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Franklin County Family Raises Winning Pork
Pictured, from left to right, are Corey and Kim Jacobson with their sons: Caleb, Matthew and Ben Jacobsen. Also pictured are representatives from the Iowa Machine Shed: Roger Johnson, Executive Chef; Steve Britton, general manager; and Cat Wood, executive team member.

Iowa leads the nation in pork production, so today we’re paying tribute to National Pork Month by honoring a Latham® seed bean grower whose family has a proud tradition of raising quality pork.

Corey Jacobsen was raised on a Century Farm in Franklin County where his parents, Doug and Carolyn, still reside. Today Corey and his wife, Kim, farm between Dows and Alexander where they raise corn, soybeans and custom finish hogs. Their three kids help on the family farm and also raise show pigs.

“Raising livestock teaches them day-to-day responsibility that many other activities can’t provide. They learn that it takes teamwork to be successful and to accomplish what needs to be done. Pork is truly is a family project that we all enjoy.”

The Jacobsen family attends several livestock shows annually including: the Iowa State Fair, Ak-Sar-Ben, World Pork Expo, National Barrow Show, Sioux Empire in South Dakota, Iowa State University’s Block & Bridle, as well as numerous county and state 4-H and FFA shows. It’s no wonder this family enjoy fairs and exhibitions so much as Corey and Kim met 28 years ago at the Franklin County Fair.

“We asked our oldest son, Ben, if he wanted to continue participating in so many shows,” says Kim, who grew up on a farm south of Coulter. “Ben was quick to reply, ‘Yes! It’s like tailgating with your family and friends for days.’”

What could be better than a days-long tailgate? Try celebrating a major victory with family and friends! Ben had the honor of showing the Reserve Champion FFA Market Hog at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. His prize-winning pork sold for $27,500 during the Sale of Champions. The Machine Shed, ADM Alliance Nutrition/ShowTec, APC, Inc., and Newsham Choice Genetics with support from Morgan Genetics, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, Woolstock Equipment, Mike Fischer and $14,300 in local support from the Citizens of Clarion, Iowa.

Ben, a high school senior, has been active in the Clarion-Goldfield FFA and serves as sentinel. He is also a member of the school’s basketball and golf teams. His youngest brother, Caleb, loves playing video games, swimming and tubing. Matt loves anything music. He plays guitar, violin, ukulele, piano and saxophone. He also enjoys wrestling and showing pigs.

Ben and Matt have been very active showing pigs at county, state and national shows. Caleb will join them once he’s older. “Through 4-H, our boys have learned skills they use on the farm also such as welding, woodworking, small engines, along with the communication and record keeping,” says Kim. They belong to a club called Wright County P.I.G (pork interest group) that has led them on many educational tours to learn more about the livestock and agricultural industry.”

A love of farming has been passed down through the generations. Corey is the fourth generation to farm in Franklin County and his family has been raising seed beans for Latham ever since he can remember. Corey started growing seed beans in 1986 when he rented his first farm.

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

When they can take a break, the Jacobsen family enjoys boating, tubing, golfing and cheering on the Clones! Speaking of Iowa State football, today the Jacobsens are sharing a family favorite tailgating recipe. Celebrate National Pork Month while preparing to cheer on your favorite team this weekend with Sausage and Cheese Wraps, or slow down on Sunday with Pork Chops and Mushroom Gravy.

Chops with Mushroom Gravy

COOK’S NOTE: This recipe is also delicious when serving chicken in place of pork chops. The gravy is wonderful over mashed potatoes or you can serve it with rice. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 to 2 tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 6-8 boneless pork loin chops (1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 can (4 oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
- 2 cups milk
- 2 T lemon juice
Directions:
- In a large, resealable plastic bag, combine the first four ingredients.
- Add pork chops, one at a time, and toss to coat.
- Set remaining flour mixture aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté chops in butter until golden brown; transfer to a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion, green pepper and mushrooms till tender. Stir in reserved flour mixture; gradually add mild until blended.
- Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
- Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. Pour over chops.
- Cover and bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until pork chops no longer pink.
Team Latham

October 4, 2013

General, Pork, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Weekend Entertainment is “Easy as Pie”
Why settle for ordinary when you can enjoy an extraordinary weekend?

