Like Father Like Son
Roots run deep and continue to do so as Latham® dealer Dave Bergquist and his wife, Chloe, recently welcomed their new baby boy into the world.
The Bergquists have followed a “like father, like son,” motto throughout generations. This makes the birth of their son, Briar, even more exciting as they hope add another generation to the Bergquist family farms.
Dave’s great step grandfather started farming in the early 1900s, and they continue to grow their operation. Dave and Mike raise wheat, sugar beets, corn and soybeans in Foxhome, Minn. The 2018 crop year marks Dave’s first year of full-time farming. He’s seeking opportunities to grow the legacy his great step grandfather started.
After completing the John Deere program at North Dakota State College of Science, Dave worked five years as a technician at a John Deere implement dealership. Through hands-on learned both in college and on-the-job, Dave has developed many skills that are much needed on the farm and in his seed dealership.
Taking on a dealership has allowed Dave supplement his income, so he can farm full time. He says he and his family enjoy working with independent, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds.
“Not only do they offer great products, but Latham Seeds is family owned. Everyone really does treat you like family,” says Dave.
Mike and Dave are point people for their operation, but it really is a family operation. Dave’s four sisters, his mom and his wife pitch in when needed. Chloe also works as a dental hygienist in Foxhome, Minn.
As the Bergquist family grows, Dave looks forward to working and relaxing with family. He enjoys fishing and hunting, so hopes Briar will want to join him in a few years. He and Chloe also enjoy spending time at the lake with her family. The couple met in high school when Dave was playing baseball and Chloe was keeping stats for the team.
After creating memories as a couple for 10 years, they’re looking forward to continuing family traditions and creating memories with their children.
“I grew up wanting to be like my dad,” says Dave. “As someone who you look up to your whole life, it only makes sense to do what you were taught. I really enjoy farming. It’s satisfying to plant seed, watch the plants grow and harvest the year-long accomplishments.”
Today, Chloe, is sharing a family favorite recipe. It is also a tractor-friendly recipe, and it won’t be long before Upper Midwest farmers are in the field!
Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients
8 oz cooked spaghetti
2 Tbsp margarine
1 cup grated parmesan cheese; divided
1 24 ox ricotta cheese (optional)
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (28 oz) pasta sauce
1 8 oz pkg mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Combine hot cooked spaghetti with margarine, stir until melted. Add ½ cup parmesan cheese; stir to coat. Arrange in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Spread ricotta cheese over spaghetti. Sprinkle with ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Brown ground beef, drain, add pasta sauce and heat until bubbly. Spoon over cheese. Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan cheese.
- Cover with nonstick foil or spray foil with cooking spray. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes. Serves 6 – 8.
Note: My family does not like ricotta cheese, so I don’t make it with it and I also don’t use ¼ cup parmesan cheese since I don’t add the ricotta. I just sprinkle a little over the noodles. Enjoy!
