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  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Saddling Up for Success: Meet Intern Mallory Prescott

    At Latham Seeds, we’re excited to welcome Mallory Prescott as our marketing intern for the fall semester. A senior at Iowa State University majoring in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Public Relations, Mallory brings a strong mix of leadership, passion and real-world ag experience to her role.

    Raised in Greene County, Mallory grew up surrounded by agriculture and livestock — especially horses. What began as a hobby developed into a competitive pursuit, culminating in a national title at the All American Quarter Horse Congress during her freshman year of college. She was also active in FFA, serving as chapter reporter and president, where she developed leadership and communication skills that continue to shape her career path.

    Family is central to Mallory’s story. She is the oldest of four children, with three younger siblings — Ty,Harper, and Jase — and credits her mom, Stephanie, as one of her greatest influences. But her support system stretches far beyond her immediate household. Mallory is especially close with her grandparents, aunts and uncles, all of whom she considers part of her “immediate family” because ofthe important role they’ve played in shaping her. Add in her boyfriend, best friend and five dogs, and Mallory says she is surrounded by a circle of encouragement and love that keeps her grounded and motivated.

    “They continually remind me of the importance of love, resilience and community,” she says.

    When she heard about Latham Seeds, Mallory was drawn to the company’s family-owned values and strong reputation.

    “What really drew me in was the commitment to its people,” Mallory says. “Being part of a team that prioritizes integrity, community and purpose is something I’m incredibly excited about.”

    As an intern, she’s looking forward to applying her classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and learning directly from the team. “This opportunity represents more than just a new position; it’s a reflection of the hard work and determination that’s brought me to this point,” Mallory shares.

    When she’s not studying or working, Mallory enjoys reading, baking, spending time with loved ones and trying out her grandmother’s famous pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting — a recipe she is sharing with us today.

    We’re excited to have Mallory on the Latham team this fall and can’t wait to see how her talents and enthusiasm contribute to our marketing efforts. Welcome, Mallory!

    pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting in a pan being cut and served

    Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins

    Equipment

    • 1 9×13 baking pan
    • 1 medium mixing bowl
    • 1 Large mixing bowl
    • 1 whisk

    Ingredients
      

    For the bars:

    • 4 large eggs
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 1 cup vegetable oil
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 15-ounce can Libby’s pumpkin puree

    For the frosting:

    • 3 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    Baking the bars:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
    • Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
    • Combine the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree, mixing until well incorporated.
    • Incorporate the dry mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.
    • Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

    Frosting preparation:

    • In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
    • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
    • Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the surface.

    Shannon Latham

    September 24, 2025
    Desserts, Fall, Recipes, Uncategorized
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    August Is National Peach Month

    For National Peach Month, here is a Latham Family favorite recipe for peach pie. It’s unlike most peach pies because it has a sour cream filling. Besides being creamy and delicious, we Iove this recipe because we can “cheat” on the pie crust. This pie never disappoints!

    Colorado Peach Pie

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins

    Equipment

    • 3 bowls
    • 1 9-inch pie plate

    Ingredients
      

    Crust

    • ½ c. butter
    • 1 ½ c. flour
    • ½ tsp. salt

    Filling

    • 4 c. fresh sliced peaches
    • 1 c. sugar divided
    • 2 T. flour
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ tsp. salt
    • ½ tsp. vanilla
    • 1 c. sour cream

    Topping

    • 1/3 c. sugar
    • 1/3 c. flour
    • ¼ c. butter
    • 1 tsp. cinnamon

    Instructions
     

    Crust

    • Cut butter into flour and salt.
    • Press dough into 9-inch pie plate.

    Filling

    • Slice peaches into a bowl; sprinkle with ¼ c. sugar.
    • Let stand while preparing rest of filling.
    • Combine ¾ c. sugar, flour, egg, salt and vanilla.
    • Fold in sour cream.
    • Stir into peaches.
    • Pour into crust.
    • Set oven to 400 degrees and bake pie for 15 minutes.
    • After the pie has baked for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, reset your oven for 350 degrees and bake it for another 20 minutes.
    • Now prepare the topping.

