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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Be North Dakota Legendary

“North Dakota Legendary” is more than a tourism slogan for the State of North Dakota. It’s a way of life.

North Dakota State University’s (NDSU) football team has won 17 national championships. The Bison are a dominating force in FCS, having won nine titles in 11 seasons. Most recently, North Dakota State crushed Montana State on January 8, 2022.

The Hankey Family

“Our oldest son, Abraham, played quarterback throughout his high school football career. Our youngest son, Jackson, played full back and middle linebacker in high school. They won the Class A High School Championship in 2014, and we thought, ‘It can’t get any better than this,” says Dave Hankey, a fourth generation farmer and owner of Hankey Seed Co. in Park River, ND.

Upon graduating from Park River High, Abraham followed in his parents’ footsteps by majoring in Agricultural Economics at NDSU. Jackson planned to do the same, but he also had the goal of playing football at NDSU. Jackson never considered attending another college or playing football anywhere else. You might assume success came easily if you only read the headlines like this one, “Hankey leaving NDSU as one of its best defensive players.

Jackson Hankey with his NDSU Teammates

Jackson’s story is one of perseverance. Despite being a standout high school athlete, he began his Bison football career as a walk-on. Jackson earned academic scholarships, but it took him two years to earn a football scholarship. As quarterback of the defense, he had to learn the Bisons’ complex defensive scheme. Jackson didn’t play at all his freshman year. After his freshman red shirt year, Jackson became the backup middle linebacker in his sophomore year.

Year three on the NDSU football team was a turning point for Jackson. He became a three-year starter and two-time team captain. He was part of four national championship teams during his five years at NDSU. He holds a Top 10 spot for career tackles at NDSU.

The highlight of Jackson’s football career was 2019-2020 championship game where he won the Elite 90 award, which is given to the athlete with the highest grade point average (GPA) in each of the NCAA’s national championships. Jackson also was the leading tackler at the 2019 national championship game. For the 2021 season, Jackson was among the 50 student-athletes selected to the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Academic All-Star Team. He started all 14 games during the 2021-2022 season and was NDSU’s leading tackler for the third straight season.

While many people expected him to continue his football career, Jackson feels called to do something else. He graduated in 2020 from NDSU with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. While playing football this past year, Jackson has been working toward a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He’s four classes away from earning his MBA, but Jackson is focusing his attention on theology as he plans to enter ministry. He also is engaged to marry Mikayla Koenig (pronounced co-neg), a member of the NDSU women’s cross-country team. They met through Fellowship Christian Athletes (FCA).

Continuing Education

Gaining life experiences and engaging in life-long learning is what the Hankey family does. After graduating from NDSU in 1985 with a degree in Ag Economics, Dave Hankey earned his MBA from the University of Santa Clara. He worked for a few years in San Francisco before he grew tired of the traffic.

“I couldn’t afford to live downtown, so I had to commute. I got on a train at 6:30 a.m. for an 8 a.m. job. That was a good experience to try something different, but I was always interested in keeping our farm in the family,” explains Dave, who returned to North Dakota when he was 25. “My dad and his brother farmed together for years, and my uncle didn’t have anyone to take over for him.”

“We built our seed processing facility in 1987,” adds Dave. “Our operation was very time and capital intensive at the time because we were also raising potatoes in North Dakota, Minnesota and Illinois. I was spending a lot of time overseeing production crews, but that wasn’t my passion.”

When his father fully retired in 2003, it was time to reevaluate the business. Running a multi-state potato business was taking Dave away from his wife, Jana, and their two sons. He wanted to focus on seed production, which he enjoyed. It also allowed him to be home every night. Win-win.

“We raise wheat seed, soybean seed, sugar beets and corn/canola depending on the year. We also process soybeans and wheat,” says Dave, who once again finds his family’s farming operation in a transition as his oldest son Abraham makes plans to return to the family’s agricultural business.

After graduating with a degree in Ag Economics from NDSU, Abraham earned a degree from the University of North Dakota (UND) Law School. His long-time girlfriend, Haylee Borgen, also is a UND law student. Abraham plans to return to the farm after he passes the bar exam. He has a passion for farming, especially precision farming. Abraham also likes to travel, golf and bow hunt.

“We’re looking forward to having Abraham take on more of the day-to-day responsibilities,” says Dave, who plans to spend more time traveling with Jana during the winter months. “There are just some people you work well with, and Abraham and I work well together. We speak the same language. He understands what I want done, and he is able to communicate that better than I can to our employees. He’s a better communicator than I am, so it will be interesting to see how this all works.”

Hankey Seed Co. also is transitioning away from North Star Genetics, where Dave was a shareholder and owner for more than 20 years.

Left to Right: Abraham, Jana, Jackson and Dave Hankey

“We were looking for a seed partner that could offer us access to both Enlist and Xtend,” says Dave. “The more we researched family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, the more we liked what we saw. We interviewed a couple other seed companies, but we chose Latham Seeds for a couple of reasons. Latham has proven performance, and we can process the seed that we grow. We appreciate that Latham Seeds is a family-owned, Midwest-based company. We’re looking forward to learning more about Latham and growing together.”

