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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Go “Hog Wild” this Holiday

What comes to mind when you hear someone say, “Fourth of July celebration”? My mind automatically thinks about boating at the lake (more like wishful thinking on my part!), potlucks with friends, campfires, and big fireworks that fill the night sky.

The Fourth of July is certainly a time for Americans to relax, unwind and celebrate all of the joys of summer. But, we would be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to reflect upon our nation’s history and to remember those who preserve our freedoms. My heart goes out to all of my friends who have family members deployed this holiday. How selfless they are to put our country first!

Amanda, Rachel and Val. A sister picture taken at Rachel’s deployment ceremony for Kosovo in November 2014.

Did you know that 40% of our service men and women come from rural America, yet only 16% of the U.S. population lives in rural America?

Perhaps more “farm kids” volunteer to serve our great country because they were active in 4-H, pledging their hands to larger service for their community and their world. Perhaps they learned to recite the FFA creed, believing that it’s more honorable to serve the public interest than one’s own self-interest. Both youth organizations emphasize community service.

Posted from KFOR Multinational Battle Group-East

Perhaps nurturing livestock or caring for crops helps develop a worth ethic and compassion, so more rural residents feel compelled to enter the military. After all, “if you grow up in rural America, you know you just can’t take from the land. You have to give something back.” — Keeping it Real through the Lens of Farm Girl

Whatever their reasons, we owe the men and women in uniform a great deal of thanks. Their service allows us to enjoy freedoms including “choice.” For the most part, we can farm the way we want. American farmers can choose the seeds they want to plant, and they can choose to farm with Big Red Power or take a ride in a Big Green Tractor.

This holiday weekend, as we picnic with family and friends, I’ll #thankafarmer for the many food choices available! I’m looking forward to preparing – and tasting – Sweet & Spicy Hog Wild Baked Beans. What can be more “all American” than a recipe that combines apple pie filling and pork? I’ve been intrigued by this recipe ever since Franklin County farmer Val Plagge told me about it.

Team Latham

July 4, 2014

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Potential Impact of Saturated Soils on #Crop14
Heavy rain has caused localized ponding and flooding across much of Latham Country. Now farmers are wondering how long corn will survive in saturated soils, what impact of prolonged flooding or ponding will have, and what options they have if crops drowned out.

Injury level is determined by several factors including: (1) plant stage of development, (2) duration of ponding and (3) air/soil temperatures. Prior to the 6-leaf collar stage or when the growing point is at or below the soil surface, corn can usually survive only 2 to 4 days of flooded conditions. Soybeans can generally handle flooded conditions for 6 to 8 days, research shows.

Temperatures greater than 77° lessen the amount of time that plants can survive ponds and floods as oxygen levels are depleted more quickly. When oxygen is depleted, roots stop growing and plants stop taking up water.

To predict a plant’s ability to survive, check the color of the growing point. The growing point should be white to cream colored; a darkening and/or softening of the growing point usually precedes plant death. Also check the plants about 3 to 5 days after the water drains for new leaf growth.

When ponding or flooding happens early in the growing season – say before June 10 – farmers have the option of replanting corn. Later in the season, farmers still have the option of replanting soybeans. Key soybean replanting dates are:

Southern Iowa July 10-12

Central Iowa July 8-10

Northern Iowa July 6-8

Southern MN July 3-4

After the first part of July, options are pretty much limited to planting cover crops. Cover crops help prevent essential nutrients like water and nitrogen from running off into rivers and lakes. Cover crops also help control weeds and overcome erosion, which can result when fields are left fallow. Click here for tips on how to determine whether cover crops are right for our situation.

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Webspec Admin

July 3, 2014

General, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Largest U.S. Soybean Crop in the Ground

Latham® dealer Ben Jones of Clay County Iowa shares this beautiful looking field of L2253R2

U.S. farmers planted the largest soybean crop on record and the smallest corn crop since 2010, according to the June 30^th crop report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Farmers planted 84.8 million acres of soybeans, which was nearly 11 percent more than last year. Corn was planted on 91.6 million acres, which is the fifth-largest corn acreage planted since 1944.

Unfortunately, record seed in the ground may not equate to a record harvest in the bin. On Monday, Ron Dreher of rural Adair endured the worst storm in 40 years of farming. Large hail, coupled with 6 inches of rain in 20 minutes and winds in excess of 80 miles per hour, decimated about two-thirds of his soybean acreage. Stories like his continue to be told.

