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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Football Fans “To The Rescue” on Game Day
With 19 returning starters from last year’s Fiesta Bowl championship team and a #7 ranking in the Associated Press’ preseason poll, Iowa State University (ISU) fans are fired up for the Cyclones’ season opener on Sept. 4. Another highly anticipated game will be played Sept. 11 as part of the annual Cy-Hawk Series.

There have been years – more years than most Cyclone fans want to admit – when the only things that got fired up on Game Day were grills. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ General Manager Ryan and Meg Schon started honing their tailgating skills 25 years ago when their favorite team didn’t have a hope of post-season play, and “Tailgate Victoriously” became their rally cry.

Among the sea of pickup trucks and campers parked near Jack Trice Stadium, you’ll find creative tailgating vehicles like converted school buses and repurposed ambulances. This year marks the fourth season that Latham® Seeds Dealer Sean Waldstein will host family members and friends for tailgates before the Cyclone football games in a converted ambulance.

This year marks the fourth season that Latham® Seeds Dealer Sean Waldstein will host family members and friends for tailgates before the Cyclone football games in a converted ambulance.

“This year is an exciting step forward for ISU football,” says Sean Waldstein, who grew up cheering for Iowa State as both of his parents are alumni.

Retro logos add flare to the Waldstein tailgate ambulance.

After graduating in 2000 from Sioux Central High School, Sean attended classes at ISU where he completed his undergrad studies in Exercise Science. He volunteered for the ISU football strength program and completed an internship at the University of Wyoming in its strength program. He went on to earn his master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Iowa State. While attending Iowa State, Sean met his wife, Amanda, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from ISU and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Drake University.

The newly married couple made their home in Urbandale, Iowa, where Sean worked as a strength coach for Drake University and then ISU. In 2013, they moved near Lincoln, Nebraska, where Sean worked in corporate wellness and Amanda was able to stay home. In 2017, Sean and Amanda decided to raise their children near family and moved back to Sean’s hometown in Northwest Iowa. Amanda works as a Salesforce administrator / business analyst, and Sean farms with his dad. The Waldstein family grows corn and soybeans, as well as raises pigs.

Retro logos add flare to the Waldstein tailgate ambulance.

In addition, Sean works as a substitute teacher and coaches junior high girls basketball. He drives the bus mostly for the teams he coaches and helps with the school’s weight program. Sean and Amanda are the proud parents of two daughters and one son. Their oldest daughter, Ryleigh, is a freshman in high school and a four-sport athlete. Peyton is in sixth grade, and Evan is in third grade. This active family especially enjoys water sports all summer long.

“Water skiing, barefoot, solemn and wakeboarding… you name it, we do it!” says Sean.

Summer fun transitions into the fall tailgating season. Although Sean wasn’t looking for a tailgating vehicle, the opportunity presented itself.

“The guy who spreads our hog manure had used the ambulance as a service vehicle, but the ambulance no longer fit his needs,” says Sean. After striking a deal for the ambulance, Sean and Amanda got to work on making it suit their needs.

The first tailgating season they painted the outside of the ambulance and cleaned up the inside. The next season they added the 1983 and 1984 Cy logos on the outside. Most recently, a hitch was added to be able to transport a griddle.

Inside the retrofitted Waldstein tailgate ambulance.

“One of my cousins lives in Ames, so we take the ambulance down to her place for the season. On Game Day, our family and my cousin’s family all pile into the ambulance and head to the tailgate,” says Sean. “The ambulance has made tailgating so much more enjoyable because it stores all of our equipment. We don’t have to hassle with unloading tables, chairs, a tent and grill once we get home.”

The whole family piles into the ambulance on Game Day!

In celebration of the fall football season, today Sean is sharing with us one of his family’s favorite tailgating recipes for Pickle Wrap Dip. We’re also linking to several other Game Day recipes, so you can celebrate the season whether you’re sitting on a tailgate in a farm field during fall harvest or outside your favorite football field.

