Today I really wanted to post a happy blog about quintessential American fun at the Iowa State Fair, which starts this week. From watching animals be born to getting your food fix, there’s so much to see and do. Nothing else compares to the Iowa State Fair!

Instead I feel compelled to write about a nasty series of articles printed by the Chicago Tribune. After all, someone needs to help tell the real story of the Illinois pig farmers, who graciously opened their barn doors to reporters in hopes of helping the newspaper print a balanced piece about modern pig farming.

This newspaper series was backed by eight months of research… or so the writers say. I know many pig farmers were contacted by the Tribune. However, those same farmers were shocked by what the paper says is “their” story.

My heart goes out to these farmers because I, too, have had a media interview go wrong. Here’s what typically happens… A reporter comes to the farm. We talk and seem to be getting along just dandy. He asks questions. I answer and he takes notes. It seems to be going great until I read a story about everything BUT what we talked about! Reporters like this just want a farmer’s picture and name to give the story credence.

It makes me wonder how much damage bad reporting does. I do know the problems it causes me! I fret. I lose sleep. I rehash the meeting, and then I wonder if it’s all worth it.

Pig farmers like me want to help consumers understand how their food is produced. Truth be told, I know that only a small percentage of consumers makes a lot of noise. That noise, however, grabs the attention of lawmakers and regulators. More noise equals more regulation.

Because we can’t afford bad laws, it’s important for farmers to share their experiences. Someone else will tell our story if we don’t! Our story is more likely to be written before a reporter comes to the farm if we’re not available for media interviews.

Farmer interviews are so important because farmers are believable. Consumer research shows consumers believe farmers, and that’s what makes this story in the Chicago Tribune especially nasty. The Tribune quoted farm neighbors saying the flies are horrible and the smell is so bad that they vomit when they go outside their house. When a farmer-neighbor makes a statement like this, it must be true, right? Keep in mind, many people have moved to the country from the city. Plus, not all farmers are the same. They have different tolerance for odor and noise.

I can’t speak for them but I can share my personal experience. I live in the middle of the Pig Belt and do not have problems with flies, odor or noise at my farm. In years past, I had some of these problems because we were using old hog barns. Neither the pigs nor I were as comfortable as we are today!

Another problem bad press causes me is that it makes it hard to convince fellow farmers to share their stories. I’m invited by many agriculture groups to talk to their farmer-members because I’ve been in their shoes. A person thinks, “I’m a pig farmer. I like to take care of my pigs! I don’t want to talk to a reporter.”

While there are so many aspects of the Tribune article that bother me, perhaps the worst damage done by this biased reports is that it will cause some farmers to not tell their stories. We need as many farmers as possible talking about their pigs, cattle, chickens, horses, goats because there is strength in numbers! Increased communications with consumers builds trust. The more we share the truth about our farms, the more people will hear and believe our stories.

By Kilah Hemesath, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Coordinator

From freedom of the open road to farm tours and fields stops, the 2016 Latham Freedom of Independence Ride will be a patriotic affair. Held on R.E.D. Shirt Friday, Aug, 19, riders will help raise money for service dogs in training with Retrieving Freedom Inc. (RFI).

Registration will begin Aug. 19 at 10 AM in Scott County Park near Eldridge, Iowa. After a complimentary lunch and a staggered start, riders will embark on a 120-mile journey consisting of five fun and informative stops:

1. 90 Antique Tractors, 1 Farm Family Tradition – New Liberty, Iowa

See an exceptional treasure of antique tractors that three siblings and their father have restored. Their work is so good that they’ve won classes at the Iowa State Fair! Also at this stop, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ President John Latham will share the Latham Story. Family runs deep, and the legacy it holds is built on dedication and history for both of these family operations.

2. Precision Agriculture – Tipton, Iowa

Precision agriculture has been able to assist with increasing yield in the field. Latham’s General Manager Tom Lizer has a passion for giving our customers the most, so they can gain the most return FieldXField^TM. Tom will give an update on this evolving technology and share tools with our riders that can be implemented in their own farming operation for maximum results.

3. Forage and Cover Crop Innovations – Clarence, Iowa

Two hosts bursting will knowledge will be located in Clarence, Iowa. Heath Ellis from the Iowa Soybean Association will provide insights on how cover crops impact water quality, and he will share resources available for farmers interested in planting cover crops. Latham Forage Products Manager Corey Catt will introduce HarvXtra, a new alfalfa that provides record-smashing results plus benefits including low-lignin for better digestion and a longer harvest window.

