A passion for ag brought him — with new skills — back to the family dairy farm
Dustin Ellis grew up on his family dairy farm in Waumandee, WI. After his high school graduation, he knew he’d come back to the family farm. Dustin’s experience in FFA, including receiving third place at the National FFA Convention for his John Deere 4320 restoration project, helped make the ag industry his life’s passion.
Dustin went to Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College- New Richmond to study Ag Diesel Mechanics.
“I chose this major because I enjoyed fixing things,” he says. “I wanted to expand my skill set and bring that back to my family farm.”
Dustin met his wife, Ashley, in FFA during high school, where they shared a passion for agriculture. They now have two daughters, Finley and Nola. Ashley works from home, takes care of the bookkeeping and helps on the farm.
After college, Dustin returned home to his family dairy farm full-time and works with his parents and brother. They milk in a double 10 parallel parlor, and grow soybeans, alfalfa, corn and rye. They also run a custom chopping operation.
Dustin says he wanted to work with an independent, family-owned seed company. He became interested in Latham for its strong corn and soybean lineup and was excited to test some of the new products firsthand through seed trials.
“My favorite part about working with Latham Seeds is the knowledgeable staff who are always willing to help find the best products for our farm and my customers,” Dusting says.
Dustin is involved in the community through his county Farm Bureau, where he is on the Board of Directors and was the Young Farmer Chair. When he’s not farming, he enjoys spending time with Ashley and his daughters, wakeboarding and hunting.
Today he shares with his his families favorite recipe Biscuits and Gravy!
Spreading hope on Good Friday with traditions and fellowship
“We can’t get to the glory of Easter Sunday without first experiencing the darkness of Good Friday,” my mom taught me. It’s a lesson I hope my children have learned, and it’s a message I pray they will share with their children.
On Good Friday, we remember how Jesus was crucified. We reverently remember His last hours on the cross. Throughout the Tenebrae service, our church gets progressively darker. We confess the sins that caused His suffering by literally nailing them to the cross. And then we exit the sanctuary in total silence. It’s a solemn service, but there is hope.
We know Jesus will be laid in the tomb, and the Good News will be shared on Easter morning.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. – Matthew 28:6
Easter sunrise service symbolizes the empty tomb that greeted Mary as dawn broke that Easter morning. This sunrise service is filled with light and love. Oh, how I love this service! I love the way our sanctuary is filled with the fragrance of Easter lilies. I love the feeling of joy that is shared when we greet one another by saying, “He is risen. He is risen indeed!”
And, I love the delicious Easter breakfast that is prepared and served by our youth and members of the Youth Committee! (Special thanks to those who arrive around 5 a.m. to crack the eggs and prepare roasters full of food.) I also enjoy getting together with my family for Easter dinner.
Today I’m sharing a recipe for Empty Tomb Rolls in case you want to add more symbolism to your holiday meal. I’m also sharing links to several of my family’s favorite Easter recipes in the following posts. You’ll find simple, yet delicious recipes to makeover Easter leftovers.
Like Farming, Cooking is a Multi-Generational Love
The Jacobsen family has been producing corn, soybeans and pork on an Iowa farm for almost as long as Iowa has been a state.
Doug and Carolyn Jacobsen began growing seed beans for Latham Seeds in the 1970s. They were the third generation to work the family’s Iowa Century Farm. Their son, Corey, and his wife, Kim, began growing seed beans in 1986 when he rented his first farm near the century farm.
While studying Ag Business at Iowa State University (ISU), Corey helped plant four crops and maintained his breeding-to-finish swine operation. He traveled home each weekend to do chores and made countless other trips whenever needed for breeding or farrowing. After graduating from ISU, Corey worked at Brenton Bank in Clarion and then at Dows United Bank & Trust, where he retired as bank president in 2000.
That’s when he started farming full time with Kim, who retired as a high school math teacher and coach at Clarion-Goldfield Dows.
Corey and Kim credit 4-H for laying the groundwork for future farmers, as well as for their three boys: Ben, Matthew and Caleb.
“Through 4-H, our boys learned skills they use on the farm such as welding, woodworking, small engines, along with the communication and record keeping,” Kim says. “We feel blessed that they grew up on the farm learning the value of honesty, hard work and sacrifice to accomplish goals. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Family favorite recipes are often passed down through generations. The Jacobsens are doing just that with these sausage and cheese egg roll wraps.
