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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham RSM Aaron Steenhoek in the Spotlight for “Friday Night Lights”

Just as football fanatics travel across the country to cheer on their favorite team to victory, we’re spanning the Upper Midwest to introduce you to some important players on Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ sales team.

Last week we introduced you to Latham’s Regional Sales Manager (RSM) for Northwest Iowa, Jeremy Joynt, who played tight end at Illinois State University. Jeremy explained how lessons learned through team sports apply to the workplace. The previous week we highlighted Joe Salter, Latham’s RSM in Northern Wisconsin, who shared how skills he gained on the gridiron transfer to our sales team.

Our third in a series of “Friday Night Lights” feature articles will focus on Latham’s RSM for Central Iowa – East. Aaron Steenhoek, a native of Pella, Iowa, feels blessed that he and his wife were able to purchase his grandparents’ acreage a little more than one year ago.

Aaron and Cory want to raise their three sons like they were raised. Cory grew up in Central Iowa near Garwin where her parents and her brother are the fourth and fifth generations, respectively, to farm that land. When Aaron was growing up, his grandpa and his dad raised corn and soybean in rotation. They grew alfalfa to provide forage for the family’s cow-calf operation. Aaron and his siblings also had 4-H feeder cattle projects.

Aaron’s grandfather retired from farming when Aaron was in college. Aaron graduated from Central College in 2011 and began farming with his father in 2012. They raise row crops, as well as alfalfa to feed as forage for their spring-calving, commercial cow-calf herd. Most of their cows are Angus influenced, but Aaron says they’re working toward a purebred Gelbvieh and Balancer herd. They also raise some Piedmontese F1 crosses.

“The Piedmontese is a double-muscled, myostatin-free beef that is lower in fat and cholesterol but higher in protein,” explains Aaron. “Essentially, you get the good of red meat with the essential amino acids in a more tender steak that is lower in calories and lower in cholesterol like chicken.”

The Steenhoek family enjoys spending time today, caring for the land and their cattle.

“Our boys are as actively involved in farming as they can be at their young ages. Their little eyes are always watching. If a piece of machinery is moving, they’re in it!” says Aaron. “God willing, our sons will become the seventh generation to operate our family farm. There’s so much history here. We actually have the original abstract from when my great, great, great grandfather bought the farm from the founder of Pella.”

Family comes first for Aaron, and that’s one reason he says he was drawn to working for family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

“The Lathams don’t just say family first, they mean it. You can see it through their actions,” says Aaron. “At the end of the day, that’s what this life comes down to… Farming is about providing for your family, teaching them values and virtues along the way, and hopefully leaving them something to continue.”

Creating a legacy is important to Aaron and Cory. The couple met while they were both attending Central College in Pella where they both majored in exercise science health promotion. Cory played basketball and ran track at Central College. She also became a personal trainer while she was still in college, and a few years ago she opened her own studio.

“My kids go with my wife daily to the gym. They enjoy interacting with her clients and working out with them,” says Aaron. “Our oldest son, Emmett, started Pre-K this fall. He loves everything farming. Two-year-old Rhett follows closely in Emmett’s footsteps. If 7-month-old Klay could figure out how to run with his big brothers, he would!”

Every parent knows the days can be long but the years pass quickly. Soon the Steenhoek children will likely play sports where they’ll gain more life-long lessons.

“Playing sports taught me a lot about building relationships and working hard, both of which are necessary to differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace,” says Aaron. “Being part of a team means working well with others, as well as pulling your own weight. You must elevate your play, so others around you see how you behave and want to elevate their own play. It means helping others, so the entire organization can succeed.”

Aaron also learned to adapt to change. He became a defensive specialist in college, playing the strong side defensive end position.

“This position in college is usually held by people a little larger than I, but I was able to hold my own with the speed and body awareness that I developed. I used to be one of the guys across the line, so I knew how to use their body weight against them.”

Aaron continues, “I played defensive end in high school, but the elevated level of play in college meant I couldn’t continue playing both ways plus special teams. Most days, I couldn’t play my own position on defense for the entire game because I needed a breather. This completely changed the pace of the game for me, and that was probably what I struggled with the most. Everyone around me was so much bigger, faster, and stronger. I had no choice but to match and beat their intensity on the field. College football taught me a lot about what people are capable of when they are willing to put in the effort and work for what they want to achieve.”

When he was majoring in exercise science, Aaron thought he would graduate from college and become a coach. Now he spends his days coaching Latham® dealers on how to meet their farmer-customers’ needs.

“What I enjoy most about selling seed is not actually selling at all. I enjoy working with farmers to help them improve the bottom line. I enjoy learning about their farms and practices. I learn what has worked for them and place products on their acres to help them have the best long-term results!

The Steenhoek family spends time together exercising, camping and boating. Aaron also enjoys hunting a few times throughout the year.

