As a father of seven and grandfather of four, Brad Leckrone is happily busy with family at home. While partnering with Latham Seeds for the past eight years as an outside IT account manager, Brad says he felt like he was working with family, too.
“I always found my interactions with Latham to be pleasant and professional,” Brad says. “I appreciate the way Latham Seeds conducts itself, and the Latham family has a good reputation. When the opportunity arose to join the team, I felt it would be a great move.”
Brad is now a Seed Account Manager (SAM) working from Alexander, but his IT background and knowledge of Latham’s technology needs already have been put to good use within the company. In his new role with Latham, Brad says he is most looking forward to continuing to help people — dealers, customers and colleagues alike.
“I really enjoy helping people,” he says. “I’m here to help.”
Brad and his wife, Miriam, live on a small farm in North Central Iowa, where they cash rent the tillable ground and have a few cows, horses, chickens and “the regular assortment of dogs and cats.” As a family, they enjoy target shooting, horseback riding and watching their daughter compete in horse jumping shows. They also like to fish and spend time on the boat.
Optimism and grit are two qualities every farmer I’ve ever met has in common.
Family, farming, food and faith are the four themes that kept emerging as Iowa author Darcy Maulsby wrote the book, Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Family and Food.
“For generations, American farmers have lived by an unwritten code centered around hard work, courage, perseverance, teamwork, personal responsibility and concern for the community,” Maulsby says.
This unwritten code is also the Latham way. You’ll find the words “teamwork” and “community” hanging on the wall of our company’s conference room, which is in the former home of Latham Seeds’ founders Willard and Evelyn Latham. We’re proud that our company headquarters is located on the Latham family’s Iowa Century Farm in Franklin County. Our office is surrounded by crops, which are our products.
My husband John, my brother-in-law Chris, and I are proud to be the third generation to own and operate our family-owned seed business. Each year we enter the spring planting season filled with hope and optimism. Each spring John says – and truly means it – that he is more excited than ever to watch our products emerge from the ground and see the crop develop throughout the growing season.
Keep in mind that a seed company grows its products one year in advance. This year we announced our 2024 product lineup to our local Latham® dealers earlier than ever because we’re so excited! All growing season long, our dealers will help us take product notes and evaluate performance. Latham Product Manager Steve Sick will be traveling across the Upper Midwest, meeting with our dealers and taking more notes on our products throughout the growing season. Our product selection begins with YOU, the American farmer.
From our family to yours, we wish you a safe planting season. To help you power through the long hours ahead, we’re sharing links to a few recipes that are easy to eat in the field or in the cab:
I’m also including a bonus recipe featuring pecans because today is National Pecan Day. Did you know a snack of one pecan serving (about 19 halves) provides loads of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals?
As National Agriculture Week ends, I want to say thank you to the men and women who work in acres, not hours. Thanks to those of you who work past dark and get up before dawn to care for livestock. Thank you for working tirelessly to provide nutritious food and renewable fuel for the world.
The purpose of Ag Week is to shine a spotlight on American agriculture, preserving its past and celebrating its future. Like the Latham® Dealers with whom we work directly and the Upper Midwest farmers they serve, we are so proud of our agricultural roots.
It is our family’s honor to follow in the footsteps of Willard and Evelyn Latham, who started Latham Seeds in 1947 by answering a need for high quality seed. Willard and Evelyn were what I would call a “traditional farm family” of their time.
When I read Paul Harvey’s famous poem, I picture Evelyn holding a coffee pot and welcoming everyone – friends, neighbors and seed customers – to have a seat at the table:
Evelyn Latham
And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer.
God said, “I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board.” So God made a farmer.
“I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery, come home hungry, have to wait lunch until his wife’s done feeding visiting ladies and tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon — and mean it.” So God made a farmer.
Evelyn would tell everyone to come back soon — and mean it. However, times have changed in the last 75 years that our family has owned and operated a seed business. I appreciate that young girls today are being told they can own their own farms.