Join us, September 27-29, for the grand opening of Enchanted Acres in Sheffield, Iowa! Have a blast firing our new pumpkin cannon. Treat yourself at our new Snack Shack. Spice up your Saturday with an “Easy as Pie” baking class.

“Octoberfest” begins this weekend in Sheffield, Iowa, with fun and games for kids of all ages including:

Saturday, Sept. 28
- 10 am and 1 pm classes on Pumpkin Pie Baking by Cathy Carlson of Cathy’s Country Cook’n, Hampton
- 10 am to 1 pm – Train Rides on the GBO Railroad
- 11 am to 1 pm – Face painting by Pamela Warwick
- 1 pm to 3 pm – Pedal Tractor Pull
- BBQ Sandwiches served from 11 am to 6 pm by Wholly Smoke of Dows
Sunday, Sept. 28, from 2 to 4 pm
- Pumpkin Painting Class by Pamela Warwick
- Wine Tasting by Ridge Stone
- Texas-Style Music Jam by Don Wrolson and friends
Pick your own pumpkins from the 20-plus varieties grown on site. Take a walk through the woods and take time to smell the wildflowers. Play on the tire swings… Let your inner child out! Relax and unwind as you experience some carefree country moments with your family.

At Enchanted Acres, we’re looking forward to hosting regular Friday Family Fun Nights including Pizza in the Patch on Oct. 4 and Pet Costume Night on Oct. 18. Throughout the fall we are planning craft workshops including glitter pumpkins, mod podge pumpkins, and of course, pumpkin carving. Visit our website for a schedule of events.

There are literally 31+ reasons to celebrate the month of October. October is National (insert something wonderful here) month including:
- National Chili Month
- National Cookie Month
- National Pizza Festival Month
- National Pasta Month
- National Pork Month
October is also National Apple Month and National Pumpkin Month, so today I’m linking to some of my favorite tried and true seasonal recipes:
Buy your baking apples and pie pumpkins this weekend at Enchanted Acres, located just two miles east of I-35 in rural Sheffield. Just look for the enormous enchanted pumpkin and magical red barn on the south side of the road. Visit EnchantedAcresIowa.com for directions and more details, and remember to “like” us on Facebook!
Team Latham

September 27, 2013

Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Winding Road Leads to Home
Aaron Wenger is proud to be the fifth generation to live on this century farm just southeast of Elgin, nestled in between the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Iowa. But, he took the most unusual road to get home.

As a child of a career military officer, Aaron spent his childhood moving from place to place. His two brothers and he moved all over the nation, living in a total of eight different states. One constant was spending summers in Fayette County, Iowa, where he stayed in his grandmother’s large farmhouse and helped his uncles farm. Helping with farm work gave him a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day and connected him to the land and the people here.

That’s why, after graduating from Tipton Rosemark Academy in Memphis, Tennesee, Aaron knew he was going to make his way to the Midwest. He accepted a partial football scholarship at Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, where he played linebacker.

“I really enjoyed playing football,” says Aaron. “As an athlete, I liked competing. I liked challenging myself physically and mentally.”

Aaron loved belonging to the team and the experience of college football, but he felt the urge to look toward the future and decided to transfer to Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames. Friends and cousins were attending ISU already, so adjusting to a new college was pretty easy for Aaron.

After graduating in December 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Ag Studies, Aaron worked for a farmer in Central Iowa for two years. He used this time to build connections in Fayette County and plan a transition to his grandparents’ farm.

Aaron’s uncle was willing to help him begin farming. Aaron provided labor on his uncle’s farm in exchange for the use of his uncle’s equipment. An agreement was also reached with his Grandma Wenger to move into her farmhouse, which allowed Aaron and his wife, Kali (Kay-lee) to start making that house their home put putting their own touches inside.

There have been a few changes since Aaron and Kali were married in December 2010. Aaron’s grandmother now enjoys living in town. Aaron and Kali are adjusting to parenthood as their son, Broc, will soon be 8 months old. Also this spring, they decided to build a hog building to diversify their operation and spread out the risk of farming.

It had been 30 years since pork had been produced on the Wenger farm, so it took a great deal of work to get ready for the first group of pigs. Aaron built a new wean-to-finish barn. When many Iowa farmers were concentrating on getting spring field work and their crops planted, Aaron was juggling a workload that also included disinfecting buildings before his second group of hogs arrived.

