Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

10 Takeaways from My Italian Ag Adventure
by Kilah Hemesath, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Coordinator

Growing up on an Iowa farm helping my family raise pork, we always celebrated October Pork Month. Little did I know, October is also Cheese Month! To celebrate the month of good eats, I found it fitting to share about my experience I when I traveled abroad to the country that takes tremendous pride in their cheese.

The beautiful Italian countryside

As a cheese lover, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a trip to Italy earlier this summer. The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative hosted a group of Iowa State University (ISU) students on a study abroad trip to study food, farming and Italian culture. I found this to be the ideal time for a trip, as the trip dates fit perfectly between the end of graduation and before my job started at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

Pasta, cheese, wine and farming – what more could a person ask for? This was a trip to remember. I was lucky enough to spend 10 days in this beautiful country, enjoying eye-opening experiences every day.

In hopes of sharing a sweet taste of Italy, I’ve put together my top 10 takeaways for traveling abroad:
1. Pack smart! On the first day, we spent more time in the sky than on the ground. It was only my second time of riding a plane, so that was an experience in itself! Biggest takeaway: Pack your 3-oz. liquids in a Ziploc bag inside your carry-on luggage. Also bring a book, neck pillow and light blanket.
2. We even had a time to snap a quick picture on Burano!
  
  Who needs roads when there are water canals? Just when I thought we’d never make it, we arrived in Venice. It was obvious we weren’t in Iowa anymore when we piled into a water taxi to get to our hotel. Instead of roads, they use canals. The buildings appeared to be taken out of a coloring book. Venice is a city that is chock full of unique history.
3. Water ferries take longer than one would think. One afternoon my group decided to venture to Burano Island, which was known for lace making. Once we boarded the ferry, we were crunched for time. To make our 5 PM meeting, we could only spend 10 minutes on the island! That was 10 minutes to unload the ferry, see the island, buy lace, get a ticket and load the ferry to head back to Venice. Once we arrived in Venice, we had to run from one side of the island to the other to make the meeting. The kicker? The lace we bought ended up not being original to the island. Real or not, I can’t wait to wear the lace scarf proudly!
4. I was much more comfortable taking pictures instead of steering!
  
  Steering a Gondola is not my calling. Gondoliers should take pride in what they do. Similar to a very large canoe, these boats are steered by hand. Peacefully floating down the canals of Venice is not as easy as it looks!
5. Meal time is an event. Americans tend to rush meal time while Italians make meal time an event. I found it interesting to see how much time, effort and pride was taken in each course of every meal. As a food lover myself, I enjoyed that meals were not rushed. I learned to appreciate my food and the preparation that went into making it.
6. The Italian countryside is breathtaking. Although a picture can’t do justice, get your camera ready! We stayed at a winery nestled in the countryside in Cremona. At this stay, we were treated to a delicious, homemade five-course supper. This was my favorite part of the trip because we got to get away from the hustle of the city and appreciate Italy.
7. The aging cheese was piled high and piled far.
  
  Cheese, cheese & more cheese! We toured many cheese production facilities in different towns and all sharing certain similarities. Many times I felt we were sitting in a pool of whole milk when getting a tour! I had never toured a cheese factory so learning the process of cheese making from the Italians was very exciting. I always knew cheese is aged, but there’s some serious pride Italians have in the old age of their cheese.
8. Family traditions run deep. We enjoyed a few days packed full of farm tours. After taking many Midwest farm tours, it was great to see and hear about their operations. We were fortunate enough to see a pear farm, wineries, a prosciutto factory and go on traditional balsamic vinegar tour and testing. Among all of these tours, I found the importance of traditions and love of family that is carried down from one generation to the next. I found that as a similarity to American agriculture, as farmers throughout the world take substantial pride in what they do.
9. My love for pasta followed me from Northeast Iowa to Northeast Italy
  
