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!
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!
Shared family values and common interests are what brought Cole and Mandy Danner together. The two met at a social event hosted by the Block & Bridle Club when they were students at Iowa State University (ISU) where they learned of shared interests in raising and showing cattle. Both had been active members of both 4-H and FFA. Mandy showed club calves, and Cole started his herd as a 4-H Beef project. Cole also was active on the 4-H Livestock Judging Team. He competed in National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest at the National Western Stock Show and at National FFA Convention. He earned a college scholarship for livestock judging and a spot on the ISU Livestock Judging Team.
The Danner Family in September 2021.
Cole and Mandy have been building their cattle numbers since they got married in September 2012. They moved to an acreage outside of Laurens, Iowa, where they rented farmland and farmed alongside Mandy’s family.
“Cole and I farmed row crops for seven years and enjoyed it thoroughly. We learned a lot in those years and cherish all the memories. But how does the old saying go? The only thing that stays the same is that everything changes!” says Mandy. The couple has experienced many life changes in recent years.
“We were blessed with our first child, our son Bentley, in January of 2017. He is a farm boy through and through! He will jump at any opportunity to go farming. He loves the farm life so much we converted our entire basement into his little play farm setup complete with every piece of equipment you can imagine: barns, cattle, fence, silos, and grain bins,” says Mandy. “In May of 2021, we were blessed with our second child, our daughter Myla. We can already tell that she loves the farm life by the way she looks at the cattle, and the smile on her face when she goes outside.”
Bentley is a farm boy through and through.Bentley and Myla love checking on cattle and being outside on the farm.
Another change for the family occurred in January 2019 when Cole took a sales job with C&B Operations, a John Deere dealer in Storm Lake, Iowa. He has since moved into a store manager position. Cole and Mandy continue to help their family farm during spring planting and fall harvest. They also continue to operate a Latham® seed dealership.
“I joined Latham Seeds in 2012 because it’s an independent, family-owned company,” says Cole. “There’s a great support team in place, and I really enjoy working with people who have the same values.”
“Farming runs in both of our families, and we feel blessed to farm as a family,” says Mandy. “It’s priceless to work side by side with the ones you love. Cole and I both believe in the future of agriculture and look forward to carrying on our farming traditions.”
Today the Danners are helping promote beef by sharing one of their favorite recipes for Ground Beef Stew, as well as another recipe for Caramel Pecan Bars. It sounds like a winning combination for a chilly, fall evening.
Caramel Butter Pecan Bars
2 cups flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup cold butter
1.5 cups chopped pecans
1 jar (12 oz.) caramel ice cream topping, warmed
1 pkg. (11 1/2 oz.) milk chocolate chips
Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press into ungreased 9×13 pan. Top with pecans. Drizzle caramel evenly over pecans. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min. or until caramel is bubbly. Place on a wire rack and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand for 5 minutes. Then carefully spread chocolate chips over caramel layer. Cool at room temperature for at least 6 hours, or until chocolate is set. Cut into bars. Yields 4 dozen.
Lansinks Celebrate 30 Years in Latham Seed Business
Some folks say December is the most wonderful time of the year. But if you ask these Iowa farmers, they’ll tell you they prefer the harvest season complete with a splendor of autumn colors.
“Our favorite time of the year is fall because we work all year for the harvest,” says Tammy Lansink, who has farmed with her husband, Dennis, for 42 years. They’re the third generation to farm the home place.
The Lansink Family
Growing up on a farm in western Iowa, Dennis Lansink knew he wanted to be a farmer by the time he was in high school. He started his own cattle project when he was in 4-H. He was active in FFA while he was in high school and began raising hogs a few years later. Upon graduating from high school in 1977, Dennis began farming with his father. They raised corn, soybeans, and alfalfa together until 1994. When his dad semi-retired, Dennis’ brother, Doug, joined the farming operation.
Dennis continues to raise cattle. He has switched from a cow-calf operation to backgrounding cattle. He purchases the calves when they’re between 400 and 500 pounds and feeds them until they’re about 900 to 1,000 pounds.
The JD 4020 being used to feed cattle is the first John Deere tractor that Dennis’ father purchased in 1970 and it’s still used today.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Dennis becoming a Latham® seeds dealer. He became a dealer in 1991 to stay abreast of new products and to also purchase his own seed at a discounted price. What he has since learned is that it’s more than that.