For an update on what Latham’s Regional Sales Managers are seeing in their territories, click on “From the Field” and choose a region from the drop-down box on the right-hand side. Be sure to read tomorrow’s post on TheFieldPosition as we’ll cover effects of this season’s extremely wet weather on plant health.

Team Latham

July 2, 2014

Crop, General, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

WHO Radio’s Tractor Ride Rolls through Franklin County

Tyden Farm #6, owned and preserved by Ted and Judi Pitzenberger of Dougherty, was the first stop last Tuesday during the WHO tractor ride. Read more here: http://bit.ly/VkPmGh

After spending recent weeks writing about ongoing debates over modern farming practices and biased media sources, I really wanted to post a fun blog this week. Old tractors is a fun topic – at least to an old farmer!

Why are old tractors top of mind? Last week WHO Radio hosted its 19^th annual tractor ride across North Central Iowa, and one week ago today those riders made a stop in my home county! A steady stream of tractors paraded through the northern Franklin County town of Sheffield from about 10:30 AM until 3 PM. And these drivers came to town hungry, which is where I fit into the story…

The Franklin County Pork Producers were asked to serve a noon meal. Since I’m the guy with the grill, I got the call. I have a lot of practice grilling hundreds of pork burgers during the Franklin County Fair each July and the Franklin County 4-H Foundation Fundraiser each October.

So what’s a guy to do when he needs nearly 600 patties? I called my favorite supplier, Fareway in Hampton. Walt is meat manager extraordinaire, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for many years. Fortunately, he knows meat and he keeps a strong supply on hand!

During the tractor ride, Larry Sailer was live on “The Big Show” with WHO Radio farm broadcaster Mark Dorenkamp

The menu was rounded out, thanks to a great Franklin County restaurant. Mother’s Place from Latimer catered baked beans, potato salad and chocolate brownies. Plus, their staff did a fantastic job serving the food. We received many compliments, and some folks even said this was the best food served during the ride.

To make the day even better, I didn’t have to spend all of my time flipping burgers. I think it’s the first time ever that I didn’t flip one burger thanks to great help including: Ron and Cody from the Iowa Pork Producers Association; Cory and Zach Greiman from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds; fellow pig farmer, Paul; my wife, Janice; and two of our grandkids, Darin and Carlie. What a crew!

They hard work freed up my time, so I was able to be interviewed live by WHO Radio’s “The Big Show” with Mark Dorenkamp, who was broadcasting from Ridge Stone Golf Club in Sheffield where the lunch was served. It’s always fun to talk live on WHO Radio! We talked about my weekly blog and the beautiful weather we were having that day. We even talked about a few of the tractors.

There were more than 450 tractors, and I saw many brands that I hadn’t seen in years. Most of these tractors came from quite a distance. Some were trucked in from several states away just so these drivers could take in the scenic beauty of North Central Iowa!

All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a better day. The WHO Tractor Ride visited Franklin County on a dry day when the sky was blue and the breeze was gentle. We hope folks from far and away will return again someday to visit our museums, golf at our local courses and shop our main streets. And if they ever have any questions about pork production, I hope they’ll ask me!

Larry Sailer, Musings of a Pig Farmer

July 1, 2014

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Sweet or Spicy Summer Salads… Why Choose?
It’s not uncommon for a dairy farmer to begin milking at 5 AM and then again at 5 PM, but Beth Ingli of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, isn’t your typical dairy farmer. She rises at 5 AM to take care of calves and dry cows. Once the chores are done, she gets ready to work as Store Supervisor and Advertising Director for the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. After work, she heads back to the barn for evening chores.

“Dairying is in my blood,” says Beth, who has been living on a dairy farm for 49 years. For the past 29 of those years, she’s been working alongside her husband, Craig. The couple is the second generation to live on the family farm, which was purchased in 1957 by Beth’s father-in-law.

The Ingli family from left to right: Celia holding Amelia; Celia’s husband, Brady, is in the green shirt; Beth and Craig; Kay is holding Joel; Kay’s husband, Tom, is wearing a blue shirt; Rick and Erin.