    Topping

    • Combine the sugar, cinnamon, flour and butter until crumbly.
    • After your 20-minute baking period at 350 degrees is over, sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the top of the pie.
    • Then bake for another 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

    Shannon Latham

    July 31, 2025
    Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Cake and Cocktails? Yes, Please.

    Baking just got a delicious upgrade thanks to The Dessert Mixologist, a women-owned company founded by long-time friends Rae Guillermo and Lorrie Popik. Their innovative, patent-pending dessert mix is plant based, customizable and fun. Add your favorite beverage — alcoholic or non-alcoholic — and you have an indulgent, dessert that’s ready in minutes. (Yes, minutes.)

    This one-of-a-kind treat caught our attention! Latham Seeds has invited The Dessert Mixologist to join our 2025 Dealer Kickoff event in Mankato. But as we discovered, their story goes beyond sweet flavors. It’s also one of friendship, innovation and heartfelt giving.

    Meet the Mixologists

    Rae and Lorrie met at the University of Northern Iowa and have been inseparable ever since. Rae spent 25 years in product development and R&D at Cargill, while Lorrie brought decades of retail and marketing experience from Macy’s and Verizon. After retiring from their corporate careers, the two combined their strengths — and their shared love of dessert — into a new venture that makes baking easy, fun and social.

    With just three ingredients (your favorite drink, water and oil) and a microwave, anyone can whip up an eight-serving dessert in no time. It’s as simple as: Measure. Mix. Microwave. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night, a holiday party or a Wednesday, it’s a treat that never fails to impress.

    Mixing in a Meaningful Mission

    What really sets this company apart is its purpose. A portion of profits from every Dessert Mixologist purchase goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The cause is deeply personal to both founders, who lost two sorority sisters — and Rae’s sister — to blood cancers. Supporting research and raising awareness is baked into everything they do.

    At Latham Seeds, this mission aligns closely with our own Seeds of Hope initiative, where proceeds from select hybrids support the American Cancer Society. That’s why we are so proud to share The Dessert Mixologist with our Dealers — and now, with you.

    If you’re looking for a gift, a conversation starter or just a really good reason to say, “cheers,” visit dessertmixologist.com and grab a mix (or two). You’ll satisfy your sweet tooth and support a worthy cause with every bite.

    Here is just one of their favorite boozy recipes for you to try.

    Tres Leches Rum Cake

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 7 minutes mins
    Resting Time 2 hours hrs

    Equipment

    • 1 Bowl
    • 1 Wire wisk
    • 1 Microwaveable pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 package of The Dessert Mixologist Vanilla Mix
    • ¾ cup coconut rum we prefer Malibu
    • ½ cup water
    • 2 Tablespoons oil we love avocado oil
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
    • ½ cup evaporated milk
    • 2 cups whipped cream

    Instructions
     

    • Pour rum, water and oil into a medium bowl. Add one package of Vanilla Mix.
    • Mix it up using a wire whisk. Pour into a greased microwaveable pan (NOTE: an 8” or 9” round or square pan will do)
    • Place the pan in the center of the microwave. Bake on high for 5-7 minutes (NOTE: Times are based on 1200-watt microwaves)
    • Let cool.
    • While cake is cooling, combine the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.
    • Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the COOLED cake.
    • Slowly pour the milk mixture over the top of the cake, making sure to pour near the edges and all around.
    • Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight, to allow it to soak up the milk.
    • Spread whipped cream over the top of the cake.
    • Portion into 8 pieces. Serve!

    Shannon Latham

    July 23, 2025
    Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Driven to Win 

    When you grow up in a competitive family, working hard isn’t optional — it’s expected. That’s especially true for Jadyn Dirksen, a 2024 high school graduate who’s making her mark both at Latham Seeds and in the livestock show ring.