Related Links:
shannonlatham

September 1, 2021

Appetizers, Beef, Dairy, Fall, Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

The Iowa State Fair Returns

By Aaron Putze

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This often-cited comment isn’t just a favored figure of speech. A 2013 published study proved that people involved in long-distance relationships had more meaningful interactions than those who saw each other daily.

While I prefer seeing those I love frequently, perhaps the adage best applies to Iowans’ love affair with the Iowa State Fair.

Sunset at the iconic Iowa State Fair

After its absence last year, one of our nation’s most iconic events returns Aug 12-22.

Call it a hunch, but my gut tells me the crowds will be enormous.

This will be my 25th fair in 26 years. After teetering on state fair burnout at the close of the 2019 edition, I’m ready and waiting for the gates to open and the canon sound 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 12.

America Needs Farmers artwork at the Iowa State Fair

Once again, I’m relishing thoughts of riding the sky glide, walking the cattle barn, navigating the Grand Concourse, sampling corn dogs, hot beef sundaes, and deep fried deviled eggs (check out the latter at the Cluck ‘n Coop tucked just inside the Midway operated by my friend Shon Bruellman).

I’m also looking forward to advocating once again for farmers during the 11-day event. The number of state fair visitors routinely tops one million. Most who walk the grounds have little to no connection to agriculture.

The Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP) returns to the southeast atrium of the Varied Industries Building. It’s our 10^th year in the location. Given roughly 250,000 fairgoers pass through the atrium annually, simple math tells me we’ve rubbed elbows with almost 2.5 million people.

Rooster at the Iowa State Fair

The impact has been measurable. Each fair, we add thousands of new fans to Iowa FFP’s audience. In addition to having an appetite for state fair cuisine, they hunger for candid and accurate information about the food they eat, how it’s grown and who grows it. The Iowa FFP is an open book about food, family and farming. We welcome the interest people have in all things food-related, from the simple (no, chocolate milk doesn’t come from brown cows!) to the complicated (yes, genetic modification is a good thing).

Those who sign up to engage with Iowa FFP receive farm-fresh information about modern agriculture via a

combination of our e-newsletter, popular Fresh Pickings Magazine (published quarterly) and social media offerings. Not only does the audience stick, but surveys show that those engaged with the Iowa FFP are 6% more trusting of modern agriculture than the general public.

Aaron Putze, APR, serves as the Sr. Dir., Information and Education for the Iowa Soybean Association. He was raised on a farm near West Bend and lives in Waukee with his wife Crystal and children Garrett, Grant and Jaelyn.

Given it’s our 10^th fair, we’re going back to how it all began. In August 2010, our first exhibit featured numerous ag-centric creations made entirely out of canned and packaged food items. In 2021, we’re constructing a larger-than-life tribute to Iowa farmers. It will again be built entirely of canned and packaged food. While I’m not about to spill the beans on what we’ll be constructing, rest assured that you’ll leave the exhibit knowing that our food, land and future is in good hands because of the dedication of Iowa’s farm families.

But that’s not the only place the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) will have a presence. In addition to joining with Iowa’s commodity organizations to bring the Iowa FFP exhibit to life, biodiesel made from soybeans will power the state fair trams. Children participating in the super-popular Little Hands on the Farm will learn how soybeans are grown while visitors to the Ag Building will have the opportunity to visit with soybean farmers on select days. ISA is also helping support the volunteers who will be caring for the pigs, poults and turkeys fairgoers will ooh and awe at in the Animal Learning Center.

Absence might make the heart grow fonder but coming together is the best way to connect people who don’t farm with those who do.

And, so it will be again this year at the Iowa State Fair. I for one can’t wait.

Webspec Admin

August 5, 2021

Appetizers, Dairy, Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Sides, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Tips for Stressing Less and Entertaining More

What do you do when company unexpectedly arrives? Scott and Cindy Rasmussen of Burt, Iowa, keep food on hand that can be fixed quickly, which makes entertaining fun and easy. Now that their three children have families of their own, their freezer and pantry are filled with treats and snacks their grandkids also will enjoy.

