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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

What You Loved Most on Latham’s Social Media in 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what resonated most with our followers this year. Social media allows us to share the stories that matter to Latham Seeds, and more importantly, to you. From welcoming new team members to celebrating high-performing products, you’ve helped shape our story by engaging with the content that means the most.

This year, four out of the top five posts focused on our people — the heart of Latham Seeds. From highlighting the dedication of our dealers to introducing a new district sales manager, these stories inspired connections and showcased the shared passion of the Latham community. And, of course, who could forget the buzz around Latham® 6306 — a product that’s delivering impressive results in the field!

Here’s a look at the top five social posts you loved in 2024:

#1. Morey Seed: Celebrating their contributions and commitment to the Latham family.

View the Post About Morey Seed

#2. Jed Allen: An impressive journey of machinery expertise to loyal Latham® dealer.

View the Post About Jed Allen

#3. Dammann Seed Sales: Honoring the hard work of one of our exceptional dealers.

View the Post About Dammann Seed Sales

#4. New District Sales Manager, Derrick: Meet the newest addition to our sales team!

View the Post About Derrick

#5. Latham® 6306: This high-yielding hybrid caught your attention for a reason.

View the Post About Latham® 6306

Your interactions, comments and shares fuel our efforts to craft content that truly matters. As we look to 2025, we’re excited to keep sharing stories that inspire, connect and celebrate the incredible Latham community. So, stay engaged and let us know what you want to see next year — we’re all ears!

Thank you for making 2024 such an incredible year. Here’s to more milestones and memories in 2025!

Shannon Latham

January 2, 2025

General, Latham News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Meet Brad VerSteeg: Building Stronger Roots in Southwest Minnesota

We’re proud to welcome Brad VerSteeg as our new Regional Sales Manager for Southwest Minnesota! A seasoned professional with deep ties to agriculture and a passion for independent seed companies, Brad brings a wealth of experience, a family-first mindset and a commitment to helping farmers grow their legacies.

Brad grew up on a diversified family farm in Rock County, Minnesota, raising corn, soybeans, alfalfa and oats alongside livestock. With a background steeped in agriculture and years of experience in the seed industry, Brad’s journey has come full circle — back to an independent, family-owned seed company.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Systems Technology and Business from South Dakota State University (Go Jacks!), Brad initially envisioned a career in the equipment industry. However, the pull of working closely with farmers led him to his first role with a family-owned seed company, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“I discovered Latham Seeds on Facebook, and I couldn’t be happier to join this incredible team,” Brad says. “I’m excited to build distribution in Southwest Minnesota and help our dealers grow and succeed. My favorite part of the job is finding the right person to join the Latham family, supporting their growth and watching them achieve success.”

Brad’s story is also one of family, tradition and connection. He still enjoys time on his family’s 750-acre farm, riding motorcycles, snowmobiling with his son Tate and gathering with loved ones. And speaking of family traditions, Brad’s grandmother was a WWII war bride from Japan — a unique chapter in the VerSteeg family history.

At the heart of Brad’s story is a shared value with Latham Seeds: the importance of family. It’s why he’s excited to join an independent company that understands the legacy-building work farmers do every day. “I look forward to bringing my past experience and blending it with Latham’s tools and processes to serve our dealers and customers.”

To wrap things up — and to celebrate the VerSteeg family’s love of food and togetherness — we’re thrilled to share one of Brad’s favorite family recipes: The VerSteeg Lettuce Salad. Handcrafted by the VerSteeg men at family gatherings, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish made with shredded lettuce, chopped onion, boiled eggs, bacon, a little bacon grease and a splash of vinegar. It’s a dish that’s as timeless as the traditions it represents.

So, here’s to new beginnings with Brad VerSteeg, stronger roots in Southwest Minnesota, and the family recipes that bring us together.

Shannon Latham

December 26, 2024

Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes, Salads
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Meet Renata Walsh: Latham’s New Accounts Payable Specialist

Renata Walsh recently joined the Latham Seeds family as our new Accounts Payable Specialist, bringing with her a rich history of farm life, finance expertise and creative passion.