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds launched its “Sowing Seeds of Hope” campaign in 2022 — our 75th year of business — to raise $75,000 for the American Cancer Society over three years.
Thanks to Latham® dealers, customers and employees, we raised $25,000 toward that goal by July 1, 2023! We’re on track to raise $25,000 again this year. The silent auction at 2023 Latham Dealer Kickoff in Bloomington, Minnesota, brought in $3,675.
A special thanks goes to Craig and Lori Haaland for their generous donation of a Latham Seeds t-shirt quilt, which was hand-crafted by Lori. We appreciate Latham’s R&D Team for their generous purchase price of $1,200. This quilt will be presented to a Latham dealer who is a cancer survivor.
Craig and Lori Haaland with the Latham Seeds t-shirt quilt
Everyone knows someone who has been personally affected by cancer, and our family is no exception. We also know firsthand what a gift hope can be, when Bill Latham’s life was extended for nearly six years thanks to medical advancements and a stem cell transplant. Those years were invaluable time that allowed Bill to meet his youngest granddaughter and enjoy moments with his five grandchildren — while also passing down business advice to his sons.
As Blood Cancer Awareness Month gets underway in September, Latham Seeds announces its commitment to year two of raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Watch the video to learn more about “Sowing Seeds of Hope”.
Employees and friends of Latham Seeds are invited to join the company owners and team members in raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
You’re also invited to celebrate Blood Cancer Awareness Month at home by enjoying a healthy breakfast made with eggs, which are an inexpensive source of high-quality protein.
At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we have been kicking off the holidays with an all-company potluck since 2009. This year, we thought our gathering was worthy of a Christmas poem. Enjoy our little story and our pictures! Here’s to carrying on your own cherished family traditions this season.
This week at Latham Seeds, we all gave a cheer
For the food and the sweaters — yes, our potluck was here!
Crockpots and cookies all waited in line
And the tacos arrived, just precisely on time.
Who brought that cheese dip? Who made those bars?
Mexican sushi? Oh, we’re eating like stars.
“Feliz Navidad” was our theme for this year,
There were jalapeños galore, for those with no fear.
We had cheesy corn and tortillas, beans and rice
And all the Christmas staples – so much sugar, so much spice!
Our ugly sweater contest brought Quentin some fame.
But who knew Spanish Bingo is the best reindeer game?
Quentin was our big winner!
Personalized ornaments were hung on the tree
As a thank you to Team Latham for everyone to see.
With hearts and bellies full, no one left without
Because a tradition like this is what family’s all about.
Enjoy a recipe that was brought to the potluck below!
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!
This week college basketball teams and their loyal fans will travel to eight cities for 48 games during the first four-day weekend of America’s unofficial hoops holiday. They will then move to four cities for the Sweet 16 before arriving in New Orleans where the Final Four will run April 2-4.
We’re helping fans everywhere prepare with 10 themed recipes from our blog. Whether your favorite teams win or loses, you’ll always be a winner when you bring your “A Game” to the table! Good food makes the agony of defeat more bearable or the thrill of victory sweeter.
Iowans were thrilled on Selection Sunday, March 13, when both the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State University Cyclones were invited to The Big Dance. Fresh off a Big 10 Championship title, the University of Iowa Hawkeyes were given a 5-seed. The Hawks will play 12th-seeded Richmond Spiders, which also won its conference tournament, at 2:10 p.m. on March 17.
Iowa State University will play on Friday, March 17, at 6:20 p.m. After going 0-18 last season in the Big 12 and 2-22 overall, new head coach T.J. Otzelberger’s has led the Cyclones to their first NCAA tournament since 2019. The Cyclones will be an 11th-seed this year, matching up against the sixth-seeded Louisiana State University Tigers.
Throughout the basketball season, every free throw made by Iowa State University and University of Iowa, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds donated to the American Cancer Society through Coaches vs Cancer!
The 2022 Iowa State University Check Presentation.The 2022 University of Iowa Check Presentation.
Whether you want to cheer on your favorite teams while enjoying a St. Patrick’s Day feast, simple pub grub or southern comfort food, you’ll find it in our Game Day Recipe Roundup. Below are favorite recipes that were featured by Latham Seeds on “The Field Position:
Remember to tune into after the game to the Latham Locker Room Report on Cyclone Radio. The Latham Locker Room show is a post-game radio broadcast in which analysts, coaches and players share their thoughts on the game.
