New Experiences Are Life’s Special Ingredients for Vosikas
Mark and Heidi Vosika have the same approach to food and travel. Old favorites are great, but variety adds spice.
“We enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures and landscapes. We love watching the scenery change as we drive, and of course, Mark likes seeing the different crops that are grown,” says Heidi. She and her husband, Mark, live on a farm near the West Central Iowa town of Pocahontas. Mark’s brother, Mike, also is a partner in the farming operation. Heidi is registered nurse who spent about a decade working in long-term care, home health and hospice before switching to utilization review. Mark is a Latham Hi‑Tech Seed Dealer and is passionate about helping his customers reach their goals.
A few of the Vosika’s favorite places include Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. They also enjoy Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island. Heidi says, “We had so much fun exploring Arches National Park and JEEPing in Canyonlands that we’d love to visit Utah again.”
As much as the Vosikas savor fresh scenery and adventure, one of their favorite views is the Iowa landscape. Mark and Heidi feel blessed to have raised their family in the same home where Mark was raised. Their oldest daughter, Madi, works for a manufacturing company in Pocahontas. Their youngest daughter, Jessica, lives in Pocahontas and works on a calf operation. She also grows corn and soybeans on 80 acres she rents from her uncle Mike.
“What I like the most about living here is that our kids got experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have. They saw the long hours that go into farming, and how dedicated their dad is to the operation. They learned about farm safety, and they learned to accept more responsibility at a younger age,” says Heidi, who grew up in town and now prizes the privacy of country living.
Mark Vosika from Pocahontas, Iowa
Mark is a township trustee for Sherman Township. He also serves as a director for Pocahontas County Corn Growers. As a trained diesel mechanic, Mark proudly promotes biodiesel to increase lubricity and longevity of engines. As a soybean and corn farmer, he says it just makes sense to use homegrown fuel.
Here’s a favorite recipe that helps the family fuel up for the fresh air and hard work of the farm.
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Sponsors Iowa’s 4-H Career Pathways Academy to Inspire Youth
As a family-owned business, Latham Seeds has been a longtime supporter of Iowa’s 4-H mission to empower youth to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to sponsor a new, 12-month program for Iowa students that will not only provide pathways to higher education but careers in industries with the highest needs for skilled workers – such as agriculture.
The program kicked off earlier this week at Iowa State University, where 8-11 grade students from around the state met with Academy leaders and business mentors to begin their year-long journey exploring career possibilities and connecting with their local communities. These young people will take part in monthly sessions highlighting industry pathways in:
Agriculture
Entrepreneurship
Education
Healthcare
Manufacturing
STEAM
“Because agriculture is a STEM career, we have a vested interest in preparing the next generation for the growth of our industry,” says John Latham, president of Latham Seeds. “We’re especially excited that these students will participate in hands-on, research-based projects while connected with local businesses in their own communities.”
Cayla Taylor, director of the 4-H Career Pathways Academy, says its creation is the first step in establishing a more formal academy that serves as a “hub” for positive youth development, teaching and outreach for Iowa State University.
“Iowa has a continuing need for a skilled workforce, so it’s important to get our young people focused on college and career exploration at an early age,” she says. “This program will include valuable experiential learning opportunities such as guest speakers, job site visits, and field trips in healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, entrepreneurship and skilled trades.”
Learn more about the 4-H Career Pathways Academy at Iowa State, and stay tuned for how Latham Seeds is working with Iowa’s youth to build strong, lasting legacies in our field.
Latham Seeds is very active in our local communities across Latham Country. Check out other programs we support in an effort to make a difference. Learn more.
Our own Shannon Latham remembers learning how to make omelets when she attended 4-H camp — a skill she says has served her (and others!) well over the years. Today she shares a versatile recipe from the Iowa Egg Council.
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Welcomes Michael Theis as a Regional Sales Manager
Michael Theis (pronounced “Tice”) joined the Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds team on June 13 as a regional sales manager (RSM) for Northeast Iowa.
“I am very excited to have Michael join our team,” says Latham® Sales Manager Amy Rohe. “He brings experience working alongside independent dealers to really understand their goals and is there every step of the way to put those goals into action. Michael has a strong knack for sales and business that will also be a great asset when working with our dealers.”