    Jadyn started working at Latham Seeds as a summer box washer, but her strong work ethic quickly caught the attention of her supervisors. 

    “She was always one of the first to show up and never afraid to get her hands dirty,” says one team member. 

    Jadyn returned in the fall to help with painting projects, and soon after, she was offered a full-time position in the plant.

    “I like that there’s something different to do every season,” Jadyn says. “And I love working outside. I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk.”

    She’s also looking forward to the remodel of Latham’s scale house, which will bring the lunchroom, team meeting space and seed lab under one roof. 

    “It’s going to be so nice to have everything in one place,” she adds.

    That flexibility and variety are a perfect fit for someone with a full summer schedule. Jadyn shows sheep through FFA after aging out of her 4-H club, West Fork Winners, where she was a member for nine years. Her interest in showing started early, helping her older sister, Macy, before stepping into the ring herself. 

    “I figured if I was going to work that hard, I might as well show my own sheep,” she says with a smile.

    Today, Jadyn favors Katahdins, a hair sheep breed that’s easier to manage and doesn’t require shearing. She works with her lambs every day and showed two ewes and one ram at this year’s fair.

    “Showing teaches responsibility and commitment,” she says. “Once you start, you have to finish.”

    When she’s not working or preparing for the next fair, Jadyn enjoys spending time outdoors. Her first big purchase after starting full-time at Latham was a Chevy Silverado 1500, which recently endured a muddy fair week and a very long pre-wash. 

    Her next goal? 

    “I want to buy a Razor and go trail riding in Wisconsin and South Dakota,” she says.

    Whether she’s learning the ins and outs of seed production or mastering the show ring, one thing’s for sure: Jadyn brings determination and grit to everything she does. And those are qualities we’re proud to have on our team.

    Here’s Jadyn’s favorite banana bread recipe:

    Banana Bread

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr

    Equipment

    • 1 Bowl
    • 1 Loaf pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 eggs
    • 3 medium bananas ripened
    • 2/3 C sugar
    • 1/3 C oil
    • ½ C chopped walnuts
    • 1-3/4 C flour
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp salt

    Instructions
     

    • Mash together eggs and bananas
    • Mix in all remaining ingredients until just combined
    • Pour into a greased loaf pan
    • Bake at 350-degrees for 55-60 minutes

    Shannon Latham

    July 16, 2025
    Appetizers, Breads/Breakfast, Desserts, Food & Family, Latham News, Sides
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Meet Renata Walsh: Latham’s New Accounts Payable Specialist

    Renata Walsh recently joined the Latham Seeds family as our new Accounts Payable Specialist, bringing with her a rich history of farm life, finance expertise and creative passion.

    Renata grew up on a farrow-to-finish hog farm near Osage, Iowa, alongside her twin sister and three brothers. As farm kids, they were always busy helping with chores, from sorting hogs to baling hay. While most of her family eventually relocated to Kansas and settled into farming and other jobs, Renata stayed in Osage, where she began her career and raised her son, Justin.

    Her path led her to meet her husband, Thom, in Mason City while working at a car dealership. They married last year, making for an eventful season as they celebrated three weddings in their family! Renata now has a blended family that includes Thom’s two children and a granddaughter, Khloe.

    Professionally, Renata’s experience in accounts payable spans several years, including three years at Sukup Manufacturing and 23 years as an office manager in Osage. When she saw the opportunity at Latham Seeds, she was excited to join a company closer to home and has enjoyed the warm, close-knit environment here.

    In addition to her work in finance, Renata is a talented photographer. Together with her husband, she owns RenaThom Art Vibe Photography, specializing in nature, wildlife and wedding photography. With a studio at home, Renata loves capturing special moments, especially during wedding days. She’s also a passionate quilter, cook, and artist, always finding creative ways to bring her talents to life.