Spring is a time of new beginnings for farmers across the Upper Midwest. It was fitting that in April 2014 Matt Wyatt left his full-time job of 18 years as claims supervisor for Rain & Hail Agricultural Insurance to fully enjoy this new season of life.
Matt enjoys planting and harvesting crops without distractions including checking email frequently and fielding multiple phone calls related to crop insurance.
Frank Wyatt with son Matt Wyatt
“I like knowing I’ll be home every night, and I like working with my dad,” says Matt, the fourth generation of Wyatts to farm near Hudson in Northeast Iowa.
Matt and Frank raise corn and soybeans. They also have an early wean-to-finish pork operation. In addition, Frank has been a Latham® dealer since 1995. Matt joined the dealership in 2015.
Being alone with his thoughts for a good part of the day took some getting used to as Matt transitioned from his corporate job to farming full time. Now he enjoys spending time outside where the birds sing and his phone isn’t chirping incessantly. He can concentrate on doing the day’s job and planning for the future.
“Even if they don’t decide to pursue farming, I want my children to have an appreciation for the process,” adds Matt. “I want them to experience a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day, knowing the work that was done is all a part of something bigger.”
The Wyatt Family
Matt graduated in 1996 from Iowa State University (ISU) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Agronomy. It’s also where he met his wife, Chelsea, who stays busy with her children’s school and community activities. The couple are the proud parents of two sons and a daughter: Cael, Aiden and Ava. Cael is a senior at ISU, majoring in Communication Studies. Aiden is a sophomore at ISU, majoring in Journalism. Ava is a high school junior, who is considering ISU for her future studies.
Active in the community, Chelsea organized the community soccer program and chaired the local parent-teacher association for several years. Matt helped coach the community’s youth wrestling program and served as a coach for Ava’s youth soccer team. Matt also has been president of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck School Board and is active in his local church. In addition, Matt and his father, Frank, are active in the Masonic Lodge.
In their free time, the Wyatts enjoy cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebels. Matt enjoys golfing, and Chelsea enjoys taking family vacations to the beach.
In honor of the pork they produce and the tropical vacations they enjoy, the Wyatts are sharing a family favorite recipe.
“It’s rare that I make the same thing twice, but this recipe is great for tailgating and entertaining,” says Chelsea. “You can whip it up the night before, it feeds a lot of people and is always a hit!
Three Generations of Franklin County Farmers Raise Latham Seed Beans
Producing corn, soybeans and pork on a farm is commonplace in Iowa, where livestock feed has been the primary use of grain crops throughout that state’s 175-year history. Families, like the Jacobsens of Dows in Franklin County, are proud of their farming legacy.
The Jacobsen Family
Doug and Carolyn Jacobsen began growing seed beans for Latham Seeds in the 1970s. Their Iowa Century Farm is located one mile from where their son, Corey, and his wife, Kim, farm. Corey began growing seed beans in 1986 when he rented his first farm. Corey and Kim’s oldest son, a fifth generation Iowa farmer, began growing Latham seed beans in 2018.
“I appreciate the opportunity to raise Latham seed beans because most years we get access to newer genetics a year earlier than if we raised soybeans just commercially. I like seeing what’s new in the lineup,” says Corey. “It’s fun visiting with everybody in the fall when we deliver beans to the plant. Plus, it’s nice to know we can pick up the phone or stop by the office whenever we have questions about production or want input.”
Corey has been working toward his goal of farming since he graduated from high school. While studying ag business at Iowa State University (ISU), he helped plant four crops and maintained his breeding-to-finish swine operation. Corey traveled home each weekend to do chores and made countless other trips whenever needed for breeding or farrowing.
“I met Corey at the 1985 Franklin County Fair where he was showing pigs and I was working in the Extension office,” says Kim, who grew up on a farm south of Coulter and enjoyed showing horses in 4-H. It’s only natural their three sons would become showmen.
When Corey graduated from ISU in 1990, he began working at Brenton Bank in Clarion. One year later he started at Dows United Bank & Trust. Corey retired as bank president in 2000, and then he and Kim began farming full time. Kim also retired after teaching high school math and coaching volleyball and track for 10 years at Clarion-Goldfield Dows. Their more flexible schedules allowed their family to spend more time on their pork operation.
“Pork is truly a family project that we all enjoy,” says Kim. She and Corey custom-finished pigs for years and raised show pigs. Now they run an independent wean-to-finish operation. “Raising livestock taught our boys day-to-day responsibility that many other activities can’t provide. They learned that it takes teamwork to be successful and to accomplish what needs to be done.”