The youngest of six kids, Michael grew up on a family farm in North Central Iowa raising corn, soybeans and hogs. He knew from an early age that agriculture was his passion, and served as vice president and president of his local FFA chapter. He has fond memories of his grandfather teaching him how to repair and maintain equipment in the shop and around the family farm. To this day, Michael says his favorite time of the year is the spring planting season, and “getting the crop in the ground no matter the challenges Mother Nature presents.”
Michael followed two of his older brothers to Iowa State University, where he joined the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and majored in Agriculture Studies. His first internship as a crop scout sealed his future: “I knew agronomy is what I wanted to focus on,” he says. Before joining Latham Seeds, Michael worked as a crop protection representative for Bayer CropScience in Illinois, and an agronomy sales advisor for a local co-op in Northeast Iowa.
“I am really looking forward to finding opportunities in the area to help growers maximize their ROI, and Latham Seeds adds value to farmers,” Michael says. “We have flexibility in our product lineup, and our people help growers in very specific areas across the Midwest – which most companies don’t deliver.”
He adds: “The family culture that Latham Seeds has instilled for employees and customers is very important to me. I am part of a company that has proven performance for 75 years, and is always looking to innovate to create solutions for growers.”
Michael and his wife, Rachel, were married in August 2018 – a wedding “strategically timed” so it didn’t interfere with any Iowa State football games. They welcomed their first child, Jaxson, just before Thanksgiving last year. When they’re not cheering on the Cyclones, Rachel likes to golf and Michael likes “attempting to golf” with her. He also loves helping out on the family farm, and looks forward to having Jaxson in the fields with him this fall.
Michael and his wife Rachel
The Theis Family
Today Michael is sharing a favorite recipe that was always a treat growing up – especially since his family raised turkeys for many years. He asked his mom for the recipe because he loves it so much, and promises it is simple enough for a perfectly grilled meal.
Maybe it was how to fish, swim, catch a ball or fix a car. Maybe it was how to appreciate the power of a good breakfast, a good attitude or really good duct tape. All practical lessons, for sure.
Because that’s what Dads do. They want us to have basic knowledge and useful skills, so we know how take care of ourselves . . . and someday, our own families.
Willard Latham was the father of five sons. He started a seed business that has been nurtured and grown successfully through three Latham generations. But while Willard was an active father, all of his boys would agree that the biggest lessons he taught them centered on character: Work hard. Keep your word. Finish what you start. Stay smart. And respect your family (especially your mother).
Willard and his five sonsDon, Tom, Bill and Willard Latham in the 1980sThree generations of Lathams – John, Ian and Bill
A natural problem-solver, Willard was always thinking ahead. He earned a degree in Dairy Husbandry from Iowa State University and, upon graduation, joined his own father at the family’s dairy operation in Alexander. But when disease began spreading to oat crops in North Central Iowa, Willard’s innovative mind immediately went to work on a solution. He retrofitted a piece of equipment that helped clean the oat crops and keep them healthy.
Nearby farmers heard about Willard’s process and quickly realized its value. That was in 1947, and Latham Seeds was born.
Of course, Willard knew a single invention by a young farmer wouldn’t be enough to carry a company forever. It was his work ethic – and the strong relationships he built through mutual trust – that did. It was also his emphasis on family, because Willard understood that nothing was more important than staying close to the people who love you most.
It’s telling that all five of Willard’s sons have recalled their dad’s lessons on integrity, on doing the right thing, on remembering that “your word is your bond.” They grew up watching their father run a business in a way they’d never forget – through casual conversations with his brother and his customers around the kitchen table, by looking out for his neighbors and by always (that’s always) playing by the rules.
The legacy of Latham Seeds began with Willard and still thrives today. His sons passed it on to their own children, and they, in turn have carried it on. It’s what keeps us focused on family. It’s what keeps us committed to helping multi-generational farmers grow their own, stronger legacies for the future. It’s what keeps us honest, forward-thinking and smart. Like Dad.
Bonnie Harris Joins Latham Seeds as Communications Manager
She took a leap of faith and landed in Iowa.