Women in Agriculture today have inspiring role models, so today I’m shining a spotlight on a few of these women:
April Hemmes, first recipient of “Top Producer” Trailblazer Award and first president of Iowa Women in Ag.
When it comes to farming — specifically as a FarmHer — April Hemmes’ resume speaks for itself.
Besides earning her Animal Science degree from Iowa State University, April has served in leadership roles for the United Soybean Board, USDA Foreign Ag Service Technical Advisory Council and the U.N. Food Security Summit . . . just to name a few. She’s been described as a trailblazer for women in ag — a reference she humbly dismisses and appreciates at the same time.
“I really don’t think you are a trailblazer if you are just doing what you love and pursuing your dream,” April says. “I hope the fact that I farm gives other young women hope that someday they may be able to go home and work on their family farm and manage it, too!”
April lives on the farm her great grandfather bought in 1901. It was always a diverse operation, so when she came home to farm, April knew she could have hogs too. They cleaned out an old building and turned it into a farrowing house with raised crates that April bought from a nearby producer who’d gone out of business. She bought 30 gilts, started a farrow-to-finish operation and farmed with her grandpa and her dad.
April with her grandfather
When the market went to 9 cents a pound in the late 1990’s, April retreated from the hog business to focus more on the 60-head cow calf herd she had purchased from her dad by then.
“I really liked having hogs around,” April says. “But something had to go.”
Business decisions like that helped propel April into a lifetime of farming that has captured headlines as “Midwest Farm Mom of the Year” and on the cover of “Successful Farming” magazine. Her husband, Tom Kazmerzak, always has worked in town and not on the farm. April has been the owner and operator of her family’s century farm south of Hampton, Iowa for more than 40 years, raising corn, soybean and pasture land.
“Farming has always been what I wanted to do with my life,” April says. “I always helped on the farm and knew education and experience would be the best way to be ready for the challenge.”
One of April’s secrets to success is getting up early to answer emails so other farmers feel heard.
“The most gratifying thing I hear is when another farmer thanks me for what I am doing,” she says. “It really means a lot to me.”
The other secret to her success? Sheer stubbornness.
“I did not have a father who encouraged me to farm, but I was always expected to do everything on the farm,” April says. “I’m very proud to carry on the tradition of farming. It’s my love, my life and my legacy.”
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!
Latham Seeds Welcomes Kody Trampel as Regional Sales Manager
Sometimes, the best opportunities present themselves at just the right time. That was true for Kody Trampel, who joined the Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds team earlier this fall after working as an agronomist in ag retail for 12 years. Kody knew the Latham family even before he graduated from Iowa State University 10 years ago, and always kept an eye on the company’s go-to-market strategy.
“One thing Latham does really well is bringing options to customers and letting them pick the trait packages that best fit within their operation,” Kody says. “Being an independent seed company gives us the ability to do that. Most other companies can’t.”
While he didn’t grow up on a farm, Kody helped his grandpa mix feed at the Klemme (Iowa) Co-op every week. He participated in FFA and 4-H; and majored in Agricultural Studies at ISU. He met his wife, Vanessa, while working as an agronomist in one of her grandpa’s bean fields.
Kody and Vanessa Trampel with their children Pierce and Finley.
Today, Kody and Vanessa raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa, cattle and hogs. They also represent District 2 for the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Advisory Committee. Kody is involved with the Hancock County Extension Council and Hancock County Farm Bureau, as well. Vanessa is an Iowa Central nursing graduate.
Kody says he’s most excited for the opportunity to “focus on seed only” in his RSM role at Latham Seeds — while also using his experience in ag retail to help grow his dealer network.
“Bringing real-life experiences to the farm gate is something I’m really looking forward to,” he says.
Kody knows how committed Latham Seeds is to its customer base because of a single, short statement that company President John Latham always drives home: “We are a genetics-first company and a trait company second.”
“That comment from John truly shows that no matter where the traits are sourced from, we won’t bring them to the table unless we have a need from our customers,” Kody says. “That just proves how important they are to us.”
