Celebrating 35 years with Latham Seeds!

Sunnyside Farms of Mountain Lake, Minn. was named for the thousands of laying hens that helped diversify the Stoesz family’s farming operation from 1976 through 2002. It also aptly describes the disposition of fourth-generation farmers Jerome and Marilyn Stoesz.

“I was 10 years old when my parents built the first chicken barn for 12,000 hens,” says Jerome, who knew he wanted to farm from the time he was a young boy. “The second barn went up in 1976, and we added more chickens in 1980.”

Jerome became a Latham® dealer in 1989 – and was recently recognized at Latham’s Dealer Kickoff for his 35 loyal years of service!

He credits egg sales for diversifying his family’s farming operation and providing additional income during a key time. By applying chicken manure, they saved significantly on fertilizer costs. They were not overextended in the 1980s when the Farm Crisis hit, so Jerome was able to start farming during a time when many of his peers were seeking off-farm income.

Marilyn used to ride her bike past Jerome’s home, but she did not make that connection until mutual friends introduced the couple. They married in 1984 and raised theirthree children on the Stoesz farm that was homesteaded in 1896.

Their beautiful farmhouse was built in 1897 and is framed by many lovely blooms. Flowers are Marilyn’s passion, and she enjoys making floral arrangements for weddings and other events. Her spare time is divided between grandparenting and volunteering at numerous places, including a horse ministry called Ride by Faith.

Today Jerome and Marilyn raise corn and soybeans with their son, Jordan, who is happy to put his training in diesel mechanics to work full time at Sunnyside Farms. Jordan and Jerome spend the winter months in their shop, fixing damaged Rangers and RZRs and then selling them. Jordan’s wife, Emily, works at a local bank and brings homecooked meals to the field during busy seasons.

Jordan, his sister Angela, and her husband, Mike, are all members of the Butterfield Volunteer Fire Department. A third Stoesz sibling, Hannah, passed away in 2017 in an accident.

The Stoesz family enjoys relaxing together at a nearby campground throughout the summer. Three campers are parked side-by-side, making it more convenient for the families to share meals and campfires. Jerome and Marilyn have three granddaughters: Addyson, Makiah and Olivia.

This “grown-up version” of baked beans is reminiscent of cowboy campfire beans. It is a perfect complement to grilled burgers or bratwurst.