Catt was raised on a dairy farm near Plum City, Wisc., where he delivered an interest in producing healthy meat, milk and eggs. As one of the industry’s most renowned forage specialists, he helps farmers strike that delicate balance between nature, science and technology.

“One of the reasons I decided to join Latham is because of its Seed-2-Soil® program,” says Catt, who has worked in the seed industry since he started detasseling corn in 1985. “Latham’s Seed-2-Soil program will help growers choose and manage their corn silage and alfalfa varieties, so they can get more value from what they currently have.”

Catt began crop scouting when he was 16 years old. He worked his way through the University of Wisconsin at River Falls at Brown Seed Company and by hauling milk. He served as assistant mill manager and was then promoted to full branch manager for a large cooperative where he in charge of feed, seed and fertilizer. For the past five years, he served as a forage product specialist for another regional seed company.

“I truly believe Latham is implementing genuine and valiant efforts to provide customers with the best seed purchasing experience,” says Catt. “This family-owned company believes in constant, never-ending improvement. It continually strives for the best genetics and the best product knowledge, as well as being a source of trusted information in fast-paced, fast-changing industry. I’m glad to be a part of it!”

Catt is also passionate about how food sources affect human health. “I’m passionate about being good stewards of our soil, as it affects everything from the seed to the shelf, and ultimately us, the end user,” he says. “It seems that many of our health maladies are closely related to our nutrition and vice versa.”

With a belief system like this, it’s no wonder that Corey is also interested in the medical field. He earned a paramedics certification from Inver Hills Community College in Inver Hills, Minn. He works part-time in the emergency room at a Regions Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center in St. Paul, Minn. He also volunteers as a 911 paramedic, providing advanced life support for a large rural community.

Corey also has lots of past-times, all with a common theme of the outdoors. He enjoys kayaking, pontooning, sailing, fishing and hiking.

About Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is an independent seed company committed to bringing world-class technology home® to rural communities in Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. It’s owned by third-generation seedsman John Latham and his wife, Shannon, and John’s brother, Chris Latham. The Latham name has stood for the latest genetics and highest quality since 1947. For more information, please visit www.lathamseeds.com or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1-877-465-2842).

AUDIO: Shannon Latham (7:53 MP3)

“Beau’s attention to detail and strong organizational skills will serve his farmer-customers well as he works with them to develop cropping plans and increase the overall productivity of their acres,” says Jim Heckman, national sales manager. “Beau understands first-hand what it means to be part of a family farming operation. He also understands the importance of meeting budgets and turning profit.”

Beau was raised on a diversified family farm near Adel. They raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and Black Baldy cattle. Plus his father, Nick Dawes, has been a Latham dealer since 2000.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping on the farm outside of office hours and was looking for an opportunity to become even more involved with our family’s operation,” says Beau, who earned a degree in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University and then embarked on a 10-year career as a real estate underwriter for Wells Fargo. “I’m really looking forward to working with farmers and helping them benefit from new technology.”

As an independent seed company, Beaus says that Latham can deliver more options that are tailored to a specific farmer’s needs, a specific geographic region and local growing conditions. He’s also looking forward to helping his customers benefit from Latham’s hallmark Seed-2-Soil® program.

“Farmers have been collecting field data for years, and sometimes the amount of field data can be overwhelming,” says Dawes. “Seed-2-Soil helps organize this data into one easy-to-use program, allowing farmers to use that data to make decisions that will increase overall productivity and gain efficiencies, thus increasing profits. I also like the diversity of the Seed-2-Soil program, so farmers have a choice as to what level of the program they want to participate in.”

About Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is an independent seed company committed to bringing world-class technology home® to rural communities in Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. It’s owned by third-generation seedsman John Latham and his wife, Shannon, and John’s brother, Chris Latham. The Latham name has stood for the latest genetics and highest quality since 1947. For more information, please visit www.lathamseeds.com or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

“Amy is a great addition to our growing team and is well suited to meet our growing marketing needs. She has a penchant for designing monthly newsletters and brochures, plus the know-how to process commercial print jobs,” says Shannon Latham, vice president. “We’re blessed to have someone with her skills onboard.”

A native of Clear Lake, Hild graduated from Clear Lake High School and received an Associate of Arts degree from North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in 2008. She then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design. For the past 14 months, Hild has worked for Community Quick Print (CQP) in Mason City.

