Fargo, N.D., where they raise corn, soybeans, sugar beets and wheat.
“All four of our boys are farm boys in every way,” Sally says. “They all want to farm together too.”
Kyle and Sally met in high school at a church retreat, where Sally quickly noticed Kyle’s green Mustang and asked him for a ride.
Little did she know that Mustangs were a Johnson family “first car” tradition that began with Kyle’s dad. Both Kyle and his brother, Chad, had a Mustang growing up. Sally’s oldest sons — Ethan, Preston and Logan — have since chose a Mustang for their first cars, too. Thirteen-year-old Dawson plans to keep the tradition going.
“Even though our driveway is gravel, our boys all wanted one,” says Sally, who works as a trauma team case manager at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. “Even I have a Mustang now.”
It’s said when you drive a Mustang, you’re living your dream. Together, Kyle and Sally are fueling similar dreams for their family on their fifth-generation North Dakota farm. A Latham® Seeds dealership helps diversify their income.
It was Sally’s cousin, Ken Highness, who first introduced her and Kyle to Latham products, which they started planting in 2015. The quality and performance of corn varieties and Ironclad™ soybeans helped Ken, a Latham regional sales manager, convince the Johnsons to take on a Latham® dealership — a decision Kyle says ended up being a perfect fit.
“It was a good opportunity, but it also made sense for us being a family-owned business,” he says. “We love that the whole Latham family, from John, Shannon and Chris are involved, because that’s what we strive for with our own family. We want to keep working together.”
When they aren’t farming, the Johnsons enjoy sports, hunting, ice fishing and annual trips to Yellowstone National Park. They also love this tried-and-true chicken enchilada recipe that feeds their hungry crew.
Latham Seeds welcomes Steve Sick as Product Manager
When Steve Sick was 12 years old, he started working summers in the corn nursery in Freemont, Nebraska, where his dad was research director at J.C. Robinson Seed Co. He developed a love for agriculture and continued his career in R&D well after high school (24 years to be exact) before moving into Product Management.
“I learned the seed business from the inside out,” Steve says. “I didn’t grow up on a farm and I did not attend college, but I’ve been involved in agriculture my entire life.”
After working for several larger companies over the years, Steve is happy to get back to what he calls “the bare roots and basics of seed” in his new role as Latham’s product manager.
“I honestly enjoy talking to and teaching growers about new products to help them be more successful in the farming operations,” Steve says. “You’ll never leave a conversation with me and not know exactly where I stand on a topic or a product. It’s just who I am.”
Steve and his wife, Cindy, have been married for 32 years. They go to Las Vegas twice a year, with Steve betting on sports and Cindy enjoying the slots. (This June will mark their 59th trip to Vegas.) They also have taken on a growing interest in watching their granddaughter, Emily, play her favorite sport: bowling.
“She wants to be a professional bowler when she grows up,” Steve says. “Her high game is 205. Not bad for a 12-year-old!”
When it comes to farming — specifically as a FarmHer — April Hemmes’ resume speaks for itself.
Besides earning her Animal Science degree from Iowa State University, April has served in leadership roles for the United Soybean Board, USDA Foreign Ag Service Technical Advisory Council and the U.N. Food Security Summit . . . just to name a few. She’s been described as a trailblazer for women in ag — a reference she humbly dismisses and appreciates at the same time.
“I really don’t think you are a trailblazer if you are just doing what you love and pursuing your dream,” April says. “I hope the fact that I farm gives other young women hope that someday they may be able to go home and work on their family farm and manage it, too!”
April lives on the farm her great grandfather bought in 1901. It was always a diverse operation, so when she came home to farm, April knew she could have hogs too. They cleaned out an old building and turned it into a farrowing house with raised crates that April bought from a nearby producer who’d gone out of business. She bought 30 gilts, started a farrow-to-finish operation and farmed with her grandpa and her dad.
April with her grandfather
When the market went to 9 cents a pound in the late 1990’s, April retreated from the hog business to focus more on the 60-head cow calf herd she had purchased from her dad by then.