Beth and Craig’s four children – Kay, Celia, Rick and Erin – were active in 4-H. Beth credits that youth organization for helping her kids learn the value of keeping records and setting goals. She has served as a 4-H leader in Pierce County for the past 28 years. She started as a Foods project leader with the Olivet Otters 4-H club, which is the same 4-H club to which she belonged as a youth. Beth then became the club’s general leader. She’s currently serving on the Adult Advisor Council.

“I know from experience that 4-H teaches youth and families how to work together,” says Beth. “The county fair serves as a deadline to get projects, which you’ve been thinking about doing, actually completed. Kids learn to set goals and make a plan to achieve them. Plus, living on a farm teaches work ethic. You have to make sure the animals and crop are taken care of, and that’s a huge responsibility.”

At one time, the Ingli family had 250 entries at the Pierce County Fair! They showed cattle and hogs, as well as exhibited items like foods, photography, field crops, and ceramics. This year Beth is celebrating her 40^th year as an exhibitor by “cutting back” to about 10-15 food and photography exhibits.

Beth started showing cattle in 1974. Now her 4-year-old nephew is taking over the Raleigh show box and showing a calf in the “Little Dairyman” class this fall. She also has been bringing the same brownie recipe to the fair for the past 40 years. She has yet to receive a Champion ribbon on the brownies, but all of her children have! Guess Beth can take great pride in being a good teacher. J

In her “free time,” you’ll find Beth whipping up blue-ribbon recipes using dairy products. She’s created many of the recipes featured on the Ellsworth Creamery’s website. (SIDE BAR: My husband’s favorite appetizer is Bacon Wrapped Curds. Give them a try and let me know what you think! Be sure to also check out this recipe for Cheese Curd Apple Pie, which sounds perfectly patriotic and fitting for a Fourth of July picnic.)

Last fall Beth developed an apple turnover, which she says is just too good not to share! She’s sharing that recipe with us today on The Field Position. She’s also sharing links to a few summer picnic ideas, which she recently demonstrated during a television interview on Twin Cities Live:
- Grilled Chicken Taco Salad with Seared Cheese Curds
- Couscous and Mandarin Orange Salad with Havarti Cheese
Team Latham

June 27, 2014

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ear Size and Number of Kernels Being Determined Now
Just as diet and nutrition play a key role in how well an athlete performs, corn plants need a well- balanced diet for optimal performance. We’re at a critical point in the growing season as ear size is being determined, so the slightest nutritional deficiency now can cost you yield in the end. Take a plant tissue analysis to assess where your fertility program is, and then make plans to protect your crop from in-season nitrate loss. In a wet spring like this one, it’s common for nitrate leaching to occur. However, there’s still time to remedy the situation. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient, so the timing of fertilizer application is critical to meet a plant’s needs. Nitrogen management, spoon feeding the plant when it needs it, unquestionably affects total yield. Once you’ve fed the crop, you control weeds to maximize plant health. Early-season weeds rob yields you cannot see at harvest. Crops have a better chance of reaching optimal yield when they’re not competing with weeds for sunlight, water and nutrients. Weeds should be controlled with tillage, herbicides, or a combination of tactics so the crop can become well established under weed-free conditions. By following 5 small steps, farmers will make giant strides toward weed control:
Rotating between various herbicide traits is important from the standpoint of reducing weed resistance. Rotating traits, especially insect resistance traits in corn, is especially important for the same reasons – to decrease the risk of insects becoming resistant to those traits and also to improve overall trait performance. We need to be good stewards of these traits and rotate them whenever possible!
Webspec Admin

June 26, 2014

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Growth Stages
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Consider the Source

Recently I read this quote by the Dalai Lama: “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But when you listen, you may learn something new.”

How profound! I have said many, many times that we must listen and try to understand others’ viewpoints and concerns before we can communicate why we farm and ranch the way we do. We must try to understand where people are getting their information, and what this information portrays farming to be. Only then can we understand how people process information and what they think about farming.

Others’ opinions are greatly influenced by outside sources. I’ve learned how crucial it is to find out to whom consumers are listening. In my experience, people with the strongest convictions on any certain subject are the ones who listen to rhetoric that feeds on emotions. The more their emotional heart strings are pulled, the tighter they hold onto their opinions!

That’s why it’s so important to consider the source… Did it The Des Moines Register? (Mainstream media doesn’t always cover both sides of the story nor does it necessarily get the facts straight!) If research is cited, who paid for it? Did the information come from a special interest group? If a consumer is concerned about food safety, did he or she consult with a dietician or a doctor? Or did the consumer get his or her information from the “experts,” who set up the new school lunch program? Perhaps the consumer first consult google, which is always right. Right?

