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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Andrew Carruth Named DSM in Northern Minnesota

“We’ve been interested in growing our sales team in Minnesota for quite some time, so it’s super exciting to see this plan come together with the recent addition of Dan Miller in Mapleton and Andrew Carruth in Danvers,” says Amy Rohe, Latham Seeds sales manager. “Both Dan and Andrew have strong agronomic backgrounds, which really fits our organization because we want to be more than seed sellers. Our approach is to study a given field to determine which of our products best fits the soil, disease and weed challenges, as well as a farmer’s management style and lifestyle.”

Andrew understands firsthand how important it is for a seed seller to understand a farmer’s crop management system and lifestyle. When he was in high school, Andrew helped milk 130 head of Holstein cows at 5 A.M. and 5 P.M. daily. He also helped his dad and uncles farm corn and soybeans. He credits his upbringing for helping him develop good listening and teamworking skills. It also gives Andrew an understanding of the important role seed selection plays in a product’s end use.

“I’ve always spent as much time as I could helping my dad with field work and cattle,” says Andrew, who was active in both 4-H and FFA. He was on a two-person team that advanced to National FFA Convention for the Science Fair. “I’ve always wanted to farm, so I feel fortunate to have a job that allows me to do what I love.”

Andrew enjoys spending time outdoors, walking fields with customers and working on projects. He spends as much time as he can helping his brother, Adam, and their father, Joe, farm. Andrew also enjoys spending time with his two nephews and one niece. Adam and his wife, Kelly, live nearby with their son and daughter. Andrew’s sister, Emily, lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, Robb, and their son, Leo. Andrew’s mom, Jolene, provides daycare for Peyton and Maddie. Peyton especially loves riding in the buddy seat with Uncle Andrew.

It took a few years for Andrew to make his way back home, but that journey helps him appreciate the everyday moments even more.

Because Andrew’s siblings had attended South Dakota State University (SDSU), Andrew was familiar with the campus and really enjoyed taking trips to Brookings. He graduated from SDSU in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy with a minor in Soil Science. Andrew worked after college for three years as a sales agronomist for Glacial Plains Cooperative in Clontarf, Minnesota. He gained experience in everything from dispatching sprayers to writing farm plans for seed, fertilizer and chemistry. He also became a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).

Andrew jumped at the opportunity in 2019 to focus on only selling seed plus he it provided him with the opportunity to work from home in Danvers. His move to Latham Seeds seemed like the next logical move. As a district sales manager (DSM), Andrew will be calling primarily on Latham® seed dealers and recruiting more farmers to become seed dealers.

“Anyone can show up on the farm and hand out a price sheet, so I like to add value,” says Andrew, who enjoys walking fields and sharing agronomic information. “I’m looking forward to helping Latham dealers build their business however they want. I know more farmers in this area will appreciate working with an independent, family-owned seed business. Their focus on family is one thing that drew me to Latham Seeds. Everyone in the office is so welcoming. I know the people I do business with feel comfortable doing business with Latham, too.”

When Andrew isn’t working, he enjoys spending time at the lake. He also enjoys deer hunting and ice fishing. He recently took his girlfriend, Brittany, ice fishing for the first time and she enjoyed it. Brittany teaches pre-school. She and Andrew enjoying spending time with his nieces and nephew, as well as working on projects together.

Andrew also appreciates a homecooked meal. Today he is sharing with us a recipe for Meatballs with Stroganoff Sauce because it’s one of favorite food that his mom makes when the family gathers. It sounds like the perfect comfort food to enjoy during a Midwest winter.

Shannon Latham

January 29, 2021

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

Thanksgiving Leftovers? Try a Turkey Dressing Sandwich

Guest Blog post by Darcy Maulsby

Now that the big Thanksgiving feast is over, what do you do with the leftover turkey and dressing? It’s time to try a delicious, northeast Iowa classic that’s been dubbed everything from “iconic” to “starch-a-pa-looza.”

We’re talking about and dressing sandwiches—a flavorful mixture of turkey, gravy and stuffing mixed together and served in a bun. Yes, these are starch on starch with plenty of turkey mixed in for good measure. No, they aren’t hot turkey sandwiches, where gravy is poured over a sandwich stuffed with sliced turkey. These are a food all their own, and they are a cult classic around Dubuque, Iowa.

“These sandwiches are a staple around here,” says JoAnne Gregorich, whose family farms near La Motte in eastern Iowa, south of Dubuque.