“Our approach is to keep it simple. We prep food ahead of time, so we can enjoy more time with our friends and family when they arrive,” says Cindy, who works part-time off the farm for an attorney and also helps with field work during the spring and fall.

The Rasmussen Family

Scott, the other half of this husband-wife team, shares one of their entertaining secrets. Ziploc® freezer bags filled with Rye Bread Appetizers and Party Pretzels are a quick fix when company arrives. It’s a trick they used as their kids were growing up, and it’s still their secret weapon now that they have eight grandchildren.

“All of our kids were very active in high school with sports and extracurricular activities like 4-H,” says Scott, who served as 4-H club leader for 11 years and coached their AAU basketball teams. Cindy was a Sunday School teacher and Scott served as a trustee. They both served as T-ball coaches when their kids were young.

Adds Cindy, “It took some planning, especially during spring and fall, but we really wanted our kids to experience life outside of farming, choose their own paths, and earn a four-year degree. Now our kids help us farm during the busy seasons.”

The Rasmussen’s oldest son, Noah, graduated from Algona High School in 2000. Upon earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University (ISU), he began working for John Deere in Urbandale. He and his wife, Rachel, live with their three daughters near Cambridge. Noah helps his parents stay informed about advanced technology and has been known to pull an all-nighter to help on the farm in the fall. Rachel graduated from ISU with a master’s in public administration and works in human relations.

The Rasmussen’s second son, Drew, graduated from high school in 2005. He earned a degree in Industrial Systems Technology (Ag Systems Technology) with a minor in safety from ISU and works for AGP as a compliance officer. Drew farms with his parents and looks forward to farming on his own someday. Drew and his wife, Sierra, built a home on the farm place where Scott was raised. Scott’s parents also live on the homeplace, so Drew and Sierra help them as needed. The couple has twins (a boy and a girl), and Sierra also works for the Farm Service Agency.

The Rasmussen’s daughter, Chelsie, graduated from high school in 2007. She earned a degree in psychology from the University of Iowa. She and her husband, Tom, purchased an acreage that was homesteaded in 1877 by Scott’s family. Their acreage is located between Drew and Sierra’s home and Scott and Cindy’s home, so they all live within three miles of each other. Chelsie works as a physical therapist assistant in Algona, and the couple has two daughters and a son.

“There is so much family history here, and we feel blessed that our children are committed to preserving it,” says Cindy. “It is wonderful to have everyone close by. It makes it easier for them to help on the farm as their schedules allow. Tom is not only our insurance agent, but he has taken over many tasks. Like Drew, Tom helps us work ground, pick up rocks, and runs the grain cart in the fall. Their help has allowed me to spend more time with grandchildren.”

When their children were growing up, the Rasmussens had a farrow-to-finish operation in addition to their cropping operation. When hog prices went to $8 in 2000, Scott was determined to find a way to make up for lost income. He worked at Aluma Trailers in Bancroft around his farming schedule. After a year of working at Aluma, Scott’s dad retired from farming. Scott continued working part-time and farmed additional acres. Then in 2008, he converted the barn into a heated shop where he enjoys maintaining his line of farm equipment and woodworking especially during the winter months.

Surround Yourself with Good People

“I really enjoyed working at Aluma and my boss was really good to me,” says Scott. “He was one person who really helped make a difference. Cindy and I have really been blessed by the people who have helped us along the way.”

Other people who made a difference for Scott and Cindy are the farm manager of the Stockwell Memorial Farm, who helped them start farming on their own; an elderly neighbor who chose Scott to farm his land when he decided to retire; and Bill and Linda Latham who chose Scott to farm their land near Burt, Iowa.

“As we have gotten older, we reflect on the people who made a difference in our life. Bill and Linda Latham are two of those people. We could feel Bill’s passion for his work, his family and the seed industry. Of course, behind every good man is a great woman!” says Scott.