In celebration of October as Pumpkin Month, the Steenhoek family is sharing with us their favorite recipe for pumpkin muffins. Pumpkin has an impressive nutrition profile. It’s low in calories and high in antioxidants. Grab a pumpkin muffin or two on your way out the door to get your day off to a good start!

shannonlatham

October 11, 2019

Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Lessons Learned through Team Sports Apply to the Workplace

Friday night means “Friday Night Lights” in many communities across the Upper Midwest. Last Friday Latham’s Regional Sales Manager (RSM) for Northern Wisconsin, Joe Salter, shared how skills he gained on the gridiron transferred to our sales team. This week we’re introducing you to Latham’s RSM for Northwest Iowa, Jeremy Joynt.

Jeremy grew up on an acreage in the farming community of Emmetsburg where he says he had the privilege of learning about agriculture from every neighbor and farmer in Great Oak Township. Because he lived only two miles from his grandfather’s and his uncle’s farms, Jeremy helped them with various chores from cleaning grain bins and walking beans to picking up rocks, baling hay and to working with pigs.

“Playing sports in high school and college taught me lessons that I still use today. I learned to dream big, to believe in myself and to grow from my failures,” says Jeremy, whose goal was to become a Division 1 (D1) athlete. “I put in a lot of hard work outside of practice. I learned that I had to create positive and optimistic thoughts to achieve personal and team goals. I also learned that everyone will lose at something some time in his life. It’s how you handle failure that determines your success. Champions learn from failure and are motivated to do better.”

Jeremy played four sports throughout high school. During his junior year, his school’s heavyweight wrestler had to have surgery on both his MCL and ACL. Jeremy stepped in as his replacement and helped the team win their third Wrestling Dual Championship. He was part of two high school teams that won back-to-back state football championships in 2002 and 2003. During his senior year, he focused more on football and track. That year he placed second in state and seventh at the Drake Relays in shot put.

Because he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do upon graduating from high school, Jeremy chose to stay close to home. He attended Iowa Central Community College where he was a tight end (TE) for two football seasons. He graduated with his Associate of Art (AA) degree early, so he could transfer to Illinois State University and start spring football.

“Transitioning from a high school TE to a college TE at Iowa Central was not as difficult as I thought it would be,” says Jeremy. “We were more of a Zone/Power offense, so I was a blocking TE most of the time. The transition from my sophomore year to my junior year was the most challenging. I went from being a blocking TE to a TE used as a Y, H, and even in the slot.”

Not one to back away from hard work, Jeremy put in extra time running routes, studying the playbook, and watching game film. He learned what everyone’s responsibilities were on each play.

“Running out of a tunnel into a packed stadium is a feeling I’ll never forget,” says Jeremy. “The energy you get from the fans, your teammates, and the coaches is remarkable. Most importantly, you form life-long relationships after working side-by-side during two-a-day practices, walking to class, and traveling by charter bus or plane to games.”

Creating long-lasting relationships with customers who become your friends is what Jeremy enjoys most about selling seed.

“It’s really an honor to be welcomed onto someone’s farm because it’s where they have built traditions, raised their families, and learned many life lessons,” says Jeremy. “It’s my goal to help each farmer be profitable, so they can secure their legacy for the future.”

Jeremy’s professional goals align with those of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, which has been a family-owned seed company since 1947.

“The company and the Latham family are known for their respect, honesty, and integrity. They truly care about their employees and their customers. They want to provide farmers with the BEST products available with a quality that can’t be matched,” adds Jeremy. “It’s phenomenal to have conversations with John, Shannon, Chris and the team they have assemble at gatherings. I really enjoy being part of the Latham Sales Team, which is filled with boots-on-the-ground team players that help farmers.”

The lessons learned from participating in sports and from selling seed are Jeremy’s legacy. He and his wife, Tashia, are raising three very active sons: William, 5; Oliver, 4; and Cormac, 3. William and Oliver are in wrestling and soccer. They especially enjoy the weekends they spend on the farm in southwest Minnesota where his wife was raised.

“Our boys love spending time on Grandpa Jim’s farm. From gathering eggs to feeding the cows or chasing cats, you’ll find our boys running from barn to barn,” says Jeremy. “It’s a MUST to check all pockets before they enter the house because it wouldn’t out of the ordinary to find a toad or frog in there!”

The Joynt family also enjoys spending time together outdoors. Their favorite activities are hiking, bike riding, fishing, camping and boating. Active families appreciate healthy meals that are quick to fix. Today the Joynt family is sharing with us one of their favorite recipes for Taco Soup.

Jeremy Joynt is Latham Seeds’ Regional Sales Manager for Northwest Iowa. His wife, Tashia, is a surgical technician for Sightpath Medical. They enjoy outdoor activities with their three sons five-year-old William, four-year old Oliver and three-year-old Cormac.

shannonlatham

October 4, 2019

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

Sports Leads Salter Family Through Life’s Changing Seasons

While growing up in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, a change in seasons meant a change in sports for Joe Salter. This three-sport high school athlete wrestled during the winter months and played baseball from spring through summer. He spent every Friday night of the fall season on the gridiron.

Football became his passion. He played his freshman year at Mt. Scenario College. He then transferred to University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and played one year as a Blugold.

“The transition from high school to college is tough because the competition for each position is much greater,” says Joe, who played running back in high school. He started his college career playing wide receiver and finished playing defensive back.