  Pasta holds a larger spot in my heart than I thought. The largest personal takeaway for the trip is all things pasta. My mom taught me how to make pasta when I was little, so it holds a special place in my heart. On this trip, we were lucky enough to learn how to make ravioli from Italian women! I also came away with a new favorite type of food, gnocci, which I think of as potato pasta. Gnocci may be purchased in the grocery store. It tastes great in pesto sauce, cheesy pasta or soup.
10. There’s no place like home. As cheesy as it sounds, there’s no place like home. We spent 10 great days abroad and learning more than I could have ever imagined, but I was happy to return home to Iowa. Every place is unique and home to someone, and I find it important to know where that is.
If you’d like to get a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home, I’m including a recipe for my favorite Italian dish. I found this recipe is from allreciepies.com. View the recipe below or click here.
Webspec Admin

September 16, 2016

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

It’s Super Bowl Saturday in Iowa!
Office Divided

Move over Iowa Nice! The smack talk, skewing of stats and hard-core tailgating is about to begin across the state as Iowans prepare for the annual Super Bowl Saturday. Kickoff for the interstate rivalry between the Iowa State Cyclones and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes is set for 6:42 PM tomorrow at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

The annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series came up during a working lunch yesterday at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. “If you go back 17 years, Iowa State leads the series 9 to 8,” said company president John Latham. That might be true, replied our general manager Tom Lizer, but let’s look at total points scored during that time period. In fact, let’s go back 20 years because the series is tied with both football teams earning 10 victories!

The “fun and games” have begun. Anyone visiting our office today will notice it’s casual Friday. Latham team members are donning logo wear for their favorite teams. This noon we’ll grill burgers for our annual tailgating potluck. This spread will include everything from Calico Beans and Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños to Sour Cream and Bacon Deviled Eggs to Buffalo Chicken Dip. (If you’re not a fan of potlucks, you’ve never been to one of ours! People take pride in the dishes they create. It’s definitely not a day to count calories or skimp.)

Today we’re sharing recipes and party-hosting tips to ensure you have fun, whether you’ll be following the game from your living room or in a parking lot or at the stadium. Click on one of these related links below:
For more tailgating recipe and ideas, check out Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ “Tailgating” folder on Pinterest.

It’s Friday on TheFieldPosition, so that means we’re also featuring a recipe here. Today’s recipe comes from one of Latham Seeds’ raving fans, our uncle Jim Latham. His recipe for Friendship Salad is a good reminder to keep the competition “friendly” this weekend.

P.S. Remember to tune into the Latham Locker Room Show, which airs following every football broadcast on the state-wide Cyclone Radio Network. This segment airs following the play-by-play and includes exclusive “locker room” interviews with players and coaches.
Team Latham

September 9, 2016

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

Father’s Love of Old Iron Leads to Family Legacy

Tucked into the rolling hills of the beautiful rural eastern Iowa countryside is a treasure trove of antique iron. From the road, would never guess that this unassuming machine shed houses more than 90 restored tractors. Inside is a collector’s dream. During the Latham Freedom of Independence Ride on Aug. 19, our riders had the pleasure of walking through that door and stepping back into time.

Kevin Miller of Dixon restored his first tractor as a young 4-H member. He restored three as 4-H projects, but his story doesn’t end there. When Kevin’s oldest son, Patrick, was old enough to join 4-H, the passion for tractor restoration was rekindled. The restoration work was so well done that Patrick’s tractor was selected to advance to the Iowa State Fair. Unfortunately, the “Selected for State” ribbon that hung on his tractor was replaced with “Outstanding Junior Achievement” as the Millers learned the hard way that first-year 4-H members aren’t eligible to compete at the Iowa State Fair.

When Patrick’s younger sister, Meghan, joined 4-H, she restored a lawn mower as her first year 4-H project. That also was the routine when their younger brother, Jacob, joined 4-H. Just as Jacob finishes his last year of FFA eligibility, Patrick’s son will enter his “lawn mower year.”

