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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Living the Dream on a South Dakota Farm
Marc and Michelle Mack

Whoever said, “You can’t always get what you want,” hasn’t met Michelle Mack of Watertown, South Dakota. The daughter of a Naval officer, Michelle and her brother lived many places throughout their childhood. Michelle dreamed of living in one house, with a big yard, and lots of playmates.

Fast forward a few decades and today Michelle is living her dream along with her husband of 25 years.

The happy couple has lived on the Mack home place since Marc’s father, Lon, retired about 15 years ago. Marc and his brother Leon have owned and operated Mack Farms since 1998, but like most “retired farmers,” Lon is still active with the family’s operation.

Mack Farms grows wheat, corn, soybeans and alfalfa. The family also raise stock cows and finish cattle. Marc takes the most active role with the crop side of their operation, and Leon is more involved with the cattle. They have two full-time employees, Marc’s brother Leroy and Marc’s son Aaron. They also rely on help after school and during breaks from Marc’s third son, Alex, and Leon’s third son, Seth.

Marc and Michelle have 11 children, ranging in age from 25 to 5:
1. Aleigha, 25, married Jordan Hallberg on the first of February. She graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) last December and works for the Clark School District.
2. Ashlynn, 22, is student teaching in Watertown. She will graduate in May from Mount Marty College. “She has blessed us with two beautiful grandchildren, Mya and Isaac,” says Michelle. Mya is 3½ years old and Isaac is 2.
3. Austin, 21, is finishing his sophomore year at SDSU where he’s majoring in construction management. He took off a year from college to attend basic training and Advanced Individual Training (A.I.T.) upon joining the National Guard.
4. Aaron, 20, enrolled at SDSU but decided to instead pursue his passion for farming. He now works full time on the family farm.
5. Alex, 17, is a high school senior. He plans to attend Lake Area Tech next year agriculture.
6. Arica, 15, is a sophomore. Michelle says Arica is her right-hand in the home and often cares for her younger siblings.
7. Aydan, 14, is an 8th grader at Watertown Middle School. He just finished his second wrestling season 15-3.
8. Aspen, 9, is a fourth grader.
9. Autumn, 8, is a third grader.
10. Ava, 7, is a first grader.
11. Addison, 5, attends pre-K classes.
“I don’t think I was ever on a farm until I met Marc, but I love being able to raise our kids here,” says Michelle, who lived in town and taught preschool before she was married. Now she teaches Religion three days a week at Holy Rosary Catholic School. When she’s not busy teaching or chauffeuring kids to school, sporting events, Girl Scout meetings or 4-H activities, Michelle can be found in the kitchen.

Each family member has a favorite meal, but the one they all agree on is Prime Rib. Today Michelle is sharing that beef recipe, plus recipes for her favorite salad and dessert, with TheFieldPosition.com.

Perfect Prime Rib Roast
- 1 prime rib roast (any size)
- season roast with Spicecraft Prime Steak & Beefburger Seasoning
Place roast, uncovered, in a 375° oven. Leave the oven on for 1 hour only. Turn off the over but DO NOT open the oven door under any circumstances!!! Leave in for 2-3 hours. Before serving, turn oven to 300°. Cook an additional 45 minutes for rare, 50 minutes for medium, or 55 minutes for well done. Take meat out immediately as it will continue to cook. Enjoy!

Cherry Pie Bars

Cream:
- 1 cup butter
- 1½ cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Blend:
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups flour
Additional Directions:
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Spread 2/3 of this mixture in a greased 11×15 pan.
- Spoon one can of cherry pie filling over mixture in
- Then spread (spoon) remaining dough randomly over the top
- Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
After the bars cook, drizzle them with this icing:
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1½ to 2 cups powdered sugar
COOK’S NOTE: Mix all three ingredients together. If icing is too thick, add a bit of Half & Half or milk to thin it. My kids love these!
Team Latham

February 22, 2013

Desserts, General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“The Accord” Shows How Group of Committed Citizens Can Impact Policy

There are so many political issues that impact not only the seed industry, but agriculture in general, that it’s important to engage in the political process. We must let legislators and rule makers know how proposed laws and rules could and do impact our business. Sometimes they have good intentions, but their laws or rules have unintended consequences.