Fortunately, Aaron has the support of his wife. Kali, a native of Parkersburg, Iowa, grew up on a dairy farm. Her grandpa started milking and her dad operated the dairy until 1997 when he entered the hog business.

“Raising hogs was a family effort,” says Kali. “We worked together. My parents made working fun, and it certainly helped all of us kids develop a strong work ethic.”

After graduating from high school, Kali earned an associate’s degree in child development from Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. She then transferred to Upper Iowa University in Des Moines where she completed a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Now she puts her background and experience to work as the preschool director and teacher of the 4- and 5-year olds at Valley of Elgin.

Aaron and Kali are looking forward to raising their children on the farm where they can gain an appreciation of caring for the land, nurturing crops and growing food to help feed the world. They’re proud to make their home in Elgin, the little Switzerland of Iowa, where the hills are alive with the sounds of bawling calves, snorting pigs and powerful tractors. It’s where roots run deep and friendships are formed.

It was Aaron’s friendship with corn product specialist / regional sales manager Nick Benson that drew him to Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. “Nick spoke very highly of Latham’s diverse product offerings and explained how the family-owned, independent company can draw best genetics and traits from the industry. After seeing my yield results after the first year, and then watching how well Latham® products performed during the drought, I didn’t have any reason to look anywhere else. I like the idea of supporting a family-owned business. Plus, Nick takes the time to place products on a field-by-field basis for me. I couldn’t ask for better service.”

Today the Wengers are sharing a couple of their family favorite recipes. These ham balls are perfect for fall tailgates, whether they’re enjoyed outside the football stadium or inside a farm field during the harvest season. These meatballs can be made ahead of time and freeze well. Mix up a batch for supper, followed by Cherry Crunch for dessert!

Cherry Crunch

Ingredients:
- 2 cups Bisquick®
- 2/3 cups sugar
- ¾ tsp. cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup softened butter (not melted)
- 1 can cherry pie filling
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients, except the pie filling, with a fork.
2. Pat 2/3 of the dough in the bottom of a greased pie pan.
3. Spread pie pilling.
4. Crumble remaining dough over filling.
5. Bake at 400° for approximately 25 minutes.
Team Latham

September 20, 2013

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

Tips for Throwing a Spirited Tailgate
‘Tis the night before the Iowa-Iowa State football game
and all through the state…
Folks are prepping beef roasts, pork loins, dips and desserts
for their parking lot tailgates.

Saturday is the annual Cy-Hawk football game, a time when Iowans gather together for a day of fun and games. It’s time to round up the ladder golf and bean bag toss; mix up some dip and grab an extra bag of chips. Kickoff is 5 p.m. in Ames, so there will be plenty of time for tailgating.

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds wanted to extend the fun, so today we’re hosting a companywide tailgate in Alexander. We’re grilling brats and burgers for lunch. But the main attraction, in my humble opinion (IMHO), is the buffet line. Each Latham Team member will bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert.

While trying to decide what to make and share at today’s tailgate lunch, I searched The Field Position. Talk about choices! From appetizers to entrees and dessert, we cover it all on The Field Position. Here’s my list of Top 10 Tailgating Recipes:
I ended up “punting” and ordered decorated sugar cookies for today’s event. My neighbor makes the best homemade buttercream frosting, plus she’s a master decorator. I will admit that my conscience got the best of me, so I ordered a few cookies decorated in Hawkeye colors. “Few” is the operative word. Of course, there are far more cookies decorated in Cardinal and Gold. (Insert devilish grin here.)

Let the smack talk begin! Before anyone wants to take a crack at my Clones, just keep these stats in mind:
- Iowa State Football has won 9 of the last 15 meetings with Iowa.
- Iowa State is 9-6 against Iowa since ending its 15-year losing streak in 1998
- Iowa State is 8-6 against current U of I Coach Kirk Ferentz
Whether you’ll be watching the game from your living room, a parking lot or inside the stadium, have fun! Then remember to tune into the Cyclone Radio Network following the game for the Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Locker Room Show and commentary by analysts, players and coaches.
Team Latham

September 13, 2013

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Baling Business Allows Brothers to All Farm

The Wittrock Family

There’s no need to sound a dinner bell. Somehow, when Ruth Wittrock of Paullina pulls a fresh batch of Oatmeal Bars from the oven, her family members and neighbors know to call. Her husband and sons say her cooking is their secret to keeping their customers happy.