Restoring a lawn mower allows the kids to get the experience of restoring a tractor to see if it’s something they enjoy before they attempt a project that could advance to the next level, explains Kevin. All three of the Miller children joined the North Scott FFA when they were eligible, so they continue fueling their passion for tractor restoration until age 21. All three have competed and took top honors at the Iowa State Fair in either individual or team (chapter) competition as tractor restoration has grown in popularity. This year alone, Jacob entered four tractors into the state
fair competition.

Known as the Tractor Trifecta, the Millers continue to restore tractors every year. Meghan put the finishing touches on a 4166 earlier this month. She admits that she loves the challenge involved with restoring tractors. Since the first of the year, Meghan has been videoing the restoration process for the Timeless Tractors documentary on Iowa Public Television.

“You never know what you’re getting into. A tractor might look perfectly fine from the outside, then you tear into it and realize it’s going to more work than you first thought. But I love a good challenge,” says Meghan, whose favorite tractor is a rare model 1456 International gold demonstrator. “I always wanted a 1456, so Dad bought it for me during my last year in FFA. I got reserve champion overall at the Iowa State Fair. That’s the highest I’ve ever gotten by myself, so it was pretty cool to end my FFA career that way.”

There’s more to winning top honor at the Iowa State Fair than merely rebuilding engines or having a paint job that’s silky smooth.

“Preparing for tractor judging is like studying for an oral exam,” explains Jacob. “You stand by your tractor from about 8 AM to 3 PM. When the judges come around, you have to make eye contact. You have to have good communication skills. You have to know history. Judges prove that you did your own work by asking a series of specific questions.”

Not only do the Millers know how to rebuild tractors but their grandma made sure they can make blue ribbon-winning apple pies and other dishes. They enjoy sitting down to a hearty meal, so they can spend long hours in the shop or out in the field. Today they’re sharing two of their favorite recipes with us on TheFieldPosition.

Team Latham

August 26, 2016

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

Get #SoyInspired… Try New Healthy Recipes this Month
Guest blog post by Linda Funk, Executive Director, The Soyfoods Council

We all know that we should “eat healthy.” Diet is a key lifestyle factor affecting the risk of developing cancer, and research shows that eating more polyunsaturated fat is key to reducing death from coronary heart disease. So why is it many Americans prefer to grab a candy bar or bag of potato chips for a quick snack and order pizza for supper?

Convenience and simplicity are key in determining food choices. Did you know soybeans are a simple way to add protein and fiber to your diet? Soy protein is so healthy for you, too. It’s low in saturated fat and has no cholesterol. It’s also high in polyunstaurated fat and provide essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Here are two more good reasons why you should consider adding soyfoods to your diet:
- Isoflavones Protect Against Ovarian Cancer Risk. It’s estimated that more than 14,000 U.S. women died of this disease last year. However, Japanese researchers have examined the association between the intake of isoflavones and ovarian cancer in seven different countries. The results shows the risk of having ovarian cancer is reduced by approximately one-third that when comparing high isoflavone intake with low intake. NOTE: Soyfoods such as tofu, soymilk, and edamame are uniquely rich sources of isoflavones.
- Consuming More Polyunsaturated Fat is Key to Reducing Death from Coronary Heart Disease. The American Heart Association has endorsed the use of soyfoods because they are low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat. New research from an esteemed group of investigators has found that consuming too little polyunsaturated fat was responsible for three times more deaths than consuming too much saturated fat. This analysis included 186 countries in 21 world regions and 3.8 billion adults.
After hearing about so many virtues of soyfoods, I hope you’ll feel inspired to add some to your diet! No need to fret over a meal plan as today I’m providing recipes for a four-course menu:
1. Salad with Basil Lime Dressing
2. Asparagus Soup or Grilled Asparagus
3. Miso Marinated Chicken (see recipe below)
4. Elizabeth’s Chocolate Pudding Pie or Key Lime Pie
Find daily tips for using soyfoods and #SoyInspired recipes during April SoyFoods Month on Facebook. Join our Twitter chat for a chance to win a copy of Tofu Cookery. Also check out our Soyfoods Month Pinterest board!
Team Latham

April 8, 2016

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

Join Us on July 30 for “Recipe Refresh”

Consumers are increasingly interested in food, however, a recent study shows people are becoming increasingly confused about what they should and shouldn’t eat.

