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Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

What’s on the mind of Iowa consumers?
Recent survey shows grocery shoppers adapt to COVID-19, remain trusting in agriculture

Guest blog by Kelly Visser, Iowa Soybean Association agricultural awareness manager

Earlier this winter, an Iowa Soybean Association survey of 350 soybean farmers found that “improving consumer trust in modern agriculture” ranks highly among issues impacting farm profitability.

Perhaps that is because just 4% of Iowans are directly involved in farming. Thus, very few have a firsthand understanding of how today’s food system operates with their best interest in mind.

To understand Iowa consumer concerns and perceptions across the farm to fork chain, the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP) conducts an annual Consumer Pulse Survey.

Now in its ninth year, the survey gauges Iowans’ grocery shopping habits, food label influence and attitudes toward agriculture. Year-over-year findings not only give a pulse on consumer perceptions, but also help shape Iowa FFP consumer-focused programming and content development.

The late-2020 survey of Iowa grocery shoppers had 1,539 responses and 1,103 were engaged with the Iowa FFP as monthly Fresh Pickings eNewsletter subscribers. Respondents’ age groups, income levels, education levels and geographic regions closely follow the state’s population.

Flynn Wright, an advertising agency in Des Moines, conducted the survey analysis from data collected.

Key Consumer Pulse Survey Insights

COVID-19 Impacts
- More than half of Iowa FFP subscribers and 38% of the general population indicate they were surprised by the impact COVID-19 had on the food supply chain.
- Most shoppers cite they felt an impact on the way COVID-19 affected how they purchase, consumer and prepare their food. Only 15% reported their behavior was unchanged.
Food Purchase & Preparation
- 82% of shoppers report purchasing their groceries in store, down from 97% in 2019.
- 53% of Iowa FFP subscribers and 33% of the general population are preparing meals from scratch at home at least five nights a week.
- 62% of shoppers haven’t ever purchased meat alternative products, 25% have purchased from a grocery store and 13% from a restaurant.
- Half of those who have purchased meat-alternative products report perceived health benefits as a motivator.
Grocery Decision-Making Criteria
- Food quality, price and nutritional value carry the strongest level of importance for grocery decision-making.
- Dietary restrictions and fit within a diet are the least important criteria.
- When it comes to label influence in purchase decisions, 69% of shoppers site the nutrition facts panel as “influential” and 65% rank the ingredients list as “influential.”
Words That Matter
- Shoppers like to see words and phrases like “no high fructose corn syrup,” “all-natural,” and “farm-raised” on food labels.
- 50% of respondents reported that “organic” and “all-natural” phrases on food labels felt misleading.
Views of Iowa Agriculture
- 87% of shoppers are satisfied with Iowa agriculture.
- Iowa FFP subscribers were significantly more likely than non-subscribers to be “very satisfied” with Iowa agriculture, 46% versus 39%, respectively.
- Three-quarters of food-minded consumers give farmers an excellent or good rating for producing safe foods, contributing to the local economy and raising healthy animals with care.
- “Excellent” and “good” ratings for farmer performance in protecting our air, soil and water has jumped from 50% to 70% over the past four years.
Views of Iowa FFP
- More than half of shoppers reported being familiar with Iowa FFP, a 18% increase from 2016.
- Thirteen percent reported being “very familiar” in 2020, a 11% increase from 2016.
- When asked about the trustworthiness of Iowa FFP as a source of information, 84% of those familiar with the initiative rated it as “very” or “somewhat” trustworthy.
About the Iowa Food & Family Project

The Iowa Food & Family Project is powered by nearly 35 partners, including Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, with a goal to help Iowans become more confident about how and where their food is grown. For more information and resources for connecting with consumers, visit iowafoodandfamily.com.
Shannon Latham

February 19, 2021

Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham RSM Justin Prokosch Loves the Life He’s Living

He knew he had found “the one” when he was in high school.

Justin Prokosch grew up on a family farm south of Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He helps his dad, Steve, and Steve’s brother, Jim, on the family’s farm, which became a Century Farm in 2005. Steve and Jim went to school for diesel mechanics and operate a machine shop on the farm where they fix other people’s equipment. In addition, Justin’s grandpa in 1972 started a DeKalb® dealership.

“My dad took over the seed dealership, so I grew up around the seed business. I was very involved in high school. I helped sort seed and deliver it to customers. I understood billing and what went into running a seed business. That hands-on experience is what really got interested me in the seed business. I’ve always had a passion for placing seed in the right spot.”

With his background and passion, today Justin is a valued member of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ sales team in the north. He serves as Regional Sales Manager (RSM), which includes the Southern half of Minnesota. His responsibilities include building and coaching Latham Seeds’ dealer network.

“Having a large region is challenging because each area of the state is completely different,” says Justin. “One product can work really well in one area but not in the other area, so it all comes back to product placement. It’s important to understand product characteristics.”

