Join us for the first session of our 2020 Virtual Field Day as John Latham shares about our 73 years of quality and innovation. What does this mean for our dealers and customers across Latham Country? Tune in to find out! #LathamSeeds
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Evan Hansen’s Internship Recap
Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student, Evan Hansen, shares about his summer internship at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. As a Precision Ag Intern, Evan spent time working with our dealers and on our Data Forward app. Thank you for a great summer, Evan, we wish you the best of luck as you head into your final year at Iowa State University!
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Watson’s of Clear Lake Grow Their Legacy
As a little girl sporting pig tails, Kilah (Hemesath) Watson looked forward to packing a lunch and climbing into the cab of the combine to spend the day with her father. Fall remains her favorite season of the year, and she still enjoys spending the day helping family members bring in the crop.
Kilah and her husband, Joel, farm alongside his parents, Brad and Michelle. Joel also provides a custom farming service such as drilling beans, rolling and side-dressing.
“When we are not in the heat of planting or harvest season, Joel spend summers hauling corn and beans and winters doing repair work,” says Kilah, who married Joel on February 2, 2019, in her beautiful hometown of Decorah in Northeast Iowa. “Whatever Joel and Brad decide to tackle on the farm, they take a strategic approach. Our family is focused on growing for and investing in the future.”
The Watson family invest in their farming operation a little bit each year. For example, this year’s investment is a new grain bin that will be ready for the 2020 harvest.
Joel and Kilah on the first day of Spring 2020. “Joel’s favorite season is planting season since it’s a new beginning full of potential. My favorite season is harvest when everyone comes together to work toward a common goal. You can find Michelle and me in the field helping with field work each fall. I was also able to help with field work last spring, too, thanks to the Latham family helping their employees fulfill their own farming legacy by being flexible during busy seasons.”
Kilah started working at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds during the summer of 2015 as a marketing intern and kept working part-time as an intern during her senior year at Iowa State University. Then she accepted Latham Seeds’ full-time offer and has been working as our marketing coordinator since May 2016 when she graduated from ISU. Kilah is responsible for several projects, but most of our dealers and customers recognize her as the warm, welcoming co-host of our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” video segments.
“My favorite part of my job is our weekly ‘Ask the Agronomist’ segments,” says Kilah. “I enjoy and sharing agronomy content throughout the year, and I enjoy sharing the story of independent and family-owned Latham Seeds. I am very thankful to work for a stable and growing company in an ever-changing industry.”
“We got Stella from the Southwest Iowa humane society. She is 3 years old. I think she is named after Stella Rose wine, and Joel thinks she’s named after Stella Artois beer. I guess you could say we both think she has a great name!” says Kilah. Another part of the job that Kilah greatly enjoys is taking photos. If you have Instagram, be sure to follow her @kilahwatson. She captures the beauty of living and farming in rural North Iowa. She also enjoys tending to her flower garden. Joel enjoys working on old cars and is currently restoring a ’68 Impala.
She and Joel also volunteer with their church’s children and youth ministry, as well as the worship and creative arts team. Last August they took a mission trip with about 14 others to Peru where they shared their love of agriculture and knowledge that could help with the Peruvians’ farming endeavors.
“We had conversations about nutrient absorption, soil pH levels, plant spacing and plant competition,” said Kilah. “We find tremendous value in surrounding ourselves in a good community with people we can learn from and also teach to.”
Kilah and Joel also serve as members on the Cerro Gordo Farm Bureau board. They enjoy being voices in the ag industry and advocating on behalf of the farmer.
“Whether we are working together on the farm or at home, we love to dream about projects we can do next. We have spent the last year and a half pouring time and energy into our acreage and house to make it a home,” says Kilah.
Their first calf! “There are a lot of things I enjoy about being married, but I would say that the best part is being able to live and work alongside someone I admire greatly,” adds Kilah. “Having a supportive partner with a positive attitude is a tremendous blessing. We have a joy doing life and finding fun in the small moments.”
The couple enjoys spending time with their three-year-old fur baby, Stella. With some “consistent encouraging,” Kilah was able to convince Joel they should add a bottle calf, which they just welcomed home last night.
“I have a feeling it won’t be the last calf we have,” says Kilah with a smile. “I am looking forward to seeing where this new adventure takes us!”
Speaking of adventures, the couple also enjoys raising a garden and trying new recipes with their fresh produce. Today Kilah is sharing with us one of her favorite recipes that uses delicious homegrown sweet corn.
