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Iowa FFA Member Reaches Long-Time Show Goal

Clarion-Goldfield FFA member Ben Jacobsen parades his grand champion barrow around the ring during the Sale of Champions, which is broadcast on IPTV.

Not only was “Nothing Compares” the theme of the Iowa State Fair, but it describes the feeling Ben Jacobsen of Dows, Iowa, had after his barrow was named the 2015 Champion FFA Market Hog.

“It’s been a long time goal of mine and a dream realized to win Grand Champion Market Hog at the Iowa State Fair,” said Ben Jacobsen, a Clarion-Goldfield FFA member. “Thanks to everyone who helped make it possible!”

Ben raised $14,300 in local support from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, Woolstock Equipment, Farmers Co-op in Clarion and AgVantage. Hy-Vee purchased the price-winning pork for $29,250 with 25% of the purchase price going toward the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA) program. In fact, Jacobsen received an IFAA scholarship in 2014.

Receiving scholarships and earning the coveted purple banner is proof positive that Ben knows how to work hard both inside and outside the show ring. He enjoys researching sires and dams. He understands the importance of feeding proper diets and working with his hogs. His real leadership passion has been leading county-wide showmanship clinics and sessions on how to select prospect pigs.

While Jacobsen admits that being named 2015 is a great honor, he also hopes that his involvement in the industry helps younger 4-H members – including his two younger brothers – become successful with their projects. Ben’s brothers enjoy showing at the Wright County Fair in addition to World Pork Expo, the Iowa State Fair and Aksarben. They’re also involved in school activities. Matt, a high school freshman, is out for golf. Caleb, a 7^th grader, participates in cross country and track.

Their older brother is setting a good example by holding many offices in both FFA and 4-H. Ben continues to exhibit his leadership skills at Iowa State University, where he’s a sophomore majoring in Ag Business and minoring in Animal Science. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) agricultural fraternity, where he serves as grill master for all charity events, fundraisers and fraternity events. Ben is also general co-chair of the AGR / Block & Bridle Club’s Spring Showdown, a large swine jackpot show held at the Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa. In addition, Ben is working toward his goal of being a member of the Iowa State Livestock judging team.

Working toward goals and setting stretch goals is a lesson Ben has learned from his parents, Corey and Kim Jacobsen. The couple farms between Dows and Alexander where they also raise corn and soybeans and custom finish hogs. Corey and his parents have been production growers for Latham Seeds since the early 1980s. In 2015, he broke a long-standing seed production record by producing a whole-field yield of 81 bushels per acre.

Soybeans are an important to our livestock industry as 75% of the soybean meal produced in the world is fed to pigs or poultry! Did you know that Iowa farms grow more corn and soybeans, raise more pigs, and produce more eggs than any state in the nation?

In honor of the crops and livestock they produce, today Kim Jacobsen is sharing one of her family’s favorite pork recipes.

Ben Jacobsen of Wright County showed the Grand Champion FFA Market Hog at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. During the Sale of Champions, his hog sold for $29,250. Pictured at the Sale of Champions are: Corey, Caleb, Ben, Kim and Matt Jacobsen.

Team Latham

December 4, 2015

General, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

By Kilah Watson, Marketing Coordinator for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Homemade gingerbread men representing everything from John Deere to Iowa State will resume their place on our family Christmas tree today, as they do every Friday after Thanksgiving.

My parents, Keith and Linda Hemesath, always fulfilled the family traditions as we were growing up to ensure a tradition that would last. Heading out to the Christmas tree farm and choosing the most beautiful tree is a tradition that has been instilled into my life and I hope to carry it on.

I grew up with four brothers, Mitch, Adam, Ryan and Garret. With three older brothers and one younger, I knew that everywhere I turned I would have someone to look up to, and then someone watching my actions on the other side. They continue to keep me on my toes, and never hesitate to poke fun when the opportunity arises!

We live up on a diversified crop and livestock farm, raising hogs and growing corn and soybeans, with the spontaneous dabble of interest in raising goats, bottle feeding calves and feeding out steers. It seems that we all had a time growing up where we took certain interest in specific animals. These animals would make it to the county fair where we would take pride in showing them.