When the Hankey family isn’t in the farm field or at the football field, they enjoy sitting down to meals together. Today they’re sharing with us one of their family’s favorite recipes: Spaghetti Pie.

Shannon Latham

February 17, 2022

Beef, Food & Family, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Three Generations of Franklin County Farmers Raise Latham Seed Beans

Producing corn, soybeans and pork on a farm is commonplace in Iowa, where livestock feed has been the primary use of grain crops throughout that state’s 175-year history. Families, like the Jacobsens of Dows in Franklin County, are proud of their farming legacy.

The Jacobsen Family

Doug and Carolyn Jacobsen began growing seed beans for Latham Seeds in the 1970s. Their Iowa Century Farm is located one mile from where their son, Corey, and his wife, Kim, farm. Corey began growing seed beans in 1986 when he rented his first farm. Corey and Kim’s oldest son, a fifth generation Iowa farmer, began growing Latham seed beans in 2018.

“I appreciate the opportunity to raise Latham seed beans because most years we get access to newer genetics a year earlier than if we raised soybeans just commercially. I like seeing what’s new in the lineup,” says Corey. “It’s fun visiting with everybody in the fall when we deliver beans to the plant. Plus, it’s nice to know we can pick up the phone or stop by the office whenever we have questions about production or want input.”

Corey has been working toward his goal of farming since he graduated from high school. While studying ag business at Iowa State University (ISU), he helped plant four crops and maintained his breeding-to-finish swine operation. Corey traveled home each weekend to do chores and made countless other trips whenever needed for breeding or farrowing.

“I met Corey at the 1985 Franklin County Fair where he was showing pigs and I was working in the Extension office,” says Kim, who grew up on a farm south of Coulter and enjoyed showing horses in 4-H. It’s only natural their three sons would become showmen.

When Corey graduated from ISU in 1990, he began working at Brenton Bank in Clarion. One year later he started at Dows United Bank & Trust. Corey retired as bank president in 2000, and then he and Kim began farming full time. Kim also retired after teaching high school math and coaching volleyball and track for 10 years at Clarion-Goldfield Dows. Their more flexible schedules allowed their family to spend more time on their pork operation.

“Pork is truly a family project that we all enjoy,” says Kim. She and Corey custom-finished pigs for years and raised show pigs. Now they run an independent wean-to-finish operation. “Raising livestock taught our boys day-to-day responsibility that many other activities can’t provide. They learned that it takes teamwork to be successful and to accomplish what needs to be done.”

When their boys were in middle and high school, the Jacobsen family participated several livestock shows annually including: the Iowa State Fair, Ak-Sar-Ben, World Pork Expo, National Barrow Show, Sioux Empire in South Dakota, Iowa State University’s Block & Bridle, as well as numerous county and state 4-H and FFA shows. Ben had the honor of showing the Reserve Champion FFA Market Hog at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

“Through 4-H, our boys learned skills they use on the farm also such as welding, woodworking, small engines, along with the communication and record keeping,” says Kim. “Now that they’ve all graduated from high school, I love to see our sons use their skills and continue to educate others about agriculture. Caleb won the Outstanding Agriculture Exhibit by ISU College of Agriculture and Life Science at the Iowa State Fair for his project teaching the truth of GMO’s. Matt is known as the ‘farm kid’ and go-to resource at college. He has skills in welding, woodworking, painting and general carpentry that most other students do not have. He laughs at all of this, especially the time he was a hero changing a gas tank on a gas grill, much to the amazement and awe of others. He also educates classmates and others in the city about livestock and agriculture.”

Matthew will graduate in May 2022 from Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a degree in Molecular and Neurological Biology. He has been a part of the Harvard Curling Club, John Adams debate society and Harvard Pro-Life while keeping up with research projects. Matthew plans to continue research for another year and then attend medical school.

The Jacobsen’s youngest son, Caleb, is a freshman majoring in Ag business at Iowa State University. He enjoys being active in the Ag Business Club and the SALT network through Cornerstone Church. Caleb is following the steps of his oldest brother, Ben, who graduated from ISU in 2018 with a degree in ag business. Ben farms with Corey and Kim. Frances is a Talent and Acquisition Specialist for Boston Scientific, working from their home in Ames. They are expecting their first child in June.

“We feel blessed to have our children grow up on the farm learning the value of honesty, hard work and sacrifice to accomplish goals,” says Kim. “Now the next generation will grow up farming in a community that has been so supportive. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”

During this time of transition, Corey and Kim are freeing up their schedules to make more time for travel. Corey had served on the Dows school board for 20 years and retired when the school district merged. Kim has relinquished most of her off-farm obligations but continues to serve on the Iowa Specialty Hospital Board. They enjoy following the Iowa State Cyclones to Bowl games and other destinations. They have greatly enjoyed making spontaneous trips and have especially enjoyed visiting Matt in Boston.

“We love traveling, trying restaurants, experiencing other cultures and visiting farming operations in other places,” says Kim. Today they’re sharing with us one of their favorite game day recipes of Sausage and Cheese Egg Roll Wraps.