This Northwest Iowa family operates a baling business within a 40-mile radius around their business. Gordon and his three sons, Tracy, Tim and Terry, began Wittrock Baling in 2003 by purchasing equipment from a neighbor. That neighbor had operated a custom baling business for 16 years, so there was an existing book of business. The Wittrocks began with a customer base of 40 and, over the past decade, have grown their business to 120 customers.

Photos courtesy of Terry Wittrock

“Buying the baling business was a really good opportunity for us,” says Gordon. “All three of our sons were interested in farming. It’s a bit unique that all of our boys wanted to farm, so we wanted to find a way to make it work. We weren’t farming enough acres for everyone to make a living, so we needed to look for additional income. Baling has allowed each of our boys to pursue their passion for farming.”

Terry Wittrock appreciates the beauty of Iowa’s countryside as he custom harvests hays

From April through November, the Wittrocks are busy cutting alfalfa, baling grass, chopping silage and baling cornstalks. There’s no down time during the baling season, so the winter months are spent buying/selling equipment and making repairs. They also raise their own corn and soybean crops, so it’s important that every piece of equipment is ready to go once the fields are fit to enter in the spring.

The Wittrocks go directly from spring planting to first crop alfalfa. Depending on the growing conditions, they may put up four hay crops for their customers before corn and soybean harvest begins. Once those crops are harvested, it’s time to bale the corn stalks.

Operating with such efficiency takes a great deal of teamwork. Tim and Terry line up the jobs. Terry does most of the cutting, however, everyone does whatever is needed to get the jobs done in a timely fashion. The days and hours can be long and demanding, especially when the weather is against them.

Over the years, they’ve upgraded equipment and added additional lines of machinery to handle the demand. They started cutting and baling with a John Deere 4240 and used a John Deere 4010, without a cab, for raking. Now they all use newer equipment. They have a John Deere R450 windrower. They use their John Deere 7930 and 7530 tractors to pull their two, new 569 balers. They use a John Deere 7810 to pull a new 27-wheel Rouse rake that will rake 47 feet.

“We like the bigger rake for greater speed and efficiency,” says Tim. “We also like the rubber mounted teeth for low maintenance.”

Not only has equipment technology changed, but alfalfa seed has advanced. This spring the Wittrocks planted Genuity® Roundup Ready® Alfalfa from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. This particular alfalfa stands up to heavy traffic. It produces a large, deep set crown with high root and crown carbohydrate reserves to allow for aggressive regrowth and winter hardiness. These features, combined with an outstanding disease package and resistance to Roundup Ready herbicide, make this an ideal choice for those in search of high quality, weed control, and high yield under an aggressive schedule.

“You wouldn’t have believed what a weedy mess this field was in early spring! Then we made one pass with Roundup and it made a night and day difference,” says Gordon. “Not only was the field weed-free but the first crop on new seeding was extremely high yielding. LH 455TQ RR produced 20 large square bales off 13 acres. It’s leafy and fine-stemmed, just the way cows like it. We couldn’t be happier.”

On second thought, Gordon might be happier if he was eating an oatmeal bar while admiring his alfalfa crop. Try a batch at home and see if you can bake your family happy!

Team Latham

September 6, 2013

General, Recipes, Sides
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Got Beef? Whip up Runza!
Running through wide, open spaces. Building forts. Playing in the hay. Bottle feeding calves. There’s so much to see and do when you’re a farm kid, and that’s just the way the Siecke family likes it.

“Our children enjoy many freedoms because we live in the country,” says Shane Siecke of Madison, Nebraska. He and his wife, Amanda, are the proud parents of three: Aaron, 13; Jacie, 7; and Tate, 2. “There is plenty to do. Each child has a calf, and our older two kids have been raising their own bottle calves. They learn to take responsibility as they care for their animals.”

Farming is a family tradition. The Siecke farm has been in the family for nearly 90 years. Shane farms with his father, Doug. Together they raise corn and soybeans, plus Shane has a 60-head cow/calf operation.

