Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

See Why this Ohio Farm Girl Engages in #RealPigFarming

Our celebration of October Pork Month (#porktober) continues today as we introduce you to Lauren Schwab, who lives with her family on their farm just north of Cincinnati, Ohio. Lauren blogs at “Farm Girl with Curls” where she and her piglets “share adventures one oink at a time.” She shares everything from the birth of piglets to what pigs eat on a family farm.

If you’re already engaged in #RealPigFarming, I think you’ll find Lauren’s writing style refreshingly candid and her story totally relatable. If you’re someone who has questions about modern day pork production, you’ll find Lauren’s blogs transparent and informative. So sit back and enjoy learning about Lauren and her family’s pig farm in her own words…

Little did I know this was in my future when my dad grew his passion for raising pigs into a business in the 1970s. He is a first-generation farmer, who has faced more hardship than I can begin to imagine. Some days I wonder why God made me the daughter of a pig farmer, and it is through the heartaches and prayers we cling to when I realize exactly why He did.

I hold close vivid memories of my dad working day to night and having me come out to work with him on the farm as a child. I remember the summers seeming endless as my little brother and I showed pigs at the county fair. We spent our summer days walking the pigs down our back country road, chasing after them through the fields, and resting our heads on their bellies for a nap at the end of the day. The pigs were entertained by chewing on our rubber boots and begging us to sneak them a potato chip after their walks.

I still look forward to county fair week, where I can see youth show their animals and display leadership. Raising animals teaches you hard work and commitment to another life. It allows you have a bond with that animal and showcase your ability to raise a healthy animal and provide a food product people can feel good about purchasing.

We want people to feel good about the pork their purchasing for their families, and that’s why I feel compelled to tell our family’s story. Actually, the Peterson Farm Brothers inspired me by sharing their family’s story about beef production through parody videos. They provide entertainment with a positive message about farming.

Some days it is difficult to put myself out there online and share our story because farming keeps us busy all hours of the day. I have a love hate relationship with social media. I love sharing what my family does and our precious animals with everyone, so others can learn about how they are raised and how their food is produced. On the other hand, I am constantly plugged into a virtual world. I hope my sharing will bring positivity. However, I know not everyone will be pleased.

Yet, I know I am with my family farm right now for a reason. I developed a passion for writing and public speaking in high school on the FFA agricultural communications team. I graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and women’s studies and a Master of Science in family studies. One might ask why I am still on the family farm, so I created this blog to write my experiences. Just as my Great Aunt Dee share stories to me about homesteading through the Great Depression, I hope to share stories with others about family farming and my bond with our animals.

Today Lauren is also sharing one of her favorite #porktober recipes for Bacon Wrapped Dates with us on TheFieldPosition. Add some flair to your fall football tailgate or put a new twist on holiday appetizers with pork!

Contact Lauren Schwab

Blog Email – farmgirlwithcurls@gmail.com
Work Email – schwablm@miamioh.edu
Facebook – facebook.com/farmgirlwithcurls
Twitter – @farmgirlwcurls
Instagram – farmgirlwcurls
You Tube Channel – youtube.com/farmgirlwithcurls

Team Latham

October 31, 2014

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Runners Power Up with Pork

Dale and Lori Stevermer along with their children raise corn, seed soybeans and also farrow-to-finish 150 sows on their third generation farm near Easton, Minnesota. Dale returned to the farm in 1988, and Lori joined him after they were married in 1990.

Through the years, they Stevermers have diversified their farm by selling pork to premium markets. They raise pigs for Compart Family Farms’ Premium Duroc Pork market, using specific genetic, nutrition and health programs to produce meat that is sold to white tablecloth restaurants across the nation.

In addition to their farm, Dale and Lori are active in their local community and within the agriculture industry. They both have served on the Minnesota Pork Producers Association Board of Directors; Dale served as president in 2005 and Lori is finishing her first-term as president. On a local level, they have chaired church and school fundraisers plus served on the county 4-H Youth Council. Dale currently chairs the church Finance Council and is a member of the United South Central School Board. Lori’s job as Marketing Specialist for Hubbard Feeds keeps her involved in numerous projects.

