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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!

bonnie-harris

August 19, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
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

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!

bonnie-harris

August 8, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Help Save Glyphosate
Glyphosate has been called the world’s greatest herbicide because its overwhelming use and acceptance has made it the most widely used product on the market today. Dr. Stephen Powles, world-renowned expert on weed resistance, takes it one step further by saying that glyphosate is to weed control in agriculture as penicillin is to disease and infection treatment in medicine. Both are considered miracle products and given the distinction of being a “once-in-a-100 year discovery.”

So what can be done to help preserve the use of this wonderful chemistry? According to many weed scientists in the Upper Midwest, there are some basic steps that every farmer should take to prevent the onslaught of glyphosate-resistant weeds:
- Know your weeds and know your fields. Closely monitor problem areas with tough-to-control weeds or what may be considered escapes or misses.
- Start with clean fields. Use tillage, residual herbicides and/or burndown applications of herbicides to control all emerged weeds before planting.
- Apply herbicides correctly. Proper application methods and rates are crucial to season-long control. The three most important factors are timing, timing and timing!
- Control weed escapes. Because of the long-term ramifications of this problem, farmers can no longer be satisfied with “economic thresholds” of weed control.
- Reduce the seed bank. Surviving weeds must not be allowed to set seed and thereby become the dominant weed species.
- Clean equipment. Prevent the spread of these resistant weeds at all cost.
No single tactic will protect the potential crop yield nor deter the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed populations, said ISU Extension Crop Weed Specialist Mike Owen, in a blog article he posted earlier this season. Be proactive and manage herbicide resistance before it becomes a major problem. Diversity of tactics is the key to consistent weed management and high crop yields.
July 28, 2011

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

Franklin County 4-H to Hold Pancake Breakfast July 17

WHO: Everyone!

WHAT: Pancake breakfast

WHEN: Sunday, July 17, 2011, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: 4-H Food Stand on the Franklin County Fairgrounds

Help support the Franklin County 4-H Scholarship Endowment! All are invited to enjoy food and fellowship during a pancake breakfast presented by Franklin County 4-H.

Free will donations will be accepted to support the youth scholarship endowment fund.

Team Latham

July 5, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

God Bless the U.S.A.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWC8liHX_G8[/youtube]

We at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds wish all of you a Happy and safe 4th of July holiday. We’re proud to be Americans, and thank all soldiers and veterans for fighting for the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. God Bless the USA!

bonnie-harris

July 4, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

A Final Salute to Dairy Farmers
One reason I’m still celebrating “June Dairy Month” on the first of July is because I want to savor as much of summer as I can. (It seems like the summer passes too quickly once we’ve celebrated the Fourth of July.) Another reason that I’m featuring dairy recipes today is because they will make it easy to entertain guests over the holiday weekend.

Whether you’re planning to celebrate this weekend with a group of 4 or 40, TheFieldPosition.com has the perfect dessert for you! This quick, easy Chocolate Mousse recipe is a cool treat on a hot summer’s day for a Party of 4. The Buster Bar Dessert easily feeds 12 people, while Brownies in a Roaster serves 40.

May you and your family enjoy a safe and fun holiday weekend as you celebrate our nation’s independence and pay tribute to those who have fought for our freedom! From patriotic printables to celebratory centerpieces and hand-made parade wear, FamilyFun offers dozens of craft and game ideas for kids of all ages.

If the weather cooperates, our family will spend as much of the weekend outdoors as possible. We’ll golf, swim, bike and, of course, watch the fireworks.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate the Fourth of July?

Buster Bar Dessert

Ingredients:
- 1 package of Oreo® cookies
- 2 c. powered sugar
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1½ sticks margarine or butter
- ¾ c. chocolate chips
- 1½ cups Spanish peanuts
- ½ gallon of vanilla ice cream, softened
Directions:
1. Crush Oreos and then stir in melted margarine. Pat mixture into 9×13 pan. Set aside.
2. Mix together powdered sugar, evaporated milk, 1 stick margarine and chocolate chips.
3. Then boil these four ingredients for 8 minutes, stirring constantly. Let the mixture cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, sprinkle ¾ c. Spanish peanuts over the Oreo crust. Then slice ice cream over the nuts. Sprinkle ¾ c. Spanish peanuts over the ice cream. Then pour the cooled chocolate sauce on top and place in the freezer.
COOK’S TIP: This dessert is also festive during the holidays. Use the holiday Oreo cookies with peppermint ice cream.
Team Latham

