Farming isn’t just a job for Joe DeVries — it’s a passion that took root on his family’s century farm just west of Chapin, Iowa. That’s where Joe learned early on the value of hard work, dedication and a love for the land. From raising his own ducks, turkeys and chickens as a young child to showing cattle at fairs across Midwest, Joe’s relationship with agriculture has always been a driving force in his life.
Active in 4-H and FFA, Joe served as both Chapter Treasurer and President while competing in numerous state-level contests. His love for cattle began at just five or six years old, when he started taking bucket calves to the fair, and continues today. Joe and his father Mark farm together, raising corn, soybeans, alfalfa and managing a beef cow/calf herd and feedlot.

While farming is his full-time focus, Joe is also committed to advocating for Iowa’s cattle industry. He works as the Northwest Iowa Member Services Advisor for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, covering 22 counties. His dedication to the industry extends beyond work, as he recently completed a six-year term on the Franklin County Cattlemen Board and continues to serve on the Franklin County Extension Council.
Joe’s connection to Latham Seeds started long before he became a dealer. Farming just 10 miles away from Latham’s headquarters, he was aware of the company’s strong reputation. When approached in 2023 about joining the team, he was eager to give Latham a try.
“The products performed well for us in our first year with Latham,” Joe says. “I appreciate how they are a local company, but more importantly, a family-owned company.”
Though farming keeps Joe busy, he finds time to support his community and stay involved in cattle shows. His mother, Carma DeVries — who recently joined Latham Seeds as our new office manager — shares his passion for helping others, even assisting family friends with beef projects to provide opportunities for young exhibitors.
When Joe isn’t working in the fields or advocating for agriculture, he enjoys spending time with his “nephew” Waylan, who is the young son of a close friend. Watching Waylan develop his own love for farm life reminds Joe of his own childhood and fuels his passion for preserving the agricultural way of life for future generations.
“I enjoy having him ride with me in the tractor or come with me to check cows,” Joe says. “I enjoying seeing how he loves the farm life.
As part of his dealer spotlight, Joe is sharing a family favorite recipe for Spaghetti Pie. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy farm families.

Spaghetti Pie
Equipment
- 1 9×13 Pan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cooked hamburger
- 1 32 oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 pound thin spaghetti
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 green pepper (chopped)
- garlic, salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag pepperoni (sliced)
- mushrooms (optional)
- black olives (optional)
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Break the spaghetti in small pieces and cook, then drain.
- Mix together the eggs and milk, add to cooked spaghetti and spread into a greased, 9×13 pan.
- Top with sauce, crumbled cooked hamburger, onion, green pepper and seasonings.
- Top with black olives, mushrooms and finally the thin-sliced pepperoni.
- Cover with cheese and bake at 350-degrees for 40-45 minutes.