All of these sources of information glean their information somewhere. For example, information may be from radical organizations with an agenda such as Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). This “non-profit organization” claims to care for animals, but it’s more about raising money to end animal agriculture. The more a person gets to know about HSUS, the better understanding they have the organizations true interest.

It’s also important to follow the money to find out how it may influence opinion. Newspapers want large circulations to keep their advertising sales strong. As a result, editors may be listening to a group here in Iowa like the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. I often see opinions in our state’s biggest paper from this group. Ironically, ICCI supports regulations to “protect” small farmers. As a small farmer, regulations make it more difficult for me to farm.

Regulations also have been a catalyst in farm consolidation. One example is the COOL law, or the Country of Origin Labeling. This law prevented me from sourcing my pigs from the best place I could find, which just happened to be in Canada. I had to turn to sources of pigs that were inferior, which puts me at a disadvantage because larger farmers raise their own pigs.

As you can see, not all sources of information are true experts on a subject matter. Even bonafide experts’ information may be biased by an ulterior motive or influenced by politics. Cargill’s announcement to eliminate all gestation stalls wasn’t about being better caretakers of pregnant sows. It was an image ploy to help keep their position in the market place.

Everyone has some kind of bias, I know. The way you were raised and your experiences all lead to the decisions you make and the advice you give. However, my experience has taught me there is a lot of information out there about farming. I’m all for letting consumers buy what they want, and I support food choice.

When a certain group tries to tell that another groups its products are wrong, or worse yet, they try to get regulations passed that limit choices, then I speak up. We all should!

Larry Sailer, Musings of a Pig Farmer

June 24, 2014

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Rethink Your Drink as You Keep the Beat
Dairy Days of Summer, which showcase the dairy industry and help promote a better understanding between producers and consumers, are a big deal in Wisconsin. Literally. An estimated 2,000 people attended an event Saturday on Son-Bow Farms near Maiden Rock.

“Dairy breakfasts remain a tradition because they bring dairy farmers and consumers closer together to share appreciation of dairy heritage and the beauty of a Wisconsin dairy farm,” reads a recent article printed by the Red Wing Republican Eagle. “The dairy industry alone contributes $26.5 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy. While it is understood dairy is important to diet and wellbeing, it is also important to showcase the effort going into producing our favorite food.”

People traveled far and wide to enjoy favorite foods including Dad’s Belgium Waffles topped with fresh, Real® butter and whipped cream plus sausage, milk and fruit. While waiting in line to take a wagon tour of the 1,000-cow dairy, I couldn’t resist the lightly-breaded, deep-fried (to perfection!) cheese curds from Ellsworth Co-op Creamery.

Antique tractors were on display. Other displays, like “Rethink Your Drink” that compared calorie and sugar levels of popular drinks from soda and sports drinks to milk, helped educate attendees about dairy nutrition.

To encourage people to stay healthy, Latham Forage Product Manager Corey Catt and his emergency service colleagues gave demonstrations about Hands Only CPR. Hands-Only CPR, without mouth-to-mouth breaths, is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse. It consists of two easy steps:
When you call 911, the American Heart Association says you need to stay on the phone until the 911 dispatcher (operator) tells you to hang up. The dispatcher will ask for details like your location, which is especially important if you’re calling from a mobile phone that is not associated with a fixed location or address. Remember, answering the dispatcher’s questions will not delay the arrival of help.

Take care of yourself! Eat properly and watch for signs of distress. Proper nutrition is key to making good decisions.

Not drinking enough liquids can alter a person’s mood, decrease his energy level or affect his ability to think clearly. It’s especially easy to get dehydrated during hot, humid days of summer. Drink plenty! Water, dairy products, tea and fruit or vegetable juices can help you stay hydrated.
Team Latham

June 23, 2014

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip

Guest Blog by Val Plagge
Val is a farmer, wife, mom and volunteer discovering “fields of opportunity” in North Iowa. She blogs at Corn, ‘Beans, Pigs and Kids.

I have so many great memories from my childhood of having fun with my family from playing in the creek in our backyard, to going to the State Fair, to visiting National Park across the United States. I want to create some of those great memories for my kids too and that is what I created a Family Summer Bucket List.