Justin is assisted by Latham District Sales Manager (DSM) Daniel Miller of Mapleton. Northern Minnesota, including the Red River Valley, is served by RSM Ken Highness and DSM Andrew Carruth.

First Love

“I really became passionate about agriculture when I was in high school,” adds Justin. “By the time I was a junior, I knew I had that passion for agriculture and that’s what led me to pursue a career in ag.”

After graduating from high school in Wabasso, Justin attended Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) in Marshall for Ag Business with a minor in Agronomy. Since Marshall is only 35 miles from the Prokosch home farm, Justin was able to help on the farm while attending college. He planned his class schedule around farm work. When he was a sophomore in college, he purchased the farm place across from his parents’ place and began commuting every day to Marshall.

His heart was in two places.

While he was in high school, Justin met his soul mate while attending a religious retreat. Katie grew up in Marshall, so the young couple spent a lot of time together during Justin’s freshman year of college. The following year Katie attended the College of St. Benedict by St. Cloud where she was a collegiate swimmer. She graduated with a degree in Theology and then pursued a master’s degree in Theology from Boston College. Katie’s program was unique in that she had to spend six weeks of the summer, for three summers, in Boston.

In addition to working on her master’s degree, Katie and Justin were planning a wedding. The couple got married in March 2014.

“When Katy and I got married, we talked about how I am the last Prokosch to carry on the family name. Leo, our oldest son, is named after my grandpa,” explains Justin. “After the twins were born, Katie asked if four boys were enough to carry on the Prokosch name.”

Family First

Justin joined the Latham Team in June 2018. Prior to that, he worked as a seed DSM for three years with another company. He also worked at a local co-op and helped run its precision ag program for almost three years after he first graduated from college.

“What really attracted me to Latham Seeds is that it’s a family-owned company. When they say family comes first, the owners really mean it. Katie was pregnant with twins when the company I was working for went through a merge and was reducing the sales force by 30 percent. It was a time of great uncertainty. It was also during this time that I had an interview with Amy (Rohe) and John (Latham). I was impressed that the president of the company – a company owner – cared enough about who was working for him that he sat down with me in the interview. I was coming from Corporate America into a family business, and I thought that was awesome.”

On the Saturday before Justin was supposed to start his new position with Latham Seeds, Katie went into premature labor with their twins.

“I sent a message to people at Latham Seeds, explaining why I couldn’t start on Monday. Everyone’s first response, ‘You need to take care of your family. Don’t worry about us. We will work with you to make sure everything works out just fine.’ That just spoke volumes of how the Management Team and owners care. I’ve really come to understand the value of family ownership. Latham focuses on what matters most.”

Justin also appreciates that he can share his love of agriculture with his children, just as his father did with him.

“I love getting our oldest boys in the field and sharing experiences with them. They’re four and five years old now, but they have wanted to be a farmer since they were two. They’re ‘farming’ even when they’re indoors. For as young as they are, they comprehend quite a bit about why we do certain things. I think it’s awesome to see. Through and through, all four of our kids are farm kids.”

Justin and Katie will soon be parents to five kids under the age of six: Leo will turn six in April 2021; Mathias is four years old; and twins Isidore (Izzy) and Augustine (Auggie) are two years old. Their fifth child is due in March.

More changes are on the horizon. Katie has been working as the Director of Religious Education for two local parishes. Once their fifth child is born, she will stay home full time.

“I’m really excited about the future. There are just so many good things happening in all aspects of my life,” says Justin. “Business has grown to the point where Latham Seeds was able to hire a DSM for southern Minnesota. Dan really understands the type of people we want to do business with. He has strong agronomic background and shares my philosophy about the importance of placing seed, rather than just selling it. Dan also appreciates being back in a family business, and he is ambitious. I’m really excited about working with him.”

After Hours

Katie and Justin enjoy hiking in state parks year-round with their children.

When Justin isn’t meeting with farmers or walking fields, you’re still apt to find him outdoors. He and Katie enjoy hiking state parks across Minnesota. Katie grew up camping, so they drive to campgrounds on weekends in the summer to meet her parents. Justin enjoys hunting with his family.

“I love pheasant hunting because it’s something my mom’s side of the family enjoys doing together,” he says. “My mom is the oldest of eight kids, and they’re very close. She grew up on a dairy farm in West Central Minnesota. After my Grandpa passed away in 2004, the dairy barn was turned into hunting lodge and the farm was turned into a game farm. The opening of Minnesota’s pheasant season is a huge family get together. Although it’s in the middle of harvest, I love getting together with everyone.”

This time of year, Justin enjoys ice fishing. He has taken his oldest two boys ice fishing this year, and they enjoyed the experience.

When the Midwest temperatures are cold enough to freeze the ice, it’s nice to sit down at the table with family and enjoy comfort foods. Today Justin and his family are sharing with us a recipe for sauerkraut soup.