“I grew up in a small Midwest town with strong connections to farming. My husband works in agriculture, as well,” said April Zornes of Waukee, Iowa, in conjunction with a recent event hosted by the Iowa Food & Family Project (IFFP). “Despite this, I still find it difficult to stay current on the many issues involving food and food safety… We’re constantly bombarded with information about food, including nutrition and safety and it can be hard to sort through it all.”

To help answer consumers’ questions about food production and food safety, the IFFP has teamed up with renowned Iowa food bloggers Kristen Porter of Iowa Girl Eats and Cristen Clark of Food and Swine. Kristen and Cristen are helping host the IFFP’s Recipe Refresh events across Iowa.

Consumers are invited to enter a Recipe Refresh contest near them for a chance to win a recipe makeover plus $250 in Hy-Vee groceries. Click here for your chance to win! Contest winners will be introduced to farmers and Hy-Vee dietitians, who will help answer questions related to everything from organic foods and GMOs to the use of hormones and antibiotics. Even your recipe isn’t selected for the “makeover,” you can get a complimentary copy of the new Iowa Food and Family Cookbook simply by visiting Hy-Vee West in Mason City between 4 and 7 PM on July 30.

This new Food and Family Cookbook includes more than 50 recipes from bloggers, farm group partners like Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds and Iowa farm families. You’ll find recipes suited for summer like Barbecue Chicken & Cheddar Foil Packets. I’m excited that some of my favorite fall recipes like pumpkin muffins and raspberry pork roast are included in this cookbook, too!

Speaking of recipes, April Zornes’ recipe for Chicken Alfredo received a healthier makeover at one of the Recipe Refresh events earlier this summer. The Iowa Food & Family Project has given us permission to share it on TheFieldPosition, so we hope you enjoy this version that’s lower in fat but full on flavor!

Team Latham

July 24, 2015

Food & Family, General, Poultry, Recipes

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“The Covered Dish” Shares Simply Delicious Recipes

My husband once told me that if he’s not playing a round of golf, he’d just as soon be watching the professionals play. I wondered if I’d ever find anything I was that passionate about, but that was before I acknowledged the obvious…

You see, I began cooking from the time I was old enough to scoot a stool in front of the stove. I scrambled eggs as my mom cooked up a hearty breakfast for my dad and his friends on the opening day of hunting season. I learned to fry a hamburger before I entered kindergarten. I earned a blue ribbon as a first-year 4-Her member with the chocolate chip muffins I exhibited at the county fair.

No wonder I felt an immediate connection to Debbie Dance Uhrig, the Master Craftsman who teaches at Silver Dollar City’s Midwest Living® Culinary & Craft School. Debbie writes in the forward to her Simply Yours cookbook:

“I began cooking from the time I could handle a spoon and stir. Throughout my life, I was taught to preserve foods, cook in ample amounts and to be prepared for extra folks at the table or surprise guests.”

That’s the same philosophy my mom instilled within me! No wonder my mom and I greatly enjoyed watching the professional demonstrate cooking during the Farm to Table cooking class we took last Saturday. We learned to make Midwest Living’s Garden Pasta Primavera and a Quick Red Pepper Pasta Sauce, one of Debbie’s original creations.

Quick Red Pepper Pasta Sauce

by Debbie Dance Uhrig, Master Craftsman at Silver Dollar City’s Midwest Living® Culinary & Craft School

1, 13.5-ounce package of high fiber spaghetti or linguine
8 ounces Vince’s Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1-2 tablespoons butter
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Boil noodles in salted water. While pasta is cooking, combine: pesto sauce, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese in small saucepan and heat thoroughly. Turn sauce to low. Drain the pasta when it’s done and turn back to original pan with 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Pour hot sauce over pasta and stir to coat. Serve as a side with steak, chicken or seafood. Serves 4 to 5.

COOK’S TIP: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for this dish for best results and maximum creaminess. Because cheese loses moisture once it’s cut, purchasing shredded Parmesan cheese will result in lumpy sauce.