Shannon Latham

February 10, 2022

Appetizers, Breads/Breakfast, Food & Family, General, Recipes, Soybeans
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Cooking Up Memories for Farm Boys and Girls

It’s not uncommon for kids to follow in their parents’ footsteps. After all, we literally look up to our parents from the moment we take our first steps. Dave Bergquist of Foxhome, Minnesota, was no different. He’s always wanted to be a farmer like his father.

The Bergquist Family

You might say opportunity knocked one day when a sales manager for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds came to the Bergquist’s door. No one in their area had a Latham® dealership. Dave’s father, Mike, said that national companies already had several dealers in the area, so he really liked the idea of working with a family-owned company that shares similar values.

A Latham® dealership provided the Bergquists with an opportunity to plan for Dave to join the family’s farming operation. They worked to grow their Latham seed dealership. Meanwhile, Dave completed the John Deere program at North Dakota State College of Science. Then Dave worked full-time for five years as a technician at a John Deere dealership where he developed many skills that are much needed on the farm, as well as in their seed dealership.

“One of the reasons it was so easy for Mike and Dave to join Latham Seeds is because it’s a family-owned company,” says Dave’s wife, Chloe. “We appreciate that families are included in Latham dealer gatherings. The Bergquists are all about family, and our family gathers often at Mike and Patty’s. Our sons are blessed with 10 boy cousins and one girl cousin, who also have a love for being at the farm.”

Mike and Dave are point people for their operation, but it really is a family operation. Dave’s four sisters, his mom and his wife pitch in when needed. Chloe also helps keep books for their farming operation and works as a dental hygienist.

“Our sons love farming as much as their dad and Papa,” says Chloe. “There is nothing better than watching the boys check planting depths with Dad or Papa in the spring. When harvest time comes, they get so excited to ride in the combine, grain cart, beet lifter or truck.”

Although they work hard, they also look forward to spending time together at the lake. Dave also enjoys fishing and hunting and looks forward to the day when his sons can go with him.

“I grew up wanting to be like my dad,” says Dave. “As someone who you look up to your whole life, it only makes sense to do what you were taught. I really enjoy farming. It’s satisfying to plant seed, watch the plants grow and harvest the year-long accomplishments.”

Dave and Chloe look forward to continuing family traditions and creating memories with their children. They also enjoy family mealtime whether it’s around the supper table or a tailgate meal in the field. Today they’re sharing one of their favorite recipes with us.

Shannon Latham

February 3, 2022

Beef, Food & Family, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Growing Seed Beans is a Family Tradition for the Bruns Family

The Bruns Family

Just as Latham Seeds is a multi-generational, family-owned business, growing our high-quality soybeans has become a legacy for many North Central Iowa farm families.

“I have enjoyed working with everyone at Latham Seeds,” says Steve Bruns. Steve has been a contract grower of Latham® seed beans since 1999, but he has many more years of experience. While he was in high school, Steve worked on weekends and during the summer for Latham grower Hugh Porterfield. Steve later custom farmed Hugh’s ground for 20 years.

“The people I work with at Latham are the ones I’ve known since grade school,” adds Steve, who grew up northeast of Alexander, Iowa, on a farm his grandfather purchased in 1949. He and his wife, Karen, raised their three children in the same house where Steve was raised. “We go to church together. We’ve sat on bleachers watching our kids play. We are all community!”

Like many young people, Steve left the area for a few years before he decided to choose farming as his livelihood.

“Farming is the last thing I wanted to do when I went off to college,” says Steve, who graduated in Commercial Arts. “I worked in advertising for a few years and decided it wasn’t for me, so in 1980 I moved back to the area and started farming.”

Sadly, Steve’s father developed cancer around that same time.

“I had to quickly take over the farm, right in the middle of the Farm Crisis,” says Steve, whose father, Dean, was just 44 years old when he passed. “Luckily, I didn’t have the chance to accumulate a lot of debt, which forced a lot of out farmers out of business during those turbulent years.”

During the 1980s and 1990s, the pork industry changed a lot.

“Contracts to hog producers allowed for a steady income and took away the market swings, so I got back into the pork industry in 2000,” says Steve, who operated a 4,000-head site for 20 years. Steve and his family were recognized in 2005 as one of Christensen Farm’s top producers, so their photo hung outside the Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fair. “The most enjoyable part of hog production was the people I worked with from service managers to load crews to truckers and repairmen. Everyone was working together to raise a quality product.”

Although he’s no longer producing pork, Steve uses hog manure for fertilizer on as many acres as he can.

“Hog manure gives an extra yield bump if conditions are right when it’s applied. We’ve seen a 10- to 20-bushel yield bump when manure has been applied under the right conditions,” says Steve.

Now that he has retired from pork production, Steve hopes to have more time for golfing, fishing and hunting. Karen worked 21 years for the postal service and retired in 2014 after serving the last eight years as postmaster. She enjoys spending time sewing, walking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family.

