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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Nothing fishy about this soy success story

Guest Blog by Aaron Putze, Iowa Soybean Association

When soybean farmers say their “real” customers are pigs, they truly mean it.

That reference to the importance of swine rations in driving demand for soy, however, is in no way a slight to other important markets.

That includes those with fins, scales and gills.

As developing countries strive to feed their growing populations more protein, fish is increasingly on the menu . . . and not just species harvested from streams, rivers and oceans.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, global average consumption of fish and other seafood reached a record high of 20.5 kilograms per person in 2019. That amount is expected to increase as the quality and affordability of fish improves.

Enter Iowa and U.S. soybean farmers.

To meet the growing demand and taste for quality, farm-raised fish, professional feed using ingredients other than fishmeal and fish oil are coming into vogue. Soy is the most-used protein source in aquafeeds worldwide. According to the Global Seafood Alliance, soybean meal, soy protein concentrates, and soybean oil are increasingly go-to feed ingredients required for many farmed species.

Soy Fish Feed

Research funded by soybean farmers has played a key role in developing this win-win demand driver. More appetite for sustainably produced and healthy fish is a boon to soybean demand.

In addition to developing soy-based feeds ideally suited for hungry fish and shrimp, soybean farmers have also played a key role in developing new ways to produce farm-raised fish. They are advancing educational activities carried out by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to train people in developing countries on how to manufacture professional feed using soy.

Iowa soybean farmers take great pride in the role they’ve played in developing better methods and feed for producing fish.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Soy Excellence Centers (SECs) were launched by USSEC in 2019. They offer professional training in a variety of curriculums including feed milling, soybean processing and refining and poultry, dairy, swine and fish production.

More than 6,500 trainees have participated in SECs. One such center operates in Egypt – a facility I was able to see firsthand during a trade mission to the country of 110 million earlier this year. Better training, fish feed and production methods have had a profound impact. The metric tonnage of farm-raised fish production has increased from 600,000 in 2005 to nearly 1.5 million in 2019. Production is projected to surpass 2 million metric tons by 2030.

Aaron Putze in Egypt at a Soy Excellence Center

Farm-raised fish account for almost 80% of Egypt’s seafood market, up from 50% in 2012. Tilapia is the choice of 80% of Egyptians. Other fish species include catfish, sea bass, mullet and carp. Shrimp production is gaining in popularity as farmers seek to diversify and capture greater premiums and profits.

Harvesting Tilapia in Egypt

Give the people of a country a fish, and they’ll eat for a day. Teach them how to produce fish (and poultry and milk), and they’ll eat for a lifetime.

That’s the power of soy and Iowa’s soybean farmers.

Aaron serves as Chief Officer of Strategy and Brand Management for Iowa Soybean Association. You can reach Aaron at 515-975-4168 or aputze@iasoybeans.com.

All this talk of fish made us hungry for a yummy Friday recipe! Check out this Lemony Shrimp Scampi Linguine from The Iowa Food and Family Project.

Webspec Admin

November 1, 2023

Agriculture, Crop, General, Industry News, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Seeds Celebrates 75th Anniversary on Family’s Iowa Century Farm

From a build-your-own bouquet bar to bouncy houses and in-field demonstrations, the 75^th anniversary party for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds was packed with education and entertainment for the entire family.

“We feel blessed to be the third generation of Lathams to own and manage our family-owned seed company with headquarters on our Century Farm in North Central Iowa,” says John Latham, president, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. “We know that keeping a farm in the family for generations is challenging. That’s one reason we’re proud to sell through a farmer-dealer network. We appreciate working with multi-generational farmers, who plant our seed across the Upper Midwest.”

Chris Latham, Shannon Latham and John Latham (Third Generation)

Last night’s celebration allowed Latham Seeds to showcase the latest seed traits and technologies during the grand opening of the Latham Premier Agronomy Center. There are more than 20 demo plots located within the Premier Agronomy Center, and guests got to choose which four they wanted to attend.