We can become so involved with the day-to-day tasks involved with running our businesses and farms that it can be difficult to follow issues and anticipate how they might impact our livelihoods. However, we must make time! We can’t just rely on paid lobbyists to represent our best interests. While lobbyists play an important role, they can’t entirely replace a constituent’s voice – or vote.

Remember these famous, wise words of Margaret Mead:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

During the Iowa Seed Association’s (ISA) annual meeting last Wednesday in Des Moines, John Latham spoke about several issues of interest to seed professionals in attendance. Three issues that could have the largest and/or most immediate impact on the seed industry are: (1) the Accord; (2) food labeling; and (3) seed treatment stewardship.

Today I’ll focus on the Accord, which will allow access to seed technologies after a patent on technology expires. The Accord went into effect on Nov. 15, 2012. A news release announcing this landmark agreement opens by stating:

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) announced today that the Generic Event Marketability and Access Agreement (GEMAA) is now effective. Following its launch on October 31, five BIO and ASTA member companies and agriculture biotech providers – BASF Plant Science, Bayer Crop Science, Dow Agro Sciences, DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto Company – have all signed on as signatories.

Why does this matter? Here’s my personal take…Roundup Ready® soybeans, the world’s most widely adopted biotech trait, is set to go off patent soon in the United States. Monsanto, which first development this technology, in 2009 introduced second-generation Roundup Ready soybean technology. This means Monsanto is developing new soybean products based off the Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® technology platform, and Monsanto is licensing this next-generation technology to companies like Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. Companies like Pioneer and several universities have breeding programs based off the original Roundup Ready platform, so the Accord allows them to continue offering soybean brands containing the original Roundup Ready trait.

The Accord creates a process based on binding contractual relationships, so regulatory and stewardship obligations are maintained. It encourages innovation among biotech providers as they invest in product development. It provides technology choices to seed companies like Latham. And, it means farmers will be able to purchase soybeans with some form of the Roundup Ready trait even after the patent expires. Win, win, win!

Team Latham

February 21, 2013

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Bidding for a Cause

Today through Friday, you can bid for your chance to get tickets to the Iowa State Men’s Basketball Game which is next Monday. All the proceedes will go to the American Cancer Society. The Bid is now up to $125 so make sure you click on the picture to bid. (comments on this post will not count towards the bidding)

On your marks… Get set… BID!

Team Latham

February 20, 2013

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

For the Love of Food: Farmers & Consumers Must Bridge the Communications Gap

“Musings of a Pig Farmer”
By Larry Sailer

Michele Payn-Knoper, Michael Libbe and Larry Sailer share “food love” on Valentine’s Day. Michele is author of “No More Food Fights!” and Larry is one of 35 contributing writers. Michael is host of “Insight on Business.”

Last Tuesday I wrote a blog about how farmers spend their time when there aren’t any crops in the fields. I mentioned that winter is the “meeting season,” and today I want to share highlights of one particular meeting I had on Valentine’s Day in Des Moines. I got to share some “food love” while making media visits with Michele Payn-Knoper (pronounced “Pain – Ka-nope-r”).

A food and farm advocate, Michele wrote No More Food Fights! Growing a Productive Farm & Food Conversation. This is the first-ever book to speak to all sides of the food movement in an attempt to bridge the divide between farmers and consumers. I had the honor and privilege of being one of 35 contributing editors. Chefs, registered dieticians and Olympic athletes also share their stories.

“Food and farming seem to have become the new politics and religion,” says Michele during an interview last Thursday with Michael Libbe, host of Insight on Business. “You don’t dare talk about it with people because you don’t want to get your friends upset with you. That’s really unfortunate.”

More than 98% of Americans are several generations removed from first-hand farming experiences and very few have even visited a farm. Most are very disconnected from and distrusting of modern agriculture, writes Michele in a No More Food Fights! news release. At the same time, Michele says many farmers have done a poor job of talking about today’s farming practices. Not enough farmers are taking advantage of tools like social media that could help facilitate connections to the farm that food buyers crave.

To satisfy your own craving for knowledge, check out No More Food Fights! It’s providing me with great insight as I work to bridge the communication gap with consumers through social media and presentations.

That reminds me… I’m looking forward to getting together Friday evening and all day Saturday with fellow #agnerds and #agvocates at the AFC Upper Midwest Regional Conference.