Dale and Lori have a real passion and drive to talk to consumers about what they do on their family farm. Four years ago the Minnesota Pork Board held its first Oink Outing, which involved going to Farmers Markets and town festivals to answer people’s questions about raising pigs. They also talk about their farm on social media (#RealPigFarming) and through Pig 3D, a program sponsored by the Minnesota Pork Board and the Minnesota Pork Producers Association that makes a direct connection between consumers and pig farmers.

“We’ve been involved since the start and have had great conversations with people who want to know how their food is raised,” said Dale.

They are also a part of the Minnesota Pork Power team that has participated with pork samples, running and a booth at the Health Expo’s for both Grandma’s Marathon and the Boston Marathon. “We combine our love for running with our love of pork as a lean, healthy protein and share that message with others,” said Dale.

Dale loves being involved in the constant change that surrounds pig farming. “I enjoy working with nature, seeing new life, using new technologies and incorporating new technology with older techniques to improve animals and their environment along with my own work experience,” said Dale. “As a farmer, I appreciate the flexibility in my job. I enjoy being outside and having the freedom to set my hours – to an extent.”

Even though October is National Pork Month, Dale and his family celebrate it every month, especially on the days they sell pigs! The last few years Minnesota Pork has sponsored the 5K “Pork Power Run” during the weekend of the Mankato Marathon. Dale and Lori help hand out pork samples and run the 5K. He says, “How can a pig farmer not participate in the “Pork Power” 5K?!”

You can follow Dale on Twitter @tefguy and Lori at @tefgal. If you’d like to follow more pig farmers, look for #RealPigFarming on your favorite social channel!

Team Latham

October 24, 2014

General, Pork, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Celebrate October with Apple-Pecan Pork Tenderloin

Brad and Peggy Greenway from Mitchell, South Dakota, believe it is important to share their family farm story with others.

They both actively talk about how their family farm has changed over the years to provide better care for their pigs. And while they go about it in different ways – Peggy using social media (#RealPigFarming) and Brad speaking in front of numerous groups – their goal is the same: to continue to tell the real story about their family farm.

Peggy enjoys using social media, most often Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to share pictures and information about things that are happening on their farm throughout the year. “Sometimes I share fun photos, but many times I like to explain things, like how we take care of our livestock and land,” said Peggy.

Social media allows Peggy to share with others the many things that happen on the Greenway’s farm every day. From taking care of newly weaned pigs as they come into their barns, vaccinating pigs to prevent diseases, to explaining how they work with a swine nutritionist to make sure their pigs are getting proper nutrition, Peggy shares it all.

Brad, on the other hand, shares their family farm story by speaking to organizations across South Dakota and the nation. He became involved with the Pork Checkoff’s Operation Main Street program in 2004. The program provides public speaking training and coordinates speaking engagements in each participant’s local area and home state.

Locally, Brad has spoken to over 100 groups including civic groups, dietetic and food service associations, county commissioners, zoning boards, and high school careers classes. Nationally, Brad has given pig farming presentations to major grocery retailers and packers and processors. He has also participated in some events where high profile food writers and bloggers were in attendance.

“As someone who has terrible stage fright, I admire Brad’s ability to remain friendly, open and honest with people, even when asked very difficult questions,” said Peggy. “He is passionate about the pork industry and has devoted hundreds of hours over the years to communicate about the exciting improvements we’ve made regard animal care, reducing the use of natural resources and of course about the nutritious and delicious pork all pig farmers provide for consumers.”

Peggy didn’t grow up on a farm and says she had to learn everything from scratch. “We worked extremely hard when we first started farming just to be able to make ends meet. Farming is not a glamorous life. It is filled with long days, a constant battle with weather and prices, and many other variables, too numerous to mention. After 31 years of working hard and embracing changes and improvements in pig farming, I can say we are proud of our farm. Our two modern pig barns help us provide better care for our pigs than ever before. There is an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment in seeing our pigs comfortable every day of the year.”

The Greenway’s own a wean-to-finish pig farm that markets 10,000 pigs annually. They also have 200 beef cows and raise corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa on their family farm in South Dakota.

You can follow Peggy on Twitter @GreenwayPork or on Instagram @PeggyJGreenway. If you’d like to follow more pig farmers, look for #RealPigFarming on your favorite social channel!

Team Latham

October 17, 2014

Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

When dairy cattle judging is non-negotiable

Laura Moser

Guest Blog by Laura Moser
Laura is an agricultural writer living with her family and their small herd of registered dairy cows in Dansville, Michigan.

