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“Labor of Love” Leads to Tours of Historic Tyden No. 6 Farm

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA FARM COUPLE ROLLS OUT THE WELCOME MAT, AUG. 26-28

“Visit the past with a touch of the present,” is the inviting headline on a brochure about Tyden No. 6 Farm Tours. Ted and Judy Pitzenberger of Dougherty, Iowa, are opening their 10-acre homestead to guests on Aug. 27-28. There is a limit of 40 people per tour, so call 641-794-3341 today to reserve your spot!

“We’ve really enjoyed restoring this place, but it wouldn’t be nearly as fun if we couldn’t share its history and the story of Emil Tyden with others,” says Ted, as he and Judy walk with me inside the stately barn.

Col. Emil Tyden

Col. Emil Tyden, a Swedish immigrant, came to this country in the 20^th century with only $20 to his name and went on to become a successful inventor and entrepreneur. He held 200 patents, and one of those was for a metal seal that is still being used by railroad and trucking companies today to secure freight. With profits from his manufacturing businesses, Tyden built eight farms in Floyd and Butler Counties.

Tyden’s farms were extremely unusual at the time as he built them during the Great Depression and he built them with grandeur. But, he also built them to be functional and profitable. The video link below includes an interesting 5-minute documentary on Col. Tyden and his North Central Iowa farms. (NOTE: WHO Radio listeners may recognize the narrator’s voice of beloved farm broadcaster Lee Kline, who is Judy’s second cousin.)

The Pitzenberger family has been connected to the landmark Tyden farms for years.

“We started our married life at Tyden No. 3 in the hired hand’s house because Ted’s dad lived in the main house,” says Judy. “Then we had a chance to buy Tyden No. 6 and moved here in 1994.”

Tyden No. 6 has been a “labor of love” for the past 17 years and it shows. The Pitzenberger farm has been named “one of the prettiest farms” by Our Iowa magazine. They have taken great care to restore the massive red barn, which measures 40 x140 feet and could hold 20,000 bales of hay. Another of the farm’s distinguishing features is a 60-feet tall corn crib made from concrete block. There is also a summer kitchen stocked with pans, utensils and bottled soap from Judy’s family. And as a young boy, Ted ate cookies straight from this oven that is the cornerstone of the summer kitchen.

The Pitzenbergers have so many interesting stories to tell. Ted also makes sure he gets the story behind each piece of vintage farm equipment he buys. Most recently, he purchased a horse- drawn sickle mower that he literally had to cut out of a tree. He learned it was used in 1920s.

Even their flower beds tell stories! Family heirlooms in the flower gardens add charm and whimsy. A rock garden displays their family tree by including stepping stones with footprints of Ted and Judy’s parents in some and footprints from some of their 13 grandchildren in others. (Grandchild number 14 will arrive in September.)

With an appreciation for history and a love of agriculture, it’s only fitting that the Pitzenbergers are the owners and caretakers of a farm listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also fitting that they’re carrying on the legacy that Col. Emil Tyden left of “implementing science into farming practices” with the way they raise crops today. They farm beside two of their sons, Phil and Ian, in Floyd and Butler Counties. Their oldest son, Troy, lives in New Hampton with his family. Their youngest daughter, Jenay, lives in Cedar Rapids with her family.

When this family gets together, there’s sure to be good times and good food like Judy’s versatile Amish Butter Cookies. I’m looking forward to mixing up a batch soon!

Gary Geske

August 19, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Increased GDUs Hurried Crop through Grain Fill Period

Guest blog by
John Toft, CCA

We’ve all heard the expression, “Haste makes waste.” When we hurry through a job, the job is not done as well or as thoroughly as it could have been. The same is true for corn production. The increased growing degree units hurried this year’s crop through the fill period, thus reducing yield in most instances.

The following statistics provide a seasonal comparison originating from the temperatures and growing degree units over the past 34 years at my farm near Tekamah, Neb. You’ll see comparisons between the 2011 season and last year, plus two other particularly challenging years. Pay close attention to the nighttime lows greater than or equal to 70⁰F, the high greater than or equal to 90⁰F, and the days with a low greater than or equal to 70⁰F and a high greater than or equal to 90⁰F.

As noted in an earlier post, when night-time temperatures do not fall below 70 degrees, plants don’t get time to rest. When the plants don’t rest, they continue to work excreting sugars through open stoma rather than utilizing those sugars for grain fill. The plants run out of energy causing tip back on ears and reduced yield.