Shannon Latham

February 12, 2021

Recipes, Soups
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Heart-Healthy Foods to Love
Get enough sleep. Practice self-care. Enjoy heart-healthy foods.

A few simple steps can go a long way toward improving your heart health and total body wellness in 2021, says Anne Hytrek, MSEd, RD, LD, CDCES. Hytrek is a dietitian and diabetes educator for Hy-Vee, and an Advisory Committee member for the Iowa Food & Family Project.

“When we are tired, we tend to reach for less healthy snacks and beverages to give us a boost like energy drinks or sugary convenient foods. We also may lack the energy to exercise or cook a healthy meal,” says Hytrek. “Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel rested and ready to take on the day. Consuming tart cherry juice is beneficial in improving the sleep duration and quality in healthy adults. It may also help manage disturbed sleeping in some people.”

Poor sleep can drive insulin resistance, which Hytrek says is one of the strongest risk factors for weight gain and obesity. It disrupts your appetite hormones, reduces your physical and mental performance, as well as plays a role in your body’s immune response.

Physical fitness is obviously important, but it also is important to practice self-care. Self-care means taking care of your mind, body, and spirit so you can be healthy. Self-care looks different for everyone, but some examples include: journaling, breathing exercises, and fun movement like a walk in nature, dancing, riding a bike or enjoying a bubble bath with a bath bomb!

“Working hard and juggling all the things is great, but you can’t maintain your active lifestyle without a little ‘you’ time to recharge,” says Hytrek. “Self-care also means connecting to others. Human beings need social connections, so happiness is the heart of any effective self-care.”

Another important part of a healthy lifestyle is eating well. Hytrek says confusing messages have been shared in recent years about saturated fats and heart disease. Saturated fat is not “good” for you when eaten in excess. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure or are at high risk for heart disease, you may want to take note of these two key points from the research: (1) You may reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke by replacing saturated fats (butter, cheese, coconut oil, palm oil) with unsaturated fats (nuts, seeds, fatty fish like tuna and salmon, olive oil, avocados) in your diet. (2) You will likely increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke by replacing the saturated fats in your diet with low-fiber, fast-digesting carbohydrates (examples: fruit juice, pop, candy, pasta, rice, energy bars).

Moderation is really the key. Hytrek recommends eating these three foods to show your heart some love:
1. Low-carb Vegetables – serving size is ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw or 2 cups raw leafy greens. Examples: green beans, broccoli, spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, Brussels sprouts. These veggies are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber and are low-calorie in comparison to other food groups.
2. Walnuts – serving size is 1 ounce or approximately 7 walnuts. Walnuts are primarily a healthy fat source with some carbohydrate and a little bit of protein. They are high in vitamin B6, folate, thiamin – playing a role in cellular energy and a healthy nervous system.
3. Salmon/Tuna – salmon and tuna are both fatty fish and are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fat. Studies have found when participants replaced just 1% of their saturated fat intake with the same amount of calories coming from polyunsaturated fats, their risk of heart attack or stroke decreased by an average of 7%. The American Heart Association considers 3.5 ounces of cooked fish or ¾ cup to be a single serving. For adults, two servings per week are recommended to help lower risk for heart disease.
In celebration of February Heart Month, Ann Hytrek is sharing a recipe for a warm salad that contains all three of these foods and is rated 5 stars! This simple one-pan meal is rich with heart-healthy ingredients.

RELATED POSTS:
1. Clifton PM, Keogh JB. A systematic review of the effect of dietary saturated and polyunsaturated fat on heart disease. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2017 Dec;27(12):1060-1080. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2017.10.010. Epub 2017 Oct 18. PMID: 29174025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29174025/
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
Shannon Latham

February 5, 2021

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

Andrew Carruth Named DSM in Northern Minnesota

“We’ve been interested in growing our sales team in Minnesota for quite some time, so it’s super exciting to see this plan come together with the recent addition of Dan Miller in Mapleton and Andrew Carruth in Danvers,” says Amy Rohe, Latham Seeds sales manager. “Both Dan and Andrew have strong agronomic backgrounds, which really fits our organization because we want to be more than seed sellers. Our approach is to study a given field to determine which of our products best fits the soil, disease and weed challenges, as well as a farmer’s management style and lifestyle.”

Andrew understands firsthand how important it is for a seed seller to understand a farmer’s crop management system and lifestyle. When he was in high school, Andrew helped milk 130 head of Holstein cows at 5 A.M. and 5 P.M. daily. He also helped his dad and uncles farm corn and soybeans. He credits his upbringing for helping him develop good listening and teamworking skills. It also gives Andrew an understanding of the important role seed selection plays in a product’s end use.

“I’ve always spent as much time as I could helping my dad with field work and cattle,” says Andrew, who was active in both 4-H and FFA. He was on a two-person team that advanced to National FFA Convention for the Science Fair. “I’ve always wanted to farm, so I feel fortunate to have a job that allows me to do what I love.”