From the left: Ryan, Kilah, Garret, Mitch & Adam

Coming from a farm is how I chose to to major in agriculture, and has also shaped me into the person I am, and continue to grow into. Mitch and Adam returned to the farm to work with my dad to continue the legacy that started 5 generations ago. Ryan also lives in Decorah, working as an Online Sales Coordinator and Garret is enjoying his last year in high school, while planning for his future at Iowa State. My mom is a loved first grade teacher at Decorah Schools, and enjoys nothing more than getting to know the students in her classroom and being their role model, teacher and friend.

This time of year is near and dear to my heart, because this is when some of my favorite memories take place. From making hundreds of Christmas cookies each year to preparing for a Christmas Eve dinner, it is always a busy time of cooking, baking and everything in between. My favorite tradition is painting the gingerbread men for our tree. We save these decorations from year to year, and still have some from 1997! We keep them until they break, or our dog decides to jump high enough on the tree to snag one!

As we start the official Christmas preparation and carrying on of our traditions, I hope you all do the same! I have included the cookie recipe we use for our gingerbread men below. Note, we only use these one the tree and we refrain from eating them! Give the recipe a shot and start painting some gingerbread men!

Webspec Admin

November 27, 2015

General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“Food for Thought” after a Week of Advocating

Last week was a banner week for me. I spent the first three days in Kansas City, meeting with industry peers on the Communications Committee for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). Thursday I had the pleasure of speaking with “Musings of a Pig Farmer” author Larry Sailer to Iowa Agri-Women about using social media to influence public policy. Then last Friday I had the honor of representing Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds while serving on a panel with Cristen Clark of Food & Swine fame and Crystal Blin, aka Crystal Cattle.

Cristen Clark, Shannon Latham and Crystal Blin served on a blogger panel last Friday at the inaugural “Grow by Future FarmHer” conference in Ankeny, Iowa. For everything from recipes to beauty tips, follow along at foodandswine.com, TheFieldPosition.com and crystalcattle.com.

All week long I was surrounded by groundbreakers in agriculture: Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Bros, whose parody videos allow them to reach millions – literally millions and millions – of consumers with positive images and fun facts about agriculture; Dr. Robb Fraley, the Father of Biotechnology and 2013 World Food Prize Laureate; and Lexi Marek, an Iowa State University student and intern who pulled off the amazing feat of planning an inaugural, sold out “Grow by Future FarmHer” conference for 250 young women in agriculture.

FarmHer was created to empower and recognize women in agriculture. “It is by no means an attack against men,” says founder Marji Guyler-Alaniz. “It’s not about taking anything away from men. [FarmHer] is about recognizing women.”

During Friday’s closing session, Marji shared how the “God Made a Farmer” commercial that aired during the 2013 Super Bowl inspired her to make a career change. As a photographer, Marji realized that the beautiful photography featured in that popular video did little to show the important role that women play in agriculture. So she went on a mission to document the lives of women in agriculture:

“Women play many important roles in agriculture as scientists, researchers, ranchers, care takers, and producers, just to name a few. At FarmHer shining a light on these women is our mission and we know it is important that they are celebrated for their accomplishments, are given a platform to share their stories and are able to inspire others through connection.”

Last week Shannon had the honor of meeting the Peterson Farm Bros, who have gained worldwide attention for their parody videos that explain what they do on their family farm. Be sure to check out their new video, “Farmers Feed the World, which launches Nov. 16!

The need for female leaders in agriculture to mentor the next generation of leaders was a consistent theme in every meeting I attended this week. A comment Dr. Robb Fraley made about women needing to have a louder voice in agriculture got me thinking about how blessed to have strong female role models in agriculture, beginning with my mom and my grandma.

As an 8-year-old, I wanted to show lambs at the county fair. Although we raised sheep, my parents said they didn’t know the first thing about showing them. Fortunately, many kind people in my community stepped forward and taught me everything from how to pick your best stock from the lot to showing and fitting. My 4-H leader, Sandy Ruby, and her husband both spent time on our acreage. Other sheep industry leaders of the time, including Jennifer Heeren and Charles Steere, shared great advice and words of encouragement.