When he isn’t working, Kody enjoys camping with family and friends, and raising and showing livestock. He and Vanessa have two children, Pierce (3) and Finley (2). They also love their four mini Aussies: Paisley, Bentley, Sage and Mila.
Here is a delicious family recipe from the Trampels!
New Experiences Are Life’s Special Ingredients for Vosikas
Mark and Heidi Vosika have the same approach to food and travel. Old favorites are great, but variety adds spice.
“We enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures and landscapes. We love watching the scenery change as we drive, and of course, Mark likes seeing the different crops that are grown,” says Heidi. She and her husband, Mark, live on a farm near the West Central Iowa town of Pocahontas. Mark’s brother, Mike, also is a partner in the farming operation. Heidi is registered nurse who spent about a decade working in long-term care, home health and hospice before switching to utilization review. Mark is a Latham Hi‑Tech Seed Dealer and is passionate about helping his customers reach their goals.
A few of the Vosika’s favorite places include Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. They also enjoy Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island. Heidi says, “We had so much fun exploring Arches National Park and JEEPing in Canyonlands that we’d love to visit Utah again.”
As much as the Vosikas savor fresh scenery and adventure, one of their favorite views is the Iowa landscape. Mark and Heidi feel blessed to have raised their family in the same home where Mark was raised. Their oldest daughter, Madi, works for a manufacturing company in Pocahontas. Their youngest daughter, Jessica, lives in Pocahontas and works on a calf operation. She also grows corn and soybeans on 80 acres she rents from her uncle Mike.
“What I like the most about living here is that our kids got experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have. They saw the long hours that go into farming, and how dedicated their dad is to the operation. They learned about farm safety, and they learned to accept more responsibility at a younger age,” says Heidi, who grew up in town and now prizes the privacy of country living.
Mark Vosika from Pocahontas, Iowa
Mark is a township trustee for Sherman Township. He also serves as a director for Pocahontas County Corn Growers. As a trained diesel mechanic, Mark proudly promotes biodiesel to increase lubricity and longevity of engines. As a soybean and corn farmer, he says it just makes sense to use homegrown fuel.
Here’s a favorite recipe that helps the family fuel up for the fresh air and hard work of the farm.
Bonnie Harris Joins Latham Seeds as Communications Manager
She took a leap of faith and landed in Iowa.
Bonnie Harris’ path to become communications manager at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds isn’t what you might expect. She grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the youngest of four kids. This blonde-haired beach girl ran barefoot on the beaches of Florida and went fishing with her dad.
Bonnie Harris, Communications Manager
A desire to major in Journalism took Bonnie to the University of Maryland in College Park. She interned for Congressional Quarterly and rode in the underground cars on Capitol Hill to record all the votes during session.
“I learned so much about politics as a young person,” says Bonnie. “But I also learned to appreciate the process, the total picture of our democracy – far more than I ever learned in a classroom.”
After graduating with a journalism degree and a minor in public relations, Bonnie accepted her first full-time newspaper job in Spokane, Washington. Four years later she was hired by the Los Angeles Times and moved to Southern California, where she covered cops, courts and crime. She also traveled for months with both presidential candidates in 2000, earning the nickname “Sunshine” from George W. Bush.
“As a reporter at the Los Angeles Times, I had to work with photographers to help cover my stories. I went to the Photo Desk in the newsroom and dealt with Don Tormey, a photo editor who was grumpy and literally annoying,” says Bonnie.
Opposites attract as they say, and Bonnie and Don were married.
“When we found out we were having twins, I quickly decided I did not want to raise them in Southern California,” says Bonnie. “I researched job opportunities for me and Don. The Des Moines Register jumped on his credentials and moved us to Iowa. Our boys were just 13 months old.”
Jackson (left) and James (right) 6 Months Old
Neither Bonnie nor Don had any ties to Iowa.
“We took a leap of faith in a state that was – to us coming from Southern California – more affordable, with better schools, an easy commute and GOOD PEOPLE. We endured many questions about our decision to transplant our family here, and that’s OK. We are honorary Iowans. Our boys, who are now almost 20 years old, have always called Iowa their home. And we do, too.”