Renata grew up on a farrow-to-finish hog farm near Osage, Iowa, alongside her twin sister and three brothers. As farm kids, they were always busy helping with chores, from sorting hogs to baling hay. While most of her family eventually relocated to Kansas and settled into farming and other jobs, Renata stayed in Osage, where she began her career and raised her son, Justin.

Her path led her to meet her husband, Thom, in Mason City while working at a car dealership. They married last year, making for an eventful season as they celebrated three weddings in their family! Renata now has a blended family that includes Thom’s two children and a granddaughter, Khloe.

Professionally, Renata’s experience in accounts payable spans several years, including three years at Sukup Manufacturing and 23 years as an office manager in Osage. When she saw the opportunity at Latham Seeds, she was excited to join a company closer to home and has enjoyed the warm, close-knit environment here.

In addition to her work in finance, Renata is a talented photographer. Together with her husband, she owns RenaThom Art Vibe Photography, specializing in nature, wildlife and wedding photography. With a studio at home, Renata loves capturing special moments, especially during wedding days. She’s also a passionate quilter, cook, and artist, always finding creative ways to bring her talents to life.

We’re thrilled to have Renata on board and look forward to the expertise, dedication, and creativity she brings to our team. Please join us in welcoming her to Latham Seeds! And enjoy one of her favorite recipes for pecan pie with a twist.

Shannon Latham

November 21, 2024

Desserts, Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes

desserts, Food & Family, general, recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Don Latham Honored as ISU’s Military Hero of the Game

In a special moment of gratitude in front of thousands of Cyclone fans, Don Latham, Vietnam veteran and former vice president of Latham Seeds, was honored as the Military Hero of the Game at Iowa State University’s football game on Sept. 21. This distinguished recognition is part of ISU’s ongoing Military Hero of the Game program, which celebrates the service and dedication of active-duty military and veterans.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Don Latham’s commitment to country extends back to his days as a U.S. Army officer during the Vietnam War. Serving from 1967 to 1969, Latham was tasked with responsibilities that required courage and leadership under incredibly challenging conditions. Reflecting on his service years later, he recalls both the friendships forged and the profound lessons that helped shape the way he approached leadership and innovation in business.

In 2021, Don shared his Vietnam experience in an interview, reflecting on the sacrifices made by his fellow servicemen and women, as well as the lasting impact it had on his life and career. He continues to serve others, not only through his work in agriculture but also through his advocacy for veterans’ causes.

ISU’s Military Hero of the Game Program

The Military Hero of the Game initiative at Iowa State University allows Cyclone Nation to pause and recognize the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. During halftime at each home game in Ames, Iowa, one veteran or active-duty service member is invited onto the field for a special presentation. This powerful moment highlights the service, courage and dedication of those who have defended our freedoms.

A Day of Celebration: The Latham Seeds Cyclone Tailgate

In a perfect alignment of celebration and gratitude, Don’s Hero of the Game award coincided with Latham Seeds’ annual Cyclone Tailgate, an event we look forward to every year as we gather with dealers, customers and friends. This tailgate is a Latham Seeds tradition, and this year’s festivities took on even greater meaning as we honored Don’s legacy — in the military and as a leader in the agricultural industry.

bonnie-harris

September 23, 2024

Food & Family, Latham News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds Announces Justin Prokosch as Sales Agronomist

Two days after his twin boys were born prematurely, Justin Prokosch started working at Latham Hi-Tech Seeds as a regional sales manager in South Central Minnesota. With two babies in the hospital and two older boys at home, Justin and his wife, Katie, weren’t sure what kind of first impression he’d be able to make at his new job.

They needn’t have worried. Justin quickly learned what working for a family-owned company really meant.

“The owners treat their employees and dealers like their own family and truly care about their customers,” he says. “We can go to the owners at any time and feel heard. Being able to work alongside the third generation is something you don’t see very often today.”

Six years (and one more boy later), Justin is moving from his RSM position to serve as Latham’s newest sales agronomist in the central and southern areas. It’s a perfect fit for Justin, who grew up on a century farm in Wabasso, Minn., only 1.5 miles from where his family lives now. At Southwest Minnesota State University, Justin majored in Ag Business and minored in Agronomy. Since he always had a passion for agriculture, those two areas of study made sense to him.

“Justin knows our products, understands good management practices and is committed to his new role to help our customers and dealers thrive,” says Amy Rohe, Latham’s sales manager. “His experience will serve us well as sales agronomist.”