Andrew enjoys spending time outdoors, walking fields with customers and working on projects. He spends as much time as he can helping his brother, Adam, and their father, Joe, farm. Andrew also enjoys spending time with his two nephews and one niece. Adam and his wife, Kelly, live nearby with their son and daughter. Andrew’s sister, Emily, lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, Robb, and their son, Leo. Andrew’s mom, Jolene, provides daycare for Peyton and Maddie. Peyton especially loves riding in the buddy seat with Uncle Andrew.

It took a few years for Andrew to make his way back home, but that journey helps him appreciate the everyday moments even more.

Because Andrew’s siblings had attended South Dakota State University (SDSU), Andrew was familiar with the campus and really enjoyed taking trips to Brookings. He graduated from SDSU in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy with a minor in Soil Science. Andrew worked after college for three years as a sales agronomist for Glacial Plains Cooperative in Clontarf, Minnesota. He gained experience in everything from dispatching sprayers to writing farm plans for seed, fertilizer and chemistry. He also became a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).

Andrew jumped at the opportunity in 2019 to focus on only selling seed plus he it provided him with the opportunity to work from home in Danvers. His move to Latham Seeds seemed like the next logical move. As a district sales manager (DSM), Andrew will be calling primarily on Latham® seed dealers and recruiting more farmers to become seed dealers.

“Anyone can show up on the farm and hand out a price sheet, so I like to add value,” says Andrew, who enjoys walking fields and sharing agronomic information. “I’m looking forward to helping Latham dealers build their business however they want. I know more farmers in this area will appreciate working with an independent, family-owned seed business. Their focus on family is one thing that drew me to Latham Seeds. Everyone in the office is so welcoming. I know the people I do business with feel comfortable doing business with Latham, too.”

When Andrew isn’t working, he enjoys spending time at the lake. He also enjoys deer hunting and ice fishing. He recently took his girlfriend, Brittany, ice fishing for the first time and she enjoyed it. Brittany teaches pre-school. She and Andrew enjoying spending time with his nieces and nephew, as well as working on projects together.

Andrew also appreciates a homecooked meal. Today he is sharing with us a recipe for Meatballs with Stroganoff Sauce because it’s one of favorite food that his mom makes when the family gathers. It sounds like the perfect comfort food to enjoy during a Midwest winter.

Shannon Latham

January 29, 2021

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

Get Your Greek on at the Northwestern Steakhouse

By Darcy Maulsby

One of the things that makes Midwestern culture and food so special is the way people maintain their culinary traditions. When in the North Iowa community of Mason City, do as the Greeks do, especially if you’re headed to the famous Northwestern Steakhouse. This casual, “come as you are” restaurant has been described as a steakhouse that hasn’t fully moved into the twenty-first century, and that’s just the way people like it.

“We have customers whose families have come here for five generations, and we get visitors from all over the world,” said Ann Papouchis, who has run the Northwestern Steakhouse with her husband, Bill, for more than 30 years.

The Northwestern Steakhouse features aged, USDA top choice Iowa beef cooked in extra virgin olive oil, butter and a special blend of Greek seasonings that make every bite of steak melt in your mouth, especially the 9-ounce fillet. Many of the steaks are still cut by hand.

The Northwestern Steakhouse has been serving up a unique, savory taste of Iowa since 1920. If you’re looking for a slick, urban steakhouse with inflated prices, this isn’t it. Located on the north edge of Mason City at 304 NW 16^th St. NW near middle-class neighborhoods, baseball fields and cement plants, this unassuming, locally-owned and operated restaurant has been serving working men and their families for generations.

“This area was a melting pot a century ago,” Ann said. “There was a cement plant in this area, along with a sugar-beet processing plant, and our family’s restaurant started as a little café that fed migrant workers from the cement plants.”

Remembering the days of 25-cent T-bone steaks

In the early 1900s, Mason City had become a significant manufacturing and retail area in Iowa. The city’s lime, brick and tile businesses developed rapidly with the opening of The Northwestern State Portland Cement Plant in 1906, followed by the Lehigh Portland Cement Company in 1910. As these industries flourished, Mason City’s population steadily increased. By 1912, Mason City was producing more brick, tile and Portland cement than any city in the world, according Visit Mason City Iowa, the local convention and visitors’ bureau.

Many immigrants from southern and eastern Europe came to Mason City to find work. Lehigh Row was housing set up for the immigrant workers on the grounds of the cement company and White City was the Northwestern plant’s row houses for the workers.

While the forerunner of the Northwestern Steakhouse opened in 1920, owners Pete Maduras and Tony Papouchis moved the business (known as Pete’s Place in those days) in 1932 to a little building on North Federal Avenue in Mason City. T-bone steaks cost a whopping 25 cents, and liquor was bootlegged out of the basement. In 1954 the pair moved Pete’s Place to its present location on 16th Street NW. Pete and Tony continued their partnership, with Pete being waiter/businessman and Tony was the cook/gardener. They had a large garden with more than 200 tomato plants, 50 green pepper plants and many other vegetables.

