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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham’s Summer Interns Return to the Classroom

At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we believe a summer internship should be mutually beneficial for both the student and our family-owned company. We want our summer interns to set goals for their time with us as they work to complete agreed-upon projects. In addition, we want them to understand how all aspects of our company – from production and sales to marketing and research – are all intertwined.

“I wanted to intern with Latham Seeds because to learn more about the Sales and Agronomy sides of the business. I spent my summers during high school washing hard boxes and pulling weeds,” says Ian Latham, the son of John and Shannon Latham, who founded Latham Hi‑Tech Hybrids in 2004. They started doing business as Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds in 2009 when they, and John’s brother, Chris, purchased the family’s soybean-only business and brought the two companies together.

John Latham with interns Ian Latham and Kirsten Suntken.

This fall Ian will be a sophomore at Iowa State University (ISU), majoring in Agricultural Studies with minors in Agronomy and International Ag. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity where he is assistant Vice Noble Ruler (VNR) of Recruitment. He is involved in the Agriculture Business Club and the collegiate Iowa Corn Growers Association. He also was selected to serve as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).

“Agronomy is one of my college minors, so it was really cool to participate in sales training related to seed product research and testing. I got to attend company meetings and sales training sessions. I also got to help recruit new dealers, primarily in North Central Iowa.”

One highlight of Ian’s summer included watching his dad preside over the American Seed Trade Association’s (ASTA) annual Policy Leadership Development Conference (PLDC), in Washington, D.C.

Ian also really enjoyed participating in product training led by Bob Foley, which also was a highlight for Kirsten Suntken. Kirsten served this summer as a Precision Agronomy intern for Latham Seeds. Other highlights of her summer internship included helping Latham’s Precision Agronomist Phil Long develop the company’s new Premier Agronomy Center at Latham’s headquarters in Alexander, Iowa. Because her college classes were online in the spring, she was able to spend more time working outside. As a result, Kirsten was able to be involved in everything from planting research plots to scouting fields throughout the growing season.

“My favorite part of my internship was the people I worked with, and I’m going to miss everyone,” said Kirsten. “I learned so much. I told Phil that I wanted to do a little bit of everything, so I could learn as much as possible. I was able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to my job at Latham Seeds. I also will be able to take what I learned this summer and apply it in the classroom.”

Kirsten’s summer was especially exciting as she was crowned Franklin County Fair Queen, and this week she is participating in the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest. She also served as the 2019 Franklin County Beef Queen. After the pageantry is complete, Kirsten will return to Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny where she is majoring in Ag Business.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we didn’t send off our interns with one of Latham Seeds’ customary potlucks. It’s likely Kirsten would have brought Grape Salad with Irish Twist, which is a recipe her mom shared recently on our blog. Click here to find a link to Kirsten’s favorite recipe for pot roast in a crockpot. One of Ian’s favorite meals when he was growing up was Spaghetti Pie, so we’re sharing that recipe today on “The Field Position.”

shannonlatham

August 13, 2021

Food & Family, Recipes
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

Turkey Producers Serve Up Tasty State Fair Traditions
“Fun, delicious, unique and healthy” aren’t usually the words fairgoers associate with food on a stick, but that’s exactly what Iowa’s turkey producers serve up at the “Turkey Grill.” You can get a taste of it at the 2021 Iowa State Fair (ISF) from Thursday, August 12, through Sunday, August 22, 2022.

“The Turkey Grill started with the goal to promote turkey and to provide a healthy, delicious alternative for fair-goers, and it continues to do so today, 38 years later,” says Gretta Irwin, Executive Director & Home Economist for the Iowa Turkey Federation / Iowa Turkey Marketing Council.

The Turkey Grill is located east of the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. To learn more about the fair or to get answers to frequently asked questions, visit IowaStateFair.org. There’s also an official Iowa State Fair app.

We strive to serve fun, delicious, unique and HEALTHY turkey items.