I distinctly remember my first trip to the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. I was a junior in high school and a member of a Green Bay FFA program (read: city kid). When my advisor asked for volunteers to compete in the FFA dairy judging contest all I heard was “who wants a day out of school” and my hand shot up – no training, no local competition – just volunteers. I went home that night and tried my best to explain to my parents why I would be going to Madison to look at cows. Although my motive for going to Madison that day had little to do with cows – what I saw was hundreds of kids with a passion and confidence I didn’t understand and certainly didn’t possess.

Fast forward a few years (ok, maybe a decade or two) and I find myself once again amazed by the confidence and passion dairy kids have – but this time I am not watching strangers – I am watching my son, Lucas. And I am watching my husband watch our son. Because 31 years ago he was the one competing in the national contest – a contest he went on to win.

By a one-point margin, the Michigan 4-H team won the Super Bowl of dairy judging at the 2014 World Dairy Expo!

In the years since my first trip to Madison I have been immersed in the dairy industry – working for a milk marketing cooperative, marrying a dairy farmer (who is now the owner of a construction company), and raising three kids all active in 4-H and FFA programs. Unlike me, when my husband Stan went to Madison to judge dairy cattle in the national 4-H contest – it wasn’t on a volunteer basis. He had spent years training and preparing for that day. He won local contests entitling him to a place on the team. He knew first-hand the skills, the opportunities and life lessons gained through judging and although we never talked about it – it was clear he would want our kids to have the same exposure.

Dairy cattle judging in our house is non-negotiable – everyone participates. It begins each year with the anticipated arrival of the Hoard’s Dairyman judging issues. (For 5 consecutive months the cover of the magazine features a class of cows to be evaluated.) The arrival of the magazines sparks contentious discussions around the kitchen table as the kids make their case for their rankings. Because in our home it’s not the love of music, or a particular sport or hobby that is being passed down – it’s the love of good cows.

For 10 years Lucas has listened, argued, argued some moreand listened again to his dad about good dairy cattle. About how to rank the cows and more importantly how to justify his ranking. You not only rank the cows, but must explain to the official judge why you ranked them in a particular order. Watching and listening to these discussions (I seldom have much to add), I know there is much more than dairy cattle evaluation lessons being learned. And I know where those impressive traits of the dairy kids start – at their kitchen table.

When Lucas Moser stepped into the ring to participate in the judging contest last week at World Dairy Expo – he like his dad – has spent years working for this day with the help of some awesome 4-H coaches.

When Lucas stepped into the ring to participate in the judging contest this year – he like his dad – has spent years working for this day (with the help of some awesome 4-H coaches). He has done well at the state level and competed at other contests – but World Dairy Expo – has the bragging rights of The National Contest – the Super Bowl of dairy judging. The anticipation leading to the contest was high – and while it wasn’t talked about much – having a dad that won the contest put a little added pressure on him to do well.

Results at a judging banquet are not straightforward – there are several layers of competition, and it is difficult to tell who is “winning” as the scores are announced. Finally, as the overall winners were called, we began to see how the night would shake out. Michigan had three individuals in the top 10 – with Lucas placing second. After the individuals were announced, team placings were given. By a one-point margin – the Michigan 4-H team won the contest! While Lucas did not place first, being a part of the team that did was just as rewarding. He was able to share the moment with his teammates.

So as Lucas closes his chapter on 4-H dairy judging, the lessons continue to build –the lessons of teamwork, and appreciation and hopefully the lesson to help pass this family tradition on to his younger brother and sister, and someday to his own kids. It is my hope that all kids find their passion. For our family, it shines through the cows. In other families it may be something else. But I believe helping kids find their passion – is one of the greatest gifts we give our children.

Nothing like a spicy appetizer to fuel some passion: Here’s our family’s favorite snack:

Team Latham

October 10, 2014

General, Poultry, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

4-H Experience Leads to Lifetime Love

Goats make the best pets!” says Sara Goemaat. “They have sweet personalities. Actually, they’re a lot like dogs, and you can even train them to lead. They’re just so lovable.

Sara Goemaat was raised on a family farm about three miles northeast of Belmond in North Central Iowa. As many youth do, she moved away from home upon graduating from high school. Sara then earned both bachelors and masters degrees in Ag Education from Iowa State University. She and her husband enjoyed their time in the city but yearned to return to their rural roots.