Before I head north to that conference in Minnesota, I must head south for another meeting. Today I’m making about a 90-minute trip south to the Statehouse in Des Moines where Iowa Farm Bureau members will visit elected officials. Side note: Anyone can be a member of Farm Bureau. You don’t need to be a farmer to become part of the IFBF’s grassroots efforts either. Members can sit in on board meetings or even go to the member section of the web site and voice your opinions on topics ranging from education to what our kids (or grandkids in my case) eat in school. #Schoollunchrules

Thursday, in the middle of a forecasted blizzard, I’m planning to attend a PQA Plus continuous improvement program for pork producers. Although I’m not due to renew my CEU’s, this class is being held right within 10 minutes of my farm. That’s too good to pass up! I can always learn something.

This busy week is sure to be disrupted by weather, but we’ll “play the hand that Mother Nature deals us.” How’s your week looking?

Larry Sailer, Musings of a Pig Farmer

February 19, 2013

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Maximize Yield on Every Acre with Integrated Systems

Peter Bixel

by Peter Bixel, Seed-to-Soil® Lead

Dale Sorenson, Commercial Breeding Lead for Monsanto, last week talked with a group of Seed-to-Soil and SciMax clients about maximizing yield potential on every acre through integrated farming systems. Integrated Farming Systems include: improved weed management, pest protection, disease protection, stress tolerance, and increased yield potential.

One technology to help maximum yield potential is Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System for soybeans. Also in Monsanto’s pipeline is Corn Rootworm III Technology, designed to complement current commercial traits. This “next generation corn rootworm technology” will attack corn rootworm through a new mode of action using a natural process different than Bt.

New programs for Goss’s Wilt protection and Gray Leaf Spot resistance also are in the pipeline. . Monsanto’s Ag Biologicals Platform is focusing on BioDirect™, which is designed to target glyphosate-resistant weeds for better control. BioDirect™ was also seen to provide protection against insect pests and reduce symptoms of viruses.

While weed management and pest protection are certainly two important factors when maximizing yield potential on each acre, seed selection is perhaps the single most important factor. Traited products from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds combine industry-leading genetics with industry-leading traits from technology providers like Monsanto.

NOTE: Not all traited products offer rootworm protection. Herculex I, for example, has resistance/tolerance to Liberty, Roundup and corn borer. Herc 1, however, does not protect against corn rootworm. A person can’t just assume that a “Bt hybrid” will have rootworm protection.

Take some time now to review what seed you’re planning to plant in which fields. Planning pays! Seed can have a 700% return on investment… What else does?

Webspec Admin

February 18, 2013

General, Herbicide Technology, Industry News, Seed Technology
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Celebrate Any Holiday with Kourtney’s Cupcakes

Kourtney Determan, Latham Seeds’ 2012 summer intern, loves experimenting with cupcake recipes. Photo by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby for “Farm News.”

Name a holiday or a special occasion and chances are, Kourtney Determan can bake a cupcake that’s perfectly fitting for the occasion. She’s been baking people happy since she was 8 years old and completed a 4-H cooking project. Her mom, Barb Determan, served as club leader for the Early Achievers 4-H club in Sac County, and the tradition continues. Today Kourtney helps her mom lead the 4-H club, and she’s still crazy about cupcakes.

A senior at Iowa State University majoring in ag communications, Kourtney has literally made friends and raised money with her baking talents. Her homemade cupcakes and cookies have helped raise money for ISU’s Relay for Life cancer research fundraiser, and co-eds who have helped shovel snow have been rewarded with sweet treats.

“I wanted to thank the fraternity guys who helped shovel snow and ice away from our (sorority) house, so I baked them some of my family’s famous chocolate cookies,” says Kourtney in a recent Farm News article. “The guys were so thankful, and it’s the first time it clicked with me that homemade food is a big deal.”

Kourtney’s friends have compared her to the top competitors on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” Now you can be the judge! Follow Kourtney’s “Cupcake Galore” board on Pinterest. Then try your own hand at baking someone happy!

Since Valentine’s Day was just yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice all of the ideas Kourtney has filed on Pinterest: recipes for Sweetheart Cupcakes, tips to making heart-shaped cupcakes, ideas to make heart-filled cupcakes with fresh strawberries, Red Velvet cupcakes, cupcake bouquets, and the list goes on! I’m looking forward to trying S’more Cupcakes. You can bet I’ll also try her trick for “edible glitter” at an upcoming Girl Scout meeting. The hardest part will be deciding which recipe to try first!