Seeing how different products respond differently to certain situations — and helping dealers promote and place products with confidence — is something Justin is looking forward to in his new role. As an RSM, he says he could have used the support of a sales agronomist himself, to help bring a new perspective to his dealers’ operations and extend those relationships on an agronomic level.

“I am excited to really get to know their business,” Justin says. “I have grown a passion for product placement and product characteristics.”

Justin and Katie Prokosch have been married for 10 years and have five boys. Katie keeps their busy family going and volunteers on the local ambulance service. The boys love being outdoors, helping with farm chores, wrestling and playing baseball. Like their dad when he was growing up, the Prokosch boys also enjoy being a part of the local 4-H club and showing animals at the county fair.

When he isn’t chasing after his sons or participating in “whatever they are up to at any given time of the year,” Justin enjoys ice fishing and hunting pheasant and deer.

Here is a Prokosch family favorite recipe that keeps their whole crew warm.

Shannon Latham

September 19, 2024

Agronomics, Food & Family, Latham News, Pork, Recipes, Soups
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds Welcomes Michael Poppen as Regional Sales Manager

Michael Poppen has always been a “numbers guy” with a love of agriculture. It made sense, then, that he would earn a degree in Agricultural Economics — knowledge he has applied to his family’s farm operation in Wahpeton, N.D.. Now he can also put his studies to use as a Regional Sales Manager for Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, running numbers and helping Latham® dealers find the perfect planting equation for their fields.

“What I’m looking forward to the most is cultivating relationships with current and new dealers,” says Michael, who, along with his younger brother John, still works on the same farm that their dad grew up on. “Farmers in my area hold a wealth of knowledge, and I look forward to getting to work with them and hear their experiences.”

Michael has worked on Poppen Farms since he was very young, learning everything he could from his dad. Growing up, he enjoyed the smell of the dirt when they were planting and then taking care of the crops throughout the season. But Michael says some of his fondest memories are during harvest, when he and John spent long days in the field with their dad “taking off a good soybean crop.”

“Dad would always tell us, ‘This is an important job; we’re helping feed the world,’” Michael recalls. “Some people say farming is work – and it is, some days. But I like to also say it’s one of my favorite hobbies.”

Michael and his fiancé, Kaley, enjoy golfing, going to Twins games and taking their pup for walks in a nearby state park. Kaley holds a Doctorate in physical therapy and practices home health in town and the surrounding communities. She also cares for residents at a local nursing home.

When he isn’t working or farming, Michael likes to fish and hunt – especially mule deer in the Badlands of N.D. Before joining Latham Seeds, Michael worked for a seed, chemical and fertilizer company. He says he was drawn to Latham because it is an independent, family-owned business with an experienced “support system.”

“Being able to have direct access to the owners of the company is a huge benefit for someone in my shoes,” Michael says. “It gives me a sense of comfort knowing I have so many people in my corner.”

Here is a favorite Poppen family recipe that can feed a crowd.

Shannon Latham

September 12, 2024

Beef, Food & Family, Latham News, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

From Teen Mechanic to Trusted Dealer: Jed’s Journey

While many of his peers in high school were chasing girls, Jed Allen was chasing a business dream: J.W. Allen Small Engine Service, which he opened as a teenager on his grandfather’s farm near Chapin, Iowa. It was there that Jed began to earn a reputation for fixing machinery – specifically ATVs, snowmobiles and countless Honda ATC three-wheelers.

“Me and all my buddies had old, clunker snowmobiles,” Jed recalls. “We called ourselves ‘Jalopies.’” Today, his company is named after that notion: Jed’s Jalopy Joint – and it’s still located on the farm where it all started 30 years ago.

Jed says he has a long history “with wrenches and farming.” He grew up working with his grandfather farming row crops, baling hay and chopping silage. Jed also developed an interest in machinery repair and diesel engines, and his knack for fixing things took him to Hawkeye Community College after high school. He completed the two-year Ag Power Technology program, which focused on diesel engines, hydraulics, electronics, powertrains and transmissions.