4. Next Generation Weed Management Systems – Welton, Iowa

Latham’s Product Specialist, Mark Grundmeier, will talk emerging seed-herbicide systems and provide a status update on seed and chemistry approvals. Get the lowdown on Xtend, BalanceGT and Enlist. Learn more about Liberty Link soybeans and IlEVO seed treatment that could help fight Sudden Death Syndrome. This is one presentation you will not want to miss!

5. Antique Archeology – Le Claire, Iowa

A ride through Eastern Iowa wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the famous Antique Archeology in Le Claire. This “must-see-stop” is the last stop on the trip before returning to Scott County Park.

Those who complete all five stops will be eligible for fabulous door prizes including a genuine Road Tech^TM zumo® 660 widescreen motorcycle navigator.

Latham’s Freedom Ride will conclude at Scott County Park where riders will be treated to a barbecue and entertainment. Enjoy dinner while listening to Neil Hewitt, Nashville recording country artist.

There’s still time to join the fun, whether or not you have a motorcycle. Join our field day in a car or truck, or you’re welcome to join us only for the barbecue and country concert. Register online today!

Related Articles:

• Rally for a Cause on Friday, Aug. 19
• Rally Around RFI
• Training Service Dogs is Personal for Jerry Broders
• Giving Back to those Who Gave it All
• Help Freedom Ring for Those who Fought to Defend Ours

As you all know, I recently took a trip with the Iowa Farm Bureau to visit the Iowa Sister State of Yamanashi, Japan. I got the opportunity to visit with Japanese pork producers and eat some interesting dishes, to say the least.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I have to say, it’s hard to summarize my experiences in Japan with just one 600-word blog post! So today, I’ll be sharing my first photo blog.  (more…)

guest blog post by Craig Christians, territory sales manager for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

One lesson my mother taught me while I was growing up was the importance of serving others. She demonstrated “servant leadership” before that phrase was coined! As a result, I developed a passion for helping people and causes.

But it was one phone call that really changed my life.

I was driving home from work one night in the fall of 2004 when a friend of mine called to tell me about a young boy, who wished to go on a goose hunt. I learned that Ben was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor when he was 7 years old. He had been battling cancer about four years when I first met him. Although his body showed the effects of his chemo treatments, he always had a smile on his face.

Ben showed the love of God in his heart. While doing treatments at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, Ben was always concerned about the other children battling cancer in other rooms. His kind heart prompted his family to form the charity, Aiming for a Cure Foundation.

In Ben’s memory, I served on the Aiming for a Cure Foundation for three years followed by another three years with Cedar Rapids Iowa Chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation.  My involvement with these two organizations prompted another friend of mine to tell me about Retrieving Freedom Inc. (RFI).

My first visit with RFI co-founder Scott Dewey in 2013 was so moving. I was amazed by the positive impact a service dog can have on a wounded veteran and a child with autism. I was inspired by Chad Johnson, a veteran who openly shared that Retrieving Freedom and his service dog saved his life.  It was at this point that I decided to support this great organization.

Just think of all the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom! They have experienced things in life that I cannot imagine just to defend my freedom and my country’s freedom. Many soldiers return home from duty missing limbs or suffering from PTSD.  I learned that 22 veterans commit suicide each day in our country because of the effects of war. It seemed the least I could do was help provide resources to help these returning soldiers find hope and the will to live.

If you’ve never before done so, take one moment to observe the bond of a wounded veteran or an autistic child with their service dogs. I guarantee you will be impacted the rest of your life, and you might even feel called to help. I’ve learned that by giving back, I receive so much more than you give.

Bred to Be the Best

My affiliation with RFI caused me to take notice of other service dogs. In 2013, I happened to be staying at a hotel in St Louis where a Seeing Eye Dog Convention was underway. I noticed there were all different types of conformation and temperaments of service dogs guiding their masters. It was at this time I believe God called me to work with Scott Dewey to develop RFI’s own breeding program.

My goal was to support the RFI cause by providing Labrador Retrievers with high quality pedigrees to produce future quality service dogs with structure, health clearances, temperament, and conformation. I searched for Labrador breeders, who raised dogs with Dual Conformation/Field Trial Champion pedigrees.