Today Sara and her husband, Dan, are harvesting their first crop in partnership with Sara’s parents, Larry and Karla Pals. Sara also works at the hospital, and then spends nights and weekends hobby farming. She and her mom, Karla Pals, enjoy raising La Mancha dairy goats. Currently, they have a tribe of 10. They turn the milk into tasty treats and moisturizing soaps. They also enjoy gardening and canning the fruits of their labor, so late summer and early fall finds them spending hours in the kitchen.

“My mom has always canned,” said Sara. “When Dan and I moved into our first place (it was an apartment), I wanted a big garden. I planted a lot of seed but jalepenos were the only thing the deer wouldn’t eat! Because I had so many peppers, I started making pepper jelly and then one thing led to the next.”

Today Sara sells a variety of jams and jelly including apple jelly, cranberry pepper jelly, sweet pepper jelly, and onion jelly. Her mom makes apple butter and basil jelly.

Fresh Goat Cheese with her Crazy Cranberry Pepper Jelly. Recipe for the Goat Cheese is Below.

Their jam business is growing based mostly on word-of-mouth advertising and a few booths at craft shows. Thanks to Pinterest, there’s been a renewed interested in canning and home cooking. Do-it-yourself projects are today’s hottest trend; Americans obsession with DIY leads to renewed interest in gardening and home redecorating projects, too.

“My nickname was ‘Grandma’ in school because I have always loved sewing, gardening and canning,” says Sara. “When I was in third and fourth grades, I’d go on sewing weekends with my grandma. Now my friends think my hobbies are cool. Lately I’ve been sewing fabric diapers for my friends’ babies. I’ve also made curtains and pillows for our house, as well as recovered chairs.”

A member of the Iowa Hawkeyes 4-H Club, Sara says her favorite project areas were horticulture and livestock. Her mom was the club’s leader. Now Sara, her mom, and Sara’s sister-in-law are all club co-leaders.

“Goat numbers are increasing as a 4-H project area today, but when I was a 4-H member, there wasn’t a goat category,” explains Sara. “I entered my goat in the pet category and was thrilled to take home Reserve Grand Champion Pet as a 5th grader.”

While Sara has raised goats since she was a youngster, it was during college she met Butch Sowers from Nevada that really fueled her passion for dairy goats. She spent a year helping show goats for several families and was then gifted a doe. That got her start, and now she enjoys showing at the Iowa Dairy Goat Association’s show and at the Iowa State Fair.

“We’re trying to keep our goat numbers to a level that allows us to make the best use of their milk. My mom makes cheese, and we’ve made ice cream for our own enjoyment. We also make soaps that we sell,” says Sara.

Before selling her soaps, Sara did a lot of research online. She found a cold process but the soap had to sit for six weeks. Then she found a crockpot recipe that allows you to use that soap the next day. She said it was intimidating to first calculate the correct proportion of lye to milk and oils. She also had to learn how to regulate the temperature to keep the soap the desired color.

The Amazing Grace Milk Shoppe soaps are all unscented, which is especially good news for people with allergies and sensitive skin. The only fragrance comes from additives including milk, honey and oatmeal. Goat soap has been shown to help people with acne, eczema and psoriasis. Plus, the natural glycerin in this soap keeps one’s skin moisturized and nourished.

“I wanted a meaningful name for my soap. One day I was listening to the radio and heard “Amazing Grace” playing. Whenever I hear that song, I think of my mom because it’s her favorite,” says Sara. “Moms are just so special, and my mom has always been so supportive. So I decided ‘Amazing Grace’ would be the perfect name and then I added ‘milk shoppe’.”

You can buy soaps from the Amazing Grace Milk Shoppe by messaging Sara or visit The Market at Enchanted Acres pumpkin patch, 1071 250^th Street, Sheffield.

Team Latham

October 3, 2014

Dairy, Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Try & Buy Farm-Fresh Foods at Sunday’s Farm Crawl
With more than 30 varieties, you’ll find everything from mini to giant pumpkins at Enchanted Acres in Sheffield.

Nothing compares to tomatoes or watermelon ripened on the vine. Baked apples and pumpkin butter taste better when made from scratch, using locally grown products. Fresh baked bread, rolls and muffins don’t even need butter to make them taste better.