Today on TheFieldPosition.com, we’re featuring one of the recipes Kourtney has pinned for Cherry Pie Dark Chocolate Cupcakes. Bake up a batch of these in honor of President’s Day on Monday, Feb. 18, and George Washington’s birthday on Friday, Feb. 22.

Also feel free to share your own cupcake recipes with us. You can post them to our Latham Seeds’ Facebook page or e-mail them to me at shannonl@lathamseeds.com.

Team Latham

February 15, 2013

Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Pursuing Season-Long Protection from Nematodes
Average Nematode Risk in the U.S.

While perusing some ag chat sites this week, we came across the following questions posted by a Midwest farmer. Today Latham Product Manager Mark Grundmeier answers questions that are top-of-mind with farmers.

Q: Is treating seed corn with VOTiVO® enough to protect the crop from nematodes throughout the growing season? Extremely high numbers of nematodes have been confirmed on one of our farms. We have ordered our corn seed for 2013 treated with VOTiVO. What else should we do to eliminate nematodes, if possible? This is by far the biggest yield robbing problem I have ever seen. I thought Gray Leaf Spot was a big yield robber, but it’s nothing compared to the damage done last year by nematodes. It was deceiving because symptoms all showed signs of drought, even under full irrigation and compaction.

A: One reason nematodes are difficult to control is because stunted, yellowing, wilting corn is often mistaken for something else, such as drought in this case. Therefore, nematodes often go undetected and the yield-robbing situation multiples – literally.

Nematodes are a growing problem across the Midwest, most likely due to trends of no-till farming. Nematodes are sensitive to soil disturbance, so they tend to thrive in no-till situations. Crop rotation isn’t an effective form of management as corn nematodes also feed on soybeans and grasses. So what is an effective way to manage corn nematodes?

A new management option is using a seed treatment that moves onto the roots to provide early season protection against nematode feeding, says Dr. Greg Tylka from Iowa State University. Poncho^®/VOTiVO^® seed treatment protects young plants from pests during critical early development stages, leading to healthier root development and stronger stands.

VOTiVO seed treatments act like a barrier, preventing nematodes from attaching to corn roots. Applied directly to the seed, it helps prevent damage to early-season seedlings and roots before pests can strike. Nematicides on the other hand, actually kill the nematodes on contact. Avicta® from Syngenta Seedcare is a nematicide seed treatment that moves on the surface of the root.

Key benefits of Poncho^®/VOTiVO^® seed treatment:
- Immediate Protection – Systemic agent protects valuable seed from the moment it’s planted
- Pest Control – Biological agent creates a living barrier of protection against a wide range of nematodes, including Soybean Cyst, Root Knot and Reniform nematodes
- Yield Potential – Promotes healthier root systems and a more vigorous and uniform crop, positively impacting yield
Benefits of Avicta® Brand Seed Treatments:
- Avicta Complete Corn is a combination of Avicta nematicide and CruiserMaxx® Corn 250 (Cruiser® 5FS insecticide & Maxim® Quattro fungicide). It is also available with a higher rate of thiamethoxam for enhanced insect protection (0.5 mg ai/seed and 1.25 mg ai/seed respectively).
- Provide instant protection against a wide variety of damaging nematode species
- Consistently protect against a broad range of early-season insects and disease pathogens
- Proven to help increase plant stand, vigor and yield potential
- Much of the corn plant’s yield potential is determined in the early growth stages. Avicta Complete Corn provides immediate protection from day one.
The higher the population of nematodes, the greater the chances are that nematodes will break the barrier created by VOTivO. So when extremely high populations of various species of corn nematodes are present, it may be beneficial to use both a seed treatment and a planter-applied nematicide.

Studies by Iowa State University show nematode management products may have a more pronounced beneficial effect in fields with very damaging nematode species and in fields with much greater plant-parasitic nematode population densities.
Webspec Admin

February 14, 2013

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

Seed Quality: How Long is Germ Viable?

While perusing some ag chat sites this week, we came across the following questions posted by a Midwest farmer. Today, Latham Product Manager Mark Grundmeier answers the questions that are top-of-mind with farmers.

Q: How long will seed corn hold its quality/germ? A lot of seed is in warehouses already, and I presumed tested and determined “good quality” before it was shipped. Is it possible that the condition of any of this seed will deteriorate before spring planting?