NEW! Breakfast Poppers

The Turkey Grill’s new Breakfast Poppers.
- $2
- Breakfast in a meatball! Turkey, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, onion, green pepper, red peppers.
- 5 meatballs per serving
- Guests can put their favorite condiment (ketchup, salsa, hot sauce) with the meatballs.
Turkey Tenderloin
- $7
- Marinated breast meat and slow grilled (recipe below)
- On the Iowa State Fair “Healthy Choices” list
- 166 calories, 25 grams of protein and only 1 gram of saturated fat
- We will serve it in a bun or on a stick
- No allergens. Marinated in lemon juice, soy sauce alternative so gluten free, vegetable oil, red wine, onion, ginger, pepper and garlic powder
Not Your Momma’s Taco
- $6
- Deep-fried flour tortilla, Mexican-seasoned shredded turkey, homemade veggie slaw, mango salsa
- On the Iowa State Fair “Healthy Choices” list
- The meat is made exclusively for us by West Liberty Foods, the same turkey is featured on our shredded turkey sandwich, without the Mexican seasoning
- People’s Choice Best New Fair Food of 2016
  The Turkey Grill’s grilled Turkey Tenderloin on a bun.
- Sold almost 17,000 turkey tacos at the 2016 Iowa State Fair
Pulled Turkey Sandwich
- $6
- Shredded Turkey Sandwich (all white meat)
- Will remind you of that perfect turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving
- 120 calories, 1-gram saturated fat and 26 grams protein
- No allergens. Ingredients: Breast meat, natural turkey broth, salt, sodium phosphate and natural flavorings.
Turkey Drumstick
- $10
- Brined, smoked and slow grilled to perfection
- Only 140 calories per 3 ounce serving and 1 gram of saturated fat, this perfect-to-share fair item since it is about 16 ounces of meat.
- No allergens, no wheat gluten or milk products, gluten free
Griddle Sticks
- $2
- pancake batter covering a turkey sausage on a stick, served in a tray with syrup
- 160 calories, 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 7 grams of protein
- Contains egg, milk, soy and wheat
“We hope that our guests enjoy this powerful protein year-round!” adds Irwin.

To help encourage you to eat turkey year-round, below are links to a few of our favorite blog posts about Iowa turkey producers with links to turkey recipes:
How delicious does Lemon Garlic Rotini with Zucchini sound? This recipe, which features a pound of turkey breast meat, is included in a link within a blog post above. Because it’s zucchini season, I wanted to be sure you check it out.

The Iowa Turkey Federation also is sharing its recipe for Grilled Turkey Tenderloin Marinade. Trust me, it’s incredibly delicious. Better yet, try it yourself!
shannonlatham

July 30, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The event included a smores bar.

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

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

July 15, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 7, 2021

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

A Family Farm Legacy Built to Last

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!

shannonlatham

June 25, 2021

#RootsInBoots, Dairy, Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Schminke Family “Goes the Distance” to Support Childhood Cancer

Many Midwest farmers will be harvesting crops on Oct. 10, 2021, but Kyle and Sarah Schminke of Shellsburg, Iowa, will be running in the 43^rdChicago Marathon. Their goal is to raise awareness about childhood cancer, as well as money for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon. Training is already underway for this father-daughter team, and we’re inviting you to cheer on this Eastern Iowa Latham® dealer.

The Schminke Family

“I knew I wanted to get involved on campus, and I had seen some of my older friends post about the University of Iowa Dance Marathon,” says Sarah, who will begin her junior year this fall at the University of Iowa, majoring in Communications Studies with a minor in Rhetoric and Persuasion. She also is earning an event management certificate.

While many people wouldn’t look forward to running a marathon let alone paying a $1,250 entry fee to serve as a charity runner, the Schminkes are looking forward to running this together.

“It’s important to Sarah, so it’s important to me,” says Kyle, who farms with Sarah at his side. His wife, Kyla, works at the local family practice clinic in Shellsburg. His oldest daughter, Dawne, works for UnityPoint pediatrics as a patient service representative.

“Older people are sometimes critical of the younger generation, but just look at the passion the students like Sarah have for Dance Marathon!” adds Kyle. “When you do selfless acts, you feel better. It motivates you. Sarah understands she has a pretty good life, and we should be thankful for what we have. I’m so impressed by the selflessness, and I’m so excited for Sarah to be doing this.”

This father-daughter team has a goal of finishing the race and raising awareness. They’re confident they can, and they will! Kyle completed Iron Man competitions in 2015 and 2016. Sarah ran track and cross country but tore her ACL during her senior year of high school. She wears a brace when she runs, but she isn’t complaining because many people have it so much worse.

Kyle and Sarah are training for the Chicago Marathon. Their goal is to raise awareness about childhood cancer, as well as money for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.

“I’m not running for me. This is for those kids,” says Sarah. “I don’t care about how much pain I’m in. I’m running for the kids who can’t.”

Kyle and Sarah will be running with a list of 26 names on their arms of children for whom they are running. These are called their “mile motivators.” Sarah knows looking down at the names on her arm will be the motivation she needs to keep running and finish strong.

University of Iowa Dance Marathon

Sarah during The Big Event in February 2020.

The University of Iowa Dance Marathon (UIDM) is the university’s largest student-run organization and the third largest Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon of more than 300 such organizations across the United States. It is a year-long endeavor that includes monthly events, including events for families with children fighting childhood cancer, fundraising events and dancer events. Everything leads up to The Big Event, which is held annually in February.