Get a taste of wholesome goodness for yourself! Franklin County Iowa is hosting its 2^nd Annual Fresh on the Farm event, Sunday, Sept. 28, from noon to 6 PM. Sample homegrown foods as you ramble across the county side, stopping at these three host farms: Enchanted Acres, Carlson Learning Tree Lodge and Koenigs Acres.

“Fresh on the Farm is a series of free, on- farm tours that provide the public an opportunity to meet local farmers, learn about their farms, sample the foods they grow and purchase their products,” says Jan Libby, coordinator, Healthy Harvest of North Iowa. “Each farm will have products for sale, so visitors are encouraged to pack a cooler and shop along the route.”

Consumers are invited to shop the route in any order they please as this is a “come and go” event. Each host site will feature additional local producers:
1. 1. Carlson Tree Farm, 867 130th Street, Hampton. Dennis and Cathy Carlson owners.Sample and buy fresh chickens, eggs, aronia berries, grilled goat and bison meat. Try whole wheat buns and flour made from Carlson’s homegrown wheat. Talk to an ostrich grower about how healthy the meat is. Buy and sample fresh in season vegetables and fruit with another local grower. Ask about their CSA gardens. View the tree farm and Learning Tree Lodge. There will baby goats for the kids to pet and whether goats for sale. Be sure to buy Cathy’s fresh, delicious sugar cookies!
  2. Enchanted Acres, 1017 250th Street, Sheffield. Shannon Latham, owner.Enchanted Acres creates magical experiences for the whole family! Enjoy our entertaining goats, rabbits and chickens. Our playground offers endless entertainment. Crunch through the leaves as you walk through trails in our woods. Most of all, be sure to pick your own pumpkins! More than 30 varieties of specialty pumpkins were planted this spring. Pumpkin decorating classes will be offered. Plus, winemakers from Train Wreck Winery will be on hand to offer samples. We’ll also be featuring HenCliff Honey. You’ll have the opportunity to sample and buy bread, dip mixes, homemade jams plus fresh pumpkin butter and apple butter. We’ll also offer an array of fresh produce for sale including apples, spaghetti squash and various baking squashes. Be sure to reserve your locally farm-raised chickens, which will be ready in about 4 weeks.
  3. Koenig’s Acres, 1510 110th Street, Hampton. Matt and Karen Koenig, owners.Check out what Matt intends to raise in the stock tanks. Find out which farmers markets Karen attends. Tour the gardens and sample the Koenigs’ produce. Townsend Winery will also be on-site with samples and wine to purchase. Emily Pfaltzgraf will have bison meat to sample and buy. There will also be fresh chickens, honey, jam, and in-season produce for sale. Be sure to ask about Karen’s CSA and how you can be part of it!
“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.

After eating your way around the county and buying fresh produce, you might be feeling adventurous enough to try some new recipes. My new favorite lunch recipe is the Apple Orchard Panini from the Iowa Girl Eats blog. I make it with my homemade apple butter and top it with Provolone since there’s not a Trader Joe’s nearby.

This fall I’m planning to make Crockpot Pumpkin Chili. I’m intrigued by this recipe for Butternut Squash Lasagna, but I’m not sure my kids will actually eat it. (Guess there’s only one way to find out!) Donna Aldinger’s Squash & Sausage Soup is another favorite dish for this time of year. Plus, Katie Olthoff’s Lemon Garlic Turkey Rotini with Zucchini is fun to say and equally fitting for the fall season!

Today I’m going to share with you another fittingly fall, one-dish recipe that my friend Sue made when we visited her family. (She served it with the best Wheat Blueberry Bread.) What’s your favorite way to enjoy fall flavors? I’d love it if you’d share a recipe with me, too!
Team Latham

September 26, 2014

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

HenCliff Honey is the Bee’s Knees

Ian and Melissa with their 12-year-old son, Nik.

Starry filled nighttime skies. Wide open spaces to roam. The feel of the sun shining on your face. The smell of harvest in the air…

These are the reasons most farmers enjoy living in rural areas, making a living doing what they love. It’s why Ian Pitzenberger desired to farm. It’s also why he and his wife, Melissa, feel blessed to raise their family on a farm. They’re enjoying keeping farming traditions, while giving their own farm a “flavor” of its own.