“The camaraderie amongst the college football players and coaches is a close second to that of a hunting camp,” adds Joe, who also is an avid hunter and fisherman. “The competition in practice and level of play during games was awesome. I’ve always been very competitive, and college football help fuel that. Playing sports makes you rely on others, and that helps build rapport and respect one another.”

While Joe says the competitive edge that sports creates helps create a drive within and that transfers into sales, he didn’t grow up aspiring to a seedsman. His career path includes a few unusual turns, but his background allows him to bring a unique perspective and understanding to his position as regional sales manager for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Joe originally majored in Physical Education but switched majors after he began working as a personal trainer while he was attending college. Upon graduating from college, he and a couple of buddies started a training studio and coached young athletes.

“I really liked the coaching aspect more than training, and being a coach allowed me to do both,” says Joe. After he and his high school sweetheart, Aron, married and started a family, Joe decided to take a job with a real estate division of a local construction company. That job provided health benefits and gave him the flexibility to continue coaching.

When that company downsized a few years later, Joe went another direction. His brother-in-law told him about a position in fuel sales at an ag cooperative where he was working. It was the spring rush when Joe started working at that co-op, so he ended up helping service customers.

“The hours were long. I spent most of them delivering and retrieving fertilizer spreaders and loading seed. After the spring rush, the Agronomy Manager offered me an Agronomy Sales position. I started with a few small accounts and enjoyed every minute of it,” says Joe. “I soon realized that seed sales was what I really wanted to do.”

Joe says he wasn’t looking for a job when he learned Latham Seeds was looking for a salesperson in Northern Wisconsin. He finds it rewarding to work for a family-owned business.

“I like that the owners of Latham Seeds and I share values. We’re committed to family and we’re vested in the community,” says Joe. “I don’t just want to sell you seed and run. I want to help you place products on your farm to help you succeed. I want to earn your trust and, in return, I want you to trust that Latham Seeds is not your average seed company. We are a FAMILY that just happens to sell great seed products!”

Days for a regional sales manager can be long, but Joe maintains his active lifestyle. He and Aron encourage their kids to enjoy outdoor activities, which include but are not limited to shed hunting, fishing, baseball, football, wrestling hiking, kayaking, skiing, biking, boating and swimming.

Joe’s wife, Aron, grew up on a dairy farm in Fall Creek. She is a kindergarten teacher in Fall Creek and sells Doterra oils on her free time, which is usually from 9 to 11 P.M. when everyone is sleeping.

“The outdoors has so much to offer! It’s easy to get caught up in our busy schedules and fail to enjoy other things in our lives. We enjoy spending time as a family outdoors, so it really doesn’t feel like exercise,” says Joe.

“Exercise can be simple,” adds Joe. “Set a schedule for exercise that is manageable for your lifestyle. Stay consistent and don’t be too aggressive out of the gate. The same goes for eating healthy. Eat foods that you like and enjoy but stop after your serving. In other words, ‘Don’t eat too much’!”

Joe and Aron have three growing kiddos. Eight-year-old Kouper enjoys all sports. “He is ultra competitive,” says Joe. Last summer Kouper finished 3rd at Greco Nationals in wrestling. Now he’s focusing on flag football.

It’s common for this growing family to enjoy a salad bar when they’re at home on the weekends. Kids really will eat their veggies, says Joe. The Salter family likes to set out “fun salad toppings” like strawberries, blueberries, dried cranberries, snap peas, cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as hardboiled eggs , ham and turkey for protein. Their kids have a hand in fixing their own salads.

“Braydy is 6 years old and is quickly turning into a mini Kouper,” says Joe “He enjoys outdoor activities and has to be the luckiest littler fishermen I know.” Braydy is also in flag football.

They also look for look for creative ways to enjoy traditional foods.

“One night I wanted to make meatballs for spaghetti. I was looking through meatball recipes and a couple called for shredded cheese. When I was in the process of mixing them, one of the boys said he wanted burgers instead. I skipped the crumbs and turned them into burgers with shredded cheese and it was a hit. We also make a long burger and wrap it in bacon. That’s a hit, too.”

“Rejee Lynn is three years old, and she is the boss.” Says Joe. “Rejee is along for the ride to many of the boys sporting events. She also enjoys home days. Rejee loves to dance to the beat!”

Grilled burgers are traditional fall tailgating fare across the Upper Midwest. Whether you’re getting ready for Friday night lights, College Game Day on Saturday or you’re eating meals in field during harvest, Joe Salter and his family are sharing a recipe that puts a creative twist on a traditional tailgating fare. Joe says grilled elk burgers are a family favorite because his kids helped create this recipe.

shannonlatham

September 27, 2019

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

Kuehn Family Looks Forward to a New Season
September is a bittersweet time of year for Mike and Wendy Kuehn (pronounced “keen”) of Belview, Minnesota.

It’s time to say farewell to summer and start preparing for the next season. The Kuehn family opens up their camper around the first of May each year and spends the summer months camping, boating and fishing. Labor Day is spent winterizing the boat and camper, so final preparations can get made for fall harvest.