My 14-year-old daughter, who also attended the culinary class, enjoyed this pasta sauce so much that she asked if we could make it at home this week. (Side bar: Debbie mentioned this pasta would make a great side dish for grilled meats, so I’m planning to serve it with marinated grilled steaks. After all, our #31DaysofBeef celebration continues throughout the month of May.)

The fanciest part of each recipe that Debbie demonstrated is the title! While the list of ingredients for the primavera may look intimidating at first, the recipe itself it quite simple to follow. Debbie believes in presenting recipes that call for common ingredients and a simple understanding for cooking. (This sounds exactly like the recipes we feature on TheFieldPosition! As Debbie says, “Why overwhelm people with more elaborate dishes that might prevent them from going through the effort?”)

Like Debbie, I believe in reconnecting with family and friends around the dining room table. Today I’m sharing both of the pasta recipes she demonstrated. Also be sure to check out Debbie’s website, The Covered Dish, for more down-home Midwestern recipes.

P.S. Our long weekend getaway to Branson, Missouri, was the latest road trip taken in celebration of my mom’s birthday. Last year we traveled to Seed Savers Exchange, and in 2013, we took a pie baking class inside the American Gothic House. What culinary adventures have you enjoyed? I need ideas for our May 2016 road trip!

Team Latham

May 18, 2015

Food & Family, General, Recipes, Sides

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Christmas Gifts for the Entire Family

Guest Blog post by Val Plagge of Corn, Bean, Pigs and Kids

One of the items on my Holiday Check List for this week is to complete my Christmas gift lists. This includes not only finalizing my family’s wish list, but also deciding what gifts we will be giving others. I know I always appreciate some extra ideas to help with Christmas gifts so I figured I’d share some ideas from my family.

The Rural Outdoors Dad

Electric Smoker: If you don’t have an electric smoker you need to get this on your list this year! This is the perfect gift for the guy in your life (that you also can use!) You can use your smoker all year long and have a lot of fun experimenting with different types of meats, rubs, marinades, etc. Most sporting good stores have sections dedicated to smokers and outdoor cooking.

Yellow Work Gloves: What guy that works outside doesn’t need some new work gloves? For My Farmer his go-to pair of work gloves are the classic yellow work gloves. These are very affordable and you can buy them in large packages, so you always have a pair available! An added plus for those that wash clothes in your home, they can be easily thrown in the wash with your other chore clothes. These would also make a great stocking stuffer!

Ammunition Box: If you have a hunter or a trap shooter on your list like my husband, then they need an ammo box. Ammo boxes come in a variety of sizes and help your gunman’s (or gunwoman’s) ammunition stay organized, dry and safe. Many boxes are stackable as well so you can sort your ammunition into different boxes for your different firearms.

The Mom Who Likes To Keep Busy

Magazine Subscription: I will be the first to admit that I stay pretty busy – but what Mom doesn’t! I know this upcoming year I’m going to appreciate when I get a magazine in the mail to just sit and relax with. So whether you’re into cooking, home decor or would just like some more ideas of things to do with your kids, there is a magazine for you. This year I’m asking for a subscription to Family Fun. They always have a lot of great ideas!

Kitchen Gadgets and Tools: One thing I have on my wish list every year are at least a couple different new kitchen gadgets and tools. Sometimes they are brand new items I’ve always wanted but have never purchased for myself, while others are replacements for ones that I’ve had since college… I love to cook and bake and this year I’m hoping someone gives me some new silicone baking mats, pot handle grips, a bouncy whisk and a pie bird.

Learn A New Language Program: Maybe for some of you it is too early to start thinking about New Year’s Goals, but for me, I know I’d really like to learn how to speak Spanish. So on my list this year I’m hoping someone will help me with that goal by giving me a Spanish language learning program.

The Imaginative Hands-On 3 Year Old Boy

Walkie Talkies: On our farm we use two-way radios and our son loves using them, so we’re going to give him his own pair this Christmas. What a fun toy for boys and girls to use with their siblings and friends! I remember having some when I was a kid and my sisters and I loved playing with them.