“After years of planting Latham brand soybeans and watching their performance in my fields, as well as growing Latham seed beans, I knew Latham quality was consistent and high performing,” says Dennis. “With encouragement from one of my friends who was a Latham dealer in a nearby town, I decided to become a seed dealer. Being a family owned and operated business, Latham Seeds appealed to me. It has been a good fit for our farming operation. I also like that Latham purchases different seed traits from other companies, which provides my customers and myself with more choices.”
The Lansinks spend as much time as possible with their family. Dennis and Tammy are the proud parents of four adult children: Christopher, Callie, Courtney and Cara. During this season of life, they’re especially enjoying watching their 11 grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. They also enjoy the regular euchre and marble games they play with Dennis’ 89-year-old mother, Leila.
When he can find the time, Dennis enjoys riding his motorcycle and golfing. He also enjoys participating in tractor rides. Dennis’ favorite tractor is a John Deere 4320, which he restored a few years ago and enjoys taking on rides. Another special tractor is the JD 4020, which was the first John Deere tractor that Dennis’ dad purchased in 1970. The family still uses it today to feed cattle.
Dennis’ favorite tractor is the JD 4320. He had it restored years ago and enjoys taking it on tractor rides.
Speaking of feeding… Tammy is responsible for feeding a hungry crew. Because she’s also a full-time grain cart operator during harvest, she likes hearty meals that are easy to prep ahead of time. Today she is sharing with us one of her family’s favorite recipes for Cheeseburger Soup.
Coming Back from Childhood Cancer, One Step at a Time
Watching their daughter win grand champion bucket calf at the 2021 O’Brien County Fair brought tears of joy to Jerry and Sara Hofman’s face. They had their eye on the prize, but their joy didn’t stem from ribbons or trophies. Not only did Gaupo the steer have to learn how to lead in the show ring, but their 11-year-old daughter had to learn how to walk again after battling cancer for the past two and half years, including nearly nine months of cancer treatments and hospitalization.
The Hofman Family
Jewel Hofman was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the most common cancer that starts in the bones, in April 2020. Her left leg was amputated below the knee on July 31, 2020. After the surgery, Jewel came home for a few weeks before she underwent months of chemotherapy at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.
“It was so amazing to see Jewel lead that calf into the ring with a smile on her face because she hadn’t walked for such a long time,” explains Sara Hofman. “She was in bed basically every day from the time she started chemo in April 2020 until chemo ended in January 2021. She didn’t have the energy to even try walking on her prosthetic leg until March of this year.”
While many people across the world felt stressed by navigating daily life during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hofman family was trying to figure out how to care for cattle in their feedlot, pigs in their nursery, crops, and all five of their children during a health crisis.
“Jewel received treatments for three out of four weeks in Iowa City. We live five hours away, so Jewel had to stay in Iowa City,” said Jerry. “Because of Covid, only one parent was allowed in the hospital room at a time. Sarah and I would take turns staying with Jewel. Sara would stay for one week, and I would stay home. Then we would switch.”
Sara adds, “We would meet outside the door of the hospital and hug each other tight as we make the switch. Then I would drive back home alone. It was so tough being apart. Jewel’s siblings couldn’t visit her in the hospital due Covid restrictions. It was tough on the younger two because Jewel and Lily were inseparable before her treatment, and Dirk is close to Jewel because he’s just one year younger.”
The Hofman’s oldest son, Titan, took over the day-to-day operations of the farm in 2020. At that time, he was a 20-year-old, full-time student, studying Agribusiness at Iowa Lakes Community College. He made time to plant and harvest the family’s corn and soybean crops that year. Their middle son, Colt, joined the Army when he was 18. He was in basic training in July 2020 when Jewel had her amputation.
The Hofman family is in a different place now. Titan and Nicole were married on May 21, 2021. They live nearby, and Titan is driving semi plus farming some of his own ground, as well as farming with Jerry and Sara. Colt has returned home and is working for an electrician. Lily has started her junior year of high school, and Dirk is in the fourth grade. Jewel is making strides in fifth grade.