“I really liked having hogs around,” April says. “But something had to go.”
Business decisions like that helped propel April into a lifetime of farming that has captured headlines as “Midwest Farm Mom of the Year” and on the cover of “Successful Farming” magazine. Her husband, Tom Kazmerzak, always has worked in town and not on the farm. April has been the owner and operator of her family’s century farm south of Hampton, Iowa for more than 40 years, raising corn, soybean and pasture land.
“Farming has always been what I wanted to do with my life,” April says. “I always helped on the farm and knew education and experience would be the best way to be ready for the challenge.”
One of April’s secrets to success is getting up early to answer emails so other farmers feel heard.
“The most gratifying thing I hear is when another farmer thanks me for what I am doing,” she says. “It really means a lot to me.”
The other secret to her success? Sheer stubbornness.
“I did not have a father who encouraged me to farm, but I was always expected to do everything on the farm,” April says. “I’m very proud to carry on the tradition of farming. It’s my love, my life and my legacy.”
Whether you cheer for the Black and Gold or the Cardinal and Gold, we’re all on the same team in the fight against cancer.
Jerry Broders, RSM, and the Allen Oltman Family presented a check to Coaches vs Cancer during the Iowa game on Saturday, February 4th.
For the 11th consecutive season, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is donating funds to the American Cancer Society through Coaches vs. Cancer. Our company’s donation will total $75k by the season’s end.
Coincidentally, Latham Seeds celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022 by launching a Seeds of Hope campaign to raise an additional $75,000 for the American Cancer Society. Latham Seeds will donate $1 to the American Cancer Society for every unit of LH 3937 VT2 PRO, LH 5245 VT2 PRO and LH 6477 VT2 PRO sold.
“We have been committed to supporting the American Cancer Society through the Charity Stripe Promotion since the 2012-2013 season because we know first-hand what a gift hope can be,” says John Latham, president, Latham Seeds. “On February 20, 2010, my father underwent a stem cell transplant to battle AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia). He and my mom moved into the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester after he was released from the hospital. That transplant extended Dad’s life for more than five years, and we are grateful for all the support he received during his cancer battle.”
More than 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States. Whether it’s ourselves, our parents, a neighbor or a coworker, each of us has a cancer story. No one fights alone.
Taking care of business (and people) has always been Jenny Moore’s passion. As Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ newest team member, she’s doing both for us!
Born and raised in Belmond, Iowa, Jenny was an all-around athlete. She played basketball, softball, volleyball and track throughout high school. She also was a clarinet-playing band kid, and says she was happy to “twirl the flag” in marching band.
“I was good at that,” Jenny says with a laugh.
She’s also good at helping people in their darkest times of need.
Before joining Latham Seeds, Jenny worked for more than 20 years at Mercy One in Mason City. As a patient care technician in the emergency room, Jenny served countless families through their worst traumas. Jenny managed paperwork, documented patient needs and, especially, held the hands of people who needed it most. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became the primary prevention police officer in her unit. Jenny trained colleagues on a whole new hospital protocol, from how to properly wash hands to safely move in and out of patients’ rooms.
“I definitely wasn’t the most popular person at work during that time,” Jenny says. “But I knew I was doing the right work.”
One of Jenny’s cousins told her about Latham’s executive administrative assistant opening, a job she thought sounded perfect at the time. Jenny has fond memories of traveling to meet with seed dealers with her ex-husband, a former ag sales rep.
“The trust and bond we all had was very inspiring,” Jenny says. “I am extremely happy to be a part of the Latham Seeds family now.”
Jenny is most grateful for the patience and grace that her fellow Latham colleagues have shown her in the last two months since she joined the team. “Nobody makes me feel like I’m asking too many questions,” Jenny says. “Everyone is so kind to me. I’m very happy where I am.”