“I’m so excited to work for a family-owned company,” says Hild, who resides in Clear Lake. “I have so many ideas and can’t wait to incorporate them and help sell the Latham® brand!”

About Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is an independent seed company committed to bringing world-class technology home^® to rural communities in Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. It’s owned by third-generation seedsman John Latham and his wife, Shannon, and John’s brother, Chris Latham. The Latham name has stood for the latest genetics and highest quality since 1947. For more information, please visit www.lathamseeds.com or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

“We’re inviting free-spirited, independent-minded farmers ? whether or not they’re current Latham customers ? to join our ‘field day on wheels’,” says Shannon Latham, vice president, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, Alexander, Iowa. “Our one-of-a-kind field day gives motorcycle and muscle car enthusiasts alike ‘an excuse’ to get on the road.”

The 90-mile ride will take riders and drivers across some of the most scenic roads in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. Participants will travel through both states, crossing the Mighty Mississippi on this historic Cassville ferry. The ride will end in Prairie du Chien around 6 p.m. with a complimentary hog roast.

The route will feature four showcase plots including Latham® Hi-Tech Hybrids and Latham® Hi-Tech Soybeans with LibertyLink®, Agrisure® and the Genuity® family of traits and technologies. We’ll also have fun stops along the way, says Latham. One such pit stop will be Guttenberg, Iowa, which was named one of America’s 20 Prettiest Towns by ForbesTraveler.com. Participants can take a break to tour Lock and Dam 10, visit the Guttenberg Aquarium and Fish Management Station, or stroll along the two-mile river walk.

“Latham holds independence close to heart,” says Latham. “Nothing shows an independent spirit like an American farmer ? except perhaps an American farmer on a Harley or in a muscle car! Join us Saturday, Aug. 27, for a day of fun.”

Those interested in participating in the ride can register at www.lathamseeds.com, where they’ll see a link to the registration and event page under “News and Events.” There is no charge for the event, and those who register by Monday, Aug. 15, will receive a do-rag. Additional ride details will be e-mailed upon registration.

Participants can also follow Latham’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/LathamSeeds, blog www.thefieldposition.com, and Twitter page www.twitter.com/LathamSeeds to see updates about Latham’s Freedom of Independence Ride.

About Latham Hi-Tech Seeds

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is an independent seed company committed to bringing world-class technology home™ to rural communities in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. It is owned by third-generation seedsman John Latham and his wife, Shannon, and John’s brother, Chris Latham. For nearly 65 years, the Latham name has stood for the latest genetics and highest quality. For more information, visit http://www.lathamseeds.com or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1-877-465-2842).

“SeedWare is your friend!” Sandie says with a smile. “It puts the control of your dealership in your hands. It’s very user friendly and can be a huge asset to your dealership. You can enter orders, run reports like inventory availability, sales and statements. Because it is a live inventory system, you’ll know product availability with the touch of a button. I’m looking forward to working with RSMs and dealers to see how they can benefit from SeedWare.”

Sandie lives in Forest City, Iowa, and is engaged to Todd Johnson. She’s the proud mother of two children: Jill is teaching English in China, and Jason works for the security department of Target in Minnesota. Now that her children are grown, Sandie enjoys caring for her two pugs, Diego and Zuzu. She also enjoys walking, lifting weights, gardening and trying new recipes. In addition, Worner enjoys community theatre and has held several roles the years. Most recently, she played a part in a local movie that was shot in Forest City.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Craig in the past and am glad that he’s now on the Latham team,” says Jim Heckman, national sales manager, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “Craig knows southeastern Minnesota and the challenges growers face. He will help add value to Latham customers’ bottom line.”

Latham’s independent position and its philosophy of partnering with farmers attracted Haaland to Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “I’m glad to be part of an independent, family-owned company that puts farmers first,” says Haaland. “I really enjoy working with farmers, learning about their families and hobbies, and helping them choose the seed that will perform best on their acres.”

Helping farmers select the seed that best fit their soil types and management practices is one goal of Latham’s hallmark Seed-2-Soil® program. Through the Seed-2-Soil program, Latham helps farmers find more meaning from their grid samples and geo-reference yield data, as well as helps them understand the relationships between hybrids and varieties with nutrients and production practices.

“I’m looking forward to helping my customers implement Seed-2-Soil on their acres,” says Haaland. “I believe Latham’s Seed-2-Soil program is more extensive than any other company’s program, yet it’s also user-friendly. Farmer choose their level of participation, and we can hit the ground running this fall.”