Bonnie Harris’ path to become communications manager at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds isn’t what you might expect. She grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the youngest of four kids. This blonde-haired beach girl ran barefoot on the beaches of Florida and went fishing with her dad.
Bonnie Harris, Communications Manager
A desire to major in Journalism took Bonnie to the University of Maryland in College Park. She interned for Congressional Quarterly and rode in the underground cars on Capitol Hill to record all the votes during session.
“I learned so much about politics as a young person,” says Bonnie. “But I also learned to appreciate the process, the total picture of our democracy – far more than I ever learned in a classroom.”
After graduating with a journalism degree and a minor in public relations, Bonnie accepted her first full-time newspaper job in Spokane, Washington. Four years later she was hired by the Los Angeles Times and moved to Southern California, where she covered cops, courts and crime. She also traveled for months with both presidential candidates in 2000, earning the nickname “Sunshine” from George W. Bush.
“As a reporter at the Los Angeles Times, I had to work with photographers to help cover my stories. I went to the Photo Desk in the newsroom and dealt with Don Tormey, a photo editor who was grumpy and literally annoying,” says Bonnie.
Opposites attract as they say, and Bonnie and Don were married.
“When we found out we were having twins, I quickly decided I did not want to raise them in Southern California,” says Bonnie. “I researched job opportunities for me and Don. The Des Moines Register jumped on his credentials and moved us to Iowa. Our boys were just 13 months old.”
Jackson (left) and James (right) 6 Months Old
Neither Bonnie nor Don had any ties to Iowa.
“We took a leap of faith in a state that was – to us coming from Southern California – more affordable, with better schools, an easy commute and GOOD PEOPLE. We endured many questions about our decision to transplant our family here, and that’s OK. We are honorary Iowans. Our boys, who are now almost 20 years old, have always called Iowa their home. And we do, too.”
Jackson, Bonnie, Don and James
Bonnie and Don’s son James just completed his first year at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He wants to become a fighter pilot. Their son Jackson will be a sophomore this fall at Iowa State University, where he is double-majoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. He wants to teach high school and coach varsity basketball.
Bonnie, James and Jackson
Now that she is an empty-nester, Bonnie decided the time was right to again make a career change. She has worked the past five years in client relations, project management and PR with advertising and design firms in Greater Des Moines.
“I am most excited to work with the marketing and sales teams to promote the brand and share the Latham Seeds story. I know there is tremendous brand loyalty for this company and that speaks volumes about its leadership and commitment to customer service,” says Bonnie. “I am really looking forward to meeting our dealers this summer and celebrating their ongoing partnership with Latham Seeds. I’m also excited to learn how technology plays an important role in delivering the highest-quality products to Latham Seeds’ family of customers.”
Bonnie adds: “Latham Seeds is a family-owned company with a rich history that is appealing to me. While neither my husband nor I have an ag background, some of our dearest friends do – and we’ve grown to love the cyclical, beautiful life we see in farming. I’ve been fortunate to have worked in marketing for several ag companies, including a large animal feed business, and I’m always inspired by the hard-working, down-to-earth people I meet. Working for a company that helps farmers feed the world is a blessing by itself!”
In her spare time, Bonnie enjoys reading and cooking. She says her family enjoys traveling, golfing and playing ridiculously competitive board games. They also never miss a Cyclone tailgate. Today Bonnie is sharing with us one of her favorite recipes for Key Lime Pie.
Crowning Moment for Franklin County Iowa’s Rebekah Craighton
Rebekah Craighton, Midwest Cover Miss United States Agriculture
What would you do if you were queen for a day?
It’s a question Rebekah Craighton, a 2021 graduate of Hampton-Dumont High School in Franklin County, Iowa, has been asking herself nearly every day for more than a year.
Rebekah has been preparing to answer interview questions as she will compete June 24-25 against 18 other young women for the title of 2022 National Miss United States Agriculture. Her road to nationals in Orlando, Florida, began on Dec. 4, 2021, when she was crowned Midwest Cover Miss United States Agriculture and received the award for Supreme County Presence because she visited the most counties of all contestants.