Jenny’s parents, Curtis and Byrul, live on a farm near Rowan, Iowa, where they raise corn and beans. Jenny is the middle child of their three daughters. Kim, the oldest, lives Texas. Jamie, the youngest, lives in Dows, Iowa. The sisters have an older brother who passed away in 1999.
In her free time, Jenny loves doing anything outdoors — especially camping at the Iowa State Fair where her family has a coveted camp site. She also travels with her dad every year as he races his fastest vintage car.
“Nothing’s better than that,” Jenny says.
One thing that might come close is this recipe from Jenny’s beloved grandmother. Take note of Grandma June’s Homemade Mac ‘n Cheese recipe below.
At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we have been kicking off the holidays with an all-company potluck since 2009. This year, we thought our gathering was worthy of a Christmas poem. Enjoy our little story and our pictures! Here’s to carrying on your own cherished family traditions this season.
This week at Latham Seeds, we all gave a cheer
For the food and the sweaters — yes, our potluck was here!
Crockpots and cookies all waited in line
And the tacos arrived, just precisely on time.
Who brought that cheese dip? Who made those bars?
Mexican sushi? Oh, we’re eating like stars.
“Feliz Navidad” was our theme for this year,
There were jalapeños galore, for those with no fear.
We had cheesy corn and tortillas, beans and rice
And all the Christmas staples – so much sugar, so much spice!
Our ugly sweater contest brought Quentin some fame.
But who knew Spanish Bingo is the best reindeer game?
Quentin was our big winner!
Personalized ornaments were hung on the tree
As a thank you to Team Latham for everyone to see.
With hearts and bellies full, no one left without
Because a tradition like this is what family’s all about.
Enjoy a recipe that was brought to the potluck below!
Latham Seeds Welcomes Kody Trampel as Regional Sales Manager
Sometimes, the best opportunities present themselves at just the right time. That was true for Kody Trampel, who joined the Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds team earlier this fall after working as an agronomist in ag retail for 12 years. Kody knew the Latham family even before he graduated from Iowa State University 10 years ago, and always kept an eye on the company’s go-to-market strategy.
“One thing Latham does really well is bringing options to customers and letting them pick the trait packages that best fit within their operation,” Kody says. “Being an independent seed company gives us the ability to do that. Most other companies can’t.”
While he didn’t grow up on a farm, Kody helped his grandpa mix feed at the Klemme (Iowa) Co-op every week. He participated in FFA and 4-H; and majored in Agricultural Studies at ISU. He met his wife, Vanessa, while working as an agronomist in one of her grandpa’s bean fields.
Kody and Vanessa Trampel with their children Pierce and Finley.
Today, Kody and Vanessa raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa, cattle and hogs. They also represent District 2 for the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Advisory Committee. Kody is involved with the Hancock County Extension Council and Hancock County Farm Bureau, as well. Vanessa is an Iowa Central nursing graduate.
Kody says he’s most excited for the opportunity to “focus on seed only” in his RSM role at Latham Seeds — while also using his experience in ag retail to help grow his dealer network.
“Bringing real-life experiences to the farm gate is something I’m really looking forward to,” he says.
Kody knows how committed Latham Seeds is to its customer base because of a single, short statement that company President John Latham always drives home: “We are a genetics-first company and a trait company second.”
“That comment from John truly shows that no matter where the traits are sourced from, we won’t bring them to the table unless we have a need from our customers,” Kody says. “That just proves how important they are to us.”
When he isn’t working, Kody enjoys camping with family and friends, and raising and showing livestock. He and Vanessa have two children, Pierce (3) and Finley (2). They also love their four mini Aussies: Paisley, Bentley, Sage and Mila.
Here is a delicious family recipe from the Trampels!
Latham Seeds Welcomes Noah Snedden as a District Sales Manager
As the second oldest of six boys growing up on an Iowa Century Farm near Ogden, Noah Snedden was always heavily involved in the family’s daily operations – whether it be in the fields or working on the cattle and hogs. Even the “not-so-fun-jobs” that he and his brothers got stuck with eventually turned into fond memories, he says.