Because family is so important to them, the Sieckes say they enjoy working with family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. Shane has been a Latham® dealer for 15 years. He’s especially excited about these new corn technologies that Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds will offer for 2014 planting:
- Agrisure Artesian™ – Developed by Syngenta, Artesian products exhibit season-long drought protection to increase yield in moisture-stressed fields. For 2014, Latham will offer LH 6412 GTA in the Nebraska market.
- Genuity® DroughtGard™ – This is the seed industry’s first biotech trait offering drought tolerance for fields where lack of rainfall would normally limit yields to 70 – 130 bushels per acre. LH 6444 VT2Pro DG is the first Latham product with this added protection.
- Agrisure E-Z Refuge™ – More than 2/3 of the Latham Hi‑Tech Hybrids planted in 2013 carried the refuge-in-the-bag (RIB Complete) option. The performance, ease-of-handling and reduced risk for farmers speaks for itself. In 2014, Latham will offer Agrisure products with the E-Z Refuge brand and the Duracade trait package. Specific corn product numbers are still being considered since approval was just granted last week.
Exciting, new soybean technologies will also be part of the 2014 Latham Hi‑Tech Soybean lineup. Earlier this week it was announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Balance GT soybeans from Bayer Cropscience and MS Technologies. These soybeans will carry tolerance to glyphosate herbicides, as well as Balance Bean, an HPPD-based herbicide similar to Balance used on corn acres. Two other exciting soybean technologies in the pipeline include Dicamba-tolerant soybeans (Roundup Ready Xtend) and the 2,4-D tolerance (Enlist).

“One of the advantages of working with an independent, family-owned seed company is that Latham offers one of the industry’s broadest and deepest lineups,” says Shane. “Latham does the legwork of testing products by region, which helps assure farmers like me that we’re getting the best products for our growing conditions.”

In his free time, Shane enjoys tractor pulls and hunting. Amanda is a registered nurse at Faith Regional in Norfolk, working in Cardiology. She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Aaron is playing Jr. High football. He also will play basketball this winter and will run track in the spring. Jacie is in her second year of dance lessons and plans to play soccer this fall.

As a working mom with active children, Amanda enjoys no-hassle entertaining. That’s why when friends or family call, she’s likely to whip up a batch of Runza casserole. Runza, a stuffed beef sandwich that originated in Russia and became popular in Germany, is as popular in Nebraska as hot dish is in North Dakota. Today Amanda is sharing her time-tested recipe with us on TheFieldPosition.
Team Latham

August 23, 2013

Beef, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Welcome to the Houses that Beef Helped Build

“The power of love is a curious thing,” croons musician Huey Lewis. “It makes one man weep, another man sing.” And in Iowa, love helps build Ronald McDonald Houses.

Welcome to the House that Love Built. The Ronald McDonald House is a warm, safe and comfortable place where family members of seriously ill children can stay while their children are being treated at area hospitals in Des Moines, Iowa City or Sioux City.

Ronald McDonald Houses rely on the love, sharing and caring of generous donors to accomplish its mission. Last Saturday, during the 2013 Iowa State Fair, a record-setting $183,000 was raised from livestock sales held after the 31^st Annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show. More than $2 million has been raised for Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa since 1983 when Gov. Terry E. Branstad first joined forces with the Iowa Beef Industry Council to sponsor the Governor’s Charity Steer Show.

It’s an honor to be asked to participate in the Charity Steer Show, whether you’re a 4-H or FFA member whose animal gets selected or whether you’re the celebrity who’s been invited to lead one of the 1,000+ pound-animals around the ring. It’s an opportunity for Iowans of all backgrounds to come together to support a worthy cause.

“It was certainly an honor to be asked. My family has used the Ronald McDonald House in the past, so it was a great chance to give back. But I have to admit, I was a little nervous,” said 1040 WHO Radio farm broadcaster Mark Dorenkamp. “The pavilion was packed full of people, and I’d never shown a steer before. There were a few moments when I didn’t know if I’d be able to keep Beef Wellington from taking off, but I had a great young man from Madison County helping me. Brock Johnson was with me every step of the way, and getting to know the Johnson family was a real highlight for me.”

“What a fun event!” said Story County 4-H and FFA member Cory Sampson of Nevada, who also participated in the charity show for the first time this year. “We helped raise money for an awesome cause.”

Cy, Cory Sampson and Coach Cecil Rhoads received the People’s Choice Award last Saturday during the 31st Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair. Curran Cattle Co. purchased Cory’s steer, and proceeds benefited Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.