Contestants in both the regional and national competitions compete in five areas: (1) Introduction; (2) Interview; (3) Fun Fashion; (4) Formal Wear and (5) On-Stage Question. A scholarship will be awarded to the young woman who is named National Miss US Ag.
One reason Rebekah is vying for the title is because she grew up in town and didn’t have an opportunity to learn about agriculture until she became a 4-H and FFA member.
“I believe every child should have a basic knowledge of where their food comes from and the processes that go into food production,” says Rebekah, who just finished her first year at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) where she is majoring in Elementary Education. “I thought serving as Miss US Ag would be an opportunity to learn about different aspects of ag, as well as provide me with a platform to share my passions for agriculture and education.”
Running on a platform of agricultural education within the elementary classroom, Rebekah has read ag-related books in elementary classrooms. She also has taught ag-related lessons and spoken at school assemblies.
“Elementary-age students are always exploring,” says Rebekah. “They’re trying to figure out the world, and it’s SO fun to watch them learn and grow. Another reason I love my platform so much is because I get to interact with younger kids all the time, and I love watching them figure out ag-related learning!”
In January 2021, Rebekah began her reign as Miss United States Agriculture for Franklin County. She has worked her way through the pageant ranks by wearing her crown several places, including a Butler County dairy farm with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig during June Dairy Month, a Central Iowa apple orchard in September, and the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session. She has spent time visiting numerous other farms that raise horses, goats, alpaca, and ostriches, as well as produce honey and pumpkins. Her travels have led to interesting adventures. In October 2021, Rebekah was named a Top 5 Iowa Miss Agriculture Advocacy Ambassador.
Rebekah with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike NaigRepresentatives from Miss U.S. Agriculture visited the Iowa Capitol in March 2022. Pictured from left to right are: Rebekah Craighton, 2022 Midwest Cover Miss United States Agriculture; Jessica Simmons, 2023 Franklin County Teen Miss United States Agriculture; Rep. Shannon Latham; and Addy Moellers, 2023 Franklin County Junior Miss United States Agriculture.Jeana Curtis (2020 Midwest Cover Miss) is passing the crown to Katie Folkmann (2021 Midwest Cover Miss) who is passing the crown to Rebekah Craighton (2022 Midwest Cover Miss)
These statewide travels, as well as expenses to travel to and compete in the contests, have been funded through sponsorships and fundraisers. Rebekah wishes to thank the following sponsors.
In addition, Rebekah sold merchandise and held bake sales to raise funds for her competitions. Baking is one of Rebekah’s favorite past times. She also enjoys shooting trap, traveling, painting and volunteering.
Today Rebekah is sharing her love of baking by sharing a seasonal recipe for rhubarb cake.
“Our family has practically been raising pigs since they got off the Mayflower,” says Andrew Perry, who farms with his father, Blaine, in Northwest Iowa. Andrew grew up also raising sheep, cattle and chickens. A Perry has been farming in Cherokee County for six generations. Blaine and his wife, Darlene, are the third generation to live on the home place near Aurelia.
Not only does the Perry’s business relationship with pork go way back, but they also enjoy the fruits of their labor by making pork a mainstay on their dinner table. While nutritious, lean, high-protein pork powers the humans in their operation, the Perrys also make sure to provide their pigs with the right diet.
“We feed 80 percent of the corn we raise, so we keep corn for nine months before we haul any of it to town,” explains Blaine, who runs the combine while Andrew hauls grain from the field to the bins. They practice a 50-50 crop rotation and raise seed beans on contract.
When selecting corn hybrids, test weight and quality of seed is their focus. That is why Blaine and Andrew rely on Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds for their quality corn hybrids.
“We raise corn that feeds our hogs. Then we use the manure our hogs produce to fertilize our fields,” says Blaine. “When you think about it, our operation comes full circle. Hog manure is ‘organic,’ but many people just don’t realize that manure has such a high value.”
Until 2022, the Perrys were independent pork producers with one nursery that supplied them with the pigs needed for their wean-to-finish operation. Now they custom finish hogs.