“I was raised a city girl, so I really didn’t understand farming until I met my husband more than 20 years ago. I married a third-generation farmer, and I’ve learned to appreciate what farmers do. I’m so proud of my husband because he puts so much care into raising crops and cattle,” says Wendy Kuehn, who recently sold her Lavish Salon & Spa but continues to work there full-time as a cosmetologist.

Now that Wendy isn’t responsible for the day-to-day management of her own business, she’s putting extra energy into helping Mike grow their Latham® Seed dealership. They’ve logged many hours this summer, putting up field signs and checking the crops.

“We make a good team,” says Wendy. “I’m willing to get my hands dirty, and I really like social media.”

Mike says he appreciate the way Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds looks for ways to bring families together at company events. He also really likes the quality of Latham brand soybeans.

“We’ve had quality issues for years with other companies, so I can appreciate Latham’s quality,” says Mike. “I’m impressed with how quickly the Latham corn emerged. It was looking really good until it got hailed on, but it got good regrowth on it.”

You can follow along with Kuehn Seeds on Facebook. Wendy says she and Mike enjoy promoting family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds because the company shares many of their same values. Just as Mike is a third-generation farmer, the third generation of Lathams is managing their seed business. The Lathams encourage their dealers to bring their families to company events because they, too, appreciate the importance of faith, family and farming.

The Kuehns two teenage daughters enjoyed attending Latham Seeds’ annual dealer meeting, which was in early July held near Des Moines, Iowa.

“My daughters and I love to go to the city for dinner and shopping, but we enjoy the peacefulness of living in the country,” says Wendy. “I like the privacy of living in the country. I also love that our girls are being raised next to their grandparents. We live across the road from Mike’s parents, and that’s where we keep our cattle. When our girls were little, they’d go over to their grandparents and help Mike feed the cattle.”

Now that their daughters are in high school, they’re busy with school and extracurricular activities. Brianna is a senior at Lakeview High School. She enjoys drawing caricatures and plans to attend college for animation. Bailey, a sophomore, enjoys painting watercolors and cheerleading. Bailey was voted Varsity football cheer captain as a freshman and is serving again as captain this fall. In addition, Bailey is captain of the JV dance line.

“Mike and I are proud that are girls follow their hearts. They’re in their element when they’re doing theatre, dancing or drawing,” says Wendy.

Both girls are on the trap team, and Mike serves as assistant coach for their teams. Brianna participates in both fall and spring trap, earning a varsity letter. Bailey participate in spring trap. During the summer months, Mike and Brianna shoot sporting clays.

Trap shooting is an extremely popular sport in Minnesota. More than 330 high school teams, including more than 8,300 student athletes, participated in the 2019 Trap Shooting Championship held June 10-18 at the Alexandria Shooting Park in Alexandria. The Lakeview Booster Club donated funds, so members of the local high school’s trap team could attend.

Hunting is also a family tradition. Mike and his father have been deer hunting in Wyoming for the past 30 years. Mike’s dad and his cousin started taking hunting trips out west in the 1950s. Now it’s an annual outing for them, Mike’s brother-in-law and his sons, as well as a slew of cousins.

Mike’s ability to rough-it prompted he and his pastor to embark on a wilderness experience two years ago led by Duke Edwards of Pinedale, Wyoming. A “super minimalist survival expert,” Edwards has appeared on National Geographic Channel’s “Mygrations” program He also is pastor of Wilderness Church.

Mike and five others joined Duke Edwards on a hike six miles into the mountains with only the clothes on their backs and a knife.

“We made our shelters. We caught grouse by hand. We ate chipmunk that we caught in a deadfall trap. We were hoping to catch fish and tried making a fish trap with paracord in 40-degree water, but that didn’t work too well. We made bows and arrows. We made our own shelter,” says Mike.

Two large fires caused the group to abort their survival mission a day early as the forest had to be evacuated, but adapting to change isn’t anything new for the Kuehns or most farmers.

Farmers must adjust to an ever-changing industry. Mike’s dad had a cow-calf operation. Then about 10 years ago, their neighbor had three Maine-Anjou steers that he didn’t want to haul away. That was the begin of their Maine-Anjou enterprise, and Mike continues to direct-sell freezer beef.

“I enjoy the freedom of farming and like being able to set my schedule,” says Mike, who got a degree in aviation mechanics. He worked in the aviation industry for a few years before leaving to become a chemical applicator. He was glad for the opportunity to come home and farm because it has allowed him to spend more time with his daughters and to attend their activities.”

With the busy fall harvest season upon us, the Kuehn family is sharing with us a couple of their favorite meals.

Crockpot Lasagna
- 1 box of uncooked “oven ready” lasagna noodles
- 1 large can/jar of spaghetti sauce/marinara sauce (We use the Garden Vegetable flavor.)
- 2 pounds of hamburger, brown & drained
- 2 bags of Shredded cheeses of choice
1. After you cook the hamburger, start with a layer of hamburger on the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Then layer the meat, uncooked noodles and cheese & sauce.
3. Make as many layers as possible.
4. Then top with cheese and cook on low for 4 hours. Delicious!
This is a fast, easy recipe for the moms on the go!

