For Bruce Platz, farming has always been a family affair. He grew up on the farm near New Ulm, Minnesota, where his parents moved in 1969. “I’ve always lived here,” Bruce laughs. “The only move I ever made was to a different bedroom.” Today, Bruce and his wife, Laurie, continue that tradition with their own family. Laurie is an integral part of the operation — she runs the combine, plants and even takes a turn with the field cultivator. Their three sons are always busy tinkering in the shop, helping with harvest or planning for their own futures in agriculture. And earlier this summer, the Platz family celebrated a new chapter when their oldest daughter, Cassidy, was married.
Expanding Through Opportunity
For years, Bruce raised pigs independently, but recently he partnered with Wakefield Pork on a 3,700-head wean-to-finish operation. “Now that I don’t have to spend as much time marketing pigs, I had room for something new,” Bruce explains. That “something new” turned out to be becoming a Latham® dealer. Bruce’s long-time relationship with agronomist Dan Miller helped pave the way.
“I bought seed from Dan at the co-op, and after he left, he stopped by and asked if I’d be interested in being a dealer,” Bruce says. “I planted Latham for the first time in 2024, and the crops are looking really good.” He also appreciates that there aren’t many other Latham dealers in his area, giving him something unique to offer neighbors.
Family and Community
The Platz farm is as full of activity off the field as it is on it. Laurie enjoys gardening. She has grown and designed bouquets and centerpieces for several family weddings, including helping Cassidy with her arrangements. The family also takes part in the rich German culture of New Ulm, a town that hosts seven festivals throughout the year, including Oktoberfest and Bavarian Blast.
For Bruce, farming is about more than yields — it’s about making a life with family at the center. With Laurie in the cab, the boys in the shop and crops that are thriving in the field, the Platz family is keeping their roots strong while building new opportunities through Latham Seeds.
Kraut Casserole
Equipment
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 Large bowl
- 9×13 glass baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ham cut into small cubes
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Miracle Whip (not Mayo)
- 2 cups Bavarian Style Sauerkraut
- 4 cups cooked potatoes diced (red or yellow potatoes work best)
- 1 cup buttered breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp. paprika
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except breadcrumbs and paprika together in a large bowl.
- Spread in a greased 9 x 13 glass baking dish.
- Arrange breadcrumbs over the mixture and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Notes: Smoked sausage or hot dogs can be substituted for ham.
- Regular sauerkraut can be substituted for the Bavarian sauerkraut
- Freezes well. If making from freezer, thaw and bake a little longer (around 45 minutes).