“Being able to work and learn with your family is a special thing that we often take for granted,” Noah says.
His dad, Dan, farms around the Ogden area raising crops, hogs and a few cattle. His mom works for Alliant Energy. Noah’s brothers — Bryce (24), Ethan (22), Lane (19), Ben (11) and Jake (9) — have been active in the community through sports, 4-H and FFA Noah says his family’s involvement in showing cattle helped him develop a strong work ethic.
Noah Snedden’s FamilyNoah showing his younger brother Ben how to run the grain cart.
“The responsibility and work it takes to have livestock look their best to compete at county and state fairs is often overlooked,” Noah says. “Showing cattle taught me a lot about sacrifice and hard work. I will always be grateful for 4-H and FFA giving me those opportunities.”
Noah Snedden Showing Cattle
After high school, Noah completed the Agribusiness program at Des Moines Area Community College and then transferred to Iowa State University, where he graduated in 2022 with an Ag Studies degree.
Noah was attracted to the Latham Team earlier this fall because the company “checked a lot of boxes” for him as a family-owned business. He could tell the family aspect motivated Latham’s employees to work together – and for each other – every day.
“That was a great feeling, especially for someone coming right out of college,” he says. “On top of that, I appreciated being able to interact with our president, John Latham, at dealer field days and being able to talk with Shannon Latham, an Iowa House Representative, whenever I need something. You don’t see that in most companies. It’s pretty awesome to be a part of that.”
When he’s not covering his West Central Iowa region for Latham Seeds, Noah enjoys playing golf, watching his younger brothers play sports and being in the show barn with his family. He also loves to cheer on the Iowa State Cyclones, especially on Cy-Hawk game day.
Speaking of that, here’s a favorite tailgate recipe that Noah likes to share.
Life is full of full-circle moments. Often, they occur so seamlessly that we don’t even notice. Other times, these moments are so significant we are stopped in our tracks. My full-circle moment came two days before Christmas in 2021 when I was told I had breast cancer.
Christmas Season 2021 Days before Diagnosis
It’s a full-circle moment because my mom died just seven years earlier from a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. When she was diagnosed, Mom was 74 years old, and our family was shocked. We didn’t have any history of breast cancer in our family, and perhaps naively, we didn’t think cancer would place its devastating grasp on us.
During Mom’s journey, which was just five months from the time of her Stage IV diagnosis until her death, we learned a lot about breast cancer. Her cancer was Inflammatory Breast Cancer, which is only responsible for 1-3% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Our family was told Mom’s cancer was a type that wasn’t hereditary. Years later, I learned that only 5-10% of breast cancers are heredity. As a society, we’re often lulled into playing the odds in our mind of “it won’t happen to me.” In fact, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer (and men aren’t immune from a breast cancer diagnosis).
After Mom died, I had genetic testing to see if I carried any gene mutations (such as BRCA and approximately 20 other genes), which can often lead to breast cancer. The testing was negative and gave me a slight sigh of relief. However, a voice inside kept telling me that my vigilance shouldn’t stop there. I proactively shared information with my doctors during my routine check-ups that year. At times, I felt I needed to be persuasive to get the extra tests. My doctors listened to my family history and started me on a screening regimen for early detection. Once a year, I receive an MRI and, six months later, a 3D mammogram.
Biopsy, treatment and lessons learned
Fast forward to December 2021, when I lay scared on a table in a dark room getting my first breast biopsy. The doctor performing the procedure was kind and compassionate when he told me that the tumor was likely cancerous. He knew, and I knew. As tears streamed down my face, he put his hand on mine and told me that because I had so many detailed screening images dating back to 2014, they were able to detect my cancer very early. The next day, my husband and I met with a surgeon who told me I had Stage I lobular breast cancer. It was not my mom’s cancer, but cancer, nonetheless.