Turkey dressing sandwiches don’t just turn after Thanksgiving. If you attend enough graduation parties, bridal showers or wedding receptions in parts of Eastern Iowa, there’s a good chance that turkey dressing sandwiches will be on the menu.

You can either make your own, or if you’re anywhere near Dubuque, stop by Cremer’s Grocery. For more than 70 years, Dubuque’s last family-owned grocery has helped make meals special, thanks to their Famous Turkey ‘N’ Dressing sandwiches.

Just a sidenote: When I shared my Culinary History of Iowa program at the Carnegie-Stout Library in Dubuque in September 2017, the library also hosted a potluck featuring Dubuque foods. The mere fact that the librarians felt the need to post the sign “Cremer’s Turkey and Dressing Sandwiches: One per person please” says a lot about how popular these sandwiches are.

There often are no specific recipes for turkey dressing sandwiches, and every family takes their own twist on this local classic. The Gregorich family prefers to go heavy on the turkey. “I’d say I use about 95 percent turkey, along with a little stuffing and gravy,” says JoAnne, who adds that leftover cranberry sauce on the side is a good option.

What if you pour gravy on top of a turkey dressing sandwich, similar to a hot beef sandwich? “That’s something different than a turkey dressing sandwich,” JoAnne confirms.

Farming, food and family go hand in hand
Turkey and dressing sandwiches reflect the resourcefulness of generations of Iowa farm cooks who know how to maximize leftovers and give them a creative, new spin. The hearty sandwiches also fit with the region’s strong agricultural heritage, which the Gregorich family is proud to maintain.

Both JoAnne and her husband, David, grew up in Jackson County. They remain close to their rural roots on their Jackson County farm, where they raise corn, hay and beef cattle. JoAnne is glad the couple had the chance to raise their two daughters, Cassie and Kellie, on the farm.

“Growing up on a farm teaches you responsibility and instills a work ethic in you,” JoAnne says. “I also appreciated the times we were all able to work together as a family.”

While the girls are grown and are pursuing their own careers in agriculture, they always enjoy coming home and spending time with their family on the farm. There’s a good chance that turkey and dressing sandwiches will be served at many of these gatherings. “They are a very good sandwich,” JoAnne says.

Team Latham

November 27, 2020

Food & Family, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham® Dealership Brings Next Generation Home

“Gotta love the spunk she has!” says Patty of the time her 91-year-old mother spent in the field during 2020 beet harvest. “I’m so glad she got to enjoy it with her David!”

They had never planted Latham® Hi‑Tech Seeds but that didn’t prevent Mike and Patty Bergquist of Foxhome, Minnesota, from become a seed dealer when asked.

“We were looking for a way to bring our son, David, home and this ‘solution’ seemed to present itself,” said Mike as he recalled that particular day in 2015. “You might say opportunity knocked when Latham’s regional sales manager came to our door and talked with us about Latham Seeds.”

They weren’t able to get the soybean brand they were accustomed to planting, so the Bergquists decided to try Latham Hi‑Tech Soybeans. They also put Latham brand corn to the test, and it topped their on-farm yield test. They were sold on the Latham’s on-farm performance!

No one else in their area had a Latham Seeds dealership, but national companies had several dealers in the area. Mike liked the idea of working with a family-owned company that shares his values of commitment to family and community.

Mike Berquist

Mike served for three years in the U.S. Navy. He returned home to farm with his step-grandfather, Harold. To supplement his income, Mike started working campaigns in 1975 at the local sugar beet processing plant. He worked at the plant whenever Harold didn’t need him in the field.

Mike and his wife, Patty, were married in 1977. Harold offered to let the newlyweds move a trailer house onto the farm. They appreciated living on the farm. Four years later their first child was born, and Mike had to choose between accepting a promotion at the beet plant or farming full time with Harold. He chose farming.

Harold passed away in 1985. The 1980s Farm Crisis made it challenging for a young couple to support a growing family, so in 1988, this father of five went back to working campaigns at the beet plant. Mike accepted a full-time position there in 1989. He worked his way to plant supervisor and retired from Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative on June 3, 2019.

Because Mike only got weekends off once every four years, it helped to have David involved with the farming operation. David, the Bergquist’s youngest child and only son, completed the John Deere program at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton. He worked full-time for four years at RDO Equipment as a John Deere technician while also helping his father farm. David was able to double his farming operation and started farming full-time in 2018. David married his high school sweetheart, Chloe. They’re the proud parents of two sons, Briar and Bowen. Chloe also works as a dental hygienist.