Cory teamed up last Saturday with Coach Cecil Rhoads in memory of Brayton Shill, who would’ve turned 8 on July 29. Brayton lost his battle with cancer last November, and his family stayed in a Ronald McDonald house while he underwent treatment. The team spirit exhibited by Cyclone the steer, Coach Rhoads and Cory made them the People’s Choice Award Winner.

Teamwork is second nature to Cory, 19, who was raised on a family farm near Nevada. He’s the youngest son of Doug and Diana Sampson, who are also the proud parents of 25-year-old Todd and 22-year-old Amy. All three of the Sampson’s children have been active in 4-H and FFA. Doug and Diana were both 9-year 4-H members.

“There isn’t a better way to learn life skills or make new friends than through 4-H and the FFA,” says Diana. “Our kids have developed leadership and communication skills. They held multiple offices within their local 4-H Club and the Iowa Junior Maine-Anjou Association. Each of our kids took part in the annual FFA contests. Plus, they’ve exhibited livestock through both 4-H and FFA.”

“Our kids have enjoyed success in the show ring, but the neatest thing to see is the endless friendships they have made and will have for years to come,” says Doug, who began farming full time in 1977 with his father, Glen.

Cory, Ceil, Doug

Now that Glen is retired, Doug, Diana and their kids raise corn and soybeans. They have a 25-head cow/calf herd of Maine-Anjou cattle. They also partner with Diana’s cousin to farrow 60 head of sows mainly to be sold as show pigs.

To promote the quality meat products they help produce, today the Sampsons are sharing a family-favorite recipe for meatballs. Form small meatballs and serve them on a stick if you want to enjoy them “state fair style.” Otherwise, follow the recipe below to make 15 large meatballs.

Team Latham

August 16, 2013

Beef, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Happiness is the 2013 Iowa State Fair
Happiness is the theme of the 2013 Iowa State Fair, Aug. 8-18. Cynthia Foder from KCCI News 8 filed a story yesterday, asking fair-goers how they would define “happiness” at the Iowa State Fair. Since I wasn’t able to provide my comment then, I’ve decided to blog about it today. Why? Because I truly believe happiness is the Iowa State Fair! Happiness is…
- Biting into a bacon wrapped corn dog or one of 18 new foods to debut at the 2013 fair.
- Seeing sheep, pigs, goats, horses and cattle – it’s the next best thing to showing your own!
- Spending a picture perfect Friday at the Iowa State Fair, making new acquaintances and visiting with dear friends.
Today I have the pleasure of joining Mark Dorenkamp and Bob Quinn for a live broadcast of “The Big Show.” You can join the fun by tuning in between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. We’ll be talking about the 5^th Annual Latham Freedom of Independence Ride, which is sure to be the most unique field day a farmer has ever attended!

Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey and Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich help build connections between rural and urban Iowans

Speaking of unique events, I can’t wait to stop inside the south atrium of the Varied Industries Building where the “Get Connected to Farming” exhibit is being built by the Iowa Food & Family Project. The centerpiece of this exhibit is an amazing sculpture created by Sean Kenney, a LEGO® Certified Professional. (I’m envisioning LEGOLAND at the Iowa State Fair.)

At 2 p.m. daily, the Iowa FFP hosts a LEGO brick building contest between a celebrity and youth. Yesterday Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey took part. I’m looking forward to a friendly competition today with Duane Murley, farm/news broadcaster, with KWMT in Fort Dodge.

My final “must make stop” on the fairgrounds is the Agriculture Building to see the butter cow, of course! This year’s companion butter sculpture celebrates the Lincoln Highway Bridge in Tama in celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the Lincoln Highway. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address. There’s so much to see and do! Happiness is…
- Seeing the butter sculptures.
- Smelling fresh wood shavings as you walk through the livestock barns.
- Dipping into a Hot Beef Sundae at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters.
Yes, indeed, happiness is the Iowa State Fair! As a tribute the fair, I’m sharing one of my favorite cake recipes from Kaitlyn Bartling. She’s not only a good friend but one of the best farm cooks I know! Bake a cake from scratch, mix up some homemade frosting and then decorate it beautifully like the cake pictured here. This cake was decorated by Franklin County 4-H member Jenna Borcherding. Jenna’s cake, which was Pinterest-inspired, is a 2013 Iowa State Fair entry. Happiness is… homemade cake topped with fresh berries.

Bake someone happy this weekend!