For traditional family gatherings, my grandmother, my mother and myself make rice hot dish. “It’s my favorite dish,” says Wendy. “This hot dish tastes so good on a cold night.”
shannonlatham

September 13, 2019

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

Local Partners Sought for “Growing Hope Globally”

People in small U.S. communities are making a big impact in the lives of others around the globe.

“Can you imagine not being able to provide for your family?” asks Ted Pitzenberger of Dougherty, Iowa, who has been involved in a U.S. Growing Project through Growing Hope Globally (GHG) for the past 15 years. “We hope to help people, who are chronically hungry, provide for their families and for others in their community.”

Through Growing Hope Globally, formerly known as Foods Resource Bank, U.S. farmers like Ted raise money to support those in developing nations how to grow food through sustainable, small-scale, agriculture production projects.

Ted became an active member of a GHG Committee at the request of Darrell Needham of Greene, Iowa. Other GHG Committee members from the Greene community include Dallas Foster, Sylvia Hawker, Ron Kester, Chuck and Carolyn Thompson, Matt Miller and Duane Smith. The committee, along with businesses and area churches, raise approximately $8,000 annually through donations and raising crops that are then sold with the proceeds benefiting GHG.

This year Ted, who has been a Latham® production grower for about 40 years, is donating all the soybeans produced on a 12-acre field that he planted to Latham’s L 2486 L. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, through its Community Support program, donated the seed for this project.

“This particular field means a lot to me because I’ve been involved with planting and harvest here since I was a kid,” says Ted, whose grandparents, Ted and Babe Boom, bought this farmland in 1942. “My grandfather was a seed dealer, and I would go to workshops and county fairs with him. When my brother and I were in 7^th and 8^th grade, he would come to school and get us, and we’d help him unload a seed truck. I’d get out of school in the fall to help him harvest. I’m sure he’d honored to see how much this field is helping others now.”

Farmers, landowners and others donate their time, expertise and equipment to financially support 169 Growing Projects nationwide that, in turn, provide a large percentage of revenue for Growing Hope Globally. The organization prides itself in efficiency; only about 11% of the total funds are used for administration. Eighty-nine percent of the funding goes directly to the training programs and projects that help establish sustainable agricultural methods overseas.

“It’s amazing to see farmers and others in rural communities get involved and provide a hand up to help people around the world become food independent,” says Ron De Weerd, regional director for Growing Hope Globally. “In its 20-year existence, Growing Hope Globally has supported 2 million people becoming free from chronic hunger. It only takes about $55 for us to provide four years of materials and training to have one farmer in a developing country become free from depending on others or migration for sufficient food and nutrition.”

An example of the training provided through Growing Hope Globally is gardening and cooking classes, which have helped reduce the number of Honduran children that suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Children also are planting small gardens next to their parents’ larger ones. The gardens provide for these families and sometimes produce extra produce they can sell.

Today we’re celebrating the success of Growing Hope Globally by sharing a recipe the organization provided for carrot fritters.

“These were delicious, and it was fun to make these in the village!” says Ron De Weerd, regional manager, Growing Hope Globally.

shannonlatham

September 6, 2019

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

Lilleoddens ¡Olé! the Day in New Ulm, Minnesota

She was having one of those days.

It was nine years ago when Nancy Lilleodden (pronounced lilly-od-en) of New Ulm, Minnesota, was experiencing an incredibly challenging day at work. She headed to lunch at the local Taco John’s restaurant, and she ended up walking into a business opportunity.

Her mother’s former employer, a Taco John’s franchise holder, asked Nancy if she was interested in making a move because he was looking to sell. He knew her work ethic and believed she was the right woman for the job. After talking it over with her husband, the Lilleoddens decided to “Olé the Day.”

Andy and Nancy work together to hire and manage employees, as well as all facets of the business from maintenance to purchasing local advertising. Nancy also creates the employees’ work schedules and does payroll outside the 46 hours each week that she works in the restaurant.

This husband-wife team works shifts to cover all the bases at home and at work. They’re the proud parents of three daughters and one son: Mckenzie will start fourth grade this fall; Brittney will be in second grade; Kaytlin is 2½ years old; and Tucker is 10 months old.

In addition to the Taco John’s location in New Ulm, Andy and Nancy own 3.6 acres of lake property. They purchased this cabin on Lake Hanska more than two years ago and operate it as an air B&B. With 2,400 square feet of space, including three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it can sleep 14 people. The kitchen table also fits 14, making it a popular gathering point for extended families.

Families from surrounding states book the cabin on Lilly Estates as a half-way meeting point to celebrate family get-togethers and the holidays. Scrapbookers book the space for weekend retreats. Those who enjoy fishing, whether by boat or from the ice, also book stays all year long. You can learn more about this beautiful cabin and all there is to do in the New Ulm area by checking out their website www.lillyestates.com and by watching the Great Plains Cabin episode on HGTV.