I had a lumpectomy in January of this year, 12 weeks of chemotherapy and 21 consecutive days of radiation. Because my breast cancer was estrogen, progesterone and HER2 positive, I also receive an anti-hormone infusion every three weeks until February 2023. I’ll also take a hormone-blocking pill for at least 5-7 years. Luckily, my cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes and my surgeon said I was technically cancer-free after my lumpectomy. The treatments were all part of a well-documented protocol to prevent cancer from returning and to kill any microscopic cancer cells. I had scans in August, and thankfully, they were clean. I also had more genetic testing – this time, more than 70 genes – and all were negative. The genetic counselor said we might never know why I got cancer.
Ann Thelen Getting Chemo
Chemo DrugsLast day of chemo, never lost my hair
Certificate
This journey has been an impactful full-circle moment for me and one that gives me pause every time I think about it. While she is no longer with us here on Earth, my mom – the person who gave me life – also saved my life. Without her cancer diagnosis, I likely wouldn’t have been so adamant about regular screenings. I also vowed to share information about breast cancer among circles of friends, family and colleagues. Losing her was hard, but it gives me peace knowing that I can carry on her legacy and voice by educating others about my experience with breast cancer.
I’m often asked what I learned from my experience or what I can share that might help others when a family member or friend goes through cancer.
Be vigilant. I met many incredible cancer warriors while sitting in waiting rooms for radiation therapy or in the cancer center at John Stoddard. Too often, people said they had gone years between screenings. Or they were afraid to have a mammogram for fear doctors would find cancer. We are blessed to live in a world where modern medicine can detect cancer at its earliest stage, and when that happens, cure rates are often near 100%. Work to overcome the fear of screenings; you and your family will be grateful you did.
Let others help. I was lucky to have friends and family offer to bring meals or do errands. It can be hard to agree to let people help. But I was so grateful to have delicious meals dropped off – even if I wasn’t hungry – it was true “comfort food” because I knew my husband didn’t have to worry about cooking or getting something for us. Or a couple of my neighbors checked in every week of chemo. I looked so forward to those visits, even if they were brief. When others faced cancer or another illness, I would often say, “Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.” I learned that most people – including me – have too much pride to ask for help. If someone you care about goes through a challenging situation, just do whatever your heart is called to do for them. They will be so appreciative.
Understand your cancer is your cancer. Even though my cancer was caught early with an excellent prognosis, many didn’t understand why my treatment regimen seemed aggressive. Every cancer is different and requires a customized approach. I probably wouldn’t have needed chemotherapy if my cancer hadn’t been “triple positive” for the hormone receptors. However, extensive studies show that the HER2 portion of my treatment is most effective when given with a short run of chemo. Find doctors you trust, and then listen to them.
Cancer is a journey. When diagnosed, I didn’t ever want cancer to define me. However, it can shape me, and that’s OK. We’re all continuously being shaped by experiences and situations and, hopefully, learning along the way. I’ve learned that cancer will always have a space in my thoughts – managing the anxiety between scans or worrying about a new ache or pain – but I can choose how I navigate forward with strength.
While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage every month to be cancer awareness month. Get the screenings that are appropriate for your situation and be an advocate for your health!
Ann Foster Thelen is a public relations consultant who lives and works in Des Moines.
It’s National Pork Month! Want to know how to make the perfect pork tenderloin? Leon Sheets has all the deets. Leon lives in Northeast Iowa and is a past recipient of the National Pork Board’s “Pig Farmer of the Year” award. Check out his tips:
Fresh, never frozen tenderloin, cut to the chef’s (or home cook’s) specifications.
Handmade on site.
Tenderized at least once, hand pounded, or both.
Batter dipped at least once.
Frying time and temperature are key. The tenderloin should come out golden brown, not too dark, not too light, with uniform even coloring and texture.
Breading should be moist, not dry, not brittle and not falling off.
Condiments are optional. It all comes down to your personal preference or taste.
To help you celebrate October Pork Month celebration at home, we’re sharing a recipe for Food & Swine’s Classic Iowa Tenderloin, which is available from the Iowa Food & Family Project.