During The Big Event, students raise money by dancing for 24 straight hours. Dance Marathon families share inspiring stories about children who have battled cancer and won, explains Sarah. Kids who lost their courageous battle are remembered Dancing in Our Hearts.

“During The Big Event my freshman year, I remember texting my mom, ‘My feet hurt so bad. Why am I doing this?’ My mom replied, ‘You only have 24 hours of pain, but those kids may have a lifetime of pain. There is a reason to everything you’re doing.’ That’s the motivation I needed to keep going that night and to remain involved in this event. I want to do what I can to help families affected by childhood cancer.”

The 2021 Big Event, which was held virtually, raised $1.4 million for kids and families. While that is certainly a sizable amount of money, it is much lower than the amount the University of Iowa Dance Marathon has raised annually in recent years. The UIDM raised $2 million in 2015 and $3 million in 2018.

Sarah during The Big Event in February 2021.

The UIDM has pledged $5 million to the 11^th floor of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that was named the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Pediatric Cancer Center. (The 11^th 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. In addition, UIDM gives $5,000 to each family who loses a child to cancer to help cover funeral expenses.

“The more I learned about Dance Marathon, the more I fell in love with this organization,” says Sarah, who raised more than $500 as a dancer during her first event in 2020. She served on the Public Relations Committee for the 2021 year and raised more than $4,000. Sarah was selected to serve as Director of Public Relations for the 2022 Big Event. Her goal is to raise more than $4,000 again this year.

We will be sharing updates from Sarah and Kyle’s marathon training journey. If you would like to help contribute to their fundraising efforts, here’s a link to Sarah’s donation page for The Big Event.

Chart of UIDM donation distribution.

Today Sarah is sharing with us her favorite recipe for Monster Energy Balls, which provide quick energy or help her refuel after a workout. #DYK chocolate milk is another great way to refuel after a workout? Chocolate milk has twice the carbohydrates and protein content as white milk, water and other sports drinks? Plus, high water content of chocolate milk helps prevent dehydration. Go ahead and raise a glass in salute of America’s dairy producers during June Dairy Month!

This recipe also sounds perfect for busy farm families, as well as for kids who need some extra protein before summer activities.

shannonlatham

June 18, 2021

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

Tips for Celebrating June Dairy Month at Home and on the Road

They say if March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb. What do they say when the first 11 days of June brings daily temperatures that are nearly 20 degrees hotter than the average? We say, “Hit the road!”

In celebration of June Dairy Month, Val Plagge and her family take weekly Iowa Ice Cream Road Trips.

“I am an ice cream lover. When I was in high school, my family would make an annual trip to the Whippy Dip in Decorah, Iowa,” says Val Plagge, who farms with her husband, Ian, near Latimer in North Iowa. She also blogs at Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids. “The Whippy Dip started my love for small town, ice cream shops. I had an idea to discover more great local ice cream shops during June Dairy Month, and it’s been an annual tradition for me and Ian since 2014. Now our four kids have fun traveling across the state and visiting new places.”

The Plagge family at Casa Chameleon in Belmond, Iowa.

The Plagge family chooses what ice cream shops to visit based on recommendations from blogs and social media followers.

“We have a running list of more than 50 places we want to try,” says Val. “Each week we look at our family’s schedule and decide which day will be ‘ice cream day.’ Then we pick our destination based on the amount of time we have available to travel.”

An ice cream treat at Casa Chameleon in Belmond, Iowa.

They kicked off their 2021 Ice Cream Road Trip with a stop that is close to their home, as well as close to the home of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. Casa Chameleon, LLC in Belmond, Iowa, is a seasonal ice cream shop and pizza place.

“The kids loved the combo, and we all wondered why we hadn’t come over for pizza and ice cream before!” says Val. “Casa Chameleon is known for having a big variety of ice cream flavors. When we went, they had 45 to choose from! Watching them make the ice cream was just as much of a treat as eating the ice cream. They take vanilla soft serve ice cream, mix in your flavor preference and then they put the mixture into another part of the machine to twist out and serve. We loved all their unique flavors including German Chocolate and Tutti Frutti.”

The Plagges visit a different ice cream shop each week during the month of June. Then on the first of July every year, Val updates her Ice Cream Road Trip blog post. Her post coincides with the start of National Ice Cream Month.

There are so many reasons to celebrate all summer long! Today Val is sharing with us her recipe for homemade ice cream. In addition, I’m sharing links for two of my favorite ice cream toppings: Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce and Strawberry Ice Cream Topping.

shannonlatham

June 11, 2021

Dairy, Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes
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.

shannonlatham

May 28, 2021

Appetizers, Beef, Food & Family, Recipes, Sides