Mike with salmon

The Berquist’s oldest daughter, Kari, and her husband, Tim Marquardt, live nearby in Rothsay with their three children: Hunter, 14; Hadley, 12; and Hudson, 9. Kari is a stay-at-home mom, and Tim works for Wilkens County. Mike and Patty’s second oldest, Heidi, works for Red River Human Services in Breckinridge where she lives with her three fur babies.

Third in birth order is Katie. She is a daycare provider for her brother’s children. Her husband, Derrick, is an engineer for Willrich. They have three sons: Dawson, 9; Carsten, 6; and Grayson, 4 months.

Their youngest daughter, Holly, was a nanny until her twins arrived. Her husband, Travis, is a John Deere technician in Wheaton and also farms. They are the parents of five boys: Michael, 10; Bennett, 6; Henry, 2; and 5-month old twins, Kamden and Cooper.

This photo was taken Sept. 29, 2020
From left to right: Bowen, 6 months; Grayson, 2 months; and 4-month old twins, Cooper and Kamden

“I love having our grandkids come to the farm,” says Patty, a proud grandmother of 12 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. “We hang out in the shop, go for Ranger rides, rock babies and read books. It’s so much fun to hear the laughter and to see smiles on the kids’ faces. We let them stay as often as they want now. We know that in a blink of an eye they will be too old. We hope they have good memories of staying with us.”

The older grandkids are active in sports, so the Berquists enjoy attending their basketball, football and baseball games. In summer months, the Bergquist family enjoys camping together.

“There is a lot of love when we all get together, and that’s the way we like it!” says Patty. “We’re making memories and more memories!”

Today Patty is sharing with us one of her family’s favorite recipes for Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Casserole.

Shannon Latham

November 20, 2020

Breads/Breakfast, Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

15 Success Tips from an Iowa Veteran, Part II
Guest blog post by Darcy Maulsby, author of the rural Iowa history book “Calhoun County,” “A Culinary History of Iowa,” and “Dallas County.” New in 2020: “Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Food and Family” from The History Press and “Iowa’s Lost History on the Titanic.”

For part 1 of this story, click here.

15 Success Tips from an Iowa Veteran, Part II

There were few things Ethan Dial cared about more than high school sports in the early 1990s. He also appreciated the patriotism around the Super Bowl and the American flag’s place of honor at other sporting events. It’s no wonder this Lake City, Iowa, farm kid committed to playing baseball for the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. He completed his West Point training in 1999.

Although he retired after 20 years from full-time military service, Dial enjoys sharing the practical wisdom he gained through his military service, especially with new lieutenants during their commissioning ceremony.

Dial’s 15 strategies for success can apply to any occupation:
1. Participate in your own survival. Life is a contact sport. To succeed, you can’t sit on the sidelines. “You must roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and make it happen,” Dial said. “Be proactive, not reactive. Create the conditions for success in your position.”
2. Embrace “more hands make light work.” You can’t shoulder the entire load all of the time. Help others, and ask others for help. “The Army is a team activity,” Dial said. “When you get every soldier in your platoon or section working in synch, the collective power of the team is amazing.” Also, don’t be afraid to dig in and get your hands dirty, no matter your role. “Soldiers will respect you when they see that nothing you ask them to do is beneath you, since you’re willing to get in there and work alongside them,” Dial said. “You’ll learn a ton doing it, too.”
3. Remember “Horse – Saddle – Rider.” Be prepared. In the military, whether you’re returning from the range or a month-long field training exercise, your first priority should be the vehicle or aircraft you traveled in. Refuel it, clean it and prep it for the next mission—which might only be minutes away. Also, clean up your gear, refill your aid bags and top off your canteens. “Again, you’ll never know when you only have seconds to grab your gear, and you’ll be thankful your kit is ready to go,” Dial said. Take care of yourself last. Get cleaned up, fed, hydrated, lay out your clothes for the next day, then rest. Many of these same principals of preparation also apply if you’re running a business or a household. “The next mission will come sooner than you expect,” he added.
4. Show up early. If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re already 15 minutes late. Don’t forget the corollary that “being early is free, being late will cost you.” “Make being early a habit,” Dial said. Give yourself time to collect your thoughts, check and re-check important things and put out any last-minute fires. “If you’re at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform, with the right attitude,” you’re definitely 99% on the road to success,” Dial said.
5. Four generations of the Dial Family
  