Ian has “officially” been raising seed beans for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds since 2004, but he actually grew up helping his dad raise them on the Tyden No. 6 Farm in Dougherty, Iowa. Aftergraduating in 1999 from Greene High School, Ian attended Kirkwood Community College for two years and then transferred to Iowa State University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree. He then took a full-time job at a local co-op for a year until he had the opportunity to rent a farm. Today Ian and Melissa farm with Ian’s parents, Ted and Judy Pitzenberger, and Ian’s brother Phil and his wife, Lyndsie.

Ian with his daughter, Eliyah, who was born in January 2014

“My dad is the glue of the operation; he keeps all of us together and running. Phil takes care of the business side. He’s the number cruncher and keeps our profits in the green. I’m the “service manager.” I keep the equipment running as efficiently as possible,” says Ian.

In addition to raising row crops, this year Ian and his son started keeping bees and producing honey. They wanted to diversify their operation, as well as help the environment since there has been so much talk about bees disappearing.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn responsibility and to make some money at the same time,” says Ian. “I also wanted a chance to help make a difference. Without bees, there is no pollination. Without pollination, plants die.”

Another advantage of keeping bees is that it’s relatively inexpensive to start plus the turnaround time is relatively low. The Pitzenbergers harvested their first honey within two months. After collecting the combs, they extract the honey and run it through a screen to remove wax and particulates. Then it’s bottled – raw.

On June 22, the bees were just starting the comb. On Sept. 7, Ian and Nik harvested the last of their first-year honey.

“We don’t use any heat in the process because heat destroys all the vital ingredients that give honey its healthful properties,” says Ian, who keeps the bees on the farm where his mother was raised by her parents, Henrietta and Clifford. To honor his maternal grandparents, the product is labeled HenCliff Honey. This first season has definitely been a learning experience, but it’s been a good experience.

“With any job or hobby, there are several ups and downs,” says Ian. “In the end, beekeeping is worth it because it does so much good for the environment and it results in healthy products.”

Honey is extremely versatile, from the medicine cabinet and bathroom vanity to the gym bag and kitchen cupboard. Honey attracts and retains moisture, so it’s used in many beauty and healthcare products. With approximately 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon, honey is an effective and all-natural energy booster. It’s also a natural cough suppressant, helping soothe and relieve irritation from coughing.

To purchase your own bottle of HenCliff Honey, participate in the 2^nd Annual Franklin County (Iowa) Farm Crawl. This event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28, from noon to 6 PM. Three local farms will participate, and each farm will host other local farmers, who will offer samples of everything from grilled goat and ostrich to aronia berries and local wine. HenCliff Honey will be available for purchase at Enchanted Acres pumpkin patch, 1071 250^th Street, Sheffield, Iowa.

Buy a bottle and celebrate National Honey Month at home! Ian says his favorite way to enjoy honey is with toast and peanut butter because it’s simply delicious. In honor of September National Honey Month, the National Honey Board is sharing recipes for everything from simple After School Snacks to gourmet entrees like Orange Blossom Honey-Seared Halibut.

Because I enjoy making quick breads – and I have a passion for all things pumpkin – I’m looking forward to baking up a patch of this Pumpkin Honey Bread. What’s your favorite way to enjoy honey?

Team Latham

September 19, 2014

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Dealership Helps Wahl Live His Dream

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work another day in your life” is more than just a quote on an inspirational poster for Matt Wahl. It’s become an action plan.

Matt raised on an Iowa farm in Butler County southwest of Shell Rock and dreamed of joining his family’s farming operation one day. Before he was old enough to help, however, his father rented the ground to a neighbor and took a full time job at John Deere. Fast forward nearly two decades, and today Matt enjoys farming with his parents. He also appreciates the opportunity he’s had for the past 13+ years to farm with his wife’s father and brother.

“Living on a farm has many advantages, but I would have to say the best part is being able to instill within our children a good work ethic,” says Matt. “It’s great being part of day-to-day farming operations. Hopefully, we’ll teach our kids values that will be passed down for generations to come.”

Many people, like Matt, wish to become part of their family’s farming operation but need additional income opportunities to make it possible. That’s why last fall Matt’s interest was piqued in a Latham® seed dealership when he heard John Latham being interviewed on the radio. Matt says he was familiar with the Latham brand and knew the company had a long-standing tradition of producing quality seed. Understanding the correlation between quality seed in the bag and outstanding performance in the field, Matt was interested in learning more about becoming a seed dealer.