“Nick knows first-hand what it means to own a business and to grow aggressively,” says Jim Heckman, national sales manager, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “He listens well and will work with growers to understand their needs. He brings a solid background in row crop farming and understands what it’s like to be part of a family farming operation.”

Coleman was raised on a farm near Humboldt, where his family raised corn, soybeans, hogs and cattle. He’s been active with his family’s crop farming and sees what a difference selecting the right seed can make. And that’s one reason he’s excited about introducing farmers to Latham’s hallmark Seed-to-Soil® program.

“Helping people achieve their goals is something that motivates me, and I’m looking forward to partnering with farmers to help them achieve their production goals by selecting the best corn hybrids and soybean varieties to fit their acres,” says Coleman. “I’m excited to work for a company that puts the family farmer first and allows us to get to know the individuals we serve.”

About Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is an independent seed company committed to bringing world-class technology home® to rural communities in Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. It’s owned by third-generation seedsman John Latham and his wife, Shannon, and John’s brother, Chris Latham. The Latham name has stood for the latest genetics and highest quality since 1947. For more information, please visit www.lathamseeds.com or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

“John’s experience in both agronomy and sales is well suited to the consultative approach that Latham takes with its farmer-customers,” says Jim Heckman, national sales manager, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “He’s a Certified Crop Advisor in both Nebraska and Iowa. Plus, he’s from an area that we had identified as a priority area for growth. We’re pleased to have John onboard.”

Toft grew up on a farm near Tekamah, Nebraska, where his family raised corn and soybeans had an Angus cow-calf operation. Upon graduating from high school, he attended South Dakota State University where he served as president of FarmHouse Fraternity. He also was president of the Agronomy Club and was active in both Collegiate FFA and 4-H. Toft earned a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and Agribusiness Management with minors in Chemistry and Ag Marketing before attending graduate school at Iowa State University for Seed Technology and Plant Diseases.

“I enjoy being in the field, diagnosing issues and seeing a crop program through until harvest,” says Toft, who is a certified crop advisor (CCA) in both Iowa and Nebraska. “I’m especially looking forward to working with my customers from crop planning through harvest through Latham’s Seed2Soil® program.”

Latham’s hallmark Seed2Soil® program helps farmers achieve maximum production from every acre by placing seed products to fit particular soil conditions and farming practices. Toft says he’s looking forward to working with farmers to grid sample soils and organize their data, so they can make the best possible farming decisions. Farmers get to choose their level of participation in the Seed2Soil program including product placement, variable rate planting and nitrogen management.

As a sales agronomist for DeBruce Ag and for Central Valley Ag, Toft developed a reputation for helping his customers increase their yields and productivity. He also sold multiple brands of seed and says he’s looking forward to focusing exclusively on Latham® brand seed.

“Latham Hi-Tech Seeds offers a product lineup that is well suited for this region,” says Toft. “I’m looking forward to joining a progressive, family-owned business that focuses on putting farmers first.”
 

“Greg’s customer focus, his strong work ethic and his experience in seed sales will be an asset to our company,” says John Latham, president, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds in Alexander. “There are many parallels between Greg’s upbringing and my own, so he understands first-hand what it means to be part of an independent, family-owned business.”

A native of Westbrook, Minnesota, Brandt literally grew up in the seed business. His father was a district seed sales manager for 30 years. The family also produced corn, soybeans and small grains, as well raised purebred Suffolk sheep.

“My family and my community are very important to me, and that’s one of the reasons that I was drawn to the independent, family-owned Latham Hi-Tech Seeds,” says Brandt. “Latham
Hi-Tech Seeds focuses on building relationships with customers and on providing the highest quality, most cutting-edge products on the market. I’m excited to offer top-performing Latham® products, backed by personal service, to growers in Minnesota.”
 

“With Glenn’s background in the seed industry and his experience as a business owner, we can’t think of anyone better to represent Latham® in northwest Iowa!” says Jim Heckman, national sales manager, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “This is an area where we wanted to place more focus on growing customer relationships, and thanks to Glenn, we’ll now be able to do that. He knows first-hand what it means to be part of an independent, family-owned business.”

In fact, Latham’s independent position and philosophy of partnering with farmers to help create customer success is what attracted Fuller to Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is a leader in the seed business,” says Fuller. “I’m glad to be part of a progressive company that wants to continue growing and puts its customers first.”

