Latham Hi-Tech Seeds https://www.lathamseeds.com/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:35:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Honoring Master Farmer 2024 April Hemmes https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/honoring-master-farmer-2024-april-hemmes/ https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/honoring-master-farmer-2024-april-hemmes/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:35:58 +0000 https://www.lathamseeds.com/?p=108666 April Hemmes’ journey into agriculture is deeply rooted in her family’s heritage. Raised on a farm in Hampton, Iowa, she developed a profound appreciation for the land and a keen understanding of the intricacies of farming. Armed with ...

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April Hemmes’ journey into agriculture is deeply rooted in her family’s heritage. Raised on a farm in Hampton, Iowa, she developed a profound appreciation for the land and a keen understanding of the intricacies of farming.

Armed with a degree in agricultural business from Iowa State University, April returned to her family’s farm where she assumed an active role in its management.

Latham Seeds is honored to help celebrate April’s leadership with the prestigious title of Master Farmer 2024. This award is well deserved as April has been reaching her stretch goals for years. In 1985, she started a farrow-to-finish enterprise. She worked on the farm with her grandpa to feed her livestock. She saved money to purchase cattle and enjoyed raising cow-calf pairs for 30 years. She took over sole management of the family farm in 1993.

April Hemmes Master Farmer

She says: “Farming has always been what I wanted to do with my life.”

April’s influence extends far beyond the boundaries of her family’s Iowa Century farm. She has been a steadfast advocate for agricultural education and rural development worldwide. In 2011, she participated in the Farmer-to-Farmer Exchange with Uganda. She realized that female farmers there lacked transportation to deliver their grain to market, so she raised funds to help them purchase what was needed.

That experience motivated April to serve agriculture in a much broader capacity. She’s held leadership roles within Iowa’s agricultural community including USDA Foreign Ag Service Technical Advisory Council and the U.N. Food Security Summit. She has also served on the United Soybean Board since 2015; her term ends in December 2024.

April’s advocacy of farming and agriculture has earned her much recognition in the industry. She was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Iowa Women in Agriculture, and was inducted into the Franklin County Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. She also was the first-ever inductee into the FarmHer Hall of Fame.

“I really don’t think you are a trailblazer if you are just doing what you love and pursuing your dream,” April says. “I hope the fact that I farm gives young women hope that someday they may be able to go home and work on their family farm and manage it, too!”

We’re proud that April has trusted Latham® Seeds for many years on her farm. She embodies the same values of innovation, integrity and passion that define our family-owned company.

Read more about April Hemmes here:

Enjoy your favorite cookie recipe below!

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Celebrate Pi Day with a Slice of Iowa’s Unofficial State Pie! https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/celebrate-pi-day-with-a-slice-of-iowas-official-state-pie/ https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/celebrate-pi-day-with-a-slice-of-iowas-official-state-pie/#respond Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:45:45 +0000 https://www.lathamseeds.com/?p=108656 Happy Pi Day to math enthusiasts and pie lovers alike! Today we celebrate the irrational wonder of pi (3.14…) and a uniquely delicious pie that holds a special place in my heart: the sour cream raisin pie. Iowa ...

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Happy Pi Day to math enthusiasts and pie lovers alike! Today we celebrate the irrational wonder of pi (3.14…) and a uniquely delicious pie that holds a special place in my heart: the sour cream raisin pie.

Iowa proudly claims this sweet and tangy treat as its unofficial state pie, according to Taste of Home magazine. While it may raise eyebrows outside the Hawkeye State, this pie is a beloved tradition. Generations of Iowa have enjoyed its creamy custard filling, plump raisins and delicate meringue topping.

Sour cream raisin pie was the first pie I learned to make. When I was 10 years old, my neighbor helped me make it for a 4-H pie sale.