Conveniently, one mile away, a neighbor built a feed mill. The Perrys haul their corn to the mill, which helps with biosecurity. Blaine and Andrew are the only two who enter their buildings. They credit controlling truck traffic and people inside their facilities for keeping their hogs healthier. When PEDV (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus) hit in 2013, they tightened up security – and it worked.
Andrew lives in Alta with his wife, Liz, and their young daughter, Danika. Liz is a teacher at Cherokee Community School. She and Andrew started kindergarten together but didn’t start dating until college.
Farming is all Andrew says he ever wanted to do, so he studied Agribusiness at Iowa Lakes Community College for two years. Then he transferred to Northwest Missouri State, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in Agronomy.
When they’re not busy on the farm, this family enjoys taking tractor rides together. All three of Blaine and Darlene’s children enjoy riding together in Peterson’s Annual Trip on Old Tractors (PATOOT). Oldest son, Adam, is a band teacher at Sioux Central and lives with his family in Peterson. Their daughter, Brooke, lives in Gillette, Wyoming.
Just as pork production can adapt to most any challenge you throw at it, pork can adapt to most any meal need, even desserts, as Liz Blaine’s Bacon Bourbon Apple Pie proves.
Unique Partnership Allows FFA Members to Learn the Ropes of Beef Production
Think you can’t have a beef project because you don’t live on a farm? Think again!
Fewer than 25 percent of members of the Clear Lake FFA in Iowa have a rural background, but that’s not stopping a determined group of young women from learning the ropes.
“People in the cattle industry don’t carry your bag around, but they’re more than willing to lend a helping hand and share advice as long as you’re coachable,” says Emma Pingel, who traded in her competitive dancing shoes for cowboy boots. “My dad showed cattle when he was growing up, but my parents moved to town when I was four years old. I’ve always wanted to show cattle, and now I have the opportunity.”
Jocelyn Orchard, Emery Hippen, Haley Jackson, Kjersten Ouverson, Emma Behrends and Olivia Orchard
Thanks to former Iowa Falls FFA advisor Doug Dodd, these seven Clear Lake FFA members are getting experience raising and showing cattle:
Emma Pingel, senior, who also served as Clear Lake FFA Chapter President 2021-2022 and North Central District Vice President 2021-2022
Haley Jackson, senior
Olivia Orchard, junior
Emma Behrends, junior
Kjersten Ouverson, junior
Emery Hippen, sophomore
Jocelyn Orchard, sixth grade
Dodd used to be a full-time ag teacher. Although he works for Titan Pro now, he sometimes serves as a substitute ag teacher in Clear Lake. A cattle producer, Dodd offered this opportunity for a beef SAE to anyone who was interested. Because he owns the cattle, he purchases the feed. Kjersten Ouverson’s family is providing facilities for the cattle. Clear Lake FFA and/or 4-H members provide the labor.
The hours students spend doing cattle chores either go toward their 4-H Beef Project, FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) or earning an FFA degree. Each student has a set time and day of the week that she is responsible for doing chores. If her schedule changes, it’s her responsibility to switch chore times with another member. Mr. Dodd, who regularly chores on Wednesday and Sunday nights, also is willing to pick up an extra shift when needed.
After picking up their cattle in November and December, the FFA members began working to tame their stock.
“You’re not going to get up at 5:30 a.m. to do chores before school or come out here when its freezing cold unless you love it,” says Haley.
Haley Jackson
These FFA members have spent a minimum of one day per week, often on Saturdays, working with their cattle and grooming them. Once the school year ends, they will work with them more often. These calves will be broke to lead by the time they enter the ring of the North Iowa Fair in August.
“You learn a lot of patience. You can’t rush building trust,” says Jocelyn, who is in her second year of an FFA beef project. She says her second year of working with cattle is easier because she is more experienced and has gained confidence. She’s also enjoying the comradery with her fellow chapter members who are keeping their projects on the same farm.
With experience comes bigger goals. This group of young women visited with me about changes they would like to make to the barn. They would like to create a supply room in another area of the barn, which would create more space for their cattle to come in out of the weather. They made a few minor changes this year when they cleaned out a side of the barn that had been unused for quite some time.
Emma earned her welding certificate last spring and Haley earned hers this year, so they have worked on a few gates and welded some pins. Haley plans to major in Building Trades next fall at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) where she is certain to gain even more skills that will be invaluable on the farm.