A: You’re right in that state and federal guidelines require seed companies to test – and tag – all seed before it ships to dealers and farmers. We must perform germination tests no sooner than December 2012 for spring 2013 delivery/planting.

The germ on seed corn is quite stable and is largely dependent on heat and moisture. Since it’s unlikely that we’ll experience excessive heat and humidity before this seed corn gets planted, it’s very unlikely that the condition of this seed corn will deteriorate before spring planting.

The trays we use to bring soybeans from the cleaner to the bagging system are so gentle they’re used to make corn flakes!

On a side note, soybean seed is much more delicate and how it’s handled can greatly impact the germination rate. Extremely dry conditions in 2012 produced seed beans that were drier than optimal when harvested. Because the seed coat is so fragile, rough handling can crack the seed coat and deteriorate the quality. To preserve seed quality, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds “babies its beans.” The majority of our seed beans are brought to our Alexander, Iowa, facility where it’s hand-tested before its stored on site.

Our equipment is specially designed to treat the soybean seed as gently as possible. The trays we use to bring soybeans from the cleaner to the bagging system are so gentle they’re identical to those that are used to make corn flakes! We also don’t bag in extremely cold conditions, which can lead to splits and cracks and further reduce the chances of having that seed germinate. But the care doesn’t stop there… dealers and farmers must also handle soybean seed with care. Dropping bags of soybeans can damage the seed coat and lead to a lower germination rate than appears on the bag tag.

Unlike corn, soybean seed can fall out of quality quite rapidly. Look for the germ rate on the seed tag. Anything above 90 percent indicates high quality soybeans; germ rates of 95% indicate high quality seed corn. If your soybeans are tagged at 80%, seed quality is most likely on a downward spiral. You’ll definitely need to increase your seeding rate to account for lower germination rates. You might even be better off to switch soybean brands.

Don’t assume that all soybean seed is tagged at the highest quality. Be sure to read the tags on all products that get delivered to your farm.

Webspec Admin

February 13, 2013

Agronomics, Emergence, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

What Does a Farmer Do in Winter?

On his Facebook page, I Am Agriculture Proud, Ryan Goodman recently asked his farming and ranching friends to share they spend their winter months. My winter months are filled with so many different activities that I decided to devote today’s blog post to answering Ryan’s question more in depth.

There isn’t any field work for Midwest farmers from about Thanksgiving to Easter, but I still manage to stay quite busy during “the slow winter season” by (1) planning next season’s crop (2) attending meetings and completing continuing education; and (3) communicating with consumers.

Once harvest is complete and the machinery is back in the shed, I finalize plans for next season’s crop. I buy inputs and fix machinery. I also care for 4,000 head of hogs. Winter farm chores and moving snow seems to keep me as busy as ever. I haven’t had to move as much snow this winter as I have in past years, but it seems the snow always falls when I’m either loading out hogs or bringing in a new group. Murphy’s Law, right?

Congressman King

Winter also is the “meeting season,” which I consider my continuing education time. To farm in this era of government regulation, I need to keep up with the current laws. The commodity groups to which I belong are very active with programs to make me a better farmer. For example, PQA Plus was developed by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), the National Pork Board (NPB) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). This is such a great program, teaching pork producers the latest and best known techniques to raise pigs. Most pork processors require pork producers to be PQA certified in order to sell hogs to them.

In addition to attending the commodity group’s annual meetings and continuing ed programs, winter is the season for machinery shows like the Iowa Power and Machinery Show that was held recently in Des Moines. There is also a show on fertilizer and herbicides. In addition, Extension offers many regional and statewide winter programs on everything from pork production to crop production and insect identification.

Yesterday I participated in a meeting in our county seat that was sponsored by the Franklin County Farm Bureau. We were honored that U.S. Congressman Steve King visited a local school system (CAL) in the morning where he watched our Ag in the Classroom program in action. At noon, Congressman King shared his thoughts about the current session of Congress and then we had the opportunity to talk about issues that concerned us.

Another area that I work on more during the winter months is the art of communicating with non-farmers. Yep, the commodity groups even teach that! I’m even going to do some teaching myself on Feb. 23 when the AgChat Foundation hosts a regional conference in Rochester, Minn. This group has done an amazing job helping me to understand that the way I talk may be a foreign language to someone not familiar with farming. Terms that are familiar to farmers like me aren’t always the same slang used in the city. Who knew?

Off season? Yeah, right. I didn’t even mention all the desk time required to get our tax returns ready. Off to the office I go!