By 1965, Pete wanted to retire and sold the business to Tony. It was at that time the name changed to the Northwestern Steakhouse. Tony continued to plant his garden every year, harvesting fresh vegetables each summer to use in the restaurant. All of his customers looked forward to Tony’s fresh “salatas,” along with his special Greek menu on Sundays.

Tony was still cooking at his beloved Northwestern Steakhouse at age 96. In an interview with the local newspaper, he said he continued to work because he liked it. “Better to be working,” said Tony, who worked 365 days a year and passed away at age 98.

Cheers to 101 years

Today, the Northwestern Steakhouse is operated by Tony’s son, Bill, and Bill’s wife, Ann, who keep a portrait of Tony hanging on the wall behind the cash register.

The straightforward menu showcases the finest beef in Iowa, all prepared in olive oil and doused with an incredible blend of Greek seasonings and top-secret ingredients. As the menu notes, “Not responsible for steaks ordered medium well or well done. Please order accordingly.”

Meals are served with an array of options, including spaghetti topped with olive oil, Greek seasonings and parmesan cheese, along with Greek salads.

The restaurant is still known for its friendly atmosphere and unforgettable food. Perhaps no one knows this better than the Northwestern Steakhouse’s long-time customers like Neil Pogeler from Florida, whose story was recorded on the restaurant’s website.

“I remember my dad bragging about this place to everyone he met for years after he left Mason City. Now that he’s gone, it’s my turn to brag about it,” said the Mason City native, who has been a customer of the Northwestern Steakhouse for more than 50 years. “I can even tell you the taste is exactly the same as it was back then. (You never forget a certain taste or smell.) Kudos to you, and may your restaurant live on forever!”

But then came the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, which created big challenges for all restaurants, including the Northwestern Steakhouse.

“We thought we would be celebrating our 100-year anniversary in a different way at the beginning of this year, but it sure has been an anniversary to remember,” noted a post on the Northwestern Steakhouse’s Facebook page on December 31, 2020. “It hasn’t always been easy this year. For the first time in decades, we had to close entirely for a brief time. Then we had to learn a brand-new way of serving you with curbside pickup.

There have been some really great moments, too — being awarded the Key to the City by our Mason City mayor, being named one of Iowa’s 7 best steakhouses by Big 7 Travel, and of course being able to say we made it through 100 years!

As we reflect on 2020, what we think of the most is your continuous support through it all. Your support and love reminded us why we do what we do. We are extremely grateful to the community we’ve called home for 100 years. Cheers to 101 years!”

Darcy Maulsby is a 5th generation farmer, author and Iowa’s Storyteller. Portions of this blog were excepted from her book “A Culinary History of Iowa.” For more information on all of Darcy’s books and writing services, visit www.darcymaulsby.com.

Shannon Latham

January 22, 2021

Beef, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Use Cookie Cutters for Dough, Not Crops

Anyone involved in agriculture knows that no two years are exactly alike. No farm is the same, and each farmer has his or her preferred way of doing things. That’s why Eric Croghan (rhymes with “prawn”) doesn’t believe in taking a cookie-cutter approach to crop planning.

“What I enjoy the most about serving as a regional sales manager (RSM) for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is working with others as part of a team where everyone buys into the task at hand,” says Croghan, who played three sports in high school. “I love meeting people and learning how and why they do things. When I help farmers, it’s rewarding.”

After majoring in Ag Business and minoring in Agronomy, Croghan graduated in 3.5 years from Iowa State University. He says he was eager to hit the ground running. He differentiated himself as a young salesman by earning his CCA (certified crop advisor) certification. Then he accepted a position as a sales agronomist for a local co-op. He says the seven years he spent selling seed, chemical and fertilizer was extremely valuable as it gave him well-rounded knowledge that he uses today to help farmers.

“Latham Seeds is about helping farmers. The company began in 1947 when Willard Latham found a way to help neighboring farmers save their oats crop from smut. Then he began selling certified oats seed,” says Eric. “Willard and his wife, Evelyn, ran the seed business out of their house and treated every customer like family. Evelyn was known for her hospitality, and her legacy lives on today. The fact that Latham is family-owned company is a big plus. When you plant Latham® seed, you know a family is putting its reputation on the line as is the person who recommended the product to you. It’s a responsibility we take seriously.”

Eric learned the value of hard work by growing up on his family’s farm outside Manilla. The youngest of four, he and his older two sisters and brother helped their parents raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and run a cow-calf herd. In addition to playing sports, Eric worked part time at the local hardware store.

His free time is still spent working on the family farm. He also has his own cow-calf herd. He raises Black Angus/Simmental cross cattle. He started in 2017 with a few bred heifers from his father’s herd. Each year Eric focuses on raising better cattle instead of just getting bigger. This way he can grow the herd without stretching his resources too thin.