Filling a Niche with Aberdeen Breed
Aberdeen, formerly called Lowlines, were developed from an Australian government program with Aberdeen Angus from Canada. They boast a 30 percent larger ribeye per pound of body weight. Mr. Dodd says he expects his Aberdeen steers to have an 11- to 11.5-inch ribeye at 800 to 850 pounds of live weight.
“The Aberdeen meat is tender, high quality and lower cost due to less inputs and smaller carcasses,” explains Mr. Dodd.
Aberdeen have become very popular with those who own small acreages and market beef directly.
“Due to their smaller size, an Aberdeen herd requires less feed, land and equipment to produce high quality cuts,” adds Dodd. “This breed is very docile and are easy calvers. You can cross them. Half-bloods are very popular to pull down frame scores on commercial cows, and many fullblood bulls are used in purebred herds for heifers having their first calves.”
Celebrating May Beef Month
Not only is beef delicious, it is nutritious. One serving of beef, which is three ounces or about the size of an iPhone, provides our bodies with nearly half of its needed protein plus 10 essential nutrients including zinc, iron, protein (ZIP) and B vitamins.
A moderate increase in dietary protein combined with physical activity can help a person manage weight by increasing heat produced in the body, which helps a person feel full longer, prolongs energy expenditure, helping maintain lean muscle mass and improves metabolism.
In celebration of May Beef Month, today we’re sharing a recipe that is popular with teens and is versatile enough to be served at graduation receptions for tacos and loaded nachos.
From the time he was able to follow in his father’s shadow, Troy Johnson of Odebolt in West Central Iowa, spent as much time farming as possible. He began farming full-time with his father, Reese, upon graduating from high school. Shortly thereafter, Troy had the opportunity to purchase his first 40 acres.
The Johnson Family
The Johnsons raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa. They started using cover crops in 2015 and have expanded their cover crop acres every year. Benefits include increasing organic matter, controlling erosion, as well as better weed control and water infiltration.
“I’ve been planting Latham® soybeans since the beginning and started planting Latham Hybrids when they came out in 2004,” says Troy, a fourth generation Iowa farmer. “I’ve planted other brands for neighbors, and it’s easy to see the difference in quality when you open a bag. Latham is known for its high-quality standards, and its reputation is well deserved.”
When the Johnson’s neighbor Russ Wilken retired as a Latham® dealer, he asked if Troy would be interested in the dealership.
“I was already planting Latham, so it was a no brainer,” says Troy. “I always enjoy trying new things, so I appreciate getting to learn about new Latham products early. I really appreciate having a team of professionals available whenever I call. Latham Seeds provides us with great customer service.”
Just as Troy’s farming enterprise has grown throughout the years, so has his family. He and his wife, Kathi, are the proud parents of three daughters. Jaci is a sophomore at Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove (OABCIG). She enjoys singing, reading and babysitting. Jaci also is involved in FFA. Sophi is in eighth grade. She plays the saxophone and is a volleyball player. In addition, Sophi enjoys designing cards with calligraphy. Tori, sixth grade, plays the piano and trumpet. She also plays volleyball, basketball and softball.
“We have been blessed to raise our children on the family farm,” says Kathi. “There are many values and lessons the girls have learned that will benefit them in the future. Although farming has its ups and downs, we are grateful to God for the life He has allowed us to live.”
A Tradition of Hospitality
Evelyn Latham, wife of Latham Seeds’ founder Willard Latham, was known for her gracious hospitality. She was sure to invite family, friends, neighbors and customers to sit down at the table to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with a plate full of homemade cookies. It’s no wonder she was named Master Farm Homemaker in 1962 by Wallaces Farmer!
Throughout the years, we have shared some of Evelyn’s favorite recipes with our dealers and their families. We were delighted when Kathi shared with us that Jaci’s Monster Cookies advanced from the county 4-H competition to the 2017 Iowa State Fair. We can only imagine how delighted Evelyn would have been, knowing Jaci was creating wonderful memories with her mother in their kitchen.