Larry Sailer, Musings of a Pig Farmer

February 12, 2013

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

4-H Brought This Couple Together and Binds Their Family
The Sunkten family of Belmond, Iowa, gathered in May 2012 for Kellen’s high school graduation. They’re looking forward to being recognized during the 2013 Iowa State Fair for their Century Farm. Front row, from left, is Kirsten, Katelyn and Katelyn’s husband, Ryan Borcherding. Back row, from left, is Jon, Kendrick, Kellen and Tami.

Jon Suntken and Tami Pralle’s shared passion for 4-H brought them together in 1979 when they were selected to serve on the Franklin County 4-H Council. Nearly 30 years later, they’re still preparing for the annual county fair and trekking to the Iowa State Fair.

“All of our children began showing bucket calves at the Franklin County Fair when they turned 5, and it’ something we did for 17 consecutive years,” says Tami. “This helped them develop a passion for showing and judging livestock. Our boys also have been involved in woodworking. Both of our boys entered the Franklin County Fair livestock judging contest in 4th grade, and two years ago they were on a team that placed second in the state for 4-H Livestock Judging. The girls have been involved in Food & Nutrition, Sewing, Clothing, Clothing Selection, Challenge, Working Exhibits, Photography, Needle Arts, as well as showing sheep and cattle.

4-H teaches and allows our children to experience many things that are important in life: work ethic, responsibility, how to start and finish projects, character development, meeting new people, public speaking, helping others and developing new friendships.”

Raising livestock and being active in 4-H are important to the Suntkens, who had the honor of earning second place in the 2011 Iowa 4-H Livestock Judging circuit. From left to right: Kellen Suntken, Joe DeVries, Kendrick Suntken, and Drew Abbas.

The Sunktens have four children. Their 23-year-old daughter, Katelyn, is married to Ryan Borcherding. They live in Davenport where Katelyn is a teacher’s assistant at a daycare, and Ryan is employed with John Deere Information Systems as a Dealer Advisor. Oldest son Kellen, 19, is a freshman at Iowa State University, with a major in Ag Studies and a minor in Animal Science. He’s a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, serves on the ISU Freshman Council and is a member of the Veisha Tournaments Committee. Kendrick, 16, is a sophomore at Hampton-Dumont Community High School. He’s involved in football, wrestling, track, 4-H, FFA and RCYF at church. Kirsten, 11, is a fifth grader at Hampton-Dumont Community Middle School. She is involved in basketball, softball, band, 4-H, and dance.

“We enjoy raising our children on a farm,” says Tami. “They have the freedom to play in wide, open spaces. They learn to get along while playing and working with their siblings. They learn responsibility from doing chores. They get to experience nature and gain an appreciation for God’s creation through the birthing of animals, as well as smelling fresh cut hay, silage and fresh tilled soil in the spring.”

The family resides on the Sunkten home farm, which will be recognized in 2013 as a Century Farm. Jon started farming full-time upon graduating from high school and worked winters for 12 years at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. Their diversified operation includes corn and soybeans plus a cow-calf herd and a custom hog finishing operation. For the past 16 years, he and Tami have worked side-by-side with the crops and livestock. They’re proud their children also are actively involved in the day-to-day operations.

Livestock judging helped the boy develop confidence when selecting their own calves, says Tami. They spend a lot of time researching genetics and sale cattle. They A.I. their own cows, and recently started doing embryo transfers to improve cattle genetics. All of the Suntken kids wash, clip, fit and groom their own cattle. In 2012, they were able to sell some of the calves they produced to other 4-H members.

Today Kirsten helps promote Iowa beef by sharing with us one of her favorite recipes for pot roast in a crock pot. Tami also shares a recipe for grape salad with an Irish twist.

Pot Roast in the Crock-Pot

Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb. boneless chuck roast (lean)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 pkg. dry brown gravy mix
- 1 pkg. onion soup mix
- 2 cups ginger ale
Directions:
1. Put flour in a Ziploc bag, add meat and shake.
2. Put floured meat in a crockpot, keeping the extra flour in the bag.
3. Next add the package of gravy mix and the onion soup t to the remaining flour; shake together.
4. Pour the flour mixture into a batter bowl and add the 2 cups of ginger ale; pour all over meat in crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours.
Team Latham

February 8, 2013

General, Recipes, Sides