One of the more popular presentations featured two new trait platforms that protect against corn rootworm (CRW) that many farms are experiencing this season. The first corn hybrid trait platform is SmartStax® PRO, which combines “BT” traits with RNA structure. When eaten by the pest, this package interferes with an “essential-to-life protein” in the insects RNA (thus RNAi) and leads to insect control. This non-BT-based development will help control CRW in a new way plus extend the usefulness of BT-based controls. You will see the SmartStax PRO Trait package in LH 5008 SS PRO and LH 5668 SS PRO hybrids.

The second trait platform to control CRW is Duracade Viptera™. This package combines BT traits with another BT rootworm trait that attaches uniquely to the insect’s gut when it’s eaten. It also provides above-ground protection from the Viptera trait. You will see the Agrisure Duracade Viptera trait package in LH 5209 DV hybrid. Latham® hybrids with Duracade Viptera and SmartStax PRO traits provide multiple modes of insect control for both above and below ground.

Another popular tour stop at the Premier Agronomy Center Grand Opening was the root and soil pit. While you can learn a lot from a root dig, you can learn even more when you dig deeper! Corn roots, night crawlers, compaction layers, earthworm channels and even water during a drought can be seen at the three to five-foot depth. Soil that is healthy deep down holds more water, has less run-off and supports plants during challenging weather. Healthy soil is also filled with microbes and worms.

Latham’s Agronomy Center field day went from 4 to 8 p.m. Following the field presentations, guests enjoyed Wholly Smoke BBQ, birthday cake and soft serve ice cream cones plus a live performance by Neil Hewitt.

Wholly Smoke BBQ from Dow, Iowa, had delicious smoked meats along with mac ‘n cheese. Such divine food reminded me of my favorite mac ‘n cheese recipe. Check it out below (courtesy of Cristen Clark, Food & Swine and Iowa Food and Family Project.)

If you’d like to schedule your own tour of the Premier Agronomy Center, contact your local Latham Seeds rep or call our office at 877-GO-LATHAM (877-465-2842). All growing season long, Latham Seeds provides opportunities to learn from demonstrations in the Premier Agronomy Center. Follow @LathamSeeds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube – and watch Latham’s weekly “Ask the Agronomist” videos.

shannonlatham

September 9, 2022

Agriculture, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Food & Family, General, Industry News, Insects, Latham News, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Iowa Ag Secretary Recognizes Latham Seeds’ 75th Anniversary

Happy National Ag Week! This annual event is a great opportunity to say thank you to the farmers and agribusinesses that provide food and fuel for all of us. National Ag Week also provides us with an opportunity to showcase the importance of agriculture to others across our nation, as well as around the world.

Because one of his main responsibilities is being the chief promoter and advocate for Iowa agriculture, today we’re shining a spotlight on Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. He was born and raised on his family’s Century Farm near Cylinder, Iowa, where they raised crops and livestock. He remains active in the operation along with his father and uncle.

“The agriculture community shaped who I am. I still plant and harvest our family farm every year,” says Sec. Naig, who was elected in 2018 and is running for re-election in 2022.

Secretary Naig and his wife, Jaime, have three boys. Picture from L-R: Jaime, Zach, Mike, Joe, Mitch

“I’ve been in agriculture my entire life. I believe it’s important that the person holding the title of Secretary actually has experienced the industry, so they have a deep understanding of the challenges that our agriculture community faces daily.”

The people in Iowa’s agriculture community make this job worth doing, says Sec. Naig. Our farmers help feed, fuel and clothe the world. In addition, Iowa Agriculture is critical to the health of state’s economy and that of local communities.

Agriculture is about producing food and Secretary Naig has a passion to reduce food insecurity in our state. During a recent visit to the Bremer County Food Bank, he learned about a partnership between the food bank and a local pork producer who regularly donates.