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
All Roads Lead Home for the Geskes
Back row: Kevin, Rorke and daughter Kayla Murphy and Sandy Geske
Front row: Son David, Gary, son Kyle, Averie, Katie and Carson GeskeIt’s ironic how two people can grow up just five miles apart in rural North Dakota, yet never really cross paths for nearly two decades. But that’s exactly what happened to Gary Geske and his wife, Sandy. Today – as they have for the past 30 years – the Geskes live only a few miles from where both of their families farmed outside Enderlin, about 40 miles west of the Minnesota border just off Highway 46.
“All roads lead to home” as the saying goes. It’s no wonder that Gary’s career path has revolved around the farm. As a junior in high school, Gary bought a half section of ground from his great aunts and started farming. He continued to farm upon graduation and even worked his college schedule around the farming seasons.
“I enjoyed tearing motors and equipment apart to see how they work. Some of it even got put back together,” Gary says with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. His passion for motors led him to enroll in the Diesel Mechanics program at North Dakota State College in Wahpeton. He ran an engine rebuilding business out of the family’s farm shop, and he also was active in drag racing for six years.
Over the years, the Geske operation grew. Four families were involved at one time: Gary’s parents, Robert and Arlene; Gary and Sandy; Gary’s brother Bobby and his wife, Beth; Gary’s sister, Sherrie, and her husband, Darby Holub.
Gary left the family farming operation in 1990 to become a district sales manager for Keltgen Seed. He enjoyed working for the independent, family-owned company that was a real industry leader at the time. In 1995, Dow bought Mycogen and began merging companies. That was when Gary decided to pursue an opportunity at a machinery dealership.
After two years at the machinery dealership, Gary decided to return to the seed business with REA Hybrids of Aberdeen where his duties included managing the research plots and scoring hybrids. This research and production experience was valuable as Gary and Dan Lund started Quality Seed Genetics in 2001. Sandy handled most of the office duties, including newsletters and mailings, general bookkeeping and dealer communications. A few years later QSG started other profit centers like seed treating equipment, and Gary made the decision in 2009 to concentrate on the seed treater business.After a two-year hiatus from the seed industry, Gary was ready to join the Latham team in 2011.
“Sandy and I had a chance to meet some of the Latham management team before I joined the company, and it was very evident then that the company revolves around teamwork,” says Gary. “I was impressed by the company’s access to the industry’s best genetics and technologies. I’m glad to now be part of the Product Development Team that helps move our product lineup forward. It’s so much fun meeting with Latham® dealers and helping them select the best products for their farmer customers.”
Whether it’s meeting with farmers to select the best hybrids for their operation or choosing hops for some homemade brew, Gary is sure to have a good time! He and Sandy value time spent with friends and family, including their three children: Kyle, Kayla and David.
David Geske & his fiancee Coty Kyle farms with his uncle Bobby Geske on the home farm. Kyle’s wife, Katie, is a registered nurse at Sanford Hospital in Fargo. Kyle and Katie are the proud parents of 6½ year-old Averie and four-year-old Carson. David sells and services seed treating equipment, and his fiancée, Coty, is a CNA. The Geske’s daughter, Kayla, is employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Her husband, Kevin Murphy, is an assistant football coach at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). This week they welcomed their second son, Thomas Johnathan. They also are the proud parents of Rorke, who is 2½ years old.
Time spent with family and friends usually goes hand-in-hand with good meals. Today the Geskes are sharing some of their family’s favorite “quick and easy” meals.
SPECIAL SAUCE
Ingredients:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 T. French dressing
4 tsp. sweet pickle relish
1 T. finely minced onion
1 tsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
Directions:
Combine and ingredients, stir well and spread on top of grilled burgers. Makes about ¾ cup.
COOK’S TIP: For added flavor, mix and chill several hours or overnight.
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Young North Iowa Farmers Take Beef Herd to New Heights
Laura and Aaron Cunningham have been taking care of calves and helping with chores since they were young. The two grew up just five miles apart, but it wasn’t until their senior year of high school that they met in an ag class.
Laura Bottle Feeding Age 5 With sights set on careers in agriculture, Aaron set off for North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) for a two-year degree in Ag Operations Management while Laura attended Iowa State University and majored in Agricultural Business. The couple married in 2010 and established SkyView Farms Inc.
Farming is family affair ripping with Dad and Brother 
“One of the most common questions we’re asked is, ‘Where did you name SkyView Farms?’ Our farm name stems from Aaron’s love of flying,” says Laura. “When he’s not caring for the crops or feeding cattle, you’ll find Aaron in the clouds. We look forward to jetting out on new adventures.”The Cunninghams care for a herd of Angus cow/calves and also feed out all the calves born on the farm each year. They began direct marketing their beef to end users and through local food hubs about seven years ago because it allows them to focus on producing a high-quality product to consumers who appreciate locally produced beef.