When their boys were in middle and high school, the Jacobsen family participated several livestock shows annually including: the Iowa State Fair, Ak-Sar-Ben, World Pork Expo, National Barrow Show, Sioux Empire in South Dakota, Iowa State University’s Block & Bridle, as well as numerous county and state 4-H and FFA shows. Ben had the honor of showing the Reserve Champion FFA Market Hog at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.
“Through 4-H, our boys learned skills they use on the farm also such as welding, woodworking, small engines, along with the communication and record keeping,” says Kim. “Now that they’ve all graduated from high school, I love to see our sons use their skills and continue to educate others about agriculture. Caleb won the Outstanding Agriculture Exhibit by ISU College of Agriculture and Life Science at the Iowa State Fair for his project teaching the truth of GMO’s. Matt is known as the ‘farm kid’ and go-to resource at college. He has skills in welding, woodworking, painting and general carpentry that most other students do not have. He laughs at all of this, especially the time he was a hero changing a gas tank on a gas grill, much to the amazement and awe of others. He also educates classmates and others in the city about livestock and agriculture.”
Matthew will graduate in May 2022 from Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a degree in Molecular and Neurological Biology. He has been a part of the Harvard Curling Club, John Adams debate society and Harvard Pro-Life while keeping up with research projects. Matthew plans to continue research for another year and then attend medical school.
The Jacobsen’s youngest son, Caleb, is a freshman majoring in Ag business at Iowa State University. He enjoys being active in the Ag Business Club and the SALT network through Cornerstone Church. Caleb is following the steps of his oldest brother, Ben, who graduated from ISU in 2018 with a degree in ag business. Ben farms with Corey and Kim. Frances is a Talent and Acquisition Specialist for Boston Scientific, working from their home in Ames. They are expecting their first child in June.
“We feel blessed to have our children grow up on the farm learning the value of honesty, hard work and sacrifice to accomplish goals,” says Kim. “Now the next generation will grow up farming in a community that has been so supportive. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
During this time of transition, Corey and Kim are freeing up their schedules to make more time for travel. Corey had served on the Dows school board for 20 years and retired when the school district merged. Kim has relinquished most of her off-farm obligations but continues to serve on the Iowa Specialty Hospital Board. They enjoy following the Iowa State Cyclones to Bowl games and other destinations. They have greatly enjoyed making spontaneous trips and have especially enjoyed visiting Matt in Boston.
“We love traveling, trying restaurants, experiencing other cultures and visiting farming operations in other places,” says Kim. Today they’re sharing with us one of their favorite game day recipes of Sausage and Cheese Egg Roll Wraps.
Jerry Paumen (pronounced Paw-men) remembers when “three strikes, you’re out” as a young boy playing baseball in Plato, Minnesota only applied to baseball. But many years later, it took on a much different meaning.
“I always wanted to come back to the family farm, but my parents didn’t accept my proposal the first two times I made it,” says Jerry, who attended Dakota County Technical College for Diesel Mechanics.
In 2006, his third — and final —proposal was accepted. “That was going to be my last attempt to join my parents in business or else I was starting my own.”
Let’s rewind to see this family’s full story:
Jerry’s parents, Jim and Lanette Dammann, were founders of Gold Country Seed®. His mom ran the seed office from their house until 1991 when they built a shop that served as Gold Country’s headquarters. After selling the company, Jerry and his parents continued to operate a Gold Country Seed dealership as Dammann Seeds.
The parallels between the Dammann Seeds and Latham Seeds are quite remarkable. Jerry’s grandfather started their family business by conditioning and then selling oats. When Jerry’s father returned to the farm after college, he focused on selling soybeans. Jerry’s parents in 1989 ventured into corn sales, which provided Jerry with an opportunity to come home.
Just as Jim and Lanette helped the generation before them grow the seed business, Jerry and his wife, Steph, have done the same. Now their sons, JP and Jack, also are involved with the business.
“It’s nice to have our kids help,” Steph says. “They interact with customers. Our boys have learned important lessons about customer service and providing value. It’s fun to watch them grow and develop their own interests.”
The Paumens also are involved in their community, with Steph volunteering at school and at church. Jerry has served on the parochial school board and coached baseball and trap. He also has served on the high school’s trap board. The couple belongs to the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.
One of their favorite family recipes — for breakfast, lunch or even dinner — is this easy and delicious Hashbrown Hotdish.