“I love raising and caring for livestock because it brings up a different set of challenges and offers a lot of great rewards,” says Eric. “I am pretty excited to pass down some of the same childhood experiences that I had to my kids.”

Eric and his wife, Amber, are the proud parents of a two-year-old daughter named Jade. They’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child this spring. Amber is a registered nurse health coach at the Manning Regional Health Care Center. Amber is part of every farm decision like when to sell calves. She also raised a large garden and 200 broilers for family and friends.

When Eric and Amber aren’t working, they enjoy spending time with family. This winter they have been enjoying sledding with their daughter on their acreage. Amber and Eric feel blessed to have purchased an acreage on the Ehlers family’s Iowa Century Farm from Amber’s aunt and uncle.

“This farm has been in the family for more than 100 years, and now we’re responsible for caring for it. It really makes you aware of the legacy left behind, as well as the one you’re leaving,” says Eric. “We found an old seed dealership sign from when Amber’s Grandpa Ray was a seed dealer for another company. I hung it next to my Latham sign. It hit home… Different farmers with different farming practices on the same ground with the same goal of leaving their own legacy.”

Farmers feel a great deal of responsibility to steward the land. They also take pride in the products they raise. To help promote beef, today the Croghan family is sharing with us one of their favorite recipes for Porcupine Meat Balls.

Shannon Latham

January 15, 2021

Beef, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

A Picnic Epiphany
Guest post by Anita McVey of Picnic Life Foodie

Tis the season for bundling up in coats and hats to go outside and build a snowman, sled down the hill or have a snowball fight. Suggesting a winter picnic might cause even the most amiable of midwesterners to question your sanity. Make that same suggestion to kids and watch their eyes light up! Everyone will be happy to learn a winter picnic can be warm and cozy, right inside your home.

Calling this idea an “epiphany” may be a bit of an exaggeration. If, however, the rejuvenation and relaxation typically associated with an outdoor picnic can be achieved indoors when the weather is frightful, it’s not just an epiphany … it’s a miracle!

Set the Stage

The only prop needed to create an indoor picnic is a blanket. Choose one that is easy to wash (especially if kids are involved) so the inevitable spills cause minimal concern. An old quilt urges people to sit and relax. Seldom used seasonal tablecloths make family feel like the special guests they are.

Place the blanket, quilt or tablecloth near a fireplace or in an unusual room of the house. Turn off the overhead lights and add candles (monitored closely, of course) or a string of lights on or near the blanket.

Choose a Menu

As with any picnic, choose simple foods that are easy to transport and eat. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Sliders (like these Ham and Cheese Sandwiches): can be made ahead, kept warm and require no utensils to eat;
2. Wraps: easy to customize, packaged individually and secure the meat, cheese and veggies in one tortilla;
3. Skewers/Kabobs: meatballs (like these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs), lunch meat, cheese, fruit and even desserts are more fun on a stick!;
4. Pizza: fresh from the oven or delivered to your door.
Pack a Basket or Tray

Just as the sight of a blanket on the floor will draw attention, the approach of a picnic basket or tray is sure to pique curiosity. Pack extra napkins (or a roll of paper towels), any required plates/utensils, drinks (individual servings can be poured into Mason jars with lids for easy transport) and a trash bag for easy clean up.

Encourage Conversation

Think of a few questions to encourage conversation and extend the occasion. If the picnic happens around Christmas, ask everyone about their favorite moments or the best things they ate. Ask about goals for the New Year. Find a list of trivia questions or conversation starters online and choose a few that relate to your family/guests. Ask each person to share memories of a favorite picnic or ideas for a future one.

Be Creative

During those cooped up winter days when time outside is limited, engage the imagination and create a summer oasis. Turn up the furnace a little, spread out beach blankets or towels, and tell everyone to put on swimsuits (or shorts and t-shirts). Pick up some fried chicken from the grocery store or a restaurant, add some potato salad and drink lemonade! Start dreaming about an ideal summer vacation (in detail) and finish with some ice cream or a S’more snack mix (honey graham cereal, marshmallows, chocolate chips).

Who doesn’t love to hang out in their pajamas? A breakfast picnic would be a great way to start a day. Some excellent options for food would include: muffins and fruit, breakfast burritos, egg casseroles, and yogurt parfaits. Ask each other questions about dreams (literal and figurative), look up information on constellations, or watch some old cartoons.

Please do not assume a winter picnic is for children. Couples can have a quiet meal together with some adult beverages and charcuterie, fondue or a favorite pizza.