    We’re thrilled to have Renata on board and look forward to the expertise, dedication, and creativity she brings to our team. Please join us in welcoming her to Latham Seeds! And enjoy one of her favorite recipes for pecan pie with a twist. 

    Shannon Latham

    November 21, 2024
    Desserts, Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes
    desserts, Food & Family, general, recipes
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Latham Seeds Welcomes Jacob Vallery as District Sales Manager in Western Iowa

    Family Resized

    It was a “letter to his future self” for a high school writing assignment that gives Jacob Vallery a new perspective about life goals. In that letter, Jacob wrote that in 10 years, he wanted to be married, have a child (or one on the way) and be working as a sales manager for a respected seed company.

    “Nobody can ever say writing down your goals doesn’t do anything,” Jacob says with a laugh.

    That’s because Jacob is not only married to college sweetheart Kaylee, but they are also expecting their first child in September. And, as it turns out, Jacob is the newest District Sales Manager for Latham Seeds.

    Family 1
    Jacob and Kaylee with their dogs Kinze and Yue

    Baby Resized

    “We’re thrilled that Jacob has joined our team, especially given his family’s long history in farming,” says Latham Sales Manager Amy Rohe. “He’s already impressed us with his energy, knowledge and desire to serve our Western Iowa territory.”

    Jacob’s territory also extends to Southeast Nebraska, where he lives in the town of Douglas. Jacob and Kaylee moved in the day after they were married in October 2022. Kaylee owns a dog grooming salon and works at the local bank just few miles from their house.

    Staying close to home was always the plan for Jacob. His parents live in the house that his great- great- great-grandfather built in 1876. That’s the farm where Jacob was raised, approximately six miles west of Plattsmouth, Nebraska.

    “We were all corn and soybeans growing up, so I had heard of Latham Seeds,” he says. “At one point, my dad and my grandfather planted some Latham soybeans.”

    While in high school, to help save for college, Jacob ran a successful Golden Harvest dealership. Later he interned with LG Seeds and job shadowed DSMs at that company. After graduating from the University of Nebraska with a degree in integrated crop management and agronomy, Jacob returned home to help his dad on the farm.

    A call about a sales job with Latham Seeds made him remember his letter to his future self.

    “I realized that I have a lot of the same values as the Latham family,” Jacob says. “I’m looking forward to building relationships with current dealers and bringing new dealers onboard. I really hope to make a difference with dealers in my territory.”

    He adds: “To work for a company where the owner is willing to take time out of his day to meet you and talk to you . . . that matters a lot. John takes time for every dealer and customer. It says a lot about how he cares about them, and I admire that very much.”

    Shannon Latham

    May 24, 2024
    Desserts, Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Secretary Mike Naig: Celebrating a Champion – Iowa Agriculture

    Mike Niag Headshot

    Tis the season for March Madness and celebrating champions.

    Earlier this month at the state tournaments for Iowa high school girls and boys basketball, schools from every corner of Iowa were crowned as state champions, the culmination of a season of hard work, hours of practice, and unmatched tenacity. Now with college basketball’s tournaments taking center stage, Iowans have a lot to cheer for in the weeks ahead as Iowa State, Iowa, and Drake, as well as many of our smaller colleges, compete for bragging rights, championships and glory.

    Mike Niag Headshot
    Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig

    In addition to celebrating our teams this month, we also celebrate Iowa agriculture during Iowa Ag Week from March 17 to 23. Iowa agriculture has long been a champion for consumers, near and far, providing high quality and reliable food, fuel, and fiber.

    National Ag Day on March 19 and Iowa Ag Week are the perfect opportunities for all of Iowa to shine a bright light on the industry that we know and love. And we certainly have a lot to celebrate.

    When it comes to agricultural production, Iowa is punching well above its weight. The recently released Census of Agriculture pegs the value of Iowa crops and livestock at nearly $44 billion annually. That ranks us second in the country, only behind California, which has nearly three times the land and more than 12 times the population. Iowa ranks first in production for several commodities including corn, eggs, pork, ethanol, and biodiesel, and ranks highly in soybeans, beef, dairy and turkey.