“I would also like to express my total appreciation for all the little things that Latham Seeds does for its customers and dealers,” adds Scott. “Latham goes above and beyond, that is what sets this company apart from the others. I always get an answer from a real person, so I’m not caught in a telephone nightmare or waiting on hold. To all the Latham family and employees, thank you!”

“We’ve learned to surround ourselves with good people, and that’s one of the reasons we enjoy working with Latham Seeds,” says Scott. “The company is filled with good people. I know that I can call the office and be connected to someone who has the answer to my question. I really enjoy Latham’s personal service, plus Latham® products really perform well.”

During the growing season, the Rasmussens enjoy making time for fishing, boating and attending their grandchildren’s activities. The couple also enjoys antiquing, refinishing and repurposing furniture in their leisure. They turned a cabinet into a buffet to camouflage a dorm-sized refrigerator. They also put locking wheels on an island in their kitchen, which readily extends their kitchen counter space if they want to set up a buffet line. Both items make entertaining easy.

Today the Rasmussens are sharing a family-favorite Taco Dip recipe to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time socializing with friends and family. Or freeze Party Pretzels, so you can grab a bag to take in the tractor cab or the fishing boat.

shannonlatham

June 2, 2021

Appetizers, Dairy, Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Spring Calves, Summer Camping & Milestone Celebrations

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Now that their four daughters have finished school for the academic year, Tyler and Michelle Sandven are kicking into high gear to make time for their favorite activities including grilling, camping and riding motorcycles.

Oldest daughters, Sydnie and Rylie, are members of 4-H and FFA. They enjoy showing cattle and riding horses. In addition, they have summer jobs at the fitness center. Syndie is a 2021 graduate of Humboldt High School. She plans to attend Iowa Central Community College to become a medical assistant. Rylie will be a junior in high school. Twins Kylan and Kynlie will turn 10 years old at the end of this month.

The Sandven Family

“It takes a lot of energy to keep up with four active girls! I lost 30 pounds and gained my energy and health back with the Yoli® program. After my success with the all-natural system, I became a health coach in 2018,” says Michelle, who is a licensed cosmetologist and works two days a week at the American Barbershop in Humboldt.

The Sandvens also farm.

“We feel fortunate to raise our family where they’re sure to develop a good work ethic,” says Tyler. “Our girls really enjoy the animals and helping with chores. When they were younger, they enjoyed riding in the cab of the tractor while the cattle are being fed. They also like helping bottle feed the calves.”

Having a family who shares his love of agriculture makes this Iowa farmer proud.

“Farming is all I ever wanted to do,” says Tyler, who was raised on a diversified farm in Humboldt County. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Business, he was eager to return to the family’s farming operation.

Together with his dad and his brother, Tyler raises cow-calf pairs and has a feeder-to-finish cattle operation. The family also raises horses, which his father especially enjoys riding. Tyler, on the other hand, prefers to ride something with a motor. “Hanging loose in Hawaii” by riding a Harley across Maui during a Latham Seeds’ dealer trip is one of Tyler and Michelle’s favorite memories.

“I like working with a family-owned seed business whose owners share a lot of our same values,” says Tyler, who has been a Latham® dealer since 2007. He appreciates having a solid lineup to sell of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. He encourages farmers to plant a minimum of three different Latham brand corn or soybean products with a mixture of offensive and defensive traits. He also recommends mixing maturities to further reduce risk.

Tyler and Michelle also look forward to attending Latham Dealer meetings throughout the summer and into the fall. Another annual event they look forward to is Latham’s tailgate at an Iowa State football game. The Sandvens enjoy cheering on the Cyclones every chance they get!

In celebration of summer growing season and May Beef Month, today the Sandven family is sharing with us one of their favorite recipes for garlic steak bites. This recipe can be served as an appetizer or paired with side dishes to become a meal.

May 28, 2021

Appetizers, Beef, Food & Family, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Spring Calves, Summer Camping & Milestone Celebrations

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Now that their four daughters have finished school for the academic year, Tyler and Michelle Sandven are kicking into high gear to make time for their favorite activities including grilling, camping and riding motorcycles.