One way Latham puts customers first is through its hallmark Seed2Soil® program, which helps farmers achieve maximum production from every acre. Fuller says he’s looking forward to working with farmers to grid sample soils and organize their data, so they can make the best possible farming decisions. Farmers get to choose their level of participation in the Seed2Soil program including product placement, variable rate planting and nitrogen management.

“Seed2Soil fits very well with Glenn’s CCA certification and training, bringing his years of agronomic expertise to help growers maximize their profits,” says Heckman.

Partnering with farmers to increase their production is second nature for Fuller, who has spent the past 12 years as Regional Sales manager with Sands of Iowa Ag Services. Prior to that, he managed the Agronomy Department for the Farmers Cooperative Society in Sanborn, Iowa. He also was part-owner in Paullina Grain Company. In addition, he owned a petroleum and fertilizer business for 14 years.

“I’m looking forward to again being a part of an independent, family-owned company that puts farmers’ interests first,” says Fuller. “Latham is doing things that help farmers get ahead.”
 

“Gary brings a tremendous amount of experience in the seed industry to our business and is well respected for his corn product knowledge,” says Jim Heckman, national sales manager, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds in Alexander, Iowa. “His addition to our team will open new territories for Latham® products, as well as provide additional support and resources for our existing dealers and farmer-customers. We are extremely honored that Gary wanted to join the Latham team and are really excited about our partnership going forward.”

While growing up on farm near Enderlin, North Dakota, Geske raised crops and helped repair farm equipment. He enjoyed “figuring out how things worked,” so upon graduating from high school, Geske enrolled in Diesel Mechanics and Machine Tooling at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton.

Geske graduated from college, got married and then rejoined the family farming operation, which involved four families: his parents; his brother, Bobby, and Bobby’s wife, Beth; his sister, Sherrie, and Darby Holub; as well as Gary and his wife, Sandy. They produced wheat, corn, sunflowers and soybeans, as well as experimented with cranbe, grain sorghum and pulse crops.

“Sandy and I left the farm in 1990 when I had the chance to become a district sales manager (DSM) in southeastern North Dakota for Keltgen Seed,” says Geske. “After five years, company ownership changed and I became a salesman for a machinery dealership while I looked for another opportunity in the seed business.”

In 1997, Geske became a DSM for REA Hybrids of Aberdeen and also was involved with hybrid research. Then in 2001 he started his own corn hybrid company, Quality Seed Genetics. Geske sold his interest in QSG to his business partner, so he could focus on selling and servicing seed treating equipment. And while he’s enjoyed staying connected to farmers through his treating business, Geske says he was ready to return to corn research and seed sales.

“I really have fun working with farmers and helping them choose products to enhance their operations,” says Geske. “It’s evident that the focus of Latham Seeds is teamwork, so Sandy and I are looking forward to being part of that team. We’re excited about providing the best genetics available – from all sources – to best fit a grower’s farming conditions and practices.”

Geske says he’s interested in implementing Latham’s hallmark Seed2Soil® program to help farmers achieve maximum production from every acre by placing seed products to fit particular soil conditions and farming practices. He’s looking forward to working with farmers to grid sample soils and organize their data, so they can make the best possible farming decisions. Farmers get to choose their level of participation in the Seed2Soil program including product placement, variable rate planting and nitrogen management.

“Seed2Soil– and Latham Seeds in general – focus on putting the farmer first,” says Geske. “I’m going to have fun introducing Latham to my customers, dealers, area managers and developing new relationships.”
 

“Scott is expanding Latham’s footprint into an area where there is tremendous opportunity for us to make a difference,” says Jim Heckman, national sales manager, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “I’m looking forward to working with Scott again because I’ve seen his commitment to servicing customers and know his work ethic. He’s going to be a great addition to the Latham team.”

Stadheim grew up on a farm near Watertown, SD. His family raised soybeans and cattle, as well as drilled irrigation and domestic wells. After earning an associate’s degree in agriculture, Stadheim became a sales rep for the AG Plus Seed Co. in Spencer, Iowa, for five years. He’s spent the last 13 years working for another seed brand that is now publicly owned.
One of the things that Stadheim said drew him to Latham Hi-Tech Seeds was the opportunity to work for an independent, family-owned company. “I started working for an independent seed company in 1992 and am glad to have the opportunity to join an independent company again,” says Stadheim.