“Karen helps a lot on the farm. She keeps this place looking great. She also does most of the ripping in the fall and field cultivating in the spring, and she still finds the time to make sure we all have a full lunch cooler to take with us to the field every day,” says Steve. “A few years ago, we had some volunteer corn escapes in a field of seed beans. She cleaned up the entire 200-acre field by herself while we combined other fields. I’m sure they wouldn’t have made the grade if she hadn’t done such a great job.”

Taking pride in a job well done runs in the family. Eric is proud to be a sixth generation Iowa farmer. Eric and Steve farm some acres 50:50, and they also run some of their own acres. In addition, Eric has been a contract grower for Latham Seeds since 2010. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Eric also works as an insurance agent. His wife, Traci, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She also earned a master’s degree in Education and is an ESL teacher. They live in Latimer with their children, Haidyn and Hudson. The Bruns’ oldest daughter, Jami and her husband, Adam, both graduated from Iowa State University. Jami is an interior design strategist. Adam has an MBA and is a vice president of product for Denim Social. They live in Huxley with their three children, Anea, Cale and Drew. The Bruns’ youngest daughter, Lindsey, and her husband, Zeb, graduated from Coe College. They live in West Des Moines where Lindsey is a nurse anesthetist, and Zeb is a salesman.

The Bruns family enjoys gathering at the farm for great meals like pork casserole, a recipe passed down by Steve’s grandmother Elsie.

Shannon Latham

January 27, 2022

Food & Family, General, Pork, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Seeds Hires Megan McDonald as Sales Project Manager

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds welcomes Megan McDonald to the team as Sales Project Manager. She will be instrumental in developing resources to help Latham dealers build relationships and capture new opportunities, plus planning internal, dealer and customer events.

“Latham Seeds has been a company that I have admired ever since I attended Ag Career Fair when I was an Iowa State student,” says Megan, who graduated in 2018 from Iowa State University (ISU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing plus a minor in Agronomy.

After college, Megan planned events and developed marketing materials for a six-location John Deere Dealership in western Iowa. She then worked in a fast-paced startup environment. Most recently, she worked as a Digital Marketing Specialist for CornerPost Marketing in Fort Dodge. She was responsible for researching and implementing digital strategy for agricultural clients.

“I am so excited to have Megan’s communications talents on our team. She brings a can-do attitude and loves to work with people to make things happen! I look forward to the ways she will help bring our team together and connect our Regional Sales Managers and dealers to people and resources that will make them successful,” says Amy Rohe, sales manager for Latham Seeds.

Megan looks forward to working closely with Latham’s Sales Team to reach their goals and to help the team better understand how to use tools that will help bring increased awareness to the company.

“I appreciate the loyalty the Latham brand has, and I’m looking forward to helping promote the Latham brand even more,” says Megan. “I’ve heard that Latham Seeds has a wonderful family environment. As a working mom, this is important to me. This position sounds like a perfect fit for me, my family and my career.”

Chance and Megan McDonald with their children Cash (age 2) and Maesen (6 months)

Megan and her husband, Chance, live on an acreage near Roland in Central Iowa with their two-year-old son, Cash, and their six-month-old daughter, Maesen. The McDonalds enjoy being close to their alma mater, so they can attend Cyclone football and basketball games. They also enjoy being close to Chance’s sister and brother-in-law, who farm just outside of Roland.

“We hope to teach our kids about loving the land and how farming really is a family affair,” says Megan. “The generations before us have set us up for the success that we have today, we hope to pass this legacy on to future generations. Agriculture is more than a job. It is a way of life. It instills a work ethic and a pride of being part of something bigger than just yourself.”

Megan is proud to be a fourth generation Iowa farmer. She and Chance farm with her parents. Chance is a full-time precision agronomist, working with clients throughout the state of Iowa. Chance also serves as agronomist for her family and his brother-in-law.

“Growing up on a farm was the best way to be as a kid. Exploring the outdoors and having animals right outside the front door was so much fun. We had horses, pigs, sheep, cats and rabbits. My brother and I helped my dad and grandpa around the farm. I really enjoyed riding in the combine with Grandpa and with Dad when he drove the semi. In turn, they helped us with our various 4-H projects,” said Megan, who served on the Grundy County 4-H Council. She also was the 2014 Grundy County Fair Queen and named Runner Up Iowa State Fair Queen that same year.

In her free time, Megan enjoys quilting and sewing and making T-shirt and memory quilts. She enjoys cooking, baking and gardening. Chance and Megan preserve a variety of produce from their garden, as well as homemade salsa and spaghetti sauce.

Today Megan is sharing with us a family favorite recipe for alfredo. She really enjoys the versatility of this recipe as you can change it up by adding different vegetables like broccoli or substituting chicken for shrimp.

Shannon Latham

January 13, 2022

Food & Family, General, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Welcomes Kate Van Manen as Digital Marketing Strategist

Kate Van Manen, Digital Marketing Strategist

She was supposed to be on vacation that summer day instead of working. He had an internship he was supposed to be at, yet he happened to be at his parents’ farm helping give a tour to a group. Their meeting was serendipitous.