He returned to the farm after graduation with plans to continue running his repair business. But the original tin-shed shop with a dirt floor had become too small for the expansion he had in mind. So, in true Jed fashion, he went to work remodeling an old corncrib/farrowing house on his grandfather’s farm. He made sure it was big enough for tractor repair, and so began the transition from small-engine repair to large-scale tractor and combine repair.

It was about the same time that Jed started selling seed under Allen Seed & Grain. Over the years, and having worked with several different seed companies, Jed says he’s seen “unbelievable changes.” He has been a Latham® Dealer since 2014.

“Latham has by far been my favorite,” he says. “They are local and independent, and their superior products rose to the top for me.”

At the company’s 2024 Dealer Kickoff event, President John Latham presented Jed with an award for his 10 years of service.

“Jed is all about customer service,” John says. “He has a genuine commitment to helping farmers succeed. We’re grateful to have him on our team.”

Jed and his wife, Candie, have three boys: Cyrus, Clyde and Colby. All are active in 4-H and county fair projects. Like their dad, they enjoy resurrecting old farm equipment and going to antique tractor shows.

Getting everyone in the kitchen for pizza is another Allen family favorite. This hands-on recipe has something for everyone.

bonnie-harris

August 22, 2024

Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes, Season
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham’s Sandie Johnson Retires After 43 Years in the Seed Industry

From sunflowers to kidney beans to soybeans and corn, Sandie Johnson says her 43 years in the ag industry has treated her well.

She was just 25 years old when she started in the sunflower research department for SIGCO Research in Breckenridge, Minn. In the fall, she worked in the fields, collecting moisture samples for testing. In the winter, she threshed sunflower heads one by one, putting the seeds in envelopes for planting.

“It was hard, monotonous work,” says Sandie, who is retiring from Latham Seeds after 12 years of working with farmers and dealers.

A knack for numbers and an interest in accounting took Sandie to the accounts payable department at SIGCO, where, among other things, she tracked all capital purchases. When SIGCO was bought by Mycogen Seeds, she moved to a different department (SVO) that contracted with farmers to grow high oleic oil sunflowers — and was happy to continue working with growers through delivery, billing and settlements for their crops throughout the season.

The purchase of a lake house in 1994 an hour away prompted Sandie and her husband to relocate.

Her new job was as an office “floater” at the hospital in Fergus Falls, Minn. It only took six months for her to realize how much she missed working in the ag industry.

“It was the same thing every flippin’ day!” Sandie says of the hospital position. “I couldn’t do it.”

She accepted an opening at Prairie Bean Co., (a division of ConAgra) and focused her attention on processing kidney beans. And then in 1996, Sandie moved to Wisconsin to be the office manager at Brown Seed Farms. As a small company, she handled everything in the office – from seed orders, shipments, returns, account receivables, payments and settlements, payroll and accounts payable. Thirteen years later, when Brown Seed was sold to NuTech Seed, she relocated to Forest City, Iowa and continued to work with the dealer network that also moved to NuTech.

“Then one of the RSMs I worked with at NuTech went to Latham Seeds,” Sandie says. “He told me they needed someone and I was interested in working with a family-owned business again.”

That was in 2011, when Sandie accepted a seed account manager position at Latham. She worked with farmer-dealers for several regions for 10 years until December 2022, when she moved into the finance department — again relying on her knack for numbers and accounting experience.

“I’ve been so lucky that I’ve always enjoyed who I worked for in this industry,” Sandie says. “I’ve loved working in agriculture every minute. It’s been very good to me.”

The unexpected death of her son-in-law earlier this year made Sandie reevaluate her future. In many ways the tragedy brought her and her children closer together. But it was a life-changing event that she simply couldn’t ignore.

“Going through it, we saw the value in each other,” Sandie says. “And while I love what I do – my job and the people I work with – I love my family more.”

Sandie and her husband, Todd, live in Forest City with their two dogs: Zuzu, a 15-year-old puggle, and Stella, a one-year-old Dalmatian.

She has two children, two stepchildren and six grandchildren. Sandie’s an avid baseball fan (especially of the Minnesota Twins) and loves participating in community theatre, which she’s done for most of her adult life in several states.

Her plans after retirement?

“I intend to do my best to be fully present and enjoy every minute I can with family and friends.”