None of these people made any reference to me that I was “a girl.” No wonder told me to scale back my big dreams because I was a female, and I honestly didn’t see “gender” when I was the only girl in my high school that chartered our school’s FFA chapter. When I was a senior, my FFA advisor took me on a campus visit to Iowa State and made me aware that Agricultural Journalism and Public Service & Administration in Ag were majors. Without Mr. Jorgenson’s influence, I might never have discovered my love of communicating about agriculture.

Some of my favorite memories are with most important FarmHer role models I have, my mom and grandma!

Fast forward about 25 years and the agricultural landscape has changed greatly! Nationwide 47% of FFA members are female, and women hold approximately 50% of state FFA leadership positions. For the first time in history, there are more females than males enrolled in the ISU College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. In November 2014, Joni Ernst became the first woman to serve in federal elected office from Iowa. She also is the first female combat veteran elected to serve in the United States Senate.

Honestly, I’m happy for the young women who are growing up today with such great role models. My daughter, who has developed so much confidence through her 4-H horse project, has a wonderful female role model who’s a successful horse trainer and an accomplished rider. And even if she doesn’t desire to manage a seed company or operate a pumpkin patch, I hope my daughter will be inspired to “create adventures” for herself.

In honor of the amazing farm women – like Annette Sweeney and 2011 Midwest Farm Mom of the Year and 2015 FarmHer Hall of Famer April Hemmes – who have blazed trails before us, today I’m sharing a recipe courtesy of the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

Shannon Latham

November 16, 2015

Agriculture, Beef, General, Industry News, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Harvest Brings Back Childhood Memories

Dan Goll of Garner feels blessed that he and his wife, Traci, are raising their three children in the house where he grew up in rural Garner.

“I always knew that I wanted to farm, but I started farming full time even sooner than I thought,” says Dan, who graduated from high school in 1987. He attended North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) for two years and started farming full time in 1990 due to his father’s health issues.

“I love putting in crops in the ground and watching them grow,” says Dan. “My favorite time of the year is when you just see the rows appear in the fields. It’s the same with livestock. I love it when calves and pigs are first born. You have to make sure that calf gets up and nurses and that the pigs get dried off and get something to eat. These times are what I love about farming.”

Dan grew up raising cattle and hogs still enjoys feeding them. He and his children also raise crossbred show pigs and Boer goats.

“Our kids have learned to accept responsibility at a young age,” says Dan, a proud father of three. The Goll’s oldest son, Alek, is a senior in high school. Erik is a freshman in high school, and Emma is a fifth grader. “They have to manage their time. They have school activities, extracurricular activities like sports, 4-H and FFA plus homework. They also have animals that require their time and attention, so they have to figure out how to find time to get everything done.”

Raising livestock teaches kids a lot about life. On the day before the Golls were supposed to leave for the Iowa State Fair, Alek’s barrow died. Any loss is tough, but it’s especially tough when a kid has spent countless hours working with an animal and preparing it for the show ring. Alek was disappointed, of course, but he also knew these types of things can happen. He told his dad, “That’s part of having livestock.”

Another advantage of being involved in 4-H and FFA is the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Alek has served as secretary and vice president of his FFA chapter. He has also served on the Junior 4-H county council and now on the Senior 4-H county council. Erik has been vice president of his 4-H group. He’s also been very active with First LEGO League, where youth in 3^rd through 8^th grades build and program robots out of Legos that perform multiple tasks, and with First Tech Challenge (FTC), a more advanced robotic program. Both Lego League and FTC are interests Erik developed through 4-H. Emma served as Hancock County Fair Princess in 2014. She enjoyed showing livestock for the first time at the 2015 county fair and is looking forward to her second year as a member of the Concord Challengers 4-H Club.

“The relationships you form through 4-H and FFA are so important,” says Dan. “You get to know people. You travel to places you might not otherwise go. And you learn to think about others and to get involved in your community.”