“I sent John an email from my smartphone,” said Matt. “Within an hour, I received a response. Shortly after that, I received a phone call from RSM (Regional Sales Manager) Craig Haaland. After speaking with John and Craig, I knew I wanted to be on the leading edge with Latham.”

Getting the Most for Every Dollar

As margins tighten in farming, Matt says he believe farmers will look for the best quality product. “Latham has developed a reputation with its dealers and customers for offering the best seed available. I’m very proud to sell the seed, and I’m excited for the new things to come.”

Drought-resistant corn hybrids. Dicamba-tolerant soybeans. Proprietary seed treatments… it’s all in the Latham pipeline. But Latham doesn’t focus merely on producing high-tech products. Latham Seeds helps farmers use today’s technology from grid sampling to variable rate planters.

“Latham’s hallmark Seed-2-Soil program really interests me,” says Matt. “I believe this program is going to become an even more important part of farming with tighter margins. We must help farmers get every possible bushel from each acre of land. Matching seed product to soil type gives us the best possible chance to do so. Plus, farmers can choose their level of participation in the Seed-2-Soil program. Variable rate planting and nutrient management are others ways they can use more efficient use of inputs for maximum return.”

Keeping it Classy

In his free time, Matt enjoys repairing and restoring classic and muscle cars. He’s had his own shop since 1999 and recently began restoring tractors. He also enjoys taking a Minnesota fishing trip annually with his family, as well as camping.

Matt and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 13 years. They’re the proud parents of two sons and one daughter: Gavin, 12; Blake, 8; and Madison, 6. Their kids have enjoyed sports and extracurricular activities, but the family’s priorities changed when Blake was diagnosed in 2010 with kidney cancer. After surgery and a year of chemotherapy, he’s in remission.

“This was a true eye opener for our family,” says Matt, whose family is an active support of Butler County Relay for Life. “It really made us value our family and gain a new appreciation for how precious life really is.”

With a new appreciation for life, the Wahls savor simple moments like Saturday morning breakfasts. Today’s their sharing a favorite family recipe for Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes. Hopefully, your family can make the time this weekend to savor every bite!

Team Latham

September 12, 2014

General, Recipes

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Scott County Farmers Give “Hand Up” for Sustainable Farming

All proceeds from crops raised on a 40-acre plot by Hearts for Harvest go to help poverty-stricken families in third world countries. Pictured from left to right are board members: Scott Rochau, Bob Braden; Shannon Latham, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds; Dave Boeding, Nancy Urmie & Dan Urmie.

It’s common for local farmers to come together at harvest time and help out their neighbors in need. What makes a group of Scout County farmers unique is that they come together each fall and combine for the benefit of farmers across the globe.

Bob Braden heard about Foods Resource Bank (FRB), a non-governmental humanitarian organization committed to providing food security in developing nations through sustainable small-scale agriculture production projects.

Feeling called to make a difference, Bob passed along the information to the congregation at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Long Grove. He felt God nudge again, so Braden talked with more members of the community whom he thought might feel the same way. A committee was formed, and together they started a growing project called “Hearts to Harvest.” Today 10 committee members participate from both St. Ann’s and Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge.

Hearts of Harvest consists of 40 acres, which produces a crop of both corn and soybeans each year. All proceeds from the crops go to projects that help poverty-stricken families in third world countries feed themselves with assistance from the FRB. The FRB assists with everything from providing seed for community gardens and getting farmers the tools needed to installing drip irrigation.

“Despite the challenges we might face, our growing project has had tremendous success,” says Braden, president of the Hearts to Harvest LLC. “We feel a sense of achievement working together to achieve a common goal of helping hungry people in developing world have the dignity and pride that comes with feeding themselves.”

“We’ve been truly blessed with such by such a caring and giving community,” adds committee member and Latham® seed dealer David Boeding. “We would like to thank everyone for your past support and prayers. So many companies and individuals come together to support our annual project.”

You can help, too! Simply donate $25 to sponsor one row of corn, which will help since Hearts to Harvest rents a 40-acre parcel to provide funds for the FRB.