“Our farmers and agribusinesses work hard every single day to feed and fuel consumers here and across the world. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them, hear their concerns, and then work together to solve those challenges,” says Sec. Naig. “My top priorities in this role include expanding markets domestically and internationally for Iowa’s farmers, accelerating the implementation of conservation practices that improve water quality, and supporting the next generation of leaders in Iowa agriculture.”

Secretary Naig recently made a visit to Clarion Locker, who is working to attain Cooperative Interstate Shipping status (CIS). The CIS program was implemented by Sec. Naig in early 2020 and provide meat lockers with the ability to remain under state inspection while also allowing them to ship their products across state lines to enter new markets.

Whether it’s representing Iowa on an international trade mission or meeting with a business that is considering moving into Iowa, Sec. Naig says he is always excited to share the great things we have going on in our state and agriculture community.

“Latham Seeds is a great Iowa business that supports Iowa’s farmers with the latest products and technologies on the market,” says Sec. Naig. “I love seeing a family business have such great success over the course of so many generations. Congratulations on 75 years of business and here’s to many more!”

Farm families celebrate special events, including milestone anniversaries and holidays, with food. When the Naig family gathers, kringla is usually served.

“Like most families, we’ve passed this kringla recipe down from previous generations. But it seems like no matter how closely we follow the recipe, we can never make it the same as mom,” says Sec. Naig. “Mom has a special way that is always far superior. I suppose that’s the case when you know the ingredients and process by heart, so you don’t have to rely on a recipe like we do at our house!”

Making kringla is an activity the Naig family enjoys.

“Jaime and I have never had an issue recruiting our boys to help with the rolling and shaping that’s required. After all, helping in the kitchen makes it a lot easier for them to sneak a bite when they’re still warm out of the oven.”

In celebration of strong families and productive farmers everywhere, enjoy this kringla recipe!

shannonlatham

March 24, 2022

Agriculture, Breads/Breakfast, Desserts, Food & Family, General, Industry News, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AsktheAgronomist – What is Xyway™ Fungicide?

What is Xyway™ fungicide? Xyway is the first and only at-plant fungicide to provide season-long foliar disease protection. Precision Agronomy Advisor, Phil Long, unpacks the benefits of this new fungicide and where to proceed with caution. Learn more about agronomy and industry news on our Latham YouTube Channel.

Webspec Admin

March 22, 2022

#AskTheAgronomist, Agriculture, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fungicide, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AsktheAgronomist – How to Take on Soybean Gall Midges

Phil Long, precision agronomy advisor, unpacks new research that was conducted on soybean gall midges. He highlights ways that farmers can combat them including tillage, spray nozzles and learning about their life cycle. Subscribe to Latham Hi‑Tech Seed’s YouTube Channel for other agronomy topics and industry news.

Webspec Admin

March 16, 2022

#AskTheAgronomist, Agriculture, Agronomics, Crop, General, Industry News, Insects, Soil, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

What’s in a Christmas Tree?
Christmas day is quickly approaching and like many, I’ve spent the past couple weeks finishing my Christmas shopping and putting up decorations. Of all the traditions that come with the holiday season my favorite is picking out the perfect Christmas tree. A quick poll of my Facebook friends confirmed that for most people, it’s less about the tree itself and more about the traditions and memories to be found in those dark green boughs.

Latham Marketing Manager Laura Cunningham’s Christmas Tree

My favorite tradition (and memory) is visiting local tree farms to pick out ‘my perfect tree”. As a child we frequented Lines Tree Farm in Marble Rock, Iowa. At the tree farm Harley and his grandsons stand ready to bring in each customer’s fresh cut tree, shake off the needles and snow and load it up. Carol can be found in the tree shed, whipping up homemade wreaths with fancy bows, pine cones and glittering bulbs. When I think of visiting the tree farm as a child I remember the fresh pine smell of that shed and the sweet cinnamon cider ready to warm us after our hike through the farm. Now as an adult, my husband and I continue the tradition with our son Wyatt who made his first trek with us to Carlson Tree Farm in Latimer, Iowa at just six weeks old! We enjoy the opportunity to support another local North Iowa farm family with our holiday purchase.