Giving back to his community remains important to Dan. He has served as an EMT on the volunteer ambulance crew for 22 years. He’s also very active in his church and has served as Sunday school superintendent, trustee, vice chairman, and chairman. He and his wife also led the senior youth for the past five years until a fulltime DCE (Director of Christian Ed) was hired this fall. In addition, Dan has traveled to Haiti on a mission trip where he helped build homes through the Global Compassion Network.

“Traveling to a place like Haiti really reminds a person just how blessed we are to live where we do,” says Dan. “I loved growing up on a farm. Even though my wife grew up in town and has worked her entire career as a nurse, she says she can’t think of a better place to raise a family than on a farm. I hope our children have fond memories of the time we’ve spent working together.”

One of the fondest memories Dan has from his youth is silage harvest with his father and cousins. They took turns eating at one another’s house, depending on where the fields they were harvesting were located. When it was her turn to provide the harvest meal, Dan’s mom always made Scalloped Eggplant. You might say it was her signature dish, so today Dan is sharing that treasured family recipe on TheFieldPosition.

Team Latham

November 6, 2015

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Planning a Halloween Party with Purpose
There aren’t many things that will prompt a farmer to leave the field early on an October evening. But many Northwest Minnesota farmers will park their equipment for the Kasin’s 4^th Annual Halloween Party.

“Mark wanted to have an appreciation party for our seed customers in the fall, and I had always wanted a Halloween Costume party,” explain Karen Kasin, who has helped teach special education for 17 years at Rossman Elementary in Detroit Lakes. Her husband, Mark, farms and has been a seed dealer since 2005. “We decided to combine the two ideas. Our first party was a great success, so we’ve continued the idea ever since.”

The Kasin’s annual Halloween costume party raises funds for local charities and/or local families in need. “We have hosted five benefits for local families,” says Karen. “We ask for free-donations at our Halloween party, and all the money raised goes to a family in need in our community.”

Each year the number of guests at the party seems to grow as word spreads throughout the area, and people who attended in the past invite other friends to join them. While the prospect of feeding hundreds of people seems daunting to many, Karen says “many hands make light work.” Many of the couple’s friends help decorate and prepare the food.

“The decorating is the best part!” says Karen. “Our friends and neighbors spend a night, helping us decorate both the inside of our barn and the yard with lots of orange lights and decorations!”

In addition to their annual Halloween party, each May the Kasins host the Hawley Lion Club’s Breakfast on the Farm. Similar to Wisconsin’s Dairy Days of Summer events, “Breakfast on the Farm” brings farmers and consumers together to foster greater understanding of how food gets from the farmer’s field to a family’s dinner table. Last year an estimated 4,500 attended Breakfast on the Farm!

Planning for a big event begins months in advance, says Karen. She booked the band for the Halloween party months ago. Decorating and food prep begins a few days in advance, so that way everyone is able to enjoy the party.

Today on TheFieldPosition, Karen has agreed to share her simply delicious chili recipe. Whip up a pot this weekend, and stir up some good family memories!

If you want to get into the spirit of the upcoming holiday, you might also be interested in these past blog posts:
Team Latham

October 30, 2015

Beef, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Trampel Celebrates October Pork and Pumpkin Month Year-Round on His 6th Generation Farm

Kody Trampel, 6th Generation North Iowa Farmer

October is both National Pumpkin Month and National Pork Month, so it’s only fitting that we feature Kody Trampel on TheFieldPosition because he produces both! Kody is proud to be to be the sixth generation to farm his family’s land northeast of Klemme, Iowa, in Cerro Gordo County. This year he grew 160 acres of corn and another 5 acres of pumpkins in addition to raising show pigs, which he sells primarily to 4-H and FFA members.

“I really enjoy raising hogs and working with youth,” says Kody, who learned how important mentors can be when he was a member of both 4-H and FFA. He showed pigs and entered his horse in games at the county fair. He also competed in high school rodeo and made it to the High School National Finals in team roping and steer wrestling.

As an intern with MaxYield Cooperative and now as a full-time agronomy specialist with MaxYield Seed, he also understands how important it is for developing young professionals to have good mentors. That’s why he makes it a point to speak to high school classes two or three times each year.