So, why sour cream raisin pie? Here are a few reasons:

  • Homegrown Goodness: The origins of the pie are traced back to the Amish and Mennonite communities in Iowa. They use readily available ingredients like eggs, sugar and raisins.
  • A Taste of Comfort: This pie embodies the spirit of Midwestern hospitality – it’s simple, wholesome and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
  • Uniquely Delicious: Don’t knock it till you try it! The combination of sweet and tart, creamy and chewy, creates a delightful flavor profile that has won over many a skeptic.

On this Pi Day, ditch the traditional and embrace the unique. Whip up a batch of sour cream raisin pie, celebrate the beauty of pi, and experience a taste of Iowa’s culinary heritage.

Happy Pi Day from Latham Seeds!

Now that you have pie on the brain. Check out these other fun blogs and recipes:

Celebrate March with Pi(e)
Create Peace with a Piece of Pie
Rhubarb-Black Raspberry Pie

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Celebrating Women in Agriculture —and Beyond https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/celebrating-women-in-agriculture-and-beyond/ https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/celebrating-women-in-agriculture-and-beyond/#respond Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:27:41 +0000 https://www.lathamseeds.com/?p=108645 Each year International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across all walks of life. This year we turn our focus to the incredible contributions of women in Iowa, both in the field of ...

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Each year International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across all walks of life. This year we turn our focus to the incredible contributions of women in Iowa, both in the field of agriculture and in many other leadership positions.

From the very beginning, Iowa women have played a vital role in agriculture. The state’s rich agricultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the stories of countless women who have blazed new trails. Their hard work and dedication have helped shape the industry into what it is today.

We can find inspiration in the stories of Iowa women like Evelyn Latham, April Hemmes, Pam Bolin, Trish Cook, Patty Judge and Dr. Wendy Wintersteen. Each of these women have made significant contributions to agriculture — from leadership roles in agricultural organizations, to politics, to groundbreaking research and innovation.

Evelyn

Evelyn Latham

April Hemmes 2

April Hemmes

ISU

Dr. Wendy Wintersteen

But the impact of Iowa women extends far beyond these fields. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, marked a pivotal moment in American history, paving the way for women to hold positions of leadership. Iowa has been at the forefront of this movement with women like Carrie Chapman Catt, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, who have left their mark on the state’s history.

Today we see this legacy reflected in the leadership of women like Governor Kim Reynolds, the first female governor of Iowa, and Sen. Joni Ernst,, the first female U.S. senator from our state.

These women — including Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, the first female president of Iowa State University, and Speaker Linda Upmeyer, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives — serve as powerful examples for young girls across Iowa.

Their stories remind us that women can achieve anything they set their minds to, whether it’s leading a farm, governing a state or breaking barriers in any field.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honor the remarkable women of Iowa who continue to inspire and pave the way for a brighter future.

Enjoy a family favorite recipe from 1962 Master Homemaker and Matriarch of the Latham Family – Evelyn Latham.

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Proof Points – Episode 19 https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/proof-points-episode-19/ https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/proof-points-episode-19/#respond Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:43:35 +0000 https://www.lathamseeds.com/?p=108640 Corn breeding is like fine-tuning the best burger. Fred Wilz, our GM of Breeding, explains how Latham serves it up best. #FamilyOwned #FarmProven #WhyLatham #CornBreeding

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Corn breeding is like fine-tuning the best burger. Fred Wilz, our GM of Breeding, explains how Latham serves it up best.
#FamilyOwned #FarmProven #WhyLatham #CornBreeding

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Your Planting Questions Answered https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/your-planting-questions-answered/ https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/your-planting-questions-answered/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2024 04:21:20 +0000 https://www.lathamseeds.com/?p=108634 It’s hard to believe that spring is right around the corner, and planters will be rolling in two months’ time. There are many questions to consider before that first seed goes in the ground. Let’s take a closer ...

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It’s hard to believe that spring is right around the corner, and planters will be rolling in two months’ time. There are many questions to consider before that first seed goes in the ground. Let’s take a closer look at three of them:

  1. How early is too early?
  2. Is the soil temperature warm enough to start planting?
  3. What depth should I be planting?