Building Toys: Whether it is Legos, Lincoln Logs or simply blocks of different sizes and shapes, kids love building things. This year while making wish lists we saw some really neat building sets that use bolts and screws, to magnetic colored shapes, to gears. There are so many fun sets available that will help your preschooler use their imagination.

Hot Wheels Car Maker Playset: My son loves anything with wheels and he loves to make crafts. So why not combine those loves and get him a Hot Wheels Car Maker! He gets to pick out the car type, color and decals. This should be a lot of fun to make and play with!

The Happy Go Lucky 18 Month Old Girl

Melissa and Doug Learning Sets: Who doesn’t Love Melissa and Doug products? One thing I’ve looked into for MP this Christmas is some of their learning sets. They have learning sets from food, to occupations. Most of these sets are wooden, and some are available in felt too. There are so many neat ideas they have – the hard part will be choosing exactly which one to buy!

Books and CDs – We personally give our kids one piece of clothing, one toy and one book (3 gifts to represent the 3 gifts Jesus received) for Christmas gifts. Reading is so important to us so we are always looking for new books for our kids. We also like to get our kids a new CD in their stocking every year too. This year our library has gotten us hooked on Laurie Berkner! If you have any preschoolers and under on your shopping list this year you’ll have to check out her catchy songs like “We are the Dinosaurs”, “These are my Glasses” and “I Know a Chicken”.

“Little Helper” tools – My daughter loves to imitate her big brother, her dad and me, so why not get her some “pint-size” tools to help her do so. You can find fun kids sized brooms, vacuums, aprons, tool sets, etc. to help your little one help you – whatever the task may be!

What are some ideas on your wish list? What gifts are you excited to give this year?

During this busy time of the year, we’re either looking for a quick snack to tide us over until we have time for a real meal or we’re looking to treat ourselves to a something a little sweet or salty. Enjoy the best of both with this quick, easy Sweet & Salty Snack Mix.

Team Latham

November 28, 2014

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

Treasured Memories Lead to Award-Winning Recipes

Cristen Clark

Cristen Clark (aka @FoodSwineIowa on Twitter) describes herself as “a born and raised Iowa farm girl with a passion for baking timeless recipes and sharing my love of the kitchen with others. Memories made in the kitchen are some of the most vivid of mine and certainly the most treasured. I am an avid contest cook and baker but most importantly a stay-at-home mom with two children.”

What I love about this description is how modest she is! During the 2013 Iowa State Fair alone, Cristen won the Nostalgic Comfort Food competition and placed First Overall in the King Arthur Yeast Rolls competition. Cristen also won the Sweepstakes honors for most first place entries; she placed first in 5 individual classes of yeast rolls alone! Her most coveted win during last year’s fair, however, was the Kenmore Honored Harvest Time Recipe Contest.

To celebrate its 100^th anniversary, Kenmore conducted a year-long, nation-wide search for recipes that have stood the test of time. Each contestant was asked to provide a history of the recipe and explain its significance to the cook. Cristen created her own recipe for Sweet Corn Ravioli with Sautéed Summer Vegetables and Roasted Vegetable Coulis.

“Growing up and still working on the family farm, I have many food and harvest time memories. My uncle artfully and meticulously maintains our massive family garden and every vegetable in this dish came from it,” wrote Cristen in her contest entry. “This recipe combines the childhood memories of making pasta with my Grandma Madeline, the appreciation of ingredients that are carefully grown and a desire to use them in a thoughtful, simplistic way.

My favorite times in the kitchen with my grandma were making fresh pasta. I loved to watch her make the dough and help her crank the manual machine. She has the hands of a frontier woman, and the humbleness of a woman who had struggled through The Great Depression. It made me see cooking and baking experiences as so much more fun when shared, that in and above all I will write today is the most important thing.