“Because I grew up just two miles from here, I watched that cabin get built in 1987. I’ve always thought it was one of the coolest places around, but I couldn’t afford it when the original couple was ready to sell,” said Andy. “It’s been a place that I’ve kept my eye on. We found out the next owners were going to sell before the property was even listed, so we made an offer.”

They also have seven other residential rental properties. Not ones to shy away from work, Andy and Nancy most recently took on a Latham® Seeds dealership. Andy feels as though it was an opportunity to return to his roots.

“My grandpa used to raise Minhybid seed corn back in the 40s, and we still have old seed sacks for Lilleodden Bros. Seed,” says Andy. “I’ve started farming my dad’s acres, so I like that I can plant Latham® products. It allows me to see product first-hand. Making on-farm visits and talking to farmers is really something I enjoy.”

Before taking on a Latham dealership, Andy worked for Christensen Family Farms of Sleepy Eye. Several years ago he also started planting a seed plot for Farmers Co-op of Hanska where Latham products were sold. Andy knew that the products were top quality with proven performance since he had planted them both in the field and in the plot. He and Nancy like the flexibility their seed dealership. They feel blessed to be raising their family just two miles away from where Andy was raised.

“We like that Latham Seeds is a family owned company that puts its focus on working with farmer dealers and helping farmers choose the best products for their acres,” says Nancy. “Because we work together, I’m glad I get a chance to attend Latham Dealer Kickoff each July with Andy. It’s a good way to learn about the new products lineup and ask questions about sales programs.”

Andy is most excited about Latham brand hybrids 4454 VT2 PRO RIB and LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB. His favorite Latham® Hi‑Tech Soybeans are L 2184 R2X and L 2228 R2.

Speaking of favorites, today the Lilleodden family is sharing with us a family favorite recipe for Strawberry Tapioca.

shannonlatham

August 30, 2019

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

Boating and Baseball Bring this Minnesota Farm Family Together

Diana Madsen grew up in a Minneapolis suburb, but the transition to small-town living was much easier than expected when she married Mike and moved into the farmhouse where his mother was raised.

Mike and Diana’s moms were childhood friends. Their parents even double dated while they were in high school. Although born and raised in the area, Diana’s parents moved away after they were married and eventually settled in Lakeville.

When Diana’s family visited Heron Lake in the summers, it was common for the two families to gather. Their families stayed in touch throughout the years, but Mike and Diana didn’t start dating until they had graduated from college.

“I’ve always enjoyed farming and that’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do,” says Mike, who started farming in 1991 with his father. “I didn’t play football because I didn’t want to miss out on harvest.”

Rural living is very different from how Diana grew up, but she feels blessed to raise her family on the Stenzel Century Farm.

“The thing I love most is that your neighbors are your friends here. Your neighbors and others in the community are always offering support in times of need,” says Diana, who said she and Mike really appreciated the community’s support during his parents’ terminal illnesses. “The other piece is that people are always looking out for your kids. It’s so nice that other people care about your kids.”

Mike and Diana are the proud parents of three. Their 20-year-old daughter, Sarah, is majoring in marketing at Winona State University. Andrew, 18, will be freshman at South Dakota State University where he’s majoring in Ag Systems Technology. Matt, 16, will be a junior at Heron Lake-Okabena High School.

The Madsen family enjoys spending their summers on the lake or in the ballpark. They’re avid Minnesota Twins fans, so they try to take in a game or two each season. They also spend many hours in the bleachers, cheering on their kids.

Because baseball is a spring sport in Minnesota schools, summer leagues in rural communities are sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or the American Legion. Five years ago, Mike took the initiative to rekindle a summer American Legion baseball team in Heron Lake. Last month both of their sons played on the same team, which took third place at the sub-state playoffs. When their team didn’t win a berth in the state American Legion tournament, the entire family headed to the lake and enjoyed a weekend of boating.

Mike and Diana enjoy having flexible work schedules that allow them to maximize their family time. As the Associate Director of Active Aging Programs at Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota, Diana works from home four days a week. In addition to farming, Mike operates a seed dealership.

“What I enjoy most about selling seed is interacting with other farmers. It’s rewarding when people trust you enough to purchase seed from you,” says Mike. “I decided to take on a Latham® dealership because Latham Seeds is a family-owned company that offers all the seed technology options available on the market.”

Speaking of “options,” today the Madsen family shares with us two of their favorite recipes. Diana says the marinade is amazing on pork tenderloin, and Chicken Wild Rice soup is definitely a Minnesota favorite. Who else is looking forward to sitting down to a cup of Minnesota Wild Rice Soup?

Pork Marinade

½ c. Soy sauce

3 T. Sugar

3 T. Onion/garlic minced

¾ c. Sesame seeds

Great for tenderloin or chops. Marinate for 4-8 hours

shannonlatham

August 16, 2019

Food & Family, Pork, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Fourth Generation ND Farmer Has Grown His Legacy with Innovation

It’s another milestone year for Jared Hagert and his family as his great grandfather homesteaded their farm in 1909. The family hosted a party in 2009 for the community, complete with a live band and picnic, to celebrate their Century Farm.