Today Kate and Jacob Van Manen are raising their children just a quarter mile away from where Jacob was raised – and where his parents still farm – near Kellogg in Central Iowa. They raise cattle, field corn, soybeans, sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins.

Tomato production was Kate’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) when she was in FFA, so she has renewed her interest in vegetable production. In 2020 they built a high tunnel, so she enjoys spending quiet time picking tomatoes after her children are asleep.

“As our kids get older, I’m excited to share with them lifelong lessons, as well as spiritual truths that closely align with many aspects of the farm,” says Kate, who grew up on a farm in Northwest Iowa near Storm Lake. Her family raised corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs. “Many tasks on the farm are done with family, which is something really special. Our daughter, Kennedy (age 4), gets excited about picking sweet corn at 5 a.m. with her great grandma. Kennedy also enthusiastically scoops cattle bunks in her Frozen® dress. It will be fun to see what farm tasks that Karter (age 1) enjoys.”

“There is something about letting your kids get their hands dirty and drink from a hose,” adds Kate. “One fun Dutch tradition that I married into is ‘coffee time.’ Great Grandma Trudy Van Manen lives across the road from us. She hosts a coffee time daily at 9 a.m., which brings everyone together for a break during which we enjoy the most delicious, homemade Dutch treats. Some mornings there are four generations present! It’s a simple thing but so special.”

Shared family values are one of the reasons Kate decided to join family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

“I am glad to be back in the ag industry professionally as I enjoy working with the most amazing, down-to-earth people,” says Kate, who had managed social media and assisted with marketing efforts for another regional seed business after she graduated in 2014 from Iowa State University with a major in Agriculture Communications and a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies. Most recently, she worked in marketing and communications at a regional hospital. “I really appreciate the level of flexibility and trust that Latham Seeds provides to its team members. I feel very empowered to manage my time and projects and grow in my career skills. I also appreciate their values and importance on family and the understanding of farming challenges.”

Kate says she is especially looking forward to attending Latham® Dealer Kickoff this summer. She says she looks forward to meeting Latham dealers in person and interacting with them and their spouses online in her new role as digital media strategist for Latham Seeds. Kate is responsible for developing strategy and implementing tactics for Latham’s social media channels.

Jacob, Kate, Kennedy and Karter Van Manen

In her free time, Kate enjoys traveling, gardening, fitness and going on gator rides with her family to check their crops. They often spend a few hours – after 5 p.m. during the summer months – pulling weeds from their pumpkin patch. Kate also enjoys cooking.

“I did not grow up baking Dutch treats, and I’ve learned that’s entirely something different!” says Kate. “I usually volunteer to bring vegetables to Van Manen family gatherings, but a friend shared with me a recipe for Dutch letter bars. This recipe is so easy to make, and it tastes exactly like Dutch letters without all of the work. I brought these bars to coffee time once, and everyone thought they were delicious! I make these when we need something sweet in a pinch.”

Shannon Latham

January 7, 2022

Desserts, Food & Family, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Advent Devotional Feeds the Souls and Inspires Book
His plans are not always our plans. His timing is not always our timing. Yet, His plans and His timing are always perfect.

Because He First Fed Us

Several years ago Anita McVey was asked to write an entry in a church’s annual Advent devotional. Church members shared a Christmas memory or wrote about what a particular passage meant to them, plus shared a recipe. She had no idea then a seed had been planted in her heart to write a 30-day devotional, “Because He First Fed Us: Ordinary Meals – Extraordinary Messages.” With artwork by her son Marcus, this light-hearted book highlights ordinary meals found in the Bible that reveal extraordinary messages.

“I believe food is a love language. It nourishes, heals, comforts and delights the body and soul,” says Anita, who began blogging in 2016. “When food is transformed into a meal, it becomes love in action. All the senses are engaged: sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. Memories are revived. Stories are told. Gratitude is expressed. Conversations flow and wisdom is gleaned.”

Shortly after starting her “Picnic Life Foodie” blog, Anita said she would read something or remember something in association with a Bible verse or story and think, “That would make a neat devotion.” After building a list of about 10 general topics, the idea for a book formed. She started saving more notes and phrases. Those pieces started turning into sentences and paragraphs and, eventually, devotions.

“Pairing my own memories about food and meals with Biblical truths has been a journey I never expected,” says Anita, who earned a master’s degree in Statistics from Iowa State University. “It is my hope and prayer that you will laugh and learn as you read and that your own memories of meals with family and friends will warm your heart and soul.”

Anity McVey – Picnic Life Foodie

Childhood memories Anita cherishes include growing up on her family’s farm in Northwest Iowa where she said she had a steady diet of faith, family and farming.

“We had pork and chicken directly from the farm, to the butcher, back to the farm and into the oven. We ate eggs from the hens in the coop and drank milk from my uncle’s dairy cows. The garden we planted and harvested was enormous, and we didn’t waste a thing. Canning and freezing were core classes,” says Anita. “Is it any wonder I am so obsessed with food?”