“I believe independent seed companies provide a real benefit to farmers,” adds Stadheim. “We can recommend the products to best fit a farmer’s situation instead of tied to a specific trait provider. Plus, my customers will now have access to new and different seed technologies. I’m excited to show them what Latham has to offer!”
 

“We’re pleased to welcome Larry to the Latham team,” says John Latham, president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “Larry has extensive experience in the seed industry and his knowledge of the western Iowa and northeastern Nebraska farm market will be a great asset for Latham seed customers.”

Prior to joining Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, Larry served as regional sales manager for Wyffels Hybrids for more than 12 years. Larry graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Agronomy.

Larry says he’s looking forward to working with a company where the top priority is creating success stories for customers.

Larry is a native of Dixon, Illinois. He and his wife, Tracie, are the proud parents of Brandon, 18, and Kayl, 15.
 

“Congratulations to Gary Bennett for 25 years of excellent service to the Latham companies,” says Bill Latham, chief technology officer, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “I have observed Gary’s performance during this entire period, as together we have guided the soybean research program through expansion and change. Gary is extremely dependable, accurate and pays great attention to detail, which are invaluable traits for a researcher. He always has the best interests of the company and our customers in mind.”

Bennett says yield is the number one criteria in Latham’s breeding program but standability and disease resistance are important, too.

“Roundup® Ready soybeans probably had the most impact on our research program,” says Bennett. “And now I’m working with corn, too. There’s always something new coming along.”

Bill Latham agrees that Roundup Ready soybeans have greatly affected the company’s research program, including its hallmark work with CystX® for Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) resistance.

“Our current success in developing Latham® brand soybeans with both the Roundup Ready 2 and the CystX technology came about through a long process of breeding,” says Latham. “Gary has conducted all of Latham’s performance testing for this program over the years. In addition, he conducts extensive annual performance testing of all our variety candidates. Such tests have allowed Latham to go to market sooner and with greater performance assurance, so we’re fortunate that Gary is on our team.”
 

The seed business has changed dramatically over the years. “There’s always something new on the horizon,” Jaacks said. “A whole host of new products, traits and technologies have been developed. Bagging has changed, and Latham led the way with selling by seed count rather than weight. Plus, it seems like there’s always some new seed treatment that’s being offered.”

In his many years at the company, the biggest lesson Jaacks said he learned was fittingly passed on from his father who told him, “If you’re going to do a job, do it right. If you’re not going to do it right, then don’t even start.”

John Latham, president, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, says, “Greg takes great pride in producing the highest quality soybeans possible. We’re fortunate that he’s been such an integral part of our family’s business for the past 35 years.”

Jaacks and his wife, Donna, live in Belmond. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family including two grandchildren. His favorite past times are NASCAR racing and fishing.
 

“Bill will recruit new regional sales managers and then mentor those who are holding new positions with our company,” says Jim Heckman, national sales manager for Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “We’re really looking forward to this increased support we’ll be able to provide for our sales force and couldn’t more pleased than to bring someone of Bill’s caliber into our sales organization.”

Shaw has 17 years of management experience in the seed business, working for two national companies and two regional companies.

“I’ve had great experience when working with regional seed companies in the past and really enjoy the strong bond that exists between the area farmer and the family-owned seed company,” says Shaw. “I enjoy fostering that bond and helping farmers produce higher yields and am really excited to see how Latham’s hallmark Seed2Soil® program can help farmers increase the profitability of their operations.”

Shaw is a native of Bondurant, Iowa, where his family raised corn, soybeans and cattle. He graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Animal Science and Business.

Although he’s been living in Nebraska for the past six years, he remains a die-hard Cyclones fan and enjoys attending ISU Cyclone football games. His other hobbies include deer hunting, traveling to the Lake of the Ozarks, and boating on Saylorville Lake with his children. He’s the proud father of two and has three grandchildren.
 

LibertyLink™ soybeans: This new technology is the only nonselective alternative to the Roundup Ready® system. LibertyLink varieties are high-yielding soybeans with no yield drag and have a built-in tolerance to the new Ignite™ herbicide. For growers concerned about possible weed resistance or for those who are looking for an alternative technology platform, the LibertyLink system provides a competitive choice.

About Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is an independent seed company committed to bringing world-class technology home™ to rural communities in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota. It is owned by third-generation seedsman John Latham and his wife, Shannon, and John’s brother, Chris Latham. For more than 60 years, the Latham name has stood for the latest genetics and highest quality. For more information, visit www.lathamseeds.com or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM.