Although she is back in school and her hair is growing back, Jewel’s journey with cancer will continue for the rest of her life. Families of childhood cancer patients will tell you they learn to appreciate the mountains because you never know when you’ll experience another valley. Every three months the Hofmans will travel to Iowa City for scans and tests to ensure Jewel has no active cancer. Rather than be filled with the fear of the unknown, they choose to live life filled with hope and joy.
A CaringBridge Site was created for Jewel. It‘s a caring social network to help people stay connected with family and friends during a health event. Follow along with her journey at teamjeweljade on CaringBridge.
Blessings Abound
“Many people go through tough times without the comfort of knowing their Lord and Savior or having support from their family and their community,” says Jerry. “We can’t thank everyone enough for their help and support. We have been tremendously blessed.”
One answered prayer was finding a physical therapist within driving distance who could help Jewel gain strength and learn to walk on her prosthetic leg.
“I was really nervous when I called the local hospital because we live in rural Northwest Iowa. What are the odds that the type of physical therapist Jewel needed would work there?” says Sara. “I was told, ‘We have exactly what Jewel needs.’ Samantha, whose husband is a bilateral amputee, made an immediate connection with Jewel. She knew exactly what Jewel needed, and Jewel worked hard to make Samantha proud.”
Some might say it was coincidence that a physical therapist married to a bilateral amputee worked just 20 miles away from the Hofmans, but they believe it was meant to be. Another Godwink occurred when twin calves were born, making a perfect candidate for a bucket calf project.
Jerry’s parents raise about 40 cow-calf pairs. When their first cow to calve had twins in March 2021, the bull calf was pulled off and bottled. Once Jewel returned home from the hospital, she visited Guapo every day and began bottle-feeding him. (Guapo, which means “handsome” in Spanish, is the main character in the movie “Ferdinand.” The family also owns a bull named Ferdinand.) Jewel’s brother Dirk helped her break Guapo to lead and give him baths.
“Gaupo has been the friend Jewel needed. She talks to him and he listens without giving her advice. He also gave her a reason to learn how to walk on her prosthetic leg because she was determined to show him at the county fair,” Jerry said. “Jewel plans to show Gaupo again next summer as a market steer, and Dirk plans to show a bucket calf at the county fair.”
Jewel bottle-feeding Guapo.
Life Marches On
Life at the Hofman house is returning to its seasonal fall rhythm as the kids have returned to school and the crops are maturing. Jerry is caring for the feeder cattle daily. Sara has returned to the day-to-day management of a nursery that was built just two years ago.
From the outside, it looks like the Hofman family has returned to life as normal.
“When a cancer patient’s hair grows and he or she looks healthy on the outside, people think this person is all better,” says Sara. “Different cancers require different treatments. Jewell got the worst of the worst because her cancer is so rare and so serious. The side effects of chemo are brutal. Jewel still struggles.”
During Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September, you can help the Hofman family educate others about childhood cancer by sharing facts and stats on social media. Another way to help is by following Latham® dealer Kyle Schminke and his daughter Sarah on Sunday, October 10, as they run in the Chicago Marathon to raise funds for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon (UIDM).
The UIDM has pledged $5 million to the 11th floor of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that was named the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Pediatric Cancer Center. (The 11th floor is the one that gets “the wave” during University of Iowa home football games.) This student-run organization also has pledged $2 million to establish the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Chair in Pediatric Oncology, Clinical and translational Research.
The Schminkes will be running with a list of 26 names of children on their arms. Jewel’s name will be one of their “mile motivators.” Sarah knows that looking down at the names on her arm will be the motivation she needs to keep running and to finish strong. #Jewelstrong.
“We can’t thank Dance Marathon enough,” says Jerry. “While Jewel was in the hospital, a guy ran for 24 hours straight. He spelled out the names of kids as he ran, and Jewel was one of the names he spelled. We appreciated that so much. We also had wristbands made with Jewel’s name. One lady wore that wristband when she traveled to D.C. to advocate for childhood cancer. Their support means so much.”
In honor of September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, today we’re sharing one of the Hofman family’s favorite recipes.
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.
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 10th 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 10th 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.
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.
The Erger family poses for a photo in Iowa’s largest frying pan in Brandon.