  Surround yourself with positive people. Seek people who challenge you to always improve. “You’ll be amazed by how much the people you chose to surround yourself with impact your physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being,” Dial said. “Your attitude changes, your outlook improves, but most importantly, your outcomes start to match your expectations.” Positivity and an attitude of gratitude are contagious, he added.
6. Adapt and overcome. As a leader, you’re going to be asked to make decisions and provide guidance. Don’t panic. “If no-one is bleeding and no bullets are firing, it probably isn’t a catastrophe,” Dial said. Take in all available information, evaluate possible tactics and think through potential responses to these tactics. Then make a decision and stick with it. “Be consistent, calm and confident,” Dial said. “Be the problem-solving, adaptable leader your team and your followers need you to be.”
7. Develop your natural curiosity. Never accept the first report. Do your research. Ask questions to draw out the facts and separate out the drama. “Always be learning, always be inquisitive, strive to learn more and live a more thorough life,” Dial said.
8. In the absence of orders – attack. Always be moving forward. Sometimes you’ll have to decide whether you’ll need to be an “ask for permission” leader or “beg for forgiveness” leader. “Once you make a decision, you own it, good or bad, right or wrong,” Dial said. Throughout your career, you’ll get better at decision making, he added. Read about other’s decision-making style. Study intuition and gut feelings. Practice your decision-making skills. “Don’t sit back and wait for a handout, email or text telling you what to do,” Dial said. “Listen early for intent and guidance, but in the absence of orders – attack!”
9. Do you GAS (give a sh**)? Pay attention to the details, and most everything else will fall into place. Take the extra 5 minutes to straighten something, fix something and make it look professional. “If it looks good, it probably is,” Dial said.
10. Ethan Dial & son
  
  Show your loyalty. “What’s the best unit you’ve ever been in? The one you’re in at that moment,” Dial said. Demonstrate your loyalty to your organization. Wear your company’s logoed apparel, and attention the “optional” and “highly encouraged” functions. “It’s visible, it makes a difference, and it’s part of the small things that do not go unnoticed,” Dial said.
11. Know it’s ok to say you don’t know. Even if you don’t know the answer, say so, but add, “I will find out.” Then follow up as soon as possible.
12. Pick three to five things to focus on daily. You can’t do it all. Prioritizing tasks is the key, Dial said. “Imagine what you can accomplish by only worrying about getting three to five things done a day.”
13. Only worry about those things YOU can control. Whatever happened is in the past. “None of us has a time machine to go back and fix something,” Dial said. “It is what it is—now what?” Asses what changed, decide who needs to know and determine what the next steps should be. “Focus on going forward, improving, changing and learning from mistakes,” Dial said.
14. Don’t whine. Complaining without offering a potential solution is whining. No one likes whiners, so be part of the solution. “It’s ok to identify problems,” Dial said. “While it’s harder to identify solutions, that separates great leaders from the rest.”
1. Focus on continuous improvement. Do you know as much about your profession as you expect your doctor to know about his/her profession? “Be a lifelong learner, never be satisfied, get better every day,” Dial said.
Grandma Dial’s Famous Lemon Pie

While Dial sometimes took for granted the peace and serenity of farm life when he was growing up, he’s gained a new appreciation for small-town Iowa’s advantages. “Being back in Iowa has enabled my family to help my dad, Dwight, on the farm when we can,” Dial said. “He also comes to Ames to enjoy family time and attend Iowa State football, basketball and wrestling events with us.”

When the Dial family gets together, they enjoy preparing some of the recipes that have been part of their family for generations. Nothing says comfort food more than this lemon pie, the signature dessert of Ethan Dial’s grandma, the late Alice Ann Dial of rural Lake City.
Webspec Admin

November 13, 2020

Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

15 Success Tips from an Iowa Veteran, Part I

Guest blog post by Darcy Maulsby, author of the rural Iowa history book “Calhoun County,” “A Culinary History of Iowa,” and “Dallas County.” New in 2020: “Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Food and Family” from The History Press and “Iowa’s Lost History on the Titanic.”

In the early 1990s, there were few things Ethan Dial cared about more high school sports with baseball at the top of the list. This Lake City, Iowa, farm kid felt fortunate to attract some interest from West Point’s baseball coach, so he applied to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, a decision that would alter the course of his life.

“I was fortunate to have had a safe 20 years of service,” said Dial, who completed his West Point training in 1999, is retired from full-time military service and lives in Ames with his wife, Dawn, and son, Brendan. “I’ve been lucky to serve alongside absolutely great Americans who are still my friends.”