“It was an honor to have my cookies selected to go to state,” Jaci, who earned a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair with her Monster Cookies. “I was not expecting that because 2017 was my first year exhibiting 4-H projects at the fair.”
Today we’re once again sharing Evelyn’s Monster Cookie recipe with our readers. We hope you’re able to share a cup of coffee and a few heartwarming smiles with friends, families and neighbors as you enjoy a few homemade cookies. Perhaps you can enjoy a few cookies this planting season!
Steve and Jodi Roelofs (pronounced Row-loffs) live in a garden spot near Mankato, Minnesota. It’s only fitting to shine a spotlight on their operation during National Gardening Month in April.
Jodi’s passion for gardening and re-purposing vintage furniture and equipment is evident from the moment one pulls into their yard. Pots and gardens filled with lush, color flowers. Her vegetable garden is a work of art. The backyard looks like something from a “Country Living” or “Better Homes & Gardens” photo shoot.
The couple raised their family in the farmhouse next door where Steve was raised. Today that house serves as Steve’s farm office and Jodi’s workshop. The former kitchen and living room are filled with projects in various stages of re-purposing.
Jodi studied graphic arts at South Central College in Mankato where she met Steve, who studied ag production. She says she began working part-time at flower shops when her kids were small because it allowed her to enjoy adult conversation and provided her with a creative outlet. The scale of Jodi’s gardens has grown as her children grew.
The Roelofs are the proud parents of four sons:
Tony, 36, worked at ADM. He started in Lloydminster, Canada, and then moved to Red Wing, Minnesota, before getting transferred to Valdosta, Georgia. He has moved several other times. Tony currently works for Columbia Grain. He and his wife, Lynette, live in Portland, Oregon, where she is a forensic psychologist.
Christopher, 34, works the night shift for UPS. When the trucks come in, he repairs them before the next day. He also has his own shop to work on cars.
Bryant, 30, farmed for six years with Steve before going to work for Speedy. He is getting married in June 2022 on the Roelofs farm. His fiancé, Tiffany, works at the Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic in Mankato.
Matthew, 23, is studying history and political science. He will graduate in May 2022 from South Dakota State in Brookings.
The Roelofs Family
Jodi also served as a 4-H leader from the time their oldest son was 10 years old until their youngest son graduated in May 2017. During her tenure as a 4-H leader, she shared her passion with New Horizon 4-H Club members. They won an award from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the bird feeding station they built on the Blue Earth County Fairgrounds in Garden City, Minnesota.
“We had so much fun at the fair with our kids,” said Jodi, who grew up on a Minnesota dairy farm and belonged to 4-H.
Steve and Jodi say they particularly enjoyed staying at the state fair with their kids, who showed pigs. Adults stayed in the camper, while the kids slept in tents or in the hog barn. While that night of sleep might not have been best, it made for great memories.
These empty nesters are embracing this new chapter of life. They’ve learned to adjust and adapt through the years.
Jodi in the Flower Shop
When Steve and Jodi’s oldest son went to college, the family stopped farrowing. Jodi had been working in the farrowing barns, so this change gave her the opportunity to return to working in a floral shop. Steve and his brother, who had been farming together in a family corporation, decided to split the operation. A market crash prompted them to reevaluate the pork operation. Since 2015, Steve has leased his pig barns.
“This arrangement works well for us,” says Steve. “We’re responsible for the day-to-day care of the feeder pigs but we don’t have to assume any of the risk. Each month we know exactly what we’ll make.”
Selling Latham® brand seed also complements the family’s grain and pork operations. They’ve cut expenses while increasing income.
“We went to FarmFest and spoke with a few different seed companies about dealerships,” says Steve. “We really liked the idea of working with a family-owned seed company.”
The growing season is a busy time for the Roelofs. They grow corn and soybeans plus care for large gardens. Jodi plants and sells produce, including pumpkins, squash and gourds.
Once the fall field work is done and the season changes, the couple looks forward to snowmobiling. They enjoy outdoor activities all year long from driving around and looking at crops to spending time at their cabin where they enjoy pontooning, water skiing and jet skiing with their kids.
The Roelofs also enjoys family dinners. They’re sharing one of their favorite recipes for Crunchy Pork Chops.