While cooking and baking about 10 years ago, Anita said she would reminisce about the person who gave her a recipe or the time she spent with her mom and grandmothers making a particular meal. Blogs were a new, but intriguing, concept to her at the time. Her oldest son helped her create a website for PicnicLifeFoodie.com, and she started writing! She also posts on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

“The name ‘Picnic Life Foodie’ did not come to me easily. I knew I wanted something sentimental and nostalgic. I thought of the meals we would eat as a family in the field during planting and harvesting seasons or the days when Dad would take us to the nearest lake and Mom would pack a simple lunch for all of us. Church potlucks, family reunions, school field trips … so many of my best memories centered around simple food with wonderful people. I have always loved picnics, but I realized it didn’t matter if they happened outdoors on a perfectly sunny day or indoors around a traditional table. There was a feeling, a lifestyle, that I wanted to encourage others to embrace.”

Through the writing experience, Anita says she has found that God gives us our passions, so we can tell our story from a place of enthusiasm and truth.

“I can’t talk about my history with food, without talking about my family. I can’t talk about my family without talking about faith. They are all intertwined,” she says. “God has been leading me through and giving me the courage to try something out of my comfort zone.”

Anita hopes her experience encourages others to try something new and to overcome their fears.

“I never imagined I would share my faith in a written form!” writes Anita in the “Gratitude” section of her devotional book. “I am so grateful God presented this opportunity to me. By telling my stories, my hope is that I have created a memoir of my faith for my family, friends and anyone who picks up this book to read even a single page.”

Anita’s gratitude extends to some amazing people, who have helped her find her way through this book. She writes:
- “My mom: the most selfless, humble, and faithful person I know. Thank you for starting each day of my childhood with devotions, ending each day with prayers, placing an Advent wreath at the center of our Christmas decorations, teaching me how to cook and bake with love, and for always, always reminding me to Whom I belong.
- Marty: my husband. You crack me up, rein me in, lead ‘from the back,’ and never let me down. Thank you for standing with me in the hardest of times, sharing joy in the little things, and loving the imperfect me. It is because you encouraged me to take a different path that this book exists.
- Nick: my son, my social media guru, and the reason I officially started writing. Thank you for taking me over the hurdle of creating a blog and for answering a parade of questions with patience and humor. Your creativity and drive motivate me, and your ability to find the best of every situation is a true gift.
- Marcus: my son, my artist, and the one who has taught me all about perspective. Thank you for inspiring me to look more closely at nature, art, movies and to discover the beauty in the details. I am so grateful that you agreed to illustrate this book and share your talent here. The messages of this book are more inviting and intriguing because of your work.”CHRISTMAS IN THE KITCHEN
  “Fudge served in a blue bowl” trigger so memories for Anita, who grew up baking batches of Christmas traditional German cookies with her mom and grandmothers. They would break out the third-generation cookie cutters to make sugar cookies. Every year her Grandma Glienke would serve fudge in a blue Depression-era glass bowl. Forty to 50 family members would cram into her grandmother’s living room on Christmas Eve, singing hymns and exchanging gifts. Today Anita is sharing her tried-and-true, family-favorite recipe for decadent, creamy, and easy-to-make fudge. May it create wonderful memories for your family, too!
Shannon Latham

December 10, 2021

Desserts, Food & Family, General
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Mark Grundmeier Plans for His Next Season… Retirement

After enjoying a career that spanned more than 25 years with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, Mark Grundmeier plans to box up his office on December 17, 2021, and then pack his bags for the holidays. He and his wife, Jerri, are ready to hit the road! They’re planning to see more of the United States as they travel around to visit family members and friends.

Jerri and Mark Grundmeier

Mark and Jerri look forward to spending more time with their children and grandchildren. Their son, Craig, graduated from Drake University in 2003. He works as an Executive Benefits Administrator for Principal Financial Group in Des Moines. Craig and his wife, Lauren, live in Urbandale with their two children, Liam and Ava. Lauren works as a Clinical Dietitian at Unity Point Health in Des Moines.

Mark and Jerri’s oldest daughter, Krystal, graduated from Waldorf University in 2006. She works as a guidance counselor at an elementary school in the Dallas area. She and her husband, Michael, have three children: Kennedy, Kelsie and Kason. Michael is a senior consultant/program manager for the D&M Enterprise Group. The Grundmeier’s daughter Stacie graduated in 2010 from Iowa State University (ISU). She also lives in the Dallas area where she works as Business Development Director for Haggar Clothing.

The Grundmeier Family

Youngest daughter, Kaitlan, started at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) and then transferred to ISU. She works as a loan processor for a bank in Missouri. Her husband, Paul, works as a heavy equipment operator for the City of St. Roberts.