Laura, Wyatt and Aaron Cunningham visiting Carlson Tree Farm in Latimer, Iowa

For some families, the tradition is in the decorations. My unofficial Facebook poll revealed so many great ideas to celebrate and create memories through decorations, I thought a few were worth sharing:
- Beth R purchases an ornament representative of every trip or family vacation her family goes on. It’s a great way to remember the memories created on each trip and celebrate the time spent adventuring together.
- Cassie H commented she picks out a new ornament each year that her kids will open the day they put up their family tree. She tries to pick out an ornament that represents them in some way or is something of interest each year. For example, her middle daughter received a John Deere tractor ornament this year because it was the first year she drove the tractor all on her own. Then Cassie will write their name, the year and “From Mom and Dad” on each of them. What a unique way to document her childrens’ milestones!
- Jennifer H sets aside a craft day to help her kids make a homemade ornament each year. How adorable are these! She also commented she makes their family photo into an ornament each year.
- Nikki S commented she enjoys a good laugh when she looks back at her ornaments made in grade school, moldy lucky charms and ancient peppermint candies and all.
- Kayleigh K’s family plays a game with their German Pickle tradition, with a prize for the sibling who could race downstairs to the tree to find it first.
- Sometimes ornaments remind us of those no longer with us as Janice P shares in her blog on JP Loves Life.
- Michelle H (part of the Carlson Tree Farm family) has this to say about tree traditions: “Picking out a Christmas Tree is more than just about finding the Perfect Tree. It is about creating the Perfect Memory! Growing up on the Carlson Tree Farm we used to picked the ugliest tree in the patch that no one else would buy & then we made it beautiful with our handmade decorations! One year we even put our nativity scene in the tree to hide a big hole! To this day we enjoy picking the last tree of the season & get to be creative. Priceless Memories!”
There’s something about the glow of Christmas Tree lights that sparks wonder and peace for kids and adults alike.

So whether its a real tree or an artificial tree, trips to tree farms or special decorations it seems that Christmas Trees symbolize all the special people and memories that warm our hearts during the holidays. Thank you to those who shared great ideas and family traditions for this post. If you’re considering crafting some homemade ornaments this year, here’s a great recipe for salt dough that when baked can preserve those handmade memories for years to come.
Laura Cunningham

December 3, 2021

Agriculture, Food & Family, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Seeds Unveils its New Mission Statement at Annual Dealer Meeting
Latham® Dealers from six Upper Midwest states recently gathered in Sioux Falls, SD, to kick off the start of the 2021-2022 sales year. This year’s Latham Dealer Kickoff event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of our family-owned seed company’s 75^th anniversary.

“I’m sure my grandfather, Willard Latham, never thought about his legacy when Latham Seeds was founded on his family farm back in 1947. His business got a humble start when Grandpa literally answered a call from a neighboring farmer with an oats smut problem. It was such a widespread problem that Grandpa retrofitted a piece of equipment to clean oats, which led him to start selling certified oats seeds,” says third-generation seedsman John Latham, president of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Today Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds sells hybrid seed corn, soybeans, alfalfa and cover crops across six Upper Midwest states. The company has continued to innovate by providing services like Data Forward^SM that helps farmers use their own data to make more informed management decisions. Data Forward can help determine whether a new piece of equipment will provide a return on investment (ROI) or whether another corn hybrid is better suited for a particular field.

“Farming today is certainly much different than when my grandfather founded Latham Seeds. It’s even much different than when my father, Bill Latham, served as president of Latham Seeds,” says John Latham. “While each generation has had its own challenges to overcome, we believe it’s becoming harder for multi-generational families to stay on the farm. We understand what it’s like to want to preserve your family’s legacy, and that’s why we’re committed to working with our seed dealers and our farmer-customers to live their legacies with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.”