    Agriculture is our state’s top industry, fueling economic growth across the state and creating thousands of well-paying jobs and careers. Approximately one in five Iowans are employed directly because of agriculture, including many who live in our small towns and rural communities.

    Iowa farmers are incredibly efficient, relentlessly innovative, and always looking for ways to be more sustainable and produce more with less. We are continually adding value to the commodities we grow, whether that’s turning a bushel of corn or soybeans into livestock feed or a homegrown biofuel.

    I’m proud of Iowa farmers’ achievements in production, as well as their commitment to protecting our state’s rich natural resources, including our soil and water. In 2023, for the second year in a row, we set a record for adoption of conservation practices. And we want to keep breaking records, which is why public and private partners across Iowa are focused on accelerating the implementation of proven practices.

    And as we celebrate Iowa Ag Week, we are also giving back to our communities through community involvement and volunteer service. This week, my team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is volunteering at the Food Bank of Iowa. I’ve also invited the Iowa ag community, including our farm groups, commodity associations, agribusinesses, conservation partners and others, to give back in their own unique way.

    Please join me this week as we celebrate Iowa agriculture and the hard-working men and women who keep our agriculture winning day in and day out. I’ve always said if you want a strong Iowa, you need a strong agriculture. Like the championship teams on the court, Iowa farmers are committed to putting in the time and effort and giving it their all to keep Iowa agriculture successful.

    Happy National Ag Day and Iowa Ag Week!

    Recipe by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig

    Mike Naig

    March 22, 2024
    Desserts, Food & Family, General, Recipes
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Celebrate Pi Day with a Slice of Iowa’s Unofficial State Pie!

    A slice of Sour Cream Raisin Pie

    Happy Pi Day to math enthusiasts and pie lovers alike! Today we celebrate the irrational wonder of pi (3.14…) and a uniquely delicious pie that holds a special place in my heart: the sour cream raisin pie.

    Iowa proudly claims this sweet and tangy treat as its unofficial state pie, according to Taste of Home magazine. While it may raise eyebrows outside the Hawkeye State, this pie is a beloved tradition. Generations of Iowa have enjoyed its creamy custard filling, plump raisins and delicate meringue topping.

    Sour cream raisin pie was the first pie I learned to make. When I was 10 years old, my neighbor helped me make it for a 4-H pie sale.

    So, why sour cream raisin pie? Here are a few reasons:

    • Homegrown Goodness: The origins of the pie are traced back to the Amish and Mennonite communities in Iowa. They use readily available ingredients like eggs, sugar and raisins.
    • A Taste of Comfort: This pie embodies the spirit of Midwestern hospitality – it’s simple, wholesome and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
    • Uniquely Delicious: Don’t knock it till you try it! The combination of sweet and tart, creamy and chewy, creates a delightful flavor profile that has won over many a skeptic.

    On this Pi Day, ditch the traditional and embrace the unique. Whip up a batch of sour cream raisin pie, celebrate the beauty of pi, and experience a taste of Iowa’s culinary heritage.

    Happy Pi Day from Latham Seeds!

    Now that you have pie on the brain. Check out these other fun blogs and recipes:

    Celebrate March with Pi(e)
    Create Peace with a Piece of Pie
    Rhubarb-Black Raspberry Pie

    Shannon Latham

    March 13, 2024
    Desserts, General
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Celebrating Women in Agriculture —and Beyond

    Shannon Latham with Sen. Joni Ernst

    Each year International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across all walks of life. This year we turn our focus to the incredible contributions of women in Iowa, both in the field of agriculture and in many other leadership positions.

    From the very beginning, Iowa women have played a vital role in agriculture. The state’s rich agricultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the stories of countless women who have blazed new trails. Their hard work and dedication have helped shape the industry into what it is today.