“The anti-ag crowd is becoming more vocal,” says Kody. “Food labels are getting so confusing that even people who were raised on a farm are getting confused! That why I believe it’s more important than ever to do what we can to help prepare students to be great advocates for agriculture. It’s also important that farmers of all ages are able to explain their production practices, be proud of the products they raise and to help educate consumers.”

While attending a barbecue recently, Kody overhead one North Iowa woman say she buys only cage-free eggs because they’re better. Recently a gentleman asked me if my hens are free range because he heard those eggs are fresher. I explained the difference between the two production terms. I also made the point that eggs can’t get any fresher than “farm fresh,” whether the hens are cage-free or free-range.

Pork production can be equally confusing for people not familiar with production agriculture. “One thing consumers need to understand about modern pork production is that the animals benefit from being raised in a climate-controlled facility,” says Kody. “Today’s hog barns are clean. There are fewer problems with disease and health issues. Plus, U.S. pork producers are now able to produce a leaner and more consistent product for consumers.”

Regardless of whether a producer is raising pigs for the meat case or the show ring, Kody says depth and length of body are important characteristics. “You need to raise hogs with correct structure to be successful in the industry. That’s true for seed stock, as well,” he says.

So how did this Iowa livestock producer and seed seller end up growing pumpkins, too? One of his friends was looking to expand his wholesale pumpkin operation but needed more land.

“This was my first year growing pumpkins and I planted 5 acres,” said Kody. “That may not sound like much, but trust me, that’s a lot of pumpkins! It was a huge learning experience. I never imagined how labor-intensive pumpkins would be, but I have to say, I was blessed with good help.”

We couldn’t find a better recipe to celebrate October Pork and Pumpkin month than Crockpot Pork and Pumpkin Chili. Crockpot recipes are always a winner, especially during the busy harvest season!

Kody says one of his all-time favorite meals featuring pork is Specken Decken, a type of German pancake made with bacon or side-pork. His grandmother always makes when the family gathers around Christmas or New Year’s and again around Easter.

Traditionally, Specken Decken is served on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Recipes vary. Some call for rye graham flour, whole wheat flour or white flour. Some recipe include anise flavoring, raisins and heavy syrup. But regardless of the nuances, these pancakes always feature bits of bacon or sausage and are served with warm maple syrup.

Team Latham

October 23, 2015

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

5th Annual 4-H Brown Bag Lunch Serves Up Success
A record $4,000 was raised for the Franklin County 4-H Foundation’s scholarship fund last week during the 5^th annual Brown Bag Burger Lunch. A record 796 pork burgers were grilled thanks to an outpouring of community support, including Franklin County Pork Producers, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds and Fareway. Special thanks also to Franklin County farmer and 4-H advocate April Hemmes for offering $1,500 in matching funds as a memorial to her father, who had served for years on the Extension council.

The weather on October 7 was absolutely picture perfect, so that helped encourage local business people to come to the Fareway parking lot over their lunch hours. Some people literally put down their end gates and enjoyed a picnic lunch on a beautiful fall day! Two local employers texted in orders for 50 burgers each. It was common for people to pick up orders of 12, 16 or 24 burgers to feed farmers in the field.

We thank each and every one of you, who come out and supported this life-changing youth organization! The inaugural Brown Burger Bag Lunch was held in October 2011, and I believe we sold about 250 burgers that year. The publicity for that event helped make county residents aware of our goal to endow a 4-H scholarship for youth here in Franklin County. Each year the lunch has grown.