Their family legacy dates to 1890 when 16-year-old Gust (Gus) E. Hagert immigrated from Sweden to the United States. He moved in 1905 to Section 10 in Pleasant View Township, Emerado, ND. Gus worked on his uncle Oscar Hagert’s farm with a “rent to own” arrangement. After farming for 40 years, Gus passed the family farm down to his son Curtis.

“Curtis Senior, my grandfather, was committed to improving yield. I have a Durum Wheat sample he submitted to the 1937 International Hay and Grain Expo in Chicago that took 5^th place in the World,” says Jared Hagert, who feels blessed to be the fourth generation to live on the original farmstead. “I took that germ sample more than once to Show and Tell. In fact, it’s still on display in my home office.”

Jared’s father, Curtis Junior, started farming in the mid-60s. His brother, David, came home in the mid-1970s. The two brothers farmed together for about 25 years, and then David decided to focus on growing his Agri Data business.

Using new technology to continually improve their farm is a common philosophy and interest of the Hagert family. Jared’s parents, Curtis Junior and Roberta, started a seed conditioning business in 1993.

“Dad converted a three-stanchion milk parlor, granary and cattle shed into our first seed conditioning facility. Dad raised it eight feet and installed conditioning equipment. Wheat scab struck in 1993, and Hagert Seed was one of the only entities with a gravity table that took out the scab. It paid for farmers to condition their wheat, so they could sell it at a higher price.

Innovation continued to build the business. After farming for more than 40 years and conditioning seed for more than 12 years, Curtis Junior sold Hagert Farms and Hagert Seed to Jared and his wife, Brandie. Jared, who graduated from North Dakota State University (NDSU) with a degree in Ag Systems Management also known as Ag Mech, had a vision to build Hagert Seed. With help from Curtis Junior and others, Integrated Ag Services took shape with a new warehouse, seed plant, navy bean receiving station and office.

“Our mission is to be ‘more than your local seed supplier.’ I wanted our business to provide seed with quality genetics, proven performance, and dependable service,” says Jared.

Integrated Ag Services’ conditioning facility was fully operational in January 2016. Integrated Ag began conditioning and distributing seed throughout the Midwest. This new facility is equipped with a full line of precision conditioning equipment and handles both bulk and package seed.

Although the operation has grown, it is still very much family operated. Jared’s cousin Leslie and her husband, Jon, moved home in 2013. Leslie serves as office manager for Integrated Ag. Jared and Jon farm together. They raise spring wheat, white wheat, edible beans, soybeans and corn.

“A few years ago we started planting more cover crops. Cover crops especially help reduce erosion on edible beans acres since many of those plants are out of the soil and run the whole plant through a specialty combine. We’re doing more no-till, and that has been working well.”

Seed technology has allowed them to farm acres that before couldn’t produce a crop.

“We have some dryland acres that have an especially dry, sandy profile. Normally I’d be getting a max of 40 to 50 bushels per acre on corn. With drought-tolerant hybrids, we’re getting 90 bushels per acre. New herbicide technologies also are helping increase yields. We’re looking forward to Enlist E3 soybeans.”

Jon and Leslie are instrumental in keeping the operation running when Jared travels on behalf of the United Soybean Board or attends other industry meetings. Jared served as USB chair during its 25^th anniversary year and remains on the board.

“When I first got appointed to the United Soybean Board, I was filling a seat vacated by Doug Goering who resigned to become ag commissioner,” says Jared. “I stepped into big shoes and had an accelerated learning curve. But I’m grateful for the opportunity because it really allowed me to step up.”

Jared served as the vice chair of the World Initiative for Soy and Human Health through the American Soybean Association. He also has been involved with North Dakota Soybean Council and North Dakota Soybean Growers Association. He has served the ND Soybeans Growers for one term as vice president and two terms as president.

“My dad had was a founding member of North Dakota Soybean Growers Association and was active on soybean council. Watching him serve for the greater good left an indelible impression,” says Jared.

Keeping with tradition, Jared and Brandie started making lefse like his mother and grandmother have done for years. Today the Hagert family is sharing this treasured recipe with us.

Laura Cunningham

August 9, 2019

Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Farming is Iowa’s Masterpiece!

By Kelly Visser, Iowa Soybean Association consumer engagement manager

From blue-ribbon-winning livestock to a perfectly sculpted Butter Cow to one-of-a-kind new fair foods, there’s no shortage of creativity at the Iowa State Fair! The iconic 11-day event attracts more than a million people from around the globe and is a salute to the intersection of food, farming and family in Iowa.

The 2019 Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP) display at the Iowa State Fair will showcase the artwork in agriculture and celebrate the collaboration, color and creativity of farming! More than 250,000 fairgoers are expected to visit the booth and gain perspective on modern agriculture in Iowa.

Located in the Southeast Atrium of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the Iowa FFP display features an interactive paint-by-numbers mural that will be brought into full color using soy-based paint.

In addition to painting the mural (there are 23,000 paint-by-number spaces!), fairgoers of all ages will have the opportunity to put a frame around farming courtesy of a farm-and food-themed photo booth and take-home coloring sheets. Visitors can also enter to win five pieces of agriculture-inspired artwork from a local photographer and artists.