They say in Iowa, “If you build it, they will come.”
That’s exactly what happened in 2004. Someone commented to Dave Erger from Brandon, Iowa, that it must take a really big frying pan to feed the entire town during its annual Cowboy Breakfast Festival. So a pan was built and now hundreds of tourists annually make a roadside stop for a photo opportunity.
“My dad, along with several other local farmers, met in Dad’s shop,” says Andy, who is the fourth generation to own and operate his family’s farm in eastern Iowa. “It was supposed to be more of a joke, but before they knew it, it had become a pretty big deal.” Iowa’s largest frying pan is an impressive nine feet wide and 14 feet long, including the handle. The skillet could fry 44 dozen eggs or 88 pounds of bacon.
Farmers are known for rising to any challenge, whether it’s fabricating a giant frying pan or surviving a global pandemic. Unfortunately, Dave Erger faced a health challenge in 2014 that became life changing. He suffered a heart attack that resulted from Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes one’s body to attack itself. Lupus has made farming more difficult for Dave. As a result, Andy has accepted more responsibility in recent years. That’s why in the spring of 2021 Dave and his wife, Teresa Erger, approached Andy and his wife, Jamee, about purchasing the farm.
“Jamee and I have spent countless hours crunching numbers. We met with our bankers, FSA consultants, and tax advisors. We were relieved when we received confirmation in April that our loans had been approved,” says Andy. “Keeping my family farm running and thriving has always been a dream of mine. I get to share my dream with my wife and our children.”
The Erger Family
Andy and Jamee are the proud parents of four daughters and one son: Kayleigh, Amiliah, Davennah and Rosaleigh and Gilbert (Gib), who was named after Andy’s great grandfather.
Jamee is learning all the ropes of becoming primarily responsible for their Latham seed dealership, Erger Seeds.
With Andy taking on more of the farming responsibilities in addition to his custom hay baling business, Jamee is learning all the ropes of becoming primarily responsible for their Latham® seed dealership, Erger Seeds. Andy became a Latham® Seeds dealer in 2014 because he knew the extra income would help support his family.
“Latham products have worked great on our farm, so I wanted to share it with others around me,” says Andy. “Our dealership also has provided opportunities to create new friendships.”
Andy and Jamee are very much business partners. In addition to helping Andy with the farm and seed dealership, Jamee runs a Revital U business and helps their daughters with an egg business.
“Our home-based businesses allow us to show our kids how the world works and how much work it takes to be successful in the things you care about,” says Jamee. “Having chickens has helped teach the girls responsibility by managing money and taking care of animals. They also help care for three horses, many cats and dogs.”
The Erger family in spring 2021 started a Labrador Retriever breeding business called North of the River Family Labs. Their dogs are fully AKC registered, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certified, and Embark genetic tested.
They work and play hard, too. They make time for family fun like boating, camping, horseback riding, four-wheeling, visiting parks or zoos or roasting s’mores over a bonfire. The Erger family also makes time to exercise together.
The Erger girls run an egg business with the help of Jamee.
“It’s good to teach our kids about self care,” says Jamee, who like her mother-in-law, is committed to exercise and eating a balanced diet.
“We only get one life to live, so we want to make sure we live it to its fullest,” says Andy. “We love the life of farming and we always put our full attention to anything we care about whether it’s taking care of our family, farm, pets or seed customers. We understand the blood, sweat and tears that are shed by generations of family farms, so we want to help our customers and neighbors be successful.
Andy adds, “It’s nice to be part of a family-owned seed company that was founded in Iowa. The Lathams strive to treat their dealers like family, and in turn, we strive to treat our farmer-customers like family.”
One way they show their customers how much they appreciate them is by delivering homemade cookies and bars during the spring planting and fall harvest seasons. Jamee also enjoys taking meals to the fields for her family during baling hay, and harvest.
“I feed em’ and leave em’,” says Jamee. “It’s important to me to make sure that the guys get a decent meal to help keep them going.”
One way Erger Seeds shows customer appreciation is by delivering homemade cookies and bars during the spring planting and fall harvest seasons.
Today Jamee is sharing with us her favorite cookie recipe, which is a perfect complement to her homemade ice cream. Enjoy June Dairy Month and July Ice Cream Month!