One item we have on our Bucket List is to go on an Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip during the month of June in honor of National Dairy Month, by visiting an ice cream destination each week. During Week 1 we stopped at one of our all-time favorite summer ice cream stands, The Whippy Dip in Decorah. The Whippy Dip is a seasonal walk-up stand that serves creamy and rich soft serve ice cream, along with a lunch and snack menu. A neat side note is that The Whippy Dip sources its milk from a local dairy. You wouldn’t expect anything different in Iowa’s dairy country!

The Whippy Dip keeps its ice cream simple by offering only vanilla and chocolate flavors and then letting you make your dish unique by providing many mix-ins. I personally always go for a Cookie Dough Tornado with chocolate ice cream (think Dairy Queen’s Blizzard – but better!). They double layer the delicious chocolate soft serve with real cookie dough (not the cookie dough balls found at other ice cream places. I’m talking about a scoopful of real cookie dough so you can have some in every bite) and mix it up. Then they add a little extra cookie dough on top!

During Week 2 we visited Hansen’s Farm Fresh Dairy outside of Hudson. We thought it would be good to have a first-hand look at the process and story behind our ice cream. Hansen’s Farm has been in Iowa for around 150 years and currently the 6th generation owns and operates the farm, with the 7th generation growing up and living on the farm. Twelve years ago when 5th generation owners and operators, Jay and Jeanne Hansen, saw that four of their children wanted to come back to the farm they knew they needed a way to add value to their family dairy farm, so the 6th generation that wanted to come back to the farm could, and that is how the on-farm creamery began. In November of 2002 construction began on the creamery and in February of 2004 the creamery produced its first gallon of milk.

Hansen’s Dairy sells a variety of products including milk, cheese curds, butter and over 30 flavors of ice cream! What we love about their ice cream is that it’s very rich and thick. You can buy Hansen’s Dairy products (including their delicious ice cream) at many locations across the Northeast quadrant of Iowa, or if you are ever in the Waterloo area I recommend you going to their Moo Roo ice cream store or their Dairy Outlet store, or head out to the actual Dairy Farm. They have products available at their tour center.

And today during Week 3 of our Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip we are heading to the ultimate ice cream destination, “The Ice Cream Capital of the World” Le Mars, Iowa, for Ice Cream Days. We are excited to see everything Blue Bunny and of course have some delicious ice cream!

So if this hasn’t made you crave ice cream yet, maybe this will, my family’s Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream recipe!

Team Latham

June 20, 2014

Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Wicked Winds and Rain Wreak Havoc

Once again, this week we were reminded just how cruel Mother Nature can be! Crazy late-spring thunderstorms and tornados swept across Latham Country from eastern Nebraska through eastern Iowa on Monday evening. Heavy rains fell early this week across the Dakotas and into Minnesota and Wisconsin, too.

More than six inches of rain fell on Monday night in some areas of Franklin County, Iowa, with an additional 1.5 to 2 inches falling last night. Winds gusting at 70 miles per hour flattened crops, power lines and grain bins alike. The loss of property is disheartening, and our hearts go out to those who are trying to clean up and put the pieces together again. (Click here for tips on talking with consumers about storm damage.)

“The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer,” said Will Rogers, the cowboy entertainer who was known for his wit and wisdom. So today, we’re going to talk about the silver lining. Our crops needed moisture. Although they got more than they needed this week, the tile lines are running again. Moisture is building in the soil profile. With first crop hay baled, this rain will get the second cutting of alfalfa off to a good start. The warm temperatures and high humidity we’re experiencing will cause crops to grow like weeds!

Speaking of weeds, let’s hope the top soil dries enough soon for the corn and soybeans to get sprayed before they get too tall. Volunteer corn is prevalent in some areas this year, and volunteer corn must be treated as a weed. It not only competes with plants for moisture and nutrients, but volunteer corn is a food source for rootworm larvae. Volunteer corn that is not controlled by tasseling attracts corn rootworm beetles for egg laying.

It’s imperative that farmers continue scouting fields at least weekly to stay ahead of weed, insect and disease pressure. For an update on what Latham’s Regional Sales Managers are seeing in their territories, click on “From the Field” and choose a region from the drop-down box on the right-hand side.

Team Latham

June 18, 2014

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Growth Stages, Rain, Season, Summer, Weather