Each year after harvest, members of the Hearts for Harvest board gather to choose the sustainable projects to which they’ll donate. Past Hearts for Harvest-sponsored projects have included:

2013	Honduras-Neuva Frontera – funds helped create cement ponds to capture water that could be piped into homes.
2012	Kenya-Kitui – funds were used to increase food availability and increase water resources.
2011	Liberia Rural Counties – funds were used to increase agricultural productivity and reduce malnutrition. Female head of households were targeted to develop home gardens.
2010	Tanzania – Dodoma – funds helped develop and implement community-based water provision systems. Sand dams and tree nurseries were built. Local farmers were trained in agricultural techniques and technologies related to food security.
2009	Liberia Rural Counties – this program supports agricultural and animal components as part of a wider program that includes water and school aspects as communities resettle after 14 years of war.
2008	India Chattisgart – funding was used to train and educate farmers about increasing crop yields and, in turn, increasing their profits to help feed and educate their families. Funds also were used to construct and repair water resources in six communities.
2007	Bosnia – Bosansko Grahovo – projects were funded in small Bosnian Village that was devastated by war. Funds were used to help local farmers build a milk buying station that met health standards to ensure milk quality.
2006	Kenya Africa – funds helped farmers produce more grain and open doors for improving nutrition with meat, milk and eggs. Farmers were provided with access to fertilizer and learned how to produce their own maize, amaranth and soybean seeds to enhance plant performance.

In honor of the work done in the developing world by Foods Resource Bank, today we’re sharing a traditional Tanzanian recipe for Braised Cabbage. Visit your local Farmers Market and gather the ingredients needed to try this at home!

Team Latham

September 5, 2014

General, Recipes, Sides

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Win or Lose, Make Your Tailgate a Success
Coach Paul Rhodes (center) with Chris, Bill, Shannon and John Latham

“Kickoff” is a sure sign that seasons are changing. Our annual Latham® dealer kickoff meeting marks the beginning of a new sales season. And our annual Latham tailgate marks the beginning of a new football season – including another season of the Latham Locker Room Show.

The Latham Locker Room Show airs during every football broadcast on the statewide Cyclone Radio Network. This segment airs following the play-by-play and includes exclusive “locker room” interviews with players and coaches. We’d like to invite you to listen along as you’re tailgating in the parking lot, driving home from the game or bringing in #crop14.

Just as we enjoy a friendly rivalry when Iowa State takes on Iowa, there is sure to be a fair amount of smack talk when Latham customers from North Dakota Roll into Ames this weekend,” says John Latham, company president and ISU alum.

The Bison may be the three-time defending national champions, but the Cyclones will have the home field advantage. Iowa State’s top tight end, E.J. Bibbs, is generating lots of attention already. Although this ISU senior had a breakout season in 2013, Iowa State Head Coach Paul Rhoads says his team’s offense won’t revolve around one player this season.

“It takes a good offense and a good offense to win on the grid iron – or in a farm field,” agrees John Latham. “I’m really excited about the talent ISU has and am looking forward to seeing the new defense come together. I’m equally excited about our new offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Mark Mangino. I know our team will be prepared to do battle.”

To help you prepare for the new season, we’re sharing a recipe for Pizza Snacks from the new Let’s Cook cookbook featuring “Iowa Girl Eats” blogger and host of “Join My Journey”, Kristen Porter. We know that large quantities of good food are key to hosting a successful tailgate, so we’re also including links below to some of our most popular tailgating recipes.

Get into the spirit and bring home the “W” with Team Latham!

Top Tailgating Recipes
Team Latham

August 29, 2014

General, Recipes, Sides

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

See Why this Ohio Farm Girl Engages in #RealPigFarming

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Runners Power Up with Pork

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Celebrate October with Apple-Pecan Pork Tenderloin

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

When dairy cattle judging is non-negotiable

Guest Blog by Laura Moser Laura is an agricultural writer living with her family and their small herd of registered dairy cows in Dansville, Michigan.

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

4-H Experience Leads to Lifetime Love

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Try & Buy Farm-Fresh Foods at Sunday’s Farm Crawl

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

HenCliff Honey is the Bee’s Knees

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham Dealership Helps Wahl Live His Dream

Getting the Most for Every Dollar

Keeping it Classy

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Scott County Farmers Give “Hand Up” for Sustainable Farming

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Win or Lose, Make Your Tailgate a Success

Guest Blog by Laura Moser
Laura is an agricultural writer living with her family and their small herd of registered dairy cows in Dansville, Michigan.