We were blessed to find breeders who understood RFI’s mission and were willing to place their genetics for a foundation breeding program.  To date, I have donated 26 Labradors from these quality kennels: Kerrybrook Kennels, Yellow Rose Labradors, Ridge View Labradors and High Voltage Labradors.

Today we’re beginning to realize our goal of raising pups that can go into the RFI training. It has been gratifying to see other RFI supporters, like my colleague Jerry Broders and his wife, Kim, get involved with building the RFI breeding program. I have pledged an additional four placements from upcoming planned litters.

I’d like to personally invite you to join us as we Rally for the Cause on Friday, Aug. 19! Even if you’re not able to join us that day for the motorcycle ride around eastern Iowa, I hope you’ll consider doing what you can to help raise funds to train RFI service dogs. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has become a corporate training sponsor, but individuals can make smaller donations. You could also become involved by serving as a foster parent for one of the puppies in training. Contact Retrieving Freedom to learn more!

Freedom of Independence Ride #RideforRFI: “Field Day on Wheels” to learn about emerging ag technologies while supporting our troops.

Midwesterners are known for taking care of each other and rallying when the going gets tough. That’s why we’re inviting all farmers with an interest in riding motorcycles to join us August 19 for a one-of-a-kind field day on wheels to benefit Retrieving Freedom Inc. (RFI).

“Unlike a typical field day, our Freedom of Independence Ride won’t be going over specific product numbers. We’ll address broad topics that apply to everyone with an interest in farming: precision farming, weed management and cover crops,” says Shannon Latham, vice president for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. “In addition to three field stops, we’ll make two fun stops. One stop will be at an antique tractor collector and another at Antique Archeology, home base for Mike Wolfe of American Pickers reality television series.”

Latham says each field stop will benefit the farmers in attendance by providing valuable information about crop technologies and emerging technologies. However, she’s excited about the fact this ride will be raising money to help wounded veterans and children with autism.

One hundred percent of a rider’s registration fees for Latham’s Freedom of Independence Ride will benefit RFI. The $25 per rider registration fee includes two meals plus a commemorative t-shirt, a do-rag and a performance by Nashville-recording artist Neil Hewitt. While the majority of participants will be riding motorcycles, there will be room for classic cars and farm trucks. You can also opt to attend only the evening meal and country concert. Visit LathamSeeds.com/events/freedom-ride to register!

The Cause

Retrieving Freedom spends two years training specific dogs to place with disabled veterans and individuals with autism. As a 501c (3) non-profit organization, RFI strives to maximize the value of each donation by incorporating experienced volunteers, in-kind donations, and a limited staff.

“We get four requests for every dog that has been trained through our program,” says Scott Dewey, RFI co-founder and co-President. ““Trained service dogs allow veterans and children to regain their independence from simply sustaining in life to thriving still costs. This is why we hope other companies will join Latham Seeds on this amazing journey.”

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds of Alexander, Iowa, will donate $5,000 to RFI at its 2016 Freedom of Independence Ride, which is being held on a R.E.D. Shirt Friday to “remember everyone deployed.” The check presentation will be made in Scott County Park at 11 AM, followed by a special guest appearance and demonstration by some RFI dogs in training.

Can’t join for the ride but still want to support the cause? Donate at the link below:

The Ride Route

The ride will begin with a complimentary lunch in Scott County Park near Eldridge, Iowa. The day’s itinerary follows:

10 AM   Registration in Whispering Pines Shelter at Scott County Park

11 AM   Demonstration of service dogs in training by Retrieving Freedom Inc.

11:30     Complimentary Lunch

12:30     Staggered starts begins on the ride route

5:00        Riders begin to return; supper will be served upon arrival

5:00        Entertainment begins with Neil Hewitt, Nashville recording country artist

The approximately 120-mile route will be broken into five legs:

1. 90 Antique Tractors, 1 Farm Family Tradition – New Liberty, Iowa
2. Precision Agriculture FieldXField™ to Reach 350 Bushel Yield – Tipton, Iowa
3. Forage and Cover Crop Innovations – Clarence, Iowa
4. Next Generation Weed Management Systems: Xtend™, Enlist™, BalanceGT™ – Welton, Iowa
5. Antique Archeology – Le Claire, Iowa

For those wishing to trailer in early or extend your visit to Eastern Iowa, we recommend Rhythm City Casino and Resort near Davenport.

Related Posts:

• Rally for a Cause on Aug. 19
• Training Service Dogs is Personal for Volunteers