Oldest daughters, Sydnie and Rylie, are members of 4-H and FFA. They enjoy showing cattle and riding horses. In addition, they have summer jobs at the fitness center. Syndie is a 2021 graduate of Humboldt High School. She plans to attend Iowa Central Community College to become a medical assistant. Rylie will be a junior in high school. Twins Kylan and Kynlie will turn 10 years old at the end of this month.

The Sandven Family

“It takes a lot of energy to keep up with four active girls! I lost 30 pounds and gained my energy and health back with the Yoli® program. After my success with the all-natural system, I became a health coach in 2018,” says Michelle, who is a licensed cosmetologist and works two days a week at the American Barbershop in Humboldt.

The Sandvens also farm.

“We feel fortunate to raise our family where they’re sure to develop a good work ethic,” says Tyler. “Our girls really enjoy the animals and helping with chores. When they were younger, they enjoyed riding in the cab of the tractor while the cattle are being fed. They also like helping bottle feed the calves.”

Having a family who shares his love of agriculture makes this Iowa farmer proud.

“Farming is all I ever wanted to do,” says Tyler, who was raised on a diversified farm in Humboldt County. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Business, he was eager to return to the family’s farming operation.

Together with his dad and his brother, Tyler raises cow-calf pairs and has a feeder-to-finish cattle operation. The family also raises horses, which his father especially enjoys riding. Tyler, on the other hand, prefers to ride something with a motor. “Hanging loose in Hawaii” by riding a Harley across Maui during a Latham Seeds’ dealer trip is one of Tyler and Michelle’s favorite memories.

“I like working with a family-owned seed business whose owners share a lot of our same values,” says Tyler, who has been a Latham® dealer since 2007. He appreciates having a solid lineup to sell of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. He encourages farmers to plant a minimum of three different Latham brand corn or soybean products with a mixture of offensive and defensive traits. He also recommends mixing maturities to further reduce risk.

Tyler and Michelle also look forward to attending Latham Dealer meetings throughout the summer and into the fall. Another annual event they look forward to is Latham’s tailgate at an Iowa State football game. The Sandvens enjoy cheering on the Cyclones every chance they get!

In celebration of summer growing season and May Beef Month, today the Sandven family is sharing with us one of their favorite recipes for garlic steak bites. This recipe can be served as an appetizer or paired with side dishes to become a meal.

shannonlatham

May 28, 2021

Appetizers, Beef, Food & Family, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

A Picnic Epiphany
Guest post by Anita McVey of Picnic Life Foodie

Tis the season for bundling up in coats and hats to go outside and build a snowman, sled down the hill or have a snowball fight. Suggesting a winter picnic might cause even the most amiable of midwesterners to question your sanity. Make that same suggestion to kids and watch their eyes light up! Everyone will be happy to learn a winter picnic can be warm and cozy, right inside your home.

Calling this idea an “epiphany” may be a bit of an exaggeration. If, however, the rejuvenation and relaxation typically associated with an outdoor picnic can be achieved indoors when the weather is frightful, it’s not just an epiphany … it’s a miracle!

Set the Stage

The only prop needed to create an indoor picnic is a blanket. Choose one that is easy to wash (especially if kids are involved) so the inevitable spills cause minimal concern. An old quilt urges people to sit and relax. Seldom used seasonal tablecloths make family feel like the special guests they are.

Place the blanket, quilt or tablecloth near a fireplace or in an unusual room of the house. Turn off the overhead lights and add candles (monitored closely, of course) or a string of lights on or near the blanket.

Choose a Menu

As with any picnic, choose simple foods that are easy to transport and eat. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Sliders (like these Ham and Cheese Sandwiches): can be made ahead, kept warm and require no utensils to eat;
2. Wraps: easy to customize, packaged individually and secure the meat, cheese and veggies in one tortilla;
3. Skewers/Kabobs: meatballs (like these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs), lunch meat, cheese, fruit and even desserts are more fun on a stick!;
4. Pizza: fresh from the oven or delivered to your door.
Pack a Basket or Tray

Just as the sight of a blanket on the floor will draw attention, the approach of a picnic basket or tray is sure to pique curiosity. Pack extra napkins (or a roll of paper towels), any required plates/utensils, drinks (individual servings can be poured into Mason jars with lids for easy transport) and a trash bag for easy clean up.