Latham Seeds is so committed to helping family farmers preserve their legacies that in 2021 it unveiled its new company mission:

At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we know family farming is only getting harder. We believe farmers should have trusted partners who provide personalized solutions today, so they can grow even stronger legacies tomorrow.

We can’t “be on a mission” alone, says John Latham, so we’re looking for people who share our values. We need farmers to represent our company across Iowa and into Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. We’re looking for farmer-dealers who:
- Have a passion for rural communities
- Are self-motivated
- Have an entrepreneurial mindset
We’re also looking to add members to the Latham Team, from truck drivers to regional sales managers, who understand the importance of delivering five-star customer experiences.

Shannon Latham and Scott McKain, a bestselling author and Professional Speakers Hall of Fame member, delivered the keynote address during the kickoff event.

“Ultimate Customer Experiences® don’t just happen,” is a trademark of bestselling author and Professional Speakers Hall of Fame member Scott McKain. During his keynote address at the Latham Dealer Kickoff event in Sioux Falls, McKain reminded us that no one stays loyal to a generic brand. “How can you differentiate yourself? How can you provide such an exceptional experience that your customers remain loyal?”

McKain certainly provided food for thought. Speaking of food… no Friday blog on “The Field Position” would be complete without a recipe! Did you know that South Dakota’s culinary heritage is a combination of indigenous peoples and the German/Russian immigrants who came to the region? Of course, its food scene is influenced heavily by the foods produced in the area like top-quality beef. Today we’re sharing with you a recipe from the South Dakota Beef Industry Council that is perfectly fitting for National Grilling Month.

Latham Seeds General Manager Ryan Schon and his wife, Meg, embrace our annual Kickoff location by dressing the part. They wore Kentucky Derby attire when this event was held at Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Des Moines, and they were outfitted in western wear for Sioux Falls.

The event included a smores bar.

The “Dueling Fiddles” duo based out of Des Moines, Iowa, provided evening entertainment for our annual awards banquet.

Related Posts:
- Latham Dealer Kickoff 2018 (Mall of America)
- Latham Dealer Kickoff 2019 (Prairie Meadows Racetrack)
- Latham Dealer Kickoff 2020 (Virtual broadcast from Ames, Iowa)
shannonlatham

July 15, 2021

Agriculture, Beef, Food & Family, General, Industry News, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

John Latham’s Term as ASTA Chair Ends with a “Bang”
John Latham of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds recently participated in his first – and final – in-person meeting as chair of the 2020-2021 American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).

Approximately 100 industry leaders from across the United States gathered in our nation’s capitol and another 100 gathered online for ASTA’s annual Policy and Leadership Development Conference (PLDC). In fact, ASTA made news for becoming the first agricultural group to meet in Washington, D.C., in more than a year, writes Jerry Hagstrom in his National Journal column. The meeting shows that gathering in Washington is still worthwhile.

In appreciation for his year of service, incoming ASTA Chair Brad May presents John Latham with a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on John’s birthday.

“It’s so good to be back together as an industry, a community, and as friends,” Latham said in his opening remarks on Monday, June 21, 2021. “The past year was far different than any of us could ever have imagined. Despite the challenges, it has been such an honor to serve as chair of the American Seed Trade Association during this truly unprecedented time.”

Congressman Feenstra of Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District addressed ASTA members on the importance of telling the story of agriculture. He is pictured (left) with John, Ian and Shannon Latham during the meeting.

Latham continued, “I am most proud that we kept the association business moving forward during the pandemic. ASTA board members updated the existing Strategic Plan and added Sustainability as its own pillar. After all, ‘sustainability’ is a part of everything we do – it always has been! Sustainability is a key to telling the story of how the seed industry helps feed the world while protecting, improving, and replenishing our resources for future generations.”