Warm and Cozy Winter Picnic

The picnic in these photos features the comfort food of winter: tomato soup. Poured into individual containers, the soup can be eaten with a spoon or sipped right out of the cup. Breadsticks, cheese rounds and clementines are all easy finger foods, requiring no additional utensils. Some cranberry sparkling water with a few fresh cranberries makes a festive drink. For dessert, leftover frosted sugar cookies were crumbled and layered into plastic cups with pudding, raspberry jam and fresh raspberries. A trifle like this can be made with any leftover cake, brownie, cookie or bar. Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt can be used instead of pudding and some fruit will add texture and freshness.

A New Tradition

This could be the start of a new tradition. Once a year, on January 6th, have a winter picnic … an Epiphany picnic. Celebrate the close of the Christmas season. Pack up some good bread, grapes, olives, cheese and wine (or sparkling grape juice). Read about the arrival of the Wise Men in Matthew 2:1-12. Talk about the significance of gift giving. Say a prayer asking for guidance and protection in the New Year.
Shannon Latham

January 6, 2021

Appetizers, Poultry, Recipes, Season, Winter
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Celebrates 55 Years

As a young child, I always looked forward to the annual showing of animated classics like “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Charles M. Schulz. My mom would read “TV Guide” and note when each special would air since “movies on demand” didn’t exist at the time. No wonder these specials were so special!

The Peanuts gang made its debut 55 years ago on Dec. 9, 1965. Schulz had to work hard to convince network executives at CBS, the special’s original network, that they should use actual children to voice the young characters. He believed the audience would respond to the special’s message about the true meaning of Christmas, and although they were concerned, CBS executives finally agreed and aired it as the creator wanted it.

The response to that network debut was even better than anticipated, and through the years, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has received both Emmy and a Peabody Awards. To commemorate its 50^th anniversary in 2020, the network aired the movie only for one night. Click here to learn How to Watch and Stream ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ This Holiday Season with your family yet this season.

I love “A Charlie Brown Christmas” so much that I even purchased a Charlie Brown Christmas tree for my son to use as a night light when he was a child. Although she is now a young adult, my daughter still looks forward to decorating her own tree for the holiday season and sleeping as it glows throughout the night. I got the idea for the Christmas tree night lights by reading the “ADVENTure of CHRISTmas” by Lisa Welchel. (Some of you may remember her as Blair on “The Facts of Life.” Oh, how I loved watching that sit com when I was growing up!) This book is filled with many great ideas on how to celebrate true meaning throughout the season.

In honor of the Peanuts Gang’s 55th anniversary, and in celebration of National Brownie Day on December 8, I’m sharing a recipe for Charlie’s Brownie Cupcakes that I got years ago from a lady in my church circle. How fun are personal-sized brownies?

Winter break sounds like the perfect time to bake a batch or two of brownies. Just think of them topped with a small scoop of Blue Bunny® Peppermint Stick Ice Cream and homemade hot fudge sauce…

Cue the “Linus and Lucy” theme song and dance around the kitchen as you bake this season!

Shannon Latham

December 28, 2020

Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Dan Miller Joins Latham Seeds as DSM in Minnesota

Ask children under the age of 10 what they want to be when they grow up and they will likely give you one of these answers: professional athlete, doctor, veterinarian, firefighter, police officer or teacher. It’s no surprise a kid’s answer is heavily influenced by the adults in his or her life.

Dan Miller of Mapleton, Minnesota, says he has wanted to be a seed seller from the time he was old enough to accompany his father, Ron, to plot days and on sales calls. In addition to operating a seed dealership, Ron has raised corn, soybeans and hogs since 1979. He and his wife, Cheryl, also have raised four children. Their oldest son, Lance, is a production agronomist. Their daughter, Amy, is a financial planner. Their son Alan farms with Ron and raises hogs. Alan also recently became a Latham® Seeds dealer. Dan, the youngest, also is following in his father’s footsteps.

“I’ve always wanted to work in agriculture, and seed is the area I enjoy most,” says Dan, who enjoys helping on the family farm. He graduated with a degree in Ag Business from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. His first job after college was working for a cooperative in southeast Minnesota for five years. During that time, he earned his Certified Crop Advisor. Following that he worked another three years for a cooperative in South Central Minnesota. He also interned for a crop consultant for two years.

While living in southeast Minnesota, Dan met his wife, Clarissa, in Rochester where she was working as a registered nurse in the medical cardiac progressive care unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. They realized they had much in common. She also has three siblings and they both grew up with farming families in rural communities in Mapleton, Minnesota, and Odebolt, Iowa. Their parents were both married within a few weeks of one another, so they celebrated their families when he and Clarissa were married on November 30, 2019. Now Clarissa is a cardiac device nurse at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Both Dan’s and Clarissa’s families enjoy spending time at the lake. In fact, Dan proposed to Clarissa while cruising on a pontoon. When Dan was growing up, his family vacationed for a week every summer at the lake. They still enjoy fishing up north. In addition, Dan and Clarissa have started a tradition of spending a week at Lake Okoboji in Northwest Iowa with her family.

Dan and Clarissa enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, whether its golfing or walking their dog. The couple welcomed a German Shorthair Pointer in January 2020. Dan is training her to hunt pheasants.

