Cooking Up Memories for Farm Boys and Girls
It’s not uncommon for kids to follow in their parents’ footsteps. After all, we literally look up to our parents from the moment we take our first steps. Dave Bergquist of Foxhome, Minnesota, was no different. He’s always wanted to be a farmer like his father.
The Bergquist Family
You might say opportunity knocked one day when a sales manager for Latham Hi-Tech Seeds came to the Bergquist’s door. No one in their area had a Latham® dealership. Dave’s father, Mike, said that national companies already had several dealers in the area, so he really liked the idea of working with a family-owned company that shares similar values.
A Latham® dealership provided the Bergquists with an opportunity to plan for Dave to join the family’s farming operation. They worked to grow their Latham seed dealership. Meanwhile, Dave completed the John Deere program at North Dakota State College of Science. Then Dave worked full-time for five years as a technician at a John Deere dealership where he developed many skills that are much needed on the farm, as well as in their seed dealership.
“One of the reasons it was so easy for Mike and Dave to join Latham Seeds is because it’s a family-owned company,” says Dave’s wife, Chloe. “We appreciate that families are included in Latham dealer gatherings. The Bergquists are all about family, and our family gathers often at Mike and Patty’s. Our sons are blessed with 10 boy cousins and one girl cousin, who also have a love for being at the farm.”
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 helps keep books for their farming operation and works as a dental hygienist.
“Our sons love farming as much as their dad and Papa,” says Chloe. “There is nothing better than watching the boys check planting depths with Dad or Papa in the spring. When harvest time comes, they get so excited to ride in the combine, grain cart, beet lifter or truck.”
Although they work hard, they also look forward to spending time together at the lake. Dave also enjoys fishing and hunting and looks forward to the day when his sons can go with him.
“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.”
Dave and Chloe look forward to continuing family traditions and creating memories with their children. They also enjoy family mealtime whether it’s around the supper table or a tailgate meal in the field. Today they’re sharing one of their favorite recipes with us.
Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 8 oz cooked spaghetti
- 2 T. butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; divided
- 1, 24-oz. carton of ricotta cheese
- 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 and add pasta sauce. Heat until bubbly.
- Spoon beef sauce over cheese. Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
- Cover with nonstick foil. (Remember to first spray foil with cooking spray.)
- Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.