Jackson, Bonnie, Don and James
Bonnie and Don’s son James just completed his first year at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He wants to become a fighter pilot. Their son Jackson will be a sophomore this fall at Iowa State University, where he is double-majoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. He wants to teach high school and coach varsity basketball.
Bonnie, James and Jackson
Now that she is an empty-nester, Bonnie decided the time was right to again make a career change. She has worked the past five years in client relations, project management and PR with advertising and design firms in Greater Des Moines.
“I am most excited to work with the marketing and sales teams to promote the brand and share the Latham Seeds story. I know there is tremendous brand loyalty for this company and that speaks volumes about its leadership and commitment to customer service,” says Bonnie. “I am really looking forward to meeting our dealers this summer and celebrating their ongoing partnership with Latham Seeds. I’m also excited to learn how technology plays an important role in delivering the highest-quality products to Latham Seeds’ family of customers.”
Bonnie adds: “Latham Seeds is a family-owned company with a rich history that is appealing to me. While neither my husband nor I have an ag background, some of our dearest friends do – and we’ve grown to love the cyclical, beautiful life we see in farming. I’ve been fortunate to have worked in marketing for several ag companies, including a large animal feed business, and I’m always inspired by the hard-working, down-to-earth people I meet. Working for a company that helps farmers feed the world is a blessing by itself!”
In her spare time, Bonnie enjoys reading and cooking. She says her family enjoys traveling, golfing and playing ridiculously competitive board games. They also never miss a Cyclone tailgate. Today Bonnie is sharing with us one of her favorite recipes for Key Lime Pie.
Crowning Moment for Franklin County Iowa’s Rebekah Craighton
Rebekah Craighton, Midwest Cover Miss United States Agriculture
What would you do if you were queen for a day?
It’s a question Rebekah Craighton, a 2021 graduate of Hampton-Dumont High School in Franklin County, Iowa, has been asking herself nearly every day for more than a year.
Rebekah has been preparing to answer interview questions as she will compete June 24-25 against 18 other young women for the title of 2022 National Miss United States Agriculture. Her road to nationals in Orlando, Florida, began on Dec. 4, 2021, when she was crowned Midwest Cover Miss United States Agriculture and received the award for Supreme County Presence because she visited the most counties of all contestants.
Contestants in both the regional and national competitions compete in five areas: (1) Introduction; (2) Interview; (3) Fun Fashion; (4) Formal Wear and (5) On-Stage Question. A scholarship will be awarded to the young woman who is named National Miss US Ag.
One reason Rebekah is vying for the title is because she grew up in town and didn’t have an opportunity to learn about agriculture until she became a 4-H and FFA member.
“I believe every child should have a basic knowledge of where their food comes from and the processes that go into food production,” says Rebekah, who just finished her first year at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) where she is majoring in Elementary Education. “I thought serving as Miss US Ag would be an opportunity to learn about different aspects of ag, as well as provide me with a platform to share my passions for agriculture and education.”
Running on a platform of agricultural education within the elementary classroom, Rebekah has read ag-related books in elementary classrooms. She also has taught ag-related lessons and spoken at school assemblies.
“Elementary-age students are always exploring,” says Rebekah. “They’re trying to figure out the world, and it’s SO fun to watch them learn and grow. Another reason I love my platform so much is because I get to interact with younger kids all the time, and I love watching them figure out ag-related learning!”
In January 2021, Rebekah began her reign as Miss United States Agriculture for Franklin County. She has worked her way through the pageant ranks by wearing her crown several places, including a Butler County dairy farm with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig during June Dairy Month, a Central Iowa apple orchard in September, and the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session. She has spent time visiting numerous other farms that raise horses, goats, alpaca, and ostriches, as well as produce honey and pumpkins. Her travels have led to interesting adventures. In October 2021, Rebekah was named a Top 5 Iowa Miss Agriculture Advocacy Ambassador.