 

Alexander, Iowa – July 27, 2009 – Latham Hi-Tech Seeds today announces the addition of four new corn hybrids, featuring agriculture’s most advanced all-in-one corn trait platform, in its 2010 corn hybrid lineup. Genuity ^TM SmartStax^TM combines industry-leading corn traits to provide farmers with the broadest spectrum of above- and below-ground protection available against insects and weeds versus any product in the market today.

“We’re very excited to offer four new Genuity SmartStax hybrids with relative maturities ranging from 102 to 110 days. These same genetic packages have been proven to work in our marketing area, so we’re expecting even better results now that they’re available with the SmartStax trait platform,” said John Latham, president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “This technology is the most advanced technology on the market. With eight traits, SmartStax will provide higher yield potential due to improved pest protection and reduced refuge requirements.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reduced refuge requirements from 20 percent to only 5 percent for SmartStax hybrids grown in the U.S. Corn Belt due to the unique combination of insect control traits in SmartStax. SmartStax combines the industry's leading above- and below-ground insect protection and herbicide- tolerant traits for the most yield protection available to farmers:
 

• Above-ground insect control for protection against corn earworm, European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, sugar cane borer, fall armyworm, western bean cutworm and black cutworm: with Dow AgroSciences' HERCULEX® I Insect Protection technology and Monsanto's VT PRO™, a second-generation, two-gene lepidopteran control product contained in Genuity™ Triple PRO™.
• Below-ground insect control for protection against Western, Northern and Mexican corn rootworms: integrating Monsanto's YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2 technology with Dow AgroSciences' HERCULEX® RW Insect Protection technology.
• Broad spectrum weed and grass control bringing together Monsanto's Roundup Ready® 2 technology with Bayer CropScience's Liberty Link® herbicide tolerance.
   

“Our customers like to be on the cutting edge of new technology, and it doesn’t get any bigger than SmartStax,” said Latham.

About Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is an independent seed company committed to bringing world-class technology home™ to rural communities in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota. It is owned by third-generation seedsman John Latham and his wife, Shannon, and John’s brother, Chris Latham. For more than 60 years, the Latham name has stood for the latest genetics and highest quality. For more information, visit www.lathamseeds.com or call 1-877-GO-LATHAM.

###

Latham® and “bringing world-class technology home” are trademarks of Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids, Inc. SmartStax™ multi-event technology developed by Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto. SmartStax, the SmartStax Logo, Genuity, YieldGard VT PRO, YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2, VT Triple PRO and Roundup Ready are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.

®HERCULEX is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC.
®Liberty Link is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience. 

“Being independent allows us to see the new technologies coming down the pipe from various trait providers. The good news for our customers is that we can recommend products based on what’s best for their given situation, regardless of which company developed it,” Latham said. “Latham Hi-Tech Seeds will continue to grow in its role as an independent resource for its farmer-customers, providing options and alternatives to best meet their individual needs.”

Latham stated that Latham Hi-Tech Seeds will celebrate the company’s past and strong reputation while looking toward the future. “Our customers will soon begin to see more incentives, more services and greater value enhancements within our seed business,” said Latham. “We’re committed to getting even closer to our customers and guiding them through the maze of technologies and traits that make farming an exciting and demanding business.”

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds stockholders include company president John Latham; his wife and vice president Shannon Latham; and brother and chief financial officer Chris Latham. Bill Latham, former Latham Seed Co. president, will continue as Chief Technology Officer. Don Latham, who had been a principal in Latham Seed Co., will focus on the family’s farming operation and a food soybean export firm called Latham Farms LLC.

About Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
Founded in 1947 on an Iowa Century Farm, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds provides leading-edge corn, soybean and alfalfa seed plus consulting services to growers in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and South Dakota. Latham Hi-Tech Seeds brands incorporate genetics and traits from global technology providers including Monsanto, Bayer, BASF, DuPont, Dow AgroSciences, Syngenta and others.

**Latham®, Hi-Tech Hybrids™ and Seed2Soil® are trademarks of Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids, LLC. YieldGard VT Triple®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield™, and Vistive™ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.
Herculex® is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Agrisure® is a trademark of Syngenta Group Company. LibertyLink® is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience. CystX® is a registered trademark of ACCESS Plant Technology. Inc.