Veterans Day has been meaningful to Dial and his family for generations. “I was definitely influenced by my Grandpa Gerald Dial’s service as a B-17 tail gunner in World War II and my uncle Lynn Dial’s military service,” said Dial, who also credits both sides of his family with teaching him to honor patriotic holidays like Memorial Day and the 4^th of July.

Dial and his son, Brendan.

The patriotism around the Super Bowl and the American flag’s place of honor at other sporting events further solidified Dial’s desire to serve his country. Then there were the hundreds of flags flown at the Lake City Cemetery each Memorial Day. Each flag listed the name of a local veteran, and each name was read during the Memorial Day service. “All this made a big impression on me,” Dial said.

Dial appreciates Iowa State Army ROTC

Unlike Memorial Day, which honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or deceased. It especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. That includes Dial, who achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel by the time he retired from the military on October 1, 2019.

The Dial family

Rural America is home to many veterans. In 2011–2015, nearly one fourth (24.1 percent) of the veteran population 18 years and older lived in areas designated as rural, according to census.gov.

Today, Dial works for Emerson in Marshalltown as the project manager for the CAP1400 nuclear power plant project. “My family and I have enjoyed living in nine locations over my 20 years of military service, but our last four years in Ames with the Iowa State Army ROTC program have been the best four years I’ve served,” said Dial, whose younger brother, Andy, is a fellow West Point graduate currently serving in the U.S. Army.

Click here to read Part II of this story.

Webspec Admin

November 11, 2020

Food & Family
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham’s 2020 Virtual Field Day Was “Made for You”
At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, we have hosted multiple field day on wheels. We’ve showcased emerging technologies that allow us to check crops from the air, but this is the first year we didn’t have to worry about the weather on our field day. It’s also the first time we a virtual day event.

Welcome to 2020! The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses around the globe to deliver information using technology like Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube. Although we prefer to meet with farmers in person, our team of industry experts has developed some interesting and informative content for you. We hope you enjoy it and find it of value!

Below is a recap of our 2020 Latham® Virtual Field Day with links, so you can watch agronomic presentations from the comfort of your office or the cab of your tractor or combine:
- Fortunately, weather events did not affect our production fields. It looks to be another banner year for Latham seed production! You’re invited to join us for this 40-minute industry roundtable with Latham’s Product Team.
- In this “challenges of harvest” roundtable hosted by Bob Foley, farmers from across the Upper Midwest tell us how they’re managing harvest in not-so-ideal conditions.
- Put products and practices to the test on your on farm! Precision Agronomy Advisor Darin Chapman discusses on-farm research and the benefits. He covers how you can use “small data” to work on your own farm.
- Soybean Product Manager Mark Grundmeier provides tips for Selecting Soybean Products that are Built for Battle. Did you know farmers don’t have to give up yield when planting defensive soybeans? Mark talks about how Latham’s exclusive IRONCLAD^TM products are bred to combat local diseases.
- Latham’s Northern Product Manager Gary Geske explains how seed treatment helps maximize yield potential. He explains what makes Latham Seeds’ SoyShield® so unique, so elite and so effective.
- Latham Corn Product Manager, Lyle Marcus, shares how to maximize performance and reduce risk with Latham® corn hybrids in 2021. He also introduces eight new hybrids for spring planting.
- In this 20-minute workshop on seed placement and performance, Precision Agronomy Advisor Phil Long explains how to use Latham’s product guide to choose seed products for 2021. Did you know that placement can affect yield by up to 20 percent? That’s a 20- to 50-bushel yield swing! Phil walks us through how to match management style to product characteristics for best placement and performance.
One of the things we enjoy most about hosting field days is sitting at the table with Latham® dealers and customers. We always enjoy hearing about our customers’ families and learning more about farming operations. If you attend a Latham Seeds’ event, you can count on great conversation and a wonderful meal.