“Our grandchildren are getting to that age where they’re getting involved in sports and other activities, so we’re looking forward to having the time to attend more of my grandchildren’s activities,” says Mark. He also plans to spend more time during the summer months, enjoying his hobbies of fishing, golfing and gardening. His hobbies and interests certainly influenced his career path.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology (FWB) from Iowa State University, Mark worked part time for Farm Service Co-op. He desired to work in FWB, so Mark then accepted a summer internship with the Central Platte Natural Resource District (NRD) in Grand Island, Nebraska. He met with farmers throughout the region, helping them develop and implement wildlife management plans. Mark was offered two, full-time NRD jobs at the summer’s end. However, the positions paid less than minimum wage. He was months away from getting married and needed a better job, so when his former boss at the co-op contacted him about a management trainee position, he gladly accepted.

“As God has been with me my whole life, He was also with me then,” says Mark. “The co-op manager that I had worked for earlier that year called me to say they were looking for somebody to start in the Farm Service Co-op system as a Management Trainee. The starting wage was almost twice what the NRD had offered me!”

That phone call led Mark to a 19-year career at Farm Service Co-op where he worked up through the ranks. One day he was reading his mail and saw in a newsletter that John Holmes was leaving Latham Seeds, and Mark said that was his chance at a “dream job.” Mark joined the Latham Team in October 1996.

“What I have enjoyed most about working at Latham Seeds is the opportunity to get into research and learn from Bill Latham. The family atmosphere has been one of the outstanding things about Latham Seeds,” says Mark. “I feel as though the Latham family – employees, dealers and customers – are part of my extended family. While I’m ready to retire, I’ll really miss the close association with the people I’ve come to know over the past 25+ years of being here.”

We certainly wish Mark all the best in his retirement! I know I speak on behalf of the entire Latham Team when I say we will miss Mark’s can-do, positive attitude and seeing his smiling face in our hallways. Fortunately, Mark and Jerri live near the Latham Seeds office. We certainly hope they’ll stop in from time to time, and continue to join us for annual events like our company’s annual Cy-Hawk Tailgate and Christmas potluck.

Tailgates and holidays wouldn’t be complete without loads of meat! Mark enjoys smoking a whole pork shoulder or loin. After he and Jerri enjoy the first meal, the leftovers are turned into casseroles, sandwiches or wraps. They recently discovered an Instant Pot recipe that they’re sharing with us today.

Shannon Latham

December 3, 2021

General, Pork, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Passion for Showing Cattle Spans Generations

Growing up on a farm in rural Cedar County in eastern Iowa, Kathy Wagner believed the lucky kids lived in town. They got to spend time at each other’s houses while Kathy felt stuck in the country.

“It wasn’t until I grew older that I realized I was the lucky one,” says Kathy. “If you have roots in farming, hang on for dear life! There’s nothing better than breathing in the fresh morning air, experiencing the birth of a new calf, smelling newly baled hay, or watching beautiful crops grow in the field. It’s priceless being able to farm the same fields as your parents or grandparents did.”

Kathy grew up on a farm about three miles from where she and her husband, Mike, have farmed together for more than 30 years. They raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa. She ran the field cultivator until they started practicing no-till. Kathy also used to haul corn and soybeans from the field to the grain bins until Mike convinced her to run the combine. Now Kathy operates the combine while Mike hauls the grain.

Kathy and Mike Wagner during the 2021 World Beef Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Kathy steps down from the combine to check on cows that are calving as most of their cows calve in the fall. They also have calves born between February and March. Kathy also does the bookwork and keeps the cattle records; she and Mike both do chores.

Unlike Kathy, Mike always knew he wanted to farm. He was active in both 4-H and FFA grew up raising cattle and hogs. He really enjoys watching crops and livestock grow. In addition, he and Kathy have operated a Latham® Seeds dealership since 2014.

“I really enjoy talking with other farmers and helping them find the right seed products,” says Mike. “We made the switch to Latham Seeds because we appreciate that Latham is family-owned. I’m a third-generation farmer, and Latham Seeds is a third-generation seed company. We share many of the same values.”

Farming and selling seed give Mike and Kathy the flexibility to attend family activities. Together, they have seven children and 18 grandkids, ranging in age from 29 to three years old.

It’s Show Time!
Summer is a busy time for the Wagners. And that’s just the way they like it! Kathy and her daughter, Audrey, show Belted Calloway cattle around the Midwest. Kathy gets to live out her dream of showing animals with her children and grandchildren.

When Kathy was five years old, her parents divorced. In the settlement, Kathy’s mother received part of the land and continued to raise sheep, beef cows, hogs and chickens. She rented out her farm ground.

“Much later in life I realized what an undertaking that was!” says Kathy. “My mom had chores and bookkeeping to do plus she raised five kids, so there wasn’t time for me to be involved in 4-H or FFA. I would have liked to have shown animals. Now I show cattle each year in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.”

Kathy Wagner and her daughter Audrey show Belted Galoway cattle around the Midwest. Here they are at the 2015 World Beef Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Their show cattle enterprise began as a 4-H project for Kathy’s daughter, Audrey.

“Audrey begged for a Beltie (Belted Galloway), so we finally got one. By the time she graduated high school, Audrey had six cows,” says Kathy. “I was left with the cattle chores after Audrey graduated. I decided that if I was going to do chores that I might as well have a cow of my own. I got one. Six years later, we had about 35 purebred registered Belted Galloways between our two herds. Today we calve out between 50 and 60 cows.”