As with all Iowa FFP activities, the annual Iowa State Fair display centers around giving consumers the opportunity to engage with farmers and learn about the state’s leadership in agriculture. Each touchpoint will help grow the Iowa FFP network of fans for long-term, two-way conversations on food and farming.

“More than ever before, consumers want to know where their food comes from and we as farmers love nothing more than to share our story,” says Aimee Bissell, a Bedford soybean and corn farmer. “Opportunities like the Iowa Food & Family Project exhibit allow for mutual education and information, which is essential to our farming operation and making informed food choices.”

The display will be managed by more than 400 farmer and consumer volunteers. The enthusiastic volunteer base is a testament to the vibrant network of fans engaged with Iowa FFP activities.

Each month, Iowa FFP interacts with more than 120,000 food and health-minded through social media, Fresh Pickings eNewsletter, Fresh Pickings magazine, community events and farm tours. Each consumer connection centers around building confidence in modern agriculture in a welcoming, relevant format.

shannonlatham

August 2, 2019

Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Johnson Family of Frankfurt, SD, Earns Conservation Award

Johnson Farms recently was awarded the 2019 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award.

Alan Johnson of Frankfort, SD, converted his operation to no-till 33 years ago, which astonished some area farmers at the time because it was against the norm. Recently, Johnson Farms was awarded the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award for voluntary conservation efforts.

“I initially converted to no-till to save moisture. I was tired of my crop drying up, and I knew there was a better way to farm that would conserve moisture and nutrients and still raise a crop. Because I was farming by myself at the time, no-till helped save me labor,” says Alan, whose son, Brian, joined the family farming operation after graduating in 2004 from South Dakota State University with a degree in Ag Business.

The Johnsons integrated cover crops and rotate crops, including corn, soybeans, oats, wheat and barley. They’ve noticed better weed control, less soil erosion and improved soil structure. They’ve also found synergy between cover crops and cattle. Their cattle graze the mature cover crops in the fall, as well as on corn stalks after harvest. Manure gets incorporated into the fields, which enhances the symbiotic relationship between the cattle and the land.

Brian and Jamie Johnson’s four children enjoy helping on the farm and growing their herd of Angus cattle. Here their older daughters, 12-year old Ella and 10-year-old Lila are giving their 4-H speech about “The Economics of Integrating Livestock on Cropland” to those attending the family’s conservation award ceremony. Not pictured is 3-year-old Evelyn.

“Since we started planting cover crops 10 years ago, the ground has mellowed,” says Brian. “Organic matter and water infiltration have increased, which has allowed our soil to withstand the extremes of drought in 2017 and 2018 to excess water in 2019.”

Brian credits the use of cover crops for providing valuable soil nutrients and for breaking up soil compaction. He and Alan retrofitted a planter to seed the cover crop into bio strips into 20-inch rows, which better accommodates their seed blend of radishes, lentils and vetch. You can learn more about the Johnson’s bio strips, cover crops and other aspects of their farming operation in a six-part video series entitled, “Soil Health Applied.”

The Johnsons also use precision ag technology to manage their fields by zone. They apply variable rates of fertilizer and seed.

“One thing I admire about Dad is that he’s always looking for ways to improve,” says Brian. “Thirty years ago, he planted corn at 18,000 plants per acre. Now we’re averaging 37,000 in 20-inch rows, and it’s taken our yields to the next level. With improved plant genetics and soil fertility, I don’t think we’ve hit the top yields yet!”

The Johnson family continues to strive for higher yield, but they’ve already set yield records. In 2016, they topped the South Dakota Soybean Yield Contest at 81.33 bushels/acre, in the Group 0 No-Till Category.

Fall harvest is a time when the whole family helps. Alan’s wife, Mickie, and Brian’s wife, Jamie, take turns driving the combine and operating the grain cart. Jamie also has served since 2017 on the board of the South Dakota Soybean Association. In the summer, Jamie and the four children help Brian synchronize and artificially inseminate (AI) the cattle, as well as move the cattle through their rotational grazing paddocks. Grazing cattle is good for the environment because they often graze ground where crops can’t be grown. Grazing also helps stimulate the growth of grass and prevents woody shrubs from overpopulating. In addition, manure helps fertilize the pasture.

The Johnson’s conservation practices include: placing marginal crop acres into CRP; planting shelter belts; diversifying crop rotations; leaving crop residues; soil testing and applying variable-rate fertilizer; and seeding cover crops into bio strips as shown in this 2016 photo of their son, Leo.

“If we’re good to the environment and good to the soil on our operation, it’s something that we can continue for the other generations,” says Alan.

Brian’s children, who would be the fifth generation to farm this land, show an interest in growing their family’s legacy of farming and conservation.

“There’s nothing like living on a farm,” says Brian. “You see how things grow and mature. I enjoy watching crops progress through the summer. Our kids are learning the importance of doing a job correctly, and they feel a sense of purpose by helping.”

In honor of the Johnson’s conservation award, today they’re sharing with us a favorite family recipe for Whole Wheat Bread.

shannonlatham

July 26, 2019

Food & Family, Recipes, Sides