July 1, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Ames, Iowa company to help small farmers in Africa

Daniel Krohn

Guest blog by:
Daniel Krohn
Sustainability Lead,
Becker Underwood

Becker Underwood located in Ames, Iowa, is a leading-edge developer of biological and specialty products, including seed colorants and polymers, inoculants, beneficial nematodes, mulch and turf colorants and a wide range of agricultural and horticultural solutions. The core of our business is based on increasing agricultural yields by utilizing biologically-based products, with high efficacy, but with low environmental and social impact. All while playing a role in feeding a growing global population.

In 2008, we set out on a mission to address sustainability throughout all of our business practices. Earlier this year we implemented our sustainability strategy, “NET positive,” a goal that Becker Underwood – through its processes, products and policies – has an overall positive impact on the environment and society.

One of our major projects has been our partnership with Iowa State University and the Gates Foundation to help small farmers in Africa by providing them with sustainable biological products that will help improve their yields through inoculation.

The soil conditions in these countries are one of the many hurdles these farmers face. Low amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen in the soil, in addition to extremely dry conditions, are challenges that must be overcome in order for optimal crop growth. Our introduction of inoculates to the land, while not a common practice, allows for more available nitrogen in the soil. Seventy-nine percent of the air we breathe is made of nitrogen and inoculated legumes are able to convert and use this nitrogren. The nitrogen provided by inoculated legumes grown in rotation with other crops helps boost yield and lower fertilizer costs of crops such as corn or small grains, all in an environmentally safe manner. It is our goal, with this process, to double bean production in these areas.

To learn more about ISU’s Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods program in Africa, watch this video. To learn more about Becker Underwood’s sustainability initiatives visit our website, www.sustainbu.com.

bonnie-harris

June 30, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Agvocacy in Action
A recent article in Wallaces Farmer highlighted the benefits growers can receive from using Twitter. It highlighted the fact that even those growers who don’t wish to create content can receive benefits from the site’s 140-character messages by searching for terms or phrases that connect them with relevant information in the industry. For instance, this year farmers are sharing growing information with each other using the term #plant11.

The truth is, more and more of us involved in agriculture are increasing the time we spend on the Internet and using our mobile phones to connect with others or garner information. The below video from AgChat Foundation shares some interesting stats about our increased use of the internet and social media.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYoADgvJgE4[/youtube]

Des Moines recently hosted the state’s first 140 Character Conference, which featured businesses and individuals who are using Twitter’s 140 characters in influential ways. Among the presenters were a few of Iowa’s agriculture voices, who are using Twitter to connect with those in agriculture, tell their company’s story and advocate for agriculture. I was proud to be among the group, sharing information about why we think it’s important to connect with our customers via our blog, Twitter and Facebook accounts to provide them with relevant information that can help them in their fields. I was honored to join the influential individuals below.
- Tara Litzenbeger (@johndeeretara), Communications Manager at John Deere, is a well-known online voice in agriculture. She makes social media conversation for a large company look easy. At the recent #140 conference, Tara shared her unique experience behind social media marketing for a company with more than 55,000 employees working out of approximately 60 facilities in 20 countries.
- Nathan Wright (@nathantwright) is founder of Lava Row, a social media consulting, strategy and education firm. He provides practical, how-to guidance for individuals and companies looking to connect in a relevant way using social media.
- Jeff Caldwell (@jeffacaldwell), Agriculture.com’s Multimedia Editor, is responsible for managing content and connecting individuals via outlets like Successful Farming’s Ning site, Farmers for the Future.
Click here to watch videos of the Des Moines 140 conference speakers.

In addition to the practical benefits of social media connections for both companies and growers, individuals in agriculture who get involved in social media and tell the story of their farm and modern food production are becoming a part of an even larger movement — agvocacy. With less than two percent of world’s population living on or near a farm, each generation’s understanding of how their food goes from farm to plate becomes more disconnected.

It’s never been more important for those of us in food production to agvocate — to tell the story of modern agriculture and remind people that a modern farm is nearly always a family farm. We also need to explain that modern ag practices are developed not only to improve the efficiencies in food production but to improve our quality of life, animal care, as well as the quality of our land, water and air.