Audrey and Kathy attend two or three shows each year in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Audrey does most of the showing although Mike and Audrey’s boyfriend, Josh, step in when needed. Kathy is on the sidelines holding halters and reminding everyone of birthdates and other stats. The Wagners also sell breeding stock. There’s a sense of pride that comes along with building a herd and raising quality stock. Their bulls have gone to Texas, Oklahoma and Minnesota.

“I love the cows. I like taming the calves and breaking them to lead on a halter,” says Kathy. “Most of our cows have been in the show ring, so they are very tame. I love that they each have different personalities. Belties tend to be smaller and more docile than other breeds, and I like that, too.”

Kathy Wagner’s granddaughter Tiffany showed a Belted Galloway at the 2016 Cedar County Fair.

Showing Belties is becoming a family tradition. Kathy’s granddaughter, Tiffany, shows Belties at the Cedar County Fair in 4-H.

“Children learn responsibility from working with and caring for animals by being in charge of their food, water, shelter, as well as some of the costs. It’s life lessons that aren’t as easily learned on the couch,” says Kathy.

“Farming is a great occupation but it’s not easy,” adds Kathy. “There are days when you spend long hours in a cab and there are days when all the animals need clean pens. You must do chores in 20-below wind chill, on days when the mud is up to your knees, and on days when it’s 95 degrees in the shade. There are days you will envy those 9-to-5’ers! But when you look around at your land, animals and crops, you feel a sense of pride and it’s all worth it.”

Despite her farming responsibilities, Kathy also makes time to be involved in her community. She has served as church organist since she was in fifth grade. She also accompanies the concert choir at the Tipton High School.

With so much time spent outside, Kathy looks for recipes that are simple but delicious. Today she is sharing with us a favorite recipe for Cabbage Salad.

Shannon Latham

November 5, 2021

Food & Family, Recipes, Salads
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Growing Family Carries Farm Traditions Forward
Shared family values and common interests are what brought Cole and Mandy Danner together. The two met at a social event hosted by the Block & Bridle Club when they were students at Iowa State University (ISU) where they learned of shared interests in raising and showing cattle. Both had been active members of both 4-H and FFA. Mandy showed club calves, and Cole started his herd as a 4-H Beef project. Cole also was active on the 4-H Livestock Judging Team. He competed in National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest at the National Western Stock Show and at National FFA Convention. He earned a college scholarship for livestock judging and a spot on the ISU Livestock Judging Team.

The Danner Family in September 2021.

Cole and Mandy have been building their cattle numbers since they got married in September 2012. They moved to an acreage outside of Laurens, Iowa, where they rented farmland and farmed alongside Mandy’s family.

“Cole and I farmed row crops for seven years and enjoyed it thoroughly. We learned a lot in those years and cherish all the memories. But how does the old saying go? The only thing that stays the same is that everything changes!” says Mandy. The couple has experienced many life changes in recent years.

“We were blessed with our first child, our son Bentley, in January of 2017. He is a farm boy through and through! He will jump at any opportunity to go farming. He loves the farm life so much we converted our entire basement into his little play farm setup complete with every piece of equipment you can imagine: barns, cattle, fence, silos, and grain bins,” says Mandy. “In May of 2021, we were blessed with our second child, our daughter Myla. We can already tell that she loves the farm life by the way she looks at the cattle, and the smile on her face when she goes outside.”

Bentley is a farm boy through and through.

Bentley and Myla love checking on cattle and being outside on the farm.

Another change for the family occurred in January 2019 when Cole took a sales job with C&B Operations, a John Deere dealer in Storm Lake, Iowa. He has since moved into a store manager position. Cole and Mandy continue to help their family farm during spring planting and fall harvest. They also continue to operate a Latham® seed dealership.

“I joined Latham Seeds in 2012 because it’s an independent, family-owned company,” says Cole. “There’s a great support team in place, and I really enjoy working with people who have the same values.”

“Farming runs in both of our families, and we feel blessed to farm as a family,” says Mandy. “It’s priceless to work side by side with the ones you love. Cole and I both believe in the future of agriculture and look forward to carrying on our farming traditions.”

Today the Danners are helping promote beef by sharing one of their favorite recipes for Ground Beef Stew, as well as another recipe for Caramel Pecan Bars. It sounds like a winning combination for a chilly, fall evening.

Caramel Butter Pecan Bars
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup cold butter
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans
- 1 jar (12 oz.) caramel ice cream topping, warmed
- 1 pkg. (11 1/2 oz.) milk chocolate chips
Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press into ungreased 9×13 pan. Top with pecans. Drizzle caramel evenly over pecans. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min. or until caramel is bubbly. Place on a wire rack and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand for 5 minutes. Then carefully spread chocolate chips over caramel layer. Cool at room temperature for at least 6 hours, or until chocolate is set. Cut into bars. Yields 4 dozen.
Shannon Latham

October 28, 2021

Beef, Dairy, Desserts, Food & Family, Recipes, Soups