This graph shows GDUs from April 1 to August 11 as well as Stress Units observed during this same time period. You'll notice that GDUs were adequate, but the amount of Stress Units were well over the 33-year average.

Note: click on the graphs to enlarge,
then click the “back” button to return to this post.

This graph shows comparisons for the month of July, a critical month for pollination and beginning grain fill stages. Pay particular attention to the days with possible stress units as well as the days with lows greater or equal to 70.

Does the late planting combined with limited rainfall and extreme heat mean that this fall’s harvest will be bad? No, most farmers will still get a good crop. It’s just that this year’s crop will most likely not reach its full yield potential. For example, a 20% yield loss on a field that had a 220-bushel per acre potential will still see yields of 175 to 180 bu/A.

Gary Geske

August 18, 2011

Corn, Crop, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

View the 7 Wonders of the Corn World

More than 25 years ago, Fred Below witnessed 300-bushel corn and that motivated him to research the specific factors that affect crop yield. A professor of Plant Physiology in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, Dr. Below recently launched a new website that makes his findings readily available at www.7WondersOfCorn.com.

Each management practice has been categorized into a “wonder.” The higher up on the list, the more control that factor exerts over the Wonders that follow, Below explains in a recent Hoard’s Dairyman article. When combined, Below says all of these factors contribute to big-yield gains:

1. Weather
2. Nitrogen/fertility
3. Hybrid selection
4. Previous crop
5. Plant population
6. Tillage
7. Growth regulators

On the new 7WondersOfCorn.com website, Dr. Below narrates video segments dedicated to each Wonder. The “News” section provides updates on Below’s real-world plots at the upcoming Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill. In addition, there is a 7WondersOfCorn Facebook page where growers can share their own photos and experiences.

Team Latham

August 16, 2011

Corn, Crop, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ways to Avoid Goss's Wilt in 2012

Goss’s Wilt, which has plagued Nebraska corn fields since 1969, has been spotted in Iowa this season. Iowa farmers are searching for ways to protect yield potential yet this season, as well as avoid the problem in 2012, says ISU Plant Pathologist Alison Robertson.

There are three products that Robertson says she’s heard Iowa corn growers are trying to treat Goss’s Wilt: Procidic, Kocide and Intercept. Procidic is advertised as a broad spectrum fungicide and bactericide. However, Robertson isn’t aware of any published data for the effect of Procidic against bacterial diseases or use on corn. Kocide is not labeled for use on corn to manage Goss’s Wilt, so Robertson said it should not be used. A third product that Iowa growers are reportedly trying is Intercept. There is very little information available on this product, but it’s reportedly been used in Florida to control citrus canker, which is also caused by a bacterium.

Robertson is monitoring a corn field in Gilbert, Iowa, that had an application of Procidic, as well as an earlier application of Stratego YLD. She says she also will be evaluating fields where Intercept has been applied. At the end of the growing season, ISU researchers will study the effect of both products on Goss’s Wilt disease development and general plant health of the corn.

“Continuous corn production together with minimum tillage practices have in part contributed to the epidemic of Goss’s wilt we are witnessing in 2011,” says Robertson in a recent Wallaces Farmer article. “Other factors include susceptible germplasm and stormy weather.”

To avoid Goss’s Wilt in 2012, farmers should keep recommended management practices in mind. Best practices include growing resistant corn hybrids, using crop rotation and crop residue management.

Team Latham

August 15, 2011

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

It’s State Fair Time… Time to Pat the Butter!

Nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 11-21! Where else could you watch celebrities build awe-inspiring exhibits with Canstruction®, one of the world’s most unique food charities? Or eat a multi-course meal on a stick including cheese cube appetizers, fruit kabobs, pork chop entrées and fried Twinkies for dessert? Where else could you visit Crystal Studios and see the live production of a top-rated farm broadcast?

Be sure to tune into “The Big Show” on Monday, August 16, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. as I’ll be a guest of Mark Pearson and Bob Quinn.

Next week I’ll experience all of this and more! One of my first stops on the fairgrounds will be at 1040 WHO Radio’s Crystal Studios. Be sure to tune into “The Big Show” on Monday, August 16, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. as I’ll be a guest of Mark Pearson and Bob Quinn. I never know exactly what we’ll be discussing on-air, but I’ll be sure to provide an update on Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ / WHO Radio Crop Tour 2011 stops.