Laura had already booked locker appointments before the COVID-19 pandemic closed packing plants and created more demand than local lockers can handle. Her phone was ringing off the hook in March and April, so Laura helped connect consumers with fellow beef producers. She also helped producers who had been interested in direct sales understand what steps to take.
In addition to the SkyView Farms beef enterprise, the couple raises corn, soybeans, rye and alfalfa. They operate a custom application business, and a custom forage chopping and grain harvesting business. Laura also serves as marketing director for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds where she started as a college marketing intern and has continued to accept new responsibilities for more than a decade.
Laura shares her love of agriculture by advocating online at SkyView Farms on Facebook and @SkyViewBeef on Twitter. She enjoys any opportunity to share agriculture in the classroom through virtual spring farm tours during calving season, or visiting STEM classrooms to talk about careers and technology in agriculture.
Recently, Aaron and Laura made a very special announcement that their “herd is expanding.” We couldn’t be more excited for them. The Latham Team looks forward to hosting a baby shower where we’ll celebrate the special occasion with beef, of course!There’s a cut of beef to celebrate every occasion and every day of the week! It’s no surprise the Cunningham’s favorite recipes feature beef. It’s been a rainy week across the Upper Midwest, so Laura is sharing a fool-proof recipe for Beef Stew. She likes this recipe because it uses staple ingredients most people already would have on hand be it frozen, canned or fresh they will all work. It’s also a great way to bring out the flavor in some of the lower-priced cuts in your quarter beef.
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Planting and Cold Temps
Seeds absorb moisture within hours after planting and begin the germination process almost immediately. When corn seeds absorb water colder than 50°F, imbibitional chilling or cold shock may occur.
These three symptoms of cold chill may be evident at emergence, during the growing season and at harvest time:
- Absorbing cold water causes the cell membranes to rupture and release fluids that provide food sources for soil pathogens. These can invade developing seedlings and dramatically harm the germination.
- When a seed imbibes cold water, the early season vigor of young corn plants may be negatively impacted. Weak root systems with gnarled primary roots might result.
- Wet soils drain kernels of their energy reserves, so seedlings that struggle for a week or more to emerge may have erratic emergence and uneven growth. Many of these fields experience disappointing yields at harvest due to reduced stands and decreased seedling vigor.
Call into the Latham® office and we will get you connected with one of our agronomists. Happy Spring!
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Soyfoods Connect with Some of 2020’s Food Trends
Soybeans are most often associated with seeds that farmers plant or commodities they market. Soy is not often something those of us living in rural America associate with healthy, power-packed diets – unless we’re developing a livestock ration.However, soybeans offer many nutritional benefits for human diets. Soy provides heart-healthy fat and is cholesterol-free. Soyfoods such as tofu and TSP, textured soy protein, or TVP, textured vegetable protein, are ideal for adapting recipes for chili, soups, spaghetti sauce, tacos, salad dressings and desserts.
“Soyfoods easily add protein to trendy foods,” says Linda Funk, executive director of The Soyfoods Council. “Enhance avocado toast or hummus by incorporating edamame. One cup of edamame contains 188 calories and offers approximately 18 grams of protein, as well as 8 grams of fiber. Shelled edamame can be blended with fresh avocado for guacamole or made into Edamame Hummus with added ingredients such as garlic, lemon juice and fresh herbs.”
A quarter cup of shelf-stable granules of TSP/TVP contains about 12 grams of protein. Use it to extend ground turkey or beef. Add TSP to chili, pasta sauces.
“At breakfast, combine TSP half-and-half with oatmeal to start your day in a trendy way,” adds Funk. “Fermented soybeans are made into a tender soybean cake called tempeh, which offers 15 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. You can boost the protein level of a meal by adding tempeh to sandwiches, pizza or salads. Baste it with barbecue sauce and grill it for an easy entrée.”
Tofu is made from soymilk curds and is made firm using a coagulant, such as nigari flakes or calcium sulfate, which is the mineral used in craft brewing.
“Firm, water-packed tofu can be marinated in your favorite sauce. Then add it to curries, pasta dishes, or Asian noodle bowls,” says Funk. “Silken tofu is perfect for smoothies, soups, dips and desserts. A half-cup serving of tofu can provide approximately 10 grams of protein. Cut the fat and increase the protein in your favorite dips by substituting silken tofu for part of the mayonnaise when using salad dressing mixes.”
To help you incorporate soy into your diet, here are links to the most popular soy recipes from “The Field Position” blog:
Today we’re sharing with you a recipe from The Soyfoods Council for Mexican Veggie Salad, which is complement to grilled meats and deli sandwiches. For more recipes, visit www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com. The Soyfoods Council’s website also includes nutrition information, cooking tips, and recent research about soyfoods and your health.