Q1: Generally, farmers maximize corn yield when they plant in late April or early May.
This holds true IF conditions are fit for planting. A mid-April planting date produces similar yield if young plants are not damaged by a freeze in May. In years with few growing degree days in late April and the first half of May, farmers can maximize corn yield when planting in mid-May.

When spring arrives early, farmers should weigh the risks and benefits of planting earlier than usual. Farmers with federal crop insurance will lose replant coverage if they plant before the earliest allowable planting dates specified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency — even if they must replant due to factors other than freeze damage or poor emergence.

Seed treatments and planting high quality seed are a must with early planting.

Q2: Before planting, check the weather forecast and soil temperatures for your area.

It’s wise to check the soil temperature early in the morning of each field that you intend to plant. Wet soils and fields with more crop residue tend to have lower soil temperatures relative to drier soils or fields with less crop residue. Check the seed tag or talk to your seed dealer about the cold tolerance of your corn hybrids. Be aware that hybrids vary in cold tolerance.

Certainly, plant hybrids that have more tolerance for colder temperatures first. However, be aware that “imbibitional chilling” is a physical phenomenon that can override genetics. Imbibitional water uptake occurs within the first 48 hours after a seed is planted.

Once planted, corn seeds need a two-day (48-hour) window when the soil temperature at planting depth does not drop much below 50°F. When soil temperatures drop much lower than 50°F within that 48-hour time frame, chilling injury may affect seed germination and subsequent seedling growth.

During the osmotic phase of water uptake, which starts about 48 hours after the initial imbibitional phase of water uptake ends, the risk of chilling injury approaches zero. Thereafter, temperatures below 50°F can slow germination and delay seedling emergence. This can result in a longer exposure to soil-borne pathogens, particularly in soggy wet soils. If you expect the latter, use fungicide seed treatment for at least your earliest planted corn fields.

When corn seeds imbibe (take up) water, cell membranes stretch and cells expand. When a damaged cell membrane rehydrates, it may not return to its normal shape and size. This can create a “leaky” cell. Water is at its densest at about 39°F, so when cold water is imbibed additional membrane damage occurs. These ruptured membranes may occur in the cell walls and in the mitochondria. In the plant, this action may disrupt the embryo/endosperm enzymatic conversion to energy. It likely interferes with the emerging seedling’s development and reduces the plant’s growth rate.

  • Debate exists about what specific temperature and timing causes imbibitional chilling. However, corn seeds that imbibe cold water (in the low 40s) in the first 48 hours after planting undoubtedly are affected.
  • Planting when soil temperatures are above 50°F — and are not anticipated to drop much below this during the following 48 hours — alleviates concerns of imbibitional chilling affecting corn emergence.

Q3: Check seed depth and seed depth consistency across your planter units.

The “set it and forget it” approach to seed depth isn’t the best idea. To get corn off to the best start, it is important to achieve both rapid and consistent emergence following planting.

Planting 4

One aspect of achieving rapid and consistent plant emergence is by choosing the correct seeding depth and ensuring there is adequate and uniform moisture at the chosen seeding depth. The most common seeding depths recommended for corn range between 2.0 and 2.5 inches deep, and these planting depths can work very well within most conditions. However, certain soil moisture conditions at planting may warrant further examination/change in seeding depth.

A corn seed imbibes soil moisture within the first 24 to 48 hours after planting, therefore maintaining both adequate and uniform moisture at seeding depth (not too wet and not too dry) within the first 48 hours is important. If the soil remains too dry, then the seed may be delayed in emergence until precipitation occurs. Furthermore, if the soil remains saturated after planting, the seed may rot and die.

Contact your local Latham® representative to find out more information about ideal planting depth for your area, or call 1.877.GO.LATHAM.