My next stop on the fairgrounds will be in the Agriculture Building. This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the butter cow, so I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this milestone celebration. “While other state fairs may mimic the butter cow or tout other creamy creations, none has gained as much fame as the original,” said Iowa State Fair President Gary Slater in an AP article on Aug. 10. “None of the others have become that one thing that when you think of the fair like you do here at the Iowa State Fair. It’s become our icon.”

I’ll go from the iconic butter cow exhibit to a brand new exhibit by Iowa Food & Family featuring Canstruction. Located in the south entrance of the Varied Industries Building, this exhibit will feature a larger-than-life replica of the butter cow made from canned food items. Throughout the week, celebrities like Iowa Secretary of Bill Northey and ISU’s beloved mascot, Cy, will be help build works of art from canned foods. After the fair, all canned food items will be donated to the Iowa Food Bank Association. You can even participate by bringing your own non-perishable food items to this special exhibit.

Yes, indeed, nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair! As a tribute the fair – and in honor of National Peach Month – today I’m sharing with you one of my daughter’s favorite breakfast foods. She loves the wholesome goodness of these Honey Peach Muffins. And what goes better with muffins than Real® butter? Try your hand at making these pretty, yet simple, star-shaped pats of butter or whip up some home-made butter in a jar.

What is your favorite thing to do, see or eat at the state fair?

Team Latham

August 12, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

In-Field Earworm Studies Underway

Some people “paint the town.” At Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds headquarters in Alexander, we’re painting the corn fields!

Research Technician Gary Bennett and I used ½-inch paint brushes to apply nearly 500 earworm larvae to approximately 70 ears each of seven different Latham® hybrids. These hybrids featured various technologies and trait packages, including Agrisure Viptera™ 3111 and Genuity® VT Triple PRO™.

Our research objective is to record the level of corn earworm protection offered by the different hybrid traits and technologies. We’ll be taking field notes to record feeding and crop damage every couple weeks. Watch for photo updates soon!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi_G7l0-v4Y&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube]

Webspec Admin

August 11, 2011

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, General, Insects
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

"Tipping Back" is a Sign of Heat Stress

Farmers across the state are starting to see “tipping back,” where kernels aren’t filling all the way to the end of an ear of corn. In this video report, Latham’s Corn Product Specialist explains why high temperatures for prolonged periods during key corn developmental stages have attributed to the amount of tipping back that’s evident this season.

Stress can result in tipping back, agrees Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Corn Agronomist Roger Elmore. Kernels may not have pollinated in the first place or pollinated kernels may have been aborted around milk stage or blister stage. For more information on what causes tipping back, click here to read a related Wallaces Farmer article. To read how tipping back affected yields in 2010, click here.

Night-time temperatures after silking greatly impact yield. Cool night-time temperatures after silking in 2009 resulted in the highest average statewide corn yield ever recorded in Iowa. On the contrary, warm night-time temperatures contributed to lost yield in 2010.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sJ1aRzFLTU&feature=channel_video_title[/youtube]

Team Latham

August 9, 2011

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, Drought, General, Weather
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Together We Can, A Celebration of Food and Farming

Aaron Putze
Director of External Relations &
Coordinator, Iowa Food & Family Project
Iowa Soybean Association
aputze@iasoybeans.com

There are few celebrations more enjoyable and meaningful than the Iowa State Fair! After all, it’s not just every day that you can enjoy a pork chop on a stick, fried Twinkies and a full menu of entertainment – both new and old – that’s perfect for people of all ages.

Speaking of new, the Iowa Food & Family Project (www.iowafoodandfamily.com) will make its debut in a big way at this year’s Fair by bringing together thousands of canned food items and a committed team of volunteers. Together, they’ll create a first-of-its-kind exhibit at one of the most popular celebrations of food, fun and agriculture in America!

We’re calling it “Together We CAN!” – a celebration of food and farming benefiting the Iowa Food Bank Association, and you’re invited to be a part of the festivities!

The exhibit will feature the awe-inspiring work of Canstruction®, one of the world’s most unique food charities. Canstruction is a non-profit organization that holds annual design-and-build competitions to construct giant-sized structures made entirely of canned food. Since 1992, Canstruction has contributed more than 15 million pounds of food to community food banks.

Located in the south atrium of the Varied Industries Building 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily, this must-see exhibit will include larger-than-life replicas of the Iowa State Fair butter cow (in honor of its 100^th anniversary), a milk carton, market-size hog and landscape of soybeans and corn fields — all sculpted from thousands of cans of food (the actual build will take place Aug. 11-14). Following the fair, all food items used in the exhibit will be donated to the Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA) benefiting Iowans struggling against hunger.