Congressman Feenstra of Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District reiterated the importance of telling agriculture’s story. In his address to ASTA members, he said, “We (in agriculture) have a story to tell.” Feenstra went on to say he is thrilled to tell ag’s story as a member of the House Ag Committee. He also serves on the House Committee on the Budget, as well as the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

“We appreciate that Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra addressed PLDC participants in person,” says Latham. “We greatly appreciate his understanding of agriculture. We need more advocates like Congressman Feenstra, who understand the connection between agriculture, economic security, food security and national security.” Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Senator Joni Ernst also addressed the conference.

Visiting with members of Congress is one important component of the annual ASTA meeting, and association members traditionally visit their respective state’s congressional delegations on Capitol Hill. However, most legislative visits this year were conducted virtually. Seed industry leaders talked with elected officials about sustainability, innovation, and trade issues.

In addition to legislative advocacy efforts, the 2021 PLDC agenda covered timely business topics. General sessions and panel discussions ranged from how to attract more minorities and how to advance women to reopening offices. Concerns also were raised about how legislation and regulation could hamper the seed industry.

John Latham facilitated the “Women in Seed” discussion which included Shannon Latham as a panelist.

To help quell those fears, USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh said on a live video chat that “it all begins with the seed.” (“First the seed” is ASTA’s motto and the name of its foundation.) The Deputy Secretary also said she hopes the success of the COVID-19 vaccine leads to renewed faith in science.

“We can’t pick and choose which science we like,” said Bronaugh. This was welcome news to the seed industry, which fears science skeptics will halt the innovation of seeds.

The importance of seed innovations will continue to be a key message communicated by ASTA members. Because there is a new administration in the White House and many new members of Congress, Latham stressed the importance of building relationships. “Never doubt the power, and necessity, of our strong collective voice,” he said as he addressed ASTA members during a general session.

Legislative priorities for ASTA include:
- Opposing new bills at the state level that limit treated seed, which is such a vital tool for agriculture and have tremendous benefits for farmers and the environment.
- Engaging in the UN Food Systems Summit where the international community will come together to address global food challenges – with significant impacts on future policy. It’s important the global policy environment encourages continued innovation for the future.
- Continuing ASTA’s great work regarding innovation, and specifically gene editing as it has so much promise for companies of all sizes, as well as for all kinds of seeds from corn and soybeans to vegetables and beyond. Gene editing has the promise to help feed the world and maybe even prevent the next global pandemic.
  John Latham said he appreciated all the support he received during the week of PLDC in Washington, D.C. He enjoyed introducing Latham Team members to his industry colleagues and friends.
Keeping with tradition, Latham hosted a Chairman’s Dinner on the last evening of the annual summer ASTA conference. The event was held at the newly opened The Point with a waterfront view. Because Washington, D.C., is known for its crab cakes – and crab cakes were served at the Chairman’s Dinner – today we’re sharing with you a recipe, so you can make these delicacies at home. Bon Appetit!

*Recipe excerpted from “Dining by Fireflies” cookbook.
shannonlatham

July 7, 2021

Agriculture, Dairy, Food & Family, Industry News, Recipes, Seafood, Seed Technology
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

A Note to Farmers from Secretary Naig to close out National Ag Week
Guest post by Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

Happy National Ag Week! This annual event is a great opportunity to say thank you to the farmers and agribusinesses who provide food and fuel for all of us. This past year reminded everyone what we, in agriculture, already know. Agriculture is essential to our livelihood, our food chain and our state’s economy.

My roots are in agriculture. I was born and raised on a crop and livestock farm in Cylinder, Iowa. The agriculture community shaped who I am and I still plant and harvest our family farm every year. But nothing makes me more proud than taking my wife and three boys to the family farm to teach them about agriculture and caring for our land. Latham Seeds celebrates food and family every Friday on this blog, The Field Position so I’m sharing the below recipe for Kringla, a favorite treat in my family.