Each year we grill more burgers, and each year we raise more money for local scholarships. Since this fund was established, we’ve been able to award six scholarships in Franklin County:

2012 – Jessica Buchanan

2013 – Ethan Meints and Karter Miller

2014 – Brooklyn Plagge, Joe DeVries and Jenna Borcherding

Below are links to Franklin County 4-Hers whom we’ve featured on our TheFieldPosition blog:
- 6 Reason 4-H is Fit for a King
- Franklin County Family Shares Favorite Bread Recipe
- 4-H Brought this Couple Together and Binds Their Family
- Van Wert Family Celebrates 4 Generation of 4-Hers
- 4-H and Farming are Plagge Family Traditions
In honor of National 4-H Week and National Pork Month – both of which are celebrated in October, today I’m sharing a recipe from the Hometown Potluck Favorites recipe book produced in 2009 for the 60^th anniversary of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Team Latham

October 16, 2015

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

COMING SOON… FALL COMFORT FOODS & “SOCIAL SECURITY”

Latham® dealers know her as the Sales Account Manager who answers questions about our online ordering and inventory system or helps schedule deliveries. You might hear her smiling voice leading SeedWare webinars, but Sandie Johnson is about to play a new role. Watch for her later this month when the Mason City Community Theatre presents Social Security by Andrew Bergman.

“Once you are bitten by the acting bug, it just stays in your blood,” says Sandie, who has been involved with theatre in many different ways over the years from prompting lines, sourcing props and acting. She played a few different roles in her twenties for Story Theatre, a variety of Grimm Brothers Collection and Aesops’ Fables.

“This is my first performance with Mason City Community Theatre,” adds Sandie. “Even though I have a background in performing, I haven’t had a stage role for about six years. I’m a bit nervous, but I have to say, I’m mostly excited!”

Sandie will play Trudy, a housewife who has been taking care of her eccentric mother. When Trudy decides she and her husband must intervene in the life of their daughter who is attending college, they take “Granny” to Manhattan where Trudy’s sister and brother-in-law own an art gallery.

“I didn’t audition for a particular role, although I hoped I’d get Trudy IF I was cast. She’s a character that is really a lot of fun to play,” says Sandie.

A lot of time goes into putting on a show, explains Sandie. There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes: set, props, costumes, lighting, music, and box office to name a few. But Sandie says it’s all worth it when the production comes together and the audience has a wonderful time at the show.

Make plans to see one of the upcoming shows at the Mason City Theatre: 7 p.m. on October 22, 23, 24, 29 and 31 or 2 p.m. on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 641-424-6424 between 1 and 5 p.m.

“There aren’t many things better than getting to see live theatre and catching a few laughs,” says Sandie. “It’s a great opportunity to take a night out before the snow flies and have some fun. Plus, it’s a really great play!”

Not only is Sandie involved with theatre, but her two children also were involved in theatre growing up. Her daughter even majored in theater in college. Today her son and daughter both live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, but they’ll make the short trip down I-35 to catch a show. You can bet her husband, Todd, also will be there. Sandie and Todd have been married for about 13 months, and with him, she has two more grown children and five grandchildren.

In her free time, Sandie enjoys cooking and especially trying new recipes. Today she’s sharing with us two appetizers that she has made for past cast parties, as well as one of her favorite fall comfort foods.

Gary Geske

October 9, 2015

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“Wishes” Come True in North Iowa

Last Friday on TheFieldPosition, we shared about Enchanted Acres pumpkin patch hosting the inaugural Fall Ball to benefit Make-a-Wish Iowa. This week we’re going to tell you a behind-the-scenes story…

To any observer, it looked like the West Fork Dance Team was doing a good deed last Saturday when its members spent three solid hours painting adorable faces at the Make-a-Wish Iowa fundraiser. Few would realize that one of the team’s members is actually a Wish Kid.

West Fork Dance Team members did an awesome job of painting faces!

Madisyn Harper, daughter of Glen and Kaci Harper of Sheffield, was born with a heart defect call Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Her sister Samantha, who is one year older, also was born with ASD. Samantha’s defect was repaired with two surgeries. Madisyn’s defect, however, was one of the most difficult ASD cases because her heart had only one upper chamber instead of two.

Just 14 weeks old when she had her first open heart surgery, Madisyn endured 11 more surgeries including the implantation of a biventricular pacemaker. Despite these medicial efforts, her heart function significantly declined the summer before she started 7^th grade. Madisyn was placed on a transplant list, and the call the Harper family had been anxiously waiting for months finally came.

Madisyn was rushed into surgery on March 20, 2013, and her new heart gave her a new lease on life. Now Madisyn is the active high school Junior that she and her parents and dreamed she would become.