In true field day fashion, we are sharing with you a typical field day menu. Below are links to some of our favorite fall recipes:
- Harvest BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, a recipe shared by Iowa’s Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Julie Kenney
- Sweet & Spicy Baked Beans
- Cranberry Waldorf Salad (Although this recipe isn’t from “The Field Position” blog, it’s a hit every time I make it for a group that visits Enchanted Acres pumpkin patch.)
- Apple Crisp
With the cool fall weather this week, we thought it would be the perfect time to share a new crockpot dish. Scroll down to find a recipe for Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine. Recipe and image sourced here.
Shannon Latham

September 11, 2020

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Emergence, Fertility, Food & Family, Fungicide, Growth Stages, Insects, Poultry, Precision Ag, Recipes, Seed Treatment, Sides, Soil, Soybeans, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Darin Chapman Helps Farmers Move Their Data Forward

Some people embrace change while others do their best to avoid it. Like Socrates, Northwest Iowa native Darin Chapman chooses to focus his energy on creating something new.

A third-generation farmer, Darin is passionate about technology and continually looks for ways to improve his farming operation. He has the ideal background and interests to serve as a Precision Agronomy Advisor with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Darin farms near Spencer with his brother, Tim, who is a local ag lender. Five seasons ago they purchased a planter to test variable rates of Latham® brand corn and soybeans, as well as conduct side-by-side comparisons of different product numbers. Their on-farm research has increased over time. It also has helped shaped the development and evolution of Latham Seeds’ Data Forward^SM service.

“The more on-farm research we do with my multi-hybrid variable rate planter, the more we learn about product placement of Latham brand hybrids and varieties in my region,” says Darin. “I cannot stress enough the importance of on farm research on your farm.”

“Phil Long and I are conducting two different studies on one of my farms this year with four of our new excellent performing hybrids. The farm we are performing the study on is one single soil type across the entire field, so it is perfect for research,” adds Darin. “We have four different population zones for each hybrid: 32,000; 34,000; 36,000 and 40,000. This will give us great insight on performance of each hybrid with best performance per planting population. We are also doing a fungicide application study across each hybrid. We sprayed the north half of the field to monitor how each hybrid responds to fungicide treatment.”

Analyzing yield to understand optimal seeding rate for each hybrid on your fields is one benefit of Latham’s Data Forward service. Other benefits include data organization and trial results.

Latham Seeds in February 2020 introduced a Data Forward application to help farmers see more profit. Our precision agronomy advisors, including Darin and Phil Long, begin by conducting a data quality analysis. Then they clean and organize each layer of data before sharing results and providing recommendations.

“When I first started working with the Data Forward program in May, I was impressed with its capabilities,” says Evan Hansen, who has worked with three precision management platforms both on his home farm and during his summer internships. “Compared to other applications the Data Forward app is extremely functional and is only getting better. I have enjoyed talking with customers about how Latham can continue to help their operations prosper. Working with Phil (Long) and Darin (Chapman) has been awesome. I have gained a wealth of knowledge this summer from the team at Latham.”

One reason Darin is so passionate about using technology to improve profitability and sustainability is because he and his wife Sarah have three sons. Zander is almost 10 years old and enjoys being with his friends as much as possible playing sports and PlayStation or riding bikes around the neighborhood. Ledger is 6 years old. He enjoys his spending time with friends and pets, as well as working on the farm. Mason is almost 2 years old. He likes watching Elmo, playing with his brothers, and being outside.

Being outside and on the farm is where Darin wants to be, too.

“I have always found on-farm research interesting” says Darin. “What I enjoy most about my current position as Precision Agronomy Advisor is that I get to work with farmers across Latham Country who want to make the most of the data they gather each year and put it to work to make their operation as efficient as possible. This gives me great gratification.”

Outside of farming, Darin enjoys taking his kids fishing and getting together with friends and their families for cookouts. He and Sarah both enjoy cooking. Today they are sharing one of their family’s favorite recipes.

Shannon Latham

August 14, 2020

Food & Family, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Evan Hansen Completes Summer Internship with Latham Seeds

With a 98 percent placement rate, Iowa State University’s Ag Career Fair it’s just as important that a company make a positive impression on a candidate as it is for the candidate to make a good first impression. Evan Hansen of Spencer in Northwest Iowa sought out Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ booth because his family planted Latham® seeds.

“My interest in Latham Seeds started three years ago when we first planted Latham on our farm. We have increased our use of Latham® seed,” says Evan. “I spoke with Laura (Cunningham) and Kilah (Watson) at the Iowa State College of Ag and Life Sciences career fair and was excited to hear that Latham was planning to release its own data management platform, Data Forward^SM. I have had the opportunity to work with three other management applications in my past summers and was excited to have the chance to see something new. After an enjoyable interview process and learning more about the family-owned company, I knew it was the place for me to spend my summer.”

This summer has presented its challenges due to the pandemic, but Evan says he has thoroughly enjoyed his internship.