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Free Throws for Hope https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/free-throws-for-hope/ https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/03/free-throws-for-hope/#respond Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:18:39 +0000 https://www.lathamseeds.com/?p=108626 One in three people are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and the disease affects millions of others. The Latham Family is no exception. That’s why — for more than a decade — we have been a proud ...

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One in three people are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and the disease affects millions of others. The Latham Family is no exception. That’s why — for more than a decade — we have been a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society (ACS), beginning with its involvement in Coaches vs. Cancer.

ISU Resized

The Latham Team presenting a check to the American Cancer Society on February 24, 2024.

As die-hard Iowa State fans and basketball enthusiasts, the Lathams began sponsoring the Cyclones Charity Stripe in 2013. Eventually, we expanded our support to the Hawkeyes’ program, too. Each season, we donate money to the ACS for every free throw made by a Cyclone and Hawkeye player.

“We all grew up attending the games, so when we were asked to sponsor Coaches vs. Cancer, we didn’t even think twice about it,” John Latham says. “We want to do what we can to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts and those battling cancer.”

Fast forward to today: one game has turned into more than 10 years of partnership between Latham Seeds and the American Cancer Society. To date, Latham Seeds has given more than $75,000 to Coaches vs. Cancer.

Extra time with loved ones battling cancer can make all the difference to a family, as the Lathams know all too well. After Bill Latham’s diagnosis in 2009, he was still able to meet his youngest granddaughter, make memories with his other four grandchildren and pass down business advice to his two sons, John and Chris.

“The American Cancer Society provided our family with the best resources, support and so much hope,” says Chris. “That’s why we’re committed to raising cancer awareness and funds to help others.”

Learn more about Seeds of HOPEways you can get involved and how you can donate.

Related Articles:

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Give Your Heart Some Love https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/02/give-your-heart-some-love/ https://www.lathamseeds.com/2024/02/give-your-heart-some-love/#respond Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:33:42 +0000 https://www.lathamseeds.com/?p=108595 It’s National Heart Month! Over the years we’ve shared many tips and tricks for staying heart healthy. A good number of these tips have come from dieticians we’ve met along the way, as well as the smart folks ...

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It’s National Heart Month! Over the years we’ve shared many tips and tricks for staying heart healthy. A good number of these tips have come from dieticians we’ve met along the way, as well as the smart folks at the Iowa Food & Family Project. Today we’re pulling some of them all together right here, and we invite you to join us in our journey toward better health and wellness.

Here are a few simple steps to get started:

Protect your sleep. When we are tired, we tend to reach for unhealthy snacks or beverages like energy drinks or sugary foods. This causes disturbed sleep cycles, which can wreak havoc on our appetite hormones, mental performance and immune response. Poor sleep can also drive insulin resistance, which is one of the strongest risk factors for weight gain and obesity. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night to give your body the rest it needs.

Practice self-care. Physical fitness is always important, but we also need to take care of our mind, body and spirit so we can be healthy. Self-care looks different for everyone, but some examples include journaling, breathing exercises, brisk walks outside, dancing, riding a bike or enjoying a bubble bath with a bath bomb! No one can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle without a little “me” time.

Eat well. To really give your heart some love, eat these three foods:

  • Low-carb Vegetables. Examples: green beans, broccoli, spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, Brussels sprouts. These veggies are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber and are low-calorie in comparison to other food groups.
  • Walnuts. Walnuts are primarily a healthy fat source with some carbohydrate and a little bit of protein. They are high in vitamin B6, folate, thiamin – playing a role in cellular energy and a healthy nervous system.
  • Salmon/Tuna. Salmon and tuna are both fatty fish and are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fat. The American Heart Association considers 3.5 ounces of cooked fish or ¾ cup to be a single serving. For adults, two servings per week are recommended to help lower risk for heart disease.

This recipe brings all three of these foods into a simple, one-pan meal. It’s a warm salad with heart-healthy ingredients that’s perfect for any February night.

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