As another new year approaches, Dan has welcomed another change. He joined the Latham Team on December 1, 2020, as a District Sales Manager. He serves the Minnesota counties of Blue Earth, Nicollet, Le Sueur, Waseca, Watonwan, Martin, Faribault and Freeborn.

“What drew me to Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is its family atmosphere. Some of my customers have had planted Latham® products, and I’ve seen the great performance. I see opportunities here for Latham, and it excites me to be a part of it. I look forward to just focusing on selling one brand of seed. I enjoy using technology to place hybrids. That’s how I differentiated myself from the competition in the retail setting, and I’m looking forward to putting my background and experience to work for Latham.”

With a focus on family, Dan is looking forward to enjoying holiday traditions. One of his family’s traditions is to enjoy soup and snacks on Christmas Eve. Today he is sharing a recipe for Chicken Wild Rice Soup.

Shannon Latham

December 18, 2020

General, Poultry, Recipes, Soups
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Education and the Environment are Renner’s Passion Projects

The early morning glow on a beautiful fall day.

As a new year begins, so does a new session of the Iowa Legislature. It’s important for those who understand farming practices and how proposed bills would impact their lives and the health of states like Iowa where agriculture is the backbone of our economy.

Helping people understand how critically important farmers and farming are to their daily lives is one reason Brent Renner followed his dad’s example by becoming involved in farming organizations.

“My father was very involved in Farm Bureau when I was growing up,” says Renner, a fourth-generation Iowa farmer from Klemme. “I could see Dad benefited from his involvement while making sure our government and elected officials heard a unified voice from farmers about the things that matter to us most. We have several great commodity organizations that do a great service to our farming community, and I believe it’s important to stay involved in them.”

“This was spring of 2019 with my first experience strip tilling in tall standing ryegrass. It was nerve-racking but it turned out very well,” Renner says.

Renner’s roots run deep in agriculture. His great grandfather and grandfather moved to North Iowa from southern Nebraska during the Dust Bowl era. They railed their cattle to south of Clear Lake in search of crops to feed their stock. After working as hired men for other established farmers in the area, they were able to sustain their own operations.

Like many farmers who experienced the Dust Bowl, the Renner family developed a great appreciation for how important soil is to sustaining farms and livelihoods. They have implemented strip till and no till into their operation. They also have implemented filter strips, waterways and wetlands where they can have the greatest environmental impact.

“As stewards of the land, it is our responsibility to leave our environment better than we found it,” says Renner. “I believe we are on the cusp of learning so many new things about soil health and how it relates to farming practices and water quality. It’s an exciting time to be in agriculture.”

Renners have implemented buffer strips and stream bank management to stop erosion on their farms.

Because farmland is often handed down from one generation to the next, farmers want to protect their legacies by caring for the environment.

“I’m been extremely proud of the work and research the Iowa Soybean Association has done on behalf of Iowa’s soybean farmers regarding the environment and water quality,” says Renner. “Bioreactors are just one example of many that we have provided research and funding for. Recently, we developed an ‘outcomes fund’ that provides farmers with the resources necessary to partner with municipalities and industry leaders and make positive changes in our water quality.”

“I really enjoy overcoming some of the challenges that this occupation can throw at you,” adds Renner. “It’s fulfilling to raise a good crop and still protect the environment. Mother Nature can throw a lot of curveballs at you any given season.”

He has always enjoyed farming, but Renner wasn’t certain he wanted to farm full-time until he came home from college in 1999. He and Nikki were married in 2000. They got involved with the state Young Farmer Committee through the Iowa Farm Bureau, and Brent chaired that committee the last year they served for District 2. He then worked through the leadership positions at the county level and served for three years as president for Hancock County Farm Bureau.

After fulfilling his term on the county Farm Bureau board, Brent became involved with the Iowa Soybean Association. He started by serving on the District Advisory Council before he ran for the board. He won an at-large position and was re-elected in 2019. He is serving in his second year of his second term. Active on several ISA committees during the past five years, Brent’s passion has is education and environment. He also serves on the North Iowa Ag in the Classroom board.

Now that their family is growing, time together is treasured even more. Brent and Nikki’s oldest son, Caleb, is a freshman at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) where he looks forward to running track this spring with the Trojans. Their son Braden is a junior at Garner Hayfield Ventura High School where he plays basketball and golfs. Their youngest, Madison, is an eighth grader in the same district. She loves dance and music. She also serves as manager of several sports teams.

The Renner family enjoys camping and fishing when they have a chance. Their favorite getaway is Decorah in Northeast Iowa where there are lots of trout streams. Not only does spring bring trout fishing season, it also is asparagus season. The Renner family freezes asparagus to enjoy year-round and especially during holidays. Today they are sharing with us one of their favorite recipes for roasted asparagus.

Shannon Latham

December 1, 2020

Recipes, Sides