“When I first started working with the Data Forward program in May, I was impressed with its capabilities,” says Evan. “I have enjoyed talking with growers about how Latham can continue to help their operations prosper. Working with Phil (Long) and Darin (Chapman) has been awesome. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from the team at Latham and always felt like I could reach out with questions. This team was welcoming and gave me, as a young person in ag, an excellent summer internship.”

Evan is heading back to Ames for his fourth and final year of studies. He plans to graduate in May 2021 with a double major in Agronomy and Animal Science.

“I knew I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to help producers improve their operations. This, along with my desire to work hands-on, led me to a degree in Agronomy,” says Evan. “The addition of my Animal Science major is a product of many factors. As our cow-calf herd grew, we needed pasture management, cover crops, corn stover, corn silage, and hay. I developed a greater desire for knowledge on livestock production as our home beef operation grew.”

Evan grew up on his family’s row crop and cattle farm in Northwest Iowa. His father, Curt, farms fulltime with help from Evan’s uncle. Evan’s mom, Julie, is an elementary educator. She’s starting to help more on the farm now that Evan’s grandparents are not as actively involved. Evan’s oldest sister, Jordan, graduated from The University of Iowa and is pursuing a graduate degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at The Ohio State University. Evan’s younger sister, Kaylee, will be a senior at Spencer High School. His brother, Ethan, is starting eighth grade this fall.

“As I have grown, my roles have progressed from riding in the buddy seat to giving rides as we move between farms to eventually operating in separate fields from my dad. I spend time processing cows and calves, and I do the artificial insemination for our cattle,” says Evan, who showed cattle through 4-H and desires to raise Angus cattle after he graduates from Iowa State.

This year will be another busy one for Evan as he is a member of FarmHouse Fraternity where he has served on the Executive Committee as Assistant Alumni Director and as New Member Educator. He has participated in the Polar Bear Plunge, which supports Special Olympics. He also takes parts in various other Homecoming and Greek Week activities. In addition, he has been a waiter at Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

“What stands out about my time at Iowa State are the connections I have made. I am confident that I have met individuals whom I will work with for years to come. In addition, I have enjoyed bringing the knowledge I gained home to see it applied in the real world,” says Evan. “Iowa State has challenged me to think about doing things differently on not only my home farm, but also in the operations of growers I have had the opportunity to meet through my internships. Through this, I have seen that thoughtful change often brings growth.”

We certainly wish Evan in the future! With students heading back into the classrooms, it’s a reminder to us that fall harvest also is just around the corner. Today Evan is sharing with us one of his favorite harvest meals.

Shannon Latham

August 7, 2020

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

Help Keep School Pantry Stocked this Summer
Mohawk Market couldn’t serve youth if it wasn’t for amazing volunteers. Renae shops for groceries and supplies, as well as helps pack boxes. She puts in countless hours to help make it happen.

That face.

One sweet little kindergarten girl’s face prompted Sasha Holstand and Tara Truex in May 2019 to start the Mohawk Market, so Roosevelt Elementary students would get the nutrition they needed. Today this unique food pantry, which is independently run by teachers and community volunteers, has expanded throughout the Mason City Community School District. It’s now serving 100 families that have been deemed food insecure.

“You must meet children’s basic needs before their educational needs. With COVID-19, we opened our pantry doors to all students of the district,” says Truex, a special education teacher at Roosevelt. “We have decided to keep our pantry running throughout the summer. We seek food that children can prepare for themselves.”

Mohawk Market shelves are packed with cereal, applesauce, crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, soup, canned meals, canned and frozen vegetables, canned chicken and tuna, boxed meals, pasta, pasta sauce, popcorn, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, snacks, and bananas.

Volunteers assemble weekly to box up the staples for pickup or delivery to local families. Some families do not have transportation. Other parents must work when the pantry is open. To remove barriers for families to get the food they need, the Mohawk Market offers pick-up times and has started a delivery service.

Truex would like to thank these volunteers for stepping in where they’re needed: Becky Buffington, Larry Collins, Valarie Wollner, Sheila Lang, Emily Younke, Jill Hobart, Penny Dahl, and Lisa Hugi, Britney Roe, and Renae Bergman. Iowa State University Extension in Cerro Gordo County also has started volunteering with their staff.

“We’ve been blessed to have the support of so many people. When Sasha and I pitched our idea to our principal, he was instantly onboard. He spoke with the administration and it was determined that we would have to do this through a third party to stay transparent with finances,” says Truex.