    We can find inspiration in the stories of Iowa women like Evelyn Latham, April Hemmes, Pam Bolin, Trish Cook, Patty Judge and Dr. Wendy Wintersteen. Each of these women have made significant contributions to agriculture — from leadership roles in agricultural organizations, to politics, to groundbreaking research and innovation.

    Evelyn
    Evelyn Latham

    April Hemmes 2
    April Hemmes

    ISU
    Dr. Wendy Wintersteen

    But the impact of Iowa women extends far beyond these fields. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, marked a pivotal moment in American history, paving the way for women to hold positions of leadership. Iowa has been at the forefront of this movement with women like Carrie Chapman Catt, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, who have left their mark on the state’s history.

    Today we see this legacy reflected in the leadership of women like Governor Kim Reynolds, the first female governor of Iowa, and Sen. Joni Ernst,, the first female U.S. senator from our state.

    These women — including Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, the first female president of Iowa State University, and Speaker Linda Upmeyer, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives — serve as powerful examples for young girls across Iowa.

    Their stories remind us that women can achieve anything they set their minds to, whether it’s leading a farm, governing a state or breaking barriers in any field.

    As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honor the remarkable women of Iowa who continue to inspire and pave the way for a brighter future.

    Enjoy a family favorite recipe from 1962 Master Homemaker and Matriarch of the Latham Family – Evelyn Latham.

    Shannon Latham

    March 8, 2024
    Desserts, Food & Family, General, Latham News, Recipes
  • Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

    Making Pork a Business and Dining Tradition

    Perry

    “Our family has been raising pigs practically since they got off the Mayflower,” says Andrew Perry, who farms with his father, Blaine, in Northwest Iowa. Andrew grew up also raising sheep, cattle and chickens. A Perry has been farming in Cherokee County for six generations. Blaine and his wife, Darlene, are the third generation to live on the home place near Aurelia.

    Perry
    The Perry Family

    The Perrys’ business relationship with pork goes way back, but they also enjoy the fruits of their labor. Pork is a mainstay on the Perry’s dinner table. While nutritious, lean, high-protein pork powers the humans in their operation, the Perrys also make sure to provide their pigs with the right diet.

    “We feed 80 percent of the corn we raise, so we keep corn for nine months before we haul any of it to town,” explains Blaine, who runs the combine while Andrew hauls grain from the field to the bins. They practice a 50-50 crop rotation and raise seed beans on contract.

    When selecting corn hybrids, test weight and quality of seed is their focus. That is why Blaine and Andrew rely on Latham® quality corn hybrids.

    “We raise corn that feeds our hogs. Then we use the manure our hogs produce to fertilize our fields,” Blaine says. “When you think about it, our operation comes full circle. Hog manure is ‘organic,’ but many people just don’t realize that manure has such a high value.”

    Until 2022, the Perrys were independent pork producers with one nursery that supplied them with the pigs needed for their wean-to-finish operation. Now they custom finish hogs.

    Conveniently, a neighbor built a feed mill one mile away. The Perrys haul their corn to the mill, which helps with biosecurity. Blaine and Andrew are the only two who enter their buildings. They credit controlling truck traffic and people inside their facilities with keeping their hogs healthier.

    Andrew lives in Alta with his wife, Liz, who is a teacher at Cherokee Community School. They have three daughters: Danika, Alexa and Becca.

    When they’re not busy on the farm, the Perrys enjoy taking tractor rides together. All three of Blaine and Darlene’s children — Andrew, Adam and Brooke — enjoy riding together in Peterson’s Annual Trip on Old Tractors (PATOOT).

    The Perrys know that pork can adapt to most any meal needs, even desserts, as proven by Liz’s Bacon Bourbon Apple Pie.

    Shannon Latham

    October 12, 2023
    Corn, Crop, Desserts, Food & Family, Pork, Recipes, Soybeans
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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

131 180th Street | Alexander, IA 50420

(641) 692-3258

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