During the past few days of National Ag Week I’ve been visiting farmers, agribusinesses and food security organizations across the state to say “thank you” for your contributions. This past year was not easy, but it highlighted the creativity, resilience and generosity of Iowa’s agriculture community.

There are two very special organizations I’d like to recognize this week — the Iowa State University Meats Lab and the Iowa Food Bank Association. These organizations went to extraordinary efforts to help livestock producers overcome supply chain disruptions and feed hungry Iowans during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a thank you, it’s my pleasure to present the Secretary’s Ag Leader Awards to both of these organizations.

The ISU Meats Lab, and the Iowa Food Bank Association and its six regional food banks, played vital roles in the state’s food security initiatives, including Pass the Pork, Beef Up Iowa, Pack the Pantry and Turkey to Table. These programs were developed by the Governor’s Feeding Iowans Task Force in the spring of 2020, in part, to help livestock producers market their protein when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced meat processing capacity at the state’s large processing facilities. Through these programs, 1.75 million servings of Iowa-raised pork, beef and turkey were delivered to the food bank and food pantry feeding programs.

I believe the Iowa agriculture community can continue leading important conversations and tackling difficult issues. Foreign animal disease prevention and planning, generating demand for renewable fuels, and scaling-up soil health and water quality projects continue to be my priorities.

As we spend this week thanking the farmers who work tirelessly to feed and fuel us, we must also recognize their businesses must be financially and environmentally sustainable to continue doing so.

That’s one reason why I’m working to establish a value-added agriculture grant program. If the funding is approved, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will provide grants that incentivize producers to explore new product offerings, production methods and marketing opportunities to help them be more profitable.

The Department is also investing in conservation programs that improve soil health and water quality, and we’re learning more about the new carbon markets. These market-based systems create revenue streams for farmers and landowners who invest in carbon-sequestration practices. This is one way farmers and landowners can build upon the conservation efforts underway across the state.

These are just two examples of the programs designed to give the Iowa agriculture community the resources it needs to continue its legacy of innovation. I am confident that the creativity and resiliency that served agriculture well in the past, will continue to drive innovation, environmental stewardship and profitability into the next decade and beyond.

Thank you for your contributions to the Iowa agriculture community. I hope you’ve enjoyed National Ag Week, you certainly deserve it.
- Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Laura Cunningham

March 24, 2021

Agriculture, Desserts, Food & Family, Industry News, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

We’ve Always Believed in the Future of Agriculture

National FFA Week is time for us to remember our roots. The Lathams have grown up in FFA, and this time every year we think about the experiences that helped shape our hope in agriculture.

Front Right: Shannon Latham

Did you know that E.M. Tiffany had the foresight to write the FFA Creed in 1928? That was a long time ago! And yet, that Creed continues to apply to Future Farmers of America today:

“I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.”

Everyone has experienced discouragement at some point, and perhaps none so much as Iowa farmers over the years. We can’t forget the derecho in August 2020, which was one of the most costly thunderstorm disasters in U.S. history.

Before that, Iowa farmers were dealt with the Farm Crisis. The Federal Reserve’s tight money policies were intended to bring down high interest rates but caused farmland values to drop 60% in some parts of the Midwest from 1981 to 1985.

Every generation has had to face massive changes. But history gives us invaluable perspective. This is where we remember the last paragraph of FFA’s Creed:

“I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.”

We are blessed to be part of a family-owned seed company that is headquartered in America’s heartland. We’re honored to work with a network of other ag advocates across the Upper Midwest who share our passion. And we’re grateful for those who are committed to being a positive influence in their communities.

Let’s celebrate everyone who carries on the tradition of wearing the blue jacket.

The mac and cheese recipe below comes from the Stenjem family of Wisconsin! This recipe is often requested for FFA banquets and FFA members’ graduations. Enjoy!

shannonlatham

February 22, 2021

Agriculture, Food & Family, Industry News, Recipes, Sides