In honor of her time at Latham Seeds, Sandie is sharing a recipe for the dish she has always brought to the annual holiday potluck.

bonnie-harris

June 28, 2024

Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes, Sides, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Boy Next Door Stays True to Latham Roots for 48 years

Greg Jaacks was literally the boy next door. He and his three siblings – Jeff, Kim and Steve – grew up in the little house beside Willard and Evelyn Latham, who employed Greg’s dad at Latham Seeds.

Marvin had moved his family to a larger house a few miles away and rented his own ground to farm. To accommodate the growing Jaacks (pronounced “Jakes”) family, Willard offered to add on two bedrooms to the small house next to his own. That was just the incentive Marvin needed to return to Latham Seeds.

The connections run deep between the Jaacks and Latham families.

“Willard gave me my first haircut as a little boy in their basement,” Greg recalls. Willard and Evelyn’s oldest son, Bill, held baby Greg during the haircut.

Greg helped at Latham Seeds as needed while he was in high school. Upon graduating in May 1975, Greg took a full-time job with a local farmer. He loved everything about the job from tilling soil and baling hay to shelling corn and feeding cattle. One thing he didn’t like was the pay. Greg worked 10 hours a day, six days a week for $75 flat. He wanted his own place but needed to make more money first.

“I asked my dad if I could get on his crew at the (Latham) plant,” Greg says. “He told me I’d have to find out for myself. He said I’d better go talk to Willard.”

Greg mustered up the nerve to knock on Willard’s front door. Evelyn answered and welcomed him inside. Willard told Greg he could start work the following Monday if he got a haircut and shaved his beard — which he promptly did.

“As long as you gave Willard what he was expecting, as long as you kept your promise and did your job, he was good to you,” Greg says.

Greg is grateful he got to work beside his dad for nearly 22 years at Latham Seeds. And this fall, he will celebrate his 49^th anniversary with the company.

“He really was my best friend,” Greg says of his dad. “It’s been a good, solid job here at Latham. When I started here, that’s what my grandpa said: Latham’s a good solid place to work.” Greg’s grandpa was a local farmer, who also worked on Marvin’s crew during the winter months.

Greg and his wife, Donna, have two daughters, Trisha and Sandy. They enjoy attending their two grandchildren’s activities and watching them play sports. In his spare time, Greg likes to fish, ride his Harley and watch NASCAR.

Greg also enjoys his mom’s Ham Loaf recipe, which reminds him of his childhood on the farm. He is sharing that cherished recipe here.

Shannon Latham

June 20, 2024

Food & Family, General, Latham News, Pork, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Sprouting New Talent: Meet Latham Seeds’ Summer Interns

We are excited to welcome not one, but two talented summer interns to our Latham team this year! Jett Fridley is working with us as our Sales Agronomy intern, and Maycee Wilkie is working with our Marketing Department — just in time for Dealer Kickoff.

A little about Maycee:

Maycee Wilkie

Maycee is a public relations major at Iowa State University with a minor concentration in event management. She grew up in Clear Lake, where she was active in several FFA leadership roles and wrote for the FFA Reporter.

During the academic year, Maycee works in ISU’s financial aid office as a digital marketing and communications assistant. She is responsible for developing brochures, website content and articles that inform students on financial aid opportunities and improve financial literacy.

Maycee learned about Latham Seeds in high school, when Shannon Latham toured their greenhouse and FFA program. She’s excited to step back into the “ag” world while learning more about the strategic side of marketing. Upon graduation, Maycee would like to find a job where she can raise awareness for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“God instilled a passion in me to advocate for those living with ALS after my dad passed away from it,” Maycee says. “It is my mission to do just that through communications or marketing.”

A little about Jett:

Jett Fridley

Jett is a junior at Iowa State University studying agricultural business with a minor in animal science. He is from Muscatine.

Jett has also interned with River Valley Cooperative, where he learned about the services that cooperatives offer. It was there that he found colleagues who were passionate about their work, which translated into exceptional customer service.

He sees that same passion at Latham Seeds, and says he looks forward to working with experienced sales team members to learn more about the company’s products.

“I’m also looking forward to working alongside farmers and learning more about their operations, while showing support for the Latham brand,” Jett says.

Please join us in welcoming Jett and Maycee to the Latham family business!

Shannon Latham

May 31, 2024

Food & Family, General, Latham News