The purpose of the exhibit is to encourage conversations about farming, inspire greater awareness of the commitment of Iowa farmers to providing healthy food for everyone and provide a helping hand to people and families struggling with hunger.

You’re cordially invited to stop by and view this extremely innovative and unique exhibit. In addition to seeing an incredible work of art and donating to the Iowa Food Bank Association, you can also receive a free gift and watch “Celebrity Builders” lend a hand during the exhibits “Canstruction!” They include “Cy,” Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey, Des Moines native Rebecca Meyer (the Season 8 at-home $100,000 winner of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”) and members of Casting Crowns, a Grammy Award-winning contemporary Christian rock band (see our web site for a complete list of Celebrity Builders!).

We’re looking forward to engaging fairgoers about the miracle of food and introducing them to the people who provide it! In the meantime, be sure to “friend” the Iowa Food & Family Project at www.facebook.com/foodnfamilies and check out our web site for more details!

See you at the Iowa State Fair!

Gary Geske

August 8, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

It’s August: Let the Hogs Loose!

Summer is the perfect time to let loose, right? That’s why Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is getting ready to let the hogs loose along The Great River Road!

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is hosting its 3^rd Annual Freedom of Independence Ride on Saturday, August 27. Riders will learn about exciting new Latham^®seed products as we travel some of the most scenic roads in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin.

Open to all farmers – Latham Seeds customers or not – it’s a great way to mix and pleasure before the harvest rush. We’ll start in Prairie du Chien at noon with grilled lunch. Then we’ll visit four Latham Technology Showcase plots for agronomic insights and a look at new seed technologies. We’ll ferry across the Mighty Mississippi before returning to Prairie Du Chien for a hog roast around 6:00 PM.

Latham holds independence close to heart. And nothing shows an independent spirit like an American farmer – except perhaps an American farmer on a Harley or one who’s showing some “muscle.” By request, we’re welcoming muscle cars for friends who want share the spirit in their four-wheeled beauties.

Come join the fun! Rev it up with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds on Saturday, August 27. Register today as the number of riders/drivers is limited!

In honor of our upcoming ride and hog roast, today we’re featuring a recipe for pulled pork sandwiches by one of America’s most renowned grill masters. Bobby Flay is known for having fun while cooking up bold, vibrant flavors. And “fun, bold and vibrant” certainly describes Latham’s Freedom of Independence Ride. Enjoy!

In my humble opinion, nothing goes with barbecue quite like a slice of homemade peach cobbler or pie. Here’s a link to my favorite, fool-proof and delicious recipe for Colorado Peach pie.

Gary Geske

August 5, 2011

General, Pork, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Seeing Signs of Goss' Wilt in Latham Country

Guest Blogged by John Toft
CCA, Tekemah, NE

Symptoms of Goss’ Wilt were reported earlier this growing season in Nebraska and Iowa. With all of the storm damage in these areas, including hail and straight-line winds, it’s no wonder that we’re receiving even more reports now of Goss’ Wilt. Stalk bruising and leaf shredding provide ways for pathogens to enter the corn plant. High night-time temperatures, which we’ve also experienced recently, favor the spread of Goss’ Wilt.

Goss’ Wilt causes large lesions that start on the leave’s margins and eventually encompass the entire leaf. These lesions look very similar to Gray Leaf Spot injury. One simple, but not fool-proof, way to diagnose the difference is that Goss’ will have a waxy appearance due to the different

Note the waxy, shiny appearance to the lesions caused by Goss' Wilt

pathogens that cause the disease. Gray Leaf Spot is caused by a fungus while Goss’ is caused by a bacterium, which means Goss’ Wilt cannot be controlled by a fungicide. Effective control measures include crop rotation, tillage and hybrids that show genetic resistance. Latham’s 2012 lineup has a number of hybrids with excellent disease packages, so keep this in mind as you make your seed decisions in the coming months.

The bacterium responsible for Goss’ Wilt may infect the xylem, or water-conducting tissues of the plant, which results in wilting and death.

Seed selection is most likely going to play an even more important role as Goss’ Wilt becomes more prevalent. Bacterial wilt was first reported in Nebraska more than 40 years ago, and the list of states affected keeps growing. Goss’ Wilt has been identified in Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Iowa. The disease has also been confirmed in Illinois and Wisconsin, according to a NebGuide article, “Goss’s Bacterial Wilt and Leaf Blight of Corn,” published by the University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension.

Gary Geske

August 2, 2011

Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Disease, General