Here are 2 more recipes from Kaitlyn Bartling:
1. Shredded Beef French Dip
2. Stuffed Meatballs
Team Latham

August 9, 2013

Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

“Connect to Farming,” Aug. 8-18, at the Iowa State Fair

Aaron Putze

Guest Blog by Aaron Putze
Director of External Relations & Coordinator
Iowa Food & Family Project, Iowa Soybean Association

It’s less than week away from the start of the one-and-only Iowa State Fair. Indulge in all the great fair fun. Try some of the 18 foods to debut in 2013, and put the “Get Connected to Farming” exhibit on your “must see and do” list!

The Iowa Food & Family Project will be building (yes, literally building!) connections between rural and urban Iowans about farming and food at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 8-18, with a unique “Get Connected to Farming” exhibit located in the south atrium of the Varied Industries Building.

The centerpiece of this year’s exhibit will feature the work of Sean Kenney, a LEGO® Certified Professional who uses LEGO pieces to create amazing sculptures. Kenney’s build for the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP) will be made completely of LEGO pieces showcasing the positive contributions farming makes to Iowa, the nation and the world. It will feature a colorful representation of Iowa’s landscape, including rolling farm fields interspersed with farms and towns surrounded by a variety of food grown, made and sold in Iowa.

The daily LEGO brick building contest held at 2 p.m. promises to be fun and engaging. It will feature a celebrity vs. youth as they compete to successfully build a farm-related sculpture using LEGO bricks. Confirmed participants include Gov. Terry Branstad, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich, WHO-TV’s Erin Kiernan, radio personalities Mark Dorenkamp, Kim Chase, Duane Murley and Greg Chance and the 2013 Iowa State Fair Queen.

Fairgoers can also participate in a variety of other activities. They can build their own creations using LEGO bricks, visit with farmers and test their knowledge about food and farming. They’ll also be invited to contribute to the Iowa Food Bank Association.

Another Iowa Food and Family Project is helping make the connection to the need for a wholesome food supply for everyone is through its partnership with Meals from the Heartland. On Opening Day, August 8, it will partner with the Iowa Soybean Association and GROWMARK to package 250,000 servings of the soy-based meals. To reach this goal, it will take 1,500 volunteers packaging in one-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by the exhibit opening day and lend a helping hand!

Food is certainly an important part of the Iowa State Fair. And it just wouldn’t be state fair season without a tribute to food on a stick! Pay tribute to Iowa’s dairy farmers and soybean producers with this simply recipe, provided by The Soyfoods Council, for Cheesecake on a Stick.

Team Latham

August 2, 2013

Desserts, General, Recipes
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

4-H Competition Promotes Iowa Grown Foods

“Best of Class” in the 2013 4-H Dish This! competition at the Franklin County Fair are from left to right: Madi Vanness, Ellie Latham, Lindsay Jones, Ben Fahrmann, Jillisa Moore and Collin Meints

Bacon wrapped smokies. Bacon cheeseburger soup. Slow-cooked pulled pork. Smoked beef brisket. Individual fruit pizzas. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles.

All of these dishes and more were entered yesterday in the all new Dish This! competition at the Franklin County Fair. 4-H members could enter one dish in each of these five categories: Appetizer, Snack or Salad, Side Dish, Main Dish, Bread and Desserts.

Entries were scored based on presentation, taste and use of Iowa-grown food products. When selecting their recipes, participating 4-H members really had to think about which of the ingredients were made in Iowa. For example, Iowa-made Cookie’s Barbecue Sauce was used to top some of the pork and beef dishes. Blue Bunny® ice cream was featured in several desserts. An award-winning taco salad was made using every ingredient fresh from the backyard garden.

4-H’ers also were asked how they could promote Iowa-grown products. Our son said social media is a great tool to share recipes and educate others where their food comes from. (His answer did his mama proud. #agvocate!) Our daughter shares soyfoods with at Girl Scout troop meetings. Because soybeans are such an important part of our business, our daughter chose to bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with tofu. And, yes, these cookies passed the taste test at a Girl Scout meeting this past spring.

Ellie has been a fan of this recipe ever since she took the Iowa Soybean Association’s Cookie Challenge at the Latham Country Fair. Today we’re featuring the recipe for these award-winning Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with tofu. These cookies are moist, delicious and oh “soy” delicious! Serve up some fun at home this weekend!

Team Latham

July 19, 2013

Desserts, General, Recipes