Rebekah with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike NaigRepresentatives from Miss U.S. Agriculture visited the Iowa Capitol in March 2022. Pictured from left to right are: Rebekah Craighton, 2022 Midwest Cover Miss United States Agriculture; Jessica Simmons, 2023 Franklin County Teen Miss United States Agriculture; Rep. Shannon Latham; and Addy Moellers, 2023 Franklin County Junior Miss United States Agriculture.Jeana Curtis (2020 Midwest Cover Miss) is passing the crown to Katie Folkmann (2021 Midwest Cover Miss) who is passing the crown to Rebekah Craighton (2022 Midwest Cover Miss)
These statewide travels, as well as expenses to travel to and compete in the contests, have been funded through sponsorships and fundraisers. Rebekah wishes to thank the following sponsors.
In addition, Rebekah sold merchandise and held bake sales to raise funds for her competitions. Baking is one of Rebekah’s favorite past times. She also enjoys shooting trap, traveling, painting and volunteering.
Today Rebekah is sharing her love of baking by sharing a seasonal recipe for rhubarb cake.
From the time he was able to follow in his father’s shadow, Troy Johnson of Odebolt in West Central Iowa, spent as much time farming as possible. He began farming full-time with his father, Reese, upon graduating from high school. Shortly thereafter, Troy had the opportunity to purchase his first 40 acres.
The Johnson Family
The Johnsons raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa. They started using cover crops in 2015 and have expanded their cover crop acres every year. Benefits include increasing organic matter, controlling erosion, as well as better weed control and water infiltration.
“I’ve been planting Latham® soybeans since the beginning and started planting Latham Hybrids when they came out in 2004,” says Troy, a fourth generation Iowa farmer. “I’ve planted other brands for neighbors, and it’s easy to see the difference in quality when you open a bag. Latham is known for its high-quality standards, and its reputation is well deserved.”
When the Johnson’s neighbor Russ Wilken retired as a Latham® dealer, he asked if Troy would be interested in the dealership.
“I was already planting Latham, so it was a no brainer,” says Troy. “I always enjoy trying new things, so I appreciate getting to learn about new Latham products early. I really appreciate having a team of professionals available whenever I call. Latham Seeds provides us with great customer service.”
Just as Troy’s farming enterprise has grown throughout the years, so has his family. He and his wife, Kathi, are the proud parents of three daughters. Jaci is a sophomore at Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove (OABCIG). She enjoys singing, reading and babysitting. Jaci also is involved in FFA. Sophi is in eighth grade. She plays the saxophone and is a volleyball player. In addition, Sophi enjoys designing cards with calligraphy. Tori, sixth grade, plays the piano and trumpet. She also plays volleyball, basketball and softball.
“We have been blessed to raise our children on the family farm,” says Kathi. “There are many values and lessons the girls have learned that will benefit them in the future. Although farming has its ups and downs, we are grateful to God for the life He has allowed us to live.”
A Tradition of Hospitality
Evelyn Latham, wife of Latham Seeds’ founder Willard Latham, was known for her gracious hospitality. She was sure to invite family, friends, neighbors and customers to sit down at the table to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with a plate full of homemade cookies. It’s no wonder she was named Master Farm Homemaker in 1962 by Wallaces Farmer!
Throughout the years, we have shared some of Evelyn’s favorite recipes with our dealers and their families. We were delighted when Kathi shared with us that Jaci’s Monster Cookies advanced from the county 4-H competition to the 2017 Iowa State Fair. We can only imagine how delighted Evelyn would have been, knowing Jaci was creating wonderful memories with her mother in their kitchen.
“It was an honor to have my cookies selected to go to state,” Jaci, who earned a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair with her Monster Cookies. “I was not expecting that because 2017 was my first year exhibiting 4-H projects at the fair.”
Today we’re once again sharing Evelyn’s Monster Cookie recipe with our readers. We hope you’re able to share a cup of coffee and a few heartwarming smiles with friends, families and neighbors as you enjoy a few homemade cookies. Perhaps you can enjoy a few cookies this planting season!