“Renae Bergman, a teacher at Lincoln Intermediate, reached out to Grace Church in Mason City. Grace Church opened an account for us. Then we began fundraising, grant writing and making this mission come to life. United Way and First Citizens Bank were instrumental in helping with startup costs for Mohawk Market,” adds Truex.

ISU Extension staff since April have been delivering food boxes to families in need throughout the Mason City Community School District (MC CSD).

The COVID-19 pandemic has created more demand for food pantries, and many shelves have stayed empty across the nation. Fortunately, North Iowans are coming together and supporting their own.

Rather than selling at the local farmer’s market, Lucas Ashland of Clear Lake decided to donate fresh vegetables this summer to the Mohawk Market. When the pandemic caused musicians to pull the plug on live performances, members of Betty and the Gents began uplifting people in their community with live Facebook concerts on Friday nights.

May 22 marked the 10^th performance of “Live from the Quarantine: Tom and Betty’s Pajama Party.” Tom and Betsy Kirby, who are teachers with Mason City Schools, donate 100% of their virtual tips via Venmo and PayPal to Mohawk Market.

If you’re interested in helping spread the Mohawk Market mission, you can:
- Like and share the Mohawk Market page on Facebook;
- Click here for a list of foods that may be purchased at Target and delivered to Roosevelt Elementary. This Mohawk Market Charity Registry also is available on target.com; or
- Make a financial donations online here: https://pushpay.com/g/gracemc.
“Our donors may only see the boxes of food they donate to help children. With each and every box, however, we see a child. We see the face of a child we know and love, and that sweet face is grateful for your support!” says Truex. “The difference you’re making in that child’s life is immeasurable. We are so thankful for your support!”

Check out Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s website page – Spend Smart. Eat Smart. – for recipes for budget-friendly and kid-friendly recipes. Special thanks to ISU Extension for allowing us to print one of its recipes today. Enjoy!
Shannon Latham

June 5, 2020

Food & Family, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Soyfoods Connect with Some of 2020’s Food Trends
Soybeans are most often associated with seeds that farmers plant or commodities they market. Soy is not often something those of us living in rural America associate with healthy, power-packed diets – unless we’re developing a livestock ration.

However, soybeans offer many nutritional benefits for human diets. Soy provides heart-healthy fat and is cholesterol-free. Soyfoods such as tofu and TSP, textured soy protein, or TVP, textured vegetable protein, are ideal for adapting recipes for chili, soups, spaghetti sauce, tacos, salad dressings and desserts.

“Soyfoods easily add protein to trendy foods,” says Linda Funk, executive director of The Soyfoods Council. “Enhance avocado toast or hummus by incorporating edamame. One cup of edamame contains 188 calories and offers approximately 18 grams of protein, as well as 8 grams of fiber. Shelled edamame can be blended with fresh avocado for guacamole or made into Edamame Hummus with added ingredients such as garlic, lemon juice and fresh herbs.”

A quarter cup of shelf-stable granules of TSP/TVP contains about 12 grams of protein. Use it to extend ground turkey or beef. Add TSP to chili, pasta sauces.

“At breakfast, combine TSP half-and-half with oatmeal to start your day in a trendy way,” adds Funk. “Fermented soybeans are made into a tender soybean cake called tempeh, which offers 15 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. You can boost the protein level of a meal by adding tempeh to sandwiches, pizza or salads. Baste it with barbecue sauce and grill it for an easy entrée.”

Tofu is made from soymilk curds and is made firm using a coagulant, such as nigari flakes or calcium sulfate, which is the mineral used in craft brewing.

“Firm, water-packed tofu can be marinated in your favorite sauce. Then add it to curries, pasta dishes, or Asian noodle bowls,” says Funk. “Silken tofu is perfect for smoothies, soups, dips and desserts. A half-cup serving of tofu can provide approximately 10 grams of protein. Cut the fat and increase the protein in your favorite dips by substituting silken tofu for part of the mayonnaise when using salad dressing mixes.”

To help you incorporate soy into your diet, here are links to the most popular soy recipes from “The Field Position” blog:
Today we’re sharing with you a recipe from The Soyfoods Council for Mexican Veggie Salad, which is complement to grilled meats and deli sandwiches. For more recipes, visit www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com. The Soyfoods Council’s website also includes nutrition information, cooking tips, and recent research about soyfoods and your health.
Team Latham

April 24, 2020

Food & Family, General, Recipes, Sides