“Make-a-Wish is so dear to us because a wish was granted to Madisyn back in 2011,” says Kaci Harper. Madisyn’s wish came true, and her family experienced Disney magic for her 11^th birthday.

Because Make-a-Wish is such a huge part of their lives, the Harper family enjoys giving back. Madisyn volunteers every year at the Make-a-Wish golf tournament. She and Samantha also donate Thirty-One® bags to the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minn. For all her efforts, Madisyn received a “Volunteer of the Year” award from Make-a-Wish Iowa.

“The best thing about Make-a-Wish is it gives kids and parents the gift of not worrying about the medical condition or crisis they are facing at that moment! Instead, they have something to look forward to,” explains Kaci. “A Wish Trip gives families a break from doctors’ appointments and the constant battle of the daily struggles they face.”

Thank you to the more than 330 North Iowans who attended last Saturday’s event in support of Make-a-Wish Iowa! Special thanks to Mort’s Water of Latimer for sponsoring the bounce house and to Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds for helping underwrite event costs. Together, we raised more than $1,600 for the charity.

Last Saturday’s event also helped increase awareness for this important charity. It may surprise you to learn there are at least 80 Make-a-Wish families in North Central Iowa alone! In addition to Madisyn, last summer a wish was granted to a Dumont boy with cancer. Another boy from Greene recently returned from a Wish Trip to LegoLand.

So you see, wishes come true. They can come true for people in your own community!

Team Latham

October 2, 2015

General, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“Crawl” Your Way Across Franklin County on Sunday
Pack a cooler and get ready for a one-of-a-kind Sunday drive across Franklin County on Sept. 20 from noon to 5 PM! Local farmers are hosting the 3rd Annual “Fresh on the Farm” farm crawl, which is a come-and-go event at three locations.

“Fresh on the Farm” is a series of free, on- farm tours that provide the public an opportunity to meet local farmers and purchase their products. Each farm will have products for sale, so visitors are encouraged to pack a cooler and shop along the route.

Make your way to these farms in any order. There is no gate admissions fee, plus you can enjoy complimentary food samples at each stop. Each host site will feature additional local producers:
1. Enchanted Acres, 1071 250th Street, Sheffield. Shannon Latham, owner. Enchanted Acres creates magical experiences for the whole family! Goats and a children’s playground offers endless entertainment. Pick your own pumpkins and take a hayride. Sample Train Wreck Wines and HenCliff Honey. Sara Goemaat of the Amazing Grace Milk Shoppe will sell goats’ milk soap plus an array of homemade jams.
  You also will find homemade bread, dip mixes, pumpkin butter and apple butter. Take home whole, farm fresh chickens or place an order for more. We’ll also offer an array of homemade baked goods plus fresh produce including tomatoes, baking squashes and apples.
2. Koenigs’ Acres Farm,1510 110th Street, Hampton. Matt and Karen Koenig, owners. Tour the gardens and high tunnel. Check out the new solar panels, and sample the Koenigs’ fresh produce. “We B Smokin’” will serve locally smoked beef and pork. Dodd’s Lowlines/Iowa Falls-Alden FFA will have local meat for sale. Matt Hildebrand will offer Hillbilly Hut productions. There will be fresh chickens, honey, jam and in-season produce for sale. There may also be goats, sweet treats, and more! Come check out all the variety!
3. TownsEnd Winery, 2138 160^th Street, Hansell. Judy & Vernon Harper, owners. Of course, there will be wine tasting available at this stop! Check out the new 2015 releases. You’ll also find homemade wheat bread and cookies plus fall wreaths made Cathy Carlson of Cathy’s Country Cookin’. Other vendors include: Grandpa’s Popcorn; JoAnn Young’s fudge and peanut brittle; and Creative Moments Bakery. Dawn & Friends will provide music from 2-4 PM.
“Fresh on the Farm in Franklin County” is sponsored in part by Healthy Harvest of North Iowa, Iowa State University Extension and Franklin County Tourism.

Related Posts:
Team Latham

September 18, 2015

General, Poultry, Recipes