With memories like these, combined with a unique and creative use of fresh vegetables, it’s no wonder Cristen took home first place honors in Kenmore’s cooking contest! She also took home a Kenmore kitchen makeover and earned trip to New York City where last October she joined some of the nation’s top chefs to serve up her award-winning dish at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival.

Last November, Cristen began offering cooking and baking classes from her kitchen in rural Runnells for a “homestyle approach to baking school.”

Five home cooks traveled last October to the Big Apple where their grand prize-winning recipes were served during the New York City Wine & Food Festival. Iowa’s own Cristen Clark is pictured at right with TV personality Ty Pennington, former host of Extreme Home Makeover; Jill Gilber, another grand prize winner, is pictured at left.

This mother of an active 5-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son also helps her father raise row crops, as well as works with family members to raise pork and cattle. To learn more about pig chores and animal antics, follow Cristen’s Food and Swine blog. She said she started blogging in November 2013 primarily for three reasons: (1) to create an online scrapbook of family memories and farm history for her children; (2) to “force” herself to actually write down the recipes she creates; and (3) and of course, to help provide understanding between farmers and consumers.

One of the recipes she recently shared is for Sour Apple Pork Burgers, which was selected as a semifinalist in Sutter Home Family Vineyard’s “Build A Better Burger” recipe contest just two weeks ago. Last Sunday her Merlot Candied Bacon Sliders were grilled for guests at Winefest Des Moines “Iowa Lawn Party” as part of the Winefest & Beef Slider Challenge.

Why Merlot Candied Bacon Sliders? Cristen writes, “The recipe I came up with was not without some creativity, mostly due to the parameters that it could only be 5 total ingredients in addition to the beef and the roll it was on. So in essence, 7 total ingredients. The recipe had to be a great reflection of our lovely state of Iowa and fit into a wine-centered event.”

Cristen shares her winning recipe below. Also check out her blog post about the Caesar Sliders, which I plan to make very soon! What’s your favorite way to enjoy sliders?

Team Latham

June 6, 2014

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

Pi Day Recipe Submissions
Team Latham

March 14, 2014

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

Sweet & Sour: This Recipe Describes Our Spring Weather, Too!

You might say that farming is in Ben Rein’s blood. His great, great grandfather homesteaded around Highland, Minnesota, in 1884. Farming is a tradition that has continued throughout the generations.

“I’ve been farming for as long as I can remember,” says Ben, who grew up on a family farm and started farming full time in 1997 by custom baling hay and renting 160 acres. He shared equipment with his dad and uncle, who were farming together at that time. They ran a 100-sow, farrow-to-finish operation. They also raised 200 registered Angus cows, selling bulls and heifers. In 2005, Ben’s dad went to work for him. Today they grow corn and alfalfa. They also milk 65 cows and finish fat cattle.

Ben said he wanted to try Latham® products because the company is independent and family owned. He’s stayed with the company because the corn really yields. “I’ve been planting Latham for two years and have had a great experience,” he says. “The people I work with are very knowledgeable and accessible. The seed corn I used last year yielded 200 to 230 bushels, and it was the only corn that stood against the wind and rootworm issues we dealt with.”

While Ben tends to the crops and livestock, his wife Amber stays busy on the home front. The couple lives on the farm Ben’s grandfather bought in 1952, and it’s where they’re raising their five children: Steven, 14; Jaime, 12; Nora, 10; Kimberly, 8; and Rachel, 4.

“Living on a family farm allows us to spend time together working and playing,” says Ben. “It’s the perfect place for kids to develop a good work ethic and to discover their interests. Some of our kids are interested in horses while others enjoy working with calves. There are just so many different things our kids can explore.”

The Rein children are also involved in a lot of activities at school. During the summer months, they enjoy camping. During the winter months, Ben enjoys restoring antique John Deere tractors.

Like most farmers, Ben enjoys promoting the products he raises. Today, in honor of May Beef Month, the Reins are sharing one of their family’s favorite recipes for Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Crock-pot recipes like this are perfect for the spring planting season, so give it a try and let us know what you think!

Team Latham

May 10, 2013

Beef, Food & Family, General, Recipes