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
#AskTheAgronomist: Phosphorus Application
When should you apply phosphorus? Tune in for discussion on planning for 2020.0:28 — Topic introduction1:19 — Ideal conditions for phosphorus application3:50 — How does phosphorus move?4:48 — Phosphorus application example6:34 — Phosphorus usability and root exploration8:21 — Phosphorus placement -
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
Identifying and Controlling Cutworms
Cutworms are insects that show up during the earliest growing stages of the season. The presence of cutworms can pose a threat to the well-being of corn plants, but their severity is highly variable and depends on the species. Delayed planting and corn plants shorter than 18 inches are most susceptible to undergoing severe damage from cutworms.
Black Cutworm Black Cutworm
Black cutworms are the most common species found in corn throughout the Midwest. The larvae of black cutworms can be up to 1¾ inches long with their appearance characterized by a dark-gray segmented body. Black cutworms are most likely to be seen between stages VE – when the shoot first emerges from the soil and V5 – when the first five leaves exhibit visible collars. The sets of paired spots unequal in size that run along the length of the black cutworm make it distinct in appearance. Black cutworms cause damage by chewing holes in leaves and larvae will cut the lower portions of the corn plant just above the soil line. The youngest larvae will feed on leaves whereas older cutworms will feed exclusively below ground level. The first generation of black cutworm will cause the most damage, though three to four generations can be produced in a year.
The black cutworm thrives best in wet and weedy fields with poor drainage. Cover cropping can make conditions conducive for the growth of laid eggs, especially if weeds are prevalent. Insecticide is advised if cutting is evident across 2-3% of corn plants and larvae do not exceed ¾ inch in length.
Dingy Cutworm Dingy Cutworm
Similar to the black cutworm, dingy cutworms can form larvae up to 1¾ inches long and often emerge in fields with heavy crop residue. However, unlike black cutworms, the pairs of black dots running along the segmented back appear to be equal in size. When fully grown, dingy cutworms reach a size of one inch in length. Dingy cutworms typically only feed on leaves and do not cut plants.
Glassy, Bronzed and Sandhill Cutworms
Glassy Cutworm These three classes of cutworms are characterized predominately by the color of their larvae. Glassy cutworms have a white, translucent segmented body with a solid orange head and cause damage primarily to seedlings.
Bronzed cutworms are colored with light orange, bronze and brown stripes running the length of their body.
Like glassy cutworms, sandhill cutworms have a translucent, light brown body that is uniform in color, including the head. Glassy cutworms are known to cause cutting damage in addition to chewing and feeding damage exhibited by other cutworms.
Sandhill Cutworm 
Bronzed Cutworm
What to Look for When Scouting
Corn plants succeeding soybeans or legumes are most susceptible to hosting cutworms. With shorter corn plants having the greatest vulnerability to cutworm damage, scouting should begin once seedlings first emerge and continue until plants achieve a height of 18 inches tall. Look for signs of cutting, wilting and irregular holes on leaves. Uneven stand or inconsistencies in cutting across rows are also signs of cutworm damage.
Cutworms gravitate toward moist soil for burrowing. When looking for signs of infestation, dig around the base of plants to look for burrows ranging in size from three to four inches. When soil is dry, dig deeper to three inches below ground to identify burrows.
Treatment
As cutworms are associated with reduced stand resulting from cutting or wilting, yield can subsequently be decreased. However, replanting is not usually necessary and is only advised if the presence of cutworms is not under control and stand has been severely impacted.
Controlling weeds can reduce overwintering and can remove an environment favorable for hosting cutworms. Tilling practices that reduce weeds and field residue will deter moths looking to lay eggs in the fall. Reduced tillage or no-till, delayed planting and overwintering cover crops are all management practices that increase chances of cutworm damage. If you see cutworm damage on 2-3% of plants and they are smaller than ¾ inch, it’s time to spray. When pre-applying insecticides to dry or crusted soils, it is advised to work the treatment into the soil so it is able to reach cutworms and burrows housed below ground.
Photo Credits
Black Cutworm: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Dingy Cutworm: Purdue University
Glassy Cutworm: University of Minnesota Extension
Sandhill Cutworm: Iowa State University Department of Entomology
Bronzed Cutworm: Iowa State University Department of Entomology
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds
FB Live: 2019 Product Line Up with Mark Grundmeier
Mark Grundmeier, Seed Product Manager, joins us for Facebook Live to talk about the 2019 product lineup! Tune in below.
https://www.facebook.com/LathamSeeds/videos/10156569400322138/