Encourage Conversation

Think of a few questions to encourage conversation and extend the occasion. If the picnic happens around Christmas, ask everyone about their favorite moments or the best things they ate. Ask about goals for the New Year. Find a list of trivia questions or conversation starters online and choose a few that relate to your family/guests. Ask each person to share memories of a favorite picnic or ideas for a future one.

Be Creative

During those cooped up winter days when time outside is limited, engage the imagination and create a summer oasis. Turn up the furnace a little, spread out beach blankets or towels, and tell everyone to put on swimsuits (or shorts and t-shirts). Pick up some fried chicken from the grocery store or a restaurant, add some potato salad and drink lemonade! Start dreaming about an ideal summer vacation (in detail) and finish with some ice cream or a S’more snack mix (honey graham cereal, marshmallows, chocolate chips).

Who doesn’t love to hang out in their pajamas? A breakfast picnic would be a great way to start a day. Some excellent options for food would include: muffins and fruit, breakfast burritos, egg casseroles, and yogurt parfaits. Ask each other questions about dreams (literal and figurative), look up information on constellations, or watch some old cartoons.

Please do not assume a winter picnic is for children. Couples can have a quiet meal together with some adult beverages and charcuterie, fondue or a favorite pizza.

Warm and Cozy Winter Picnic

The picnic in these photos features the comfort food of winter: tomato soup. Poured into individual containers, the soup can be eaten with a spoon or sipped right out of the cup. Breadsticks, cheese rounds and clementines are all easy finger foods, requiring no additional utensils. Some cranberry sparkling water with a few fresh cranberries makes a festive drink. For dessert, leftover frosted sugar cookies were crumbled and layered into plastic cups with pudding, raspberry jam and fresh raspberries. A trifle like this can be made with any leftover cake, brownie, cookie or bar. Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt can be used instead of pudding and some fruit will add texture and freshness.

A New Tradition

This could be the start of a new tradition. Once a year, on January 6th, have a winter picnic … an Epiphany picnic. Celebrate the close of the Christmas season. Pack up some good bread, grapes, olives, cheese and wine (or sparkling grape juice). Read about the arrival of the Wise Men in Matthew 2:1-12. Talk about the significance of gift giving. Say a prayer asking for guidance and protection in the New Year.
shannonlatham

January 6, 2021

Appetizers, Poultry, Recipes, Season, Winter
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Two Touchdown Recipes for Super Bowl Sunday
Whether you’re rooting for the Chiefs or the Eagles, we can agree on one thing: food is a fabulous uniter! Start with this easy onion dip, follow it up with pork pocket sandwiches and . . . well, it’s like a double Kelce score!

Who will you root for on Sunday?

Baked Sweet Onion Dip

Baked Sweet Onion Dip

Ingredients
- 8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese (Very Softened)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Minced Sweet Onion
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- Crusty Bread, Crackers
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350º. In a bowl, place softened cream cheese. The cream cheese must be very, very, soft (like spreadable butter) to allow all ingredients to blend evenly together. If your cream cheese needs to soften more, place in the microwave for a few seconds.
2. Add mayo, Parmesan cheese, onions and fresh cracked black pepper to soft cream cheese till everything is mixed thoroughly.
3. Place mixture in ramekins or any oven-safe dishes. Bake slowly, for about 30-45 minutes for all ingredients to cook together. When the top crust is brown, almost burnt-looking, then the dip is ready. The darker brown the crust of the dip becomes, the better the flavors are cooked.
4. Serve with your favorite bread and crackers.
And … who could have a Super Bowl party without great sandwiches?

Enjoy!

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Team Latham

February 5, 2010

Appetizers, General, Pork, Recipes