I encourage you to get involved advocating for agriculture today. I’ve been so inspired by those farm families sharing with us their stories — and recipes — for our Friday blog posts. I can’t wait to meet more of our customers’ families and hear their stories.

If you’re interested in getting involved using social media, I recommend taking a look at a few of those blogs on our blog roll to the right who are doing a great job of telling their stories. If you’re already involved, I would love to hear how you’re sharing your farm story with consumers.
Team Latham

June 21, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Time is of Essence for this Wisconsin Farm Family

Dean Paulsen, Paulsen Dairy LLC

Grass grows green for this southwestern Wisconsin dairyman on the hillside, but it certainly doesn’t grow under his feet!

The motto, “We get ‘er done fast,” is printed on Dean Paulson’s customized shirt, and there’s good reason for it. He’s got things to do, people to see, and places to go.

Dean is the third generation to raise dairy cattle on his family’s farm near Belmont. When he graduated from high school in 1996, Dean bought 20 milk cows and added them his father’s herd of 75. The two milked for about seven years in a double-five parlor before they started expanding. Today the Paulsons milk 350 cows. They fatten 200 Holstein steers each year and have an average of 60 calves on milk at all times. In addition, they have a custom hay business plus raise corn and soybeans.

“I really enjoy the challenge of operating a dairy farm,” says Dean. “I enjoy being outdoors. I enjoy working with animals and am intrigued with animal productivity.”

Duane Paulsen helps daily on the farm

Dean’s dad, Duane, stepped down from managing the dairy in 2000, but he didn’t step away from the business. He still comes to work before sun up every morning and works as many hours as he ever did.

“My dad loves fixing equipment and doing maintenance. Those aren’t things I enjoy, so our arrangement works out well,” says Dean. “Dad gets a lot of help from my father-in-law, Jim Reiter, who joined our operation in 2007. The two of them really get along, so they often work on projects together.”

In addition to the three family members, Paulson Farms LLC supports three, full-time employees. One employee is primarily responsible for milking, one grinds feed and the other cares for the calves.

The Paulsons built a calf nursery in the spring of 2010, and Deans says it’s the best investment they’ve made in the past 10 years. Death loss decreased dramatically once the calves had a facility that was built – not retrofitted – for them. Ventilation is much better, especially in the heart of winter and the heat of summer.

Calf and “barn help” pose for a photo in the Paulsen Nursery.

This nursery is just one step the Paulsons have taken to grow their dairy over the past decade. They also expanded their parlor to a double-12. Their cows went through this new parlor for the first time on Dec. 15, 2007, only to have it burn to the ground on Jan. 1, 2009.

Fighting a fire isn’t the way anyone would choose to start off a new year, but true to their motto, the Paulsons rebuilt as soon as possible. Fortunately, the cement of the parlor wasn’t damaged. Their contractor put all of his crews on the job and, within three months, the Paulsons were again milking on their home farm in a new double-12 parlor.

Just 14 months after the new parlor was built, the Paulsons completed a free-style barn. The timing of this project couldn’t have been better as Dean’s uncle in Illinois was looking to move his herd. Two weeks after the free-style barn was complete, Dean moved in his uncles’ cows.

With so many projects underway at a time – and with so many decisions to be made on a daily basis –Dean needs a seed company to deliver more than just seed.

“I really like that Steve Bailie (Latham’s regional sales manager) talked with me about my operation and my ground before he ever tried to sell me seed,” says Dean. “Steve knows where to place Latham’s products and how to manage them for maximum performance. He has the crop expertise that I need.”

Running a diversified operation means Dean forms strategic partnerships and relies on specialists. He also understands the importance of helping support the products he produces, and that’s why dairy foods are a staple in his household. Dean, and his wife, Jessica, are the proud parents of two sons: Tanner, 7, and Trenton, 3. Jessica also works off-farm as branch manager for a local bank.

One of the family’s favorite desserts is Double Chocolate Brownies with cream cheese frosting that Dean’s mom, Dolores, likes to make. This recipe sounds so rich and delicious that I can’t wait to try it. Lucky for me, I already have the ingredients on hand!

Team Latham

June 17, 2011

Agriculture, General, Industry News