As exciting as it was to see the Iowa State University Cyclones defeat Oklahoma State on Jan. 19 and as disappointing as it was for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes to fall to Michigan State on Jan. 24, the real winner this week was Coaches vs. Cancer.

Coaches vs. Cancer was championed by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri men’s basketball program.  As a cancer survivor and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Stewart challenged fans to pledge a dollar amount for points made by his team.  The American Cancer Society and the NABC adopted that concept in 1993, transforming it into a nationwide effort “to provide help and hope to people facing cancer.”

For the past seven years, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds has pledged money to the American Cancer Society for every free throw made by the ISU men’s basketball team. This year we’re pleased to announce that we’re also sponsoring a Charity Stripe Promotion that donates dollars to the American Cancer Society for free throw made by the Iowa men’s basketball team.

Everyone can think of someone whose life has been affected by cancer. Our family was affected, too. On February 20, 2010, former Latham Seeds’ president Bill Latham underwent a stem cell transplant to battle Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). That transplant extended his life more than five years. Due to this experience, we gained a new appreciation for all the American Cancer Society does to fund lifesaving research, treatment and support. We also appreciate the organization’s efforts to offer resources for those diagnosed with cancer, to cure different types of cancer, as well as to promote awareness.

You can reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early. Because skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States – and those of us in agriculture tend to spend a lot of time outdoors – today we’re reminding you of safe ways to have fun in the sun.

We also want to share with you a recipe from Anne Hytrek, MSEd, RD, LD, CDE. Anne is originally from Franklin County, Iowa. She works at Ankeny Prairie Trails Hy-Vee and serves on the Iowa Food & Family Project’s Advisory Committee of which Latham Seeds is a proud sponsor. Anne has shared ways for keep your New Year’s Resolution of eating healthy and tips for creating heart healthy meals. Today she’s sharing with us a recipe for healthy comfort food to warm up on a cold winter’s night.

Related Blog Posts:

• 2018: Breaking Cancer’s Silence
• 2016: Will to Win is Common Denominator
• 2015: Put the Full Court Press on Cancer
• 2014: Coaches vs. Cancer Nets $17,000
• 2013: Coaches vs. Cancer Nets $15,000

 

“Do we love game day!” said Suzy Knipfel of Hampton, Iowa, proud mom of Josh Knipfel, who is starting right guard for the Iowa State University (ISU) Cyclone football team.

What could be better than game day… How about bowl game day?

“Needless to say, Josh was thrilled to play in a bowl game during his first season as a Cyclone!” says Suzy. “The team left on Christmas Day [2017] and spent five days in Memphis before the game. It was jam-packed with so many activities, as well as practices and press conferences. His favorite non-football activities were going to the Civil Rights museum and touring St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Both, he said, were humbling experiences. Memphis was one of the schools he had visited as a possible college, so it was ironic he played a game there. We got to spend some time with him walking around Beale Street, which was packed with so many Cyclone fans! He will never forget that experience.”

Head coach Matt Campbell led ISU to a 21-20 win over Memphis in the 2017 Liberty Bowl.

Cyclone Nation is hoping to keep its winning streak going and when the ISU football team makes its consecutive bowl appearance. The week of Christmas thousands of Iowans headed to San Antonio and the River Walk for the 2018 Valero Alamo Bowl. Number 25 ISU will battle #12 Washington State on Friday, Dec. 28, in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.

All eyes will be on ISU’s true freshman quarterback Brock Purdy, who had his breakout game on the road against Oklahoma State. Purdy, whom ESPN named Big 12 True Freshman of the Year, has led ISU to victory in 7 of their last 8 games during which they defeated two ranked teams. Averaging 241.9 yards passing and with 66.3 percent of his passes completed, Purdy’s passing efficiency ranks sixth nationally. His 16 TD passes ranks fifth on ISU’s season list.

Another player to watch is wide receiver Hakeem Butler, who leads the nation in yards per reception at 22.1. Butler leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and TD catches. He also is ISU’s single-season school-record holder in receiving yards at 1,126.

Be sure to watch for running back David Montgomery, who could be leaving the Cyclones at the end of this season for the NFL. Montgomery ranks third in the Big 12 and 24^th nationally in rushing at 99.3 yards per game. He ranks 7^th in school history in career rushing yards and 9^th in career rushing TDs.

“Josh has a lot of respect for David [Montgomery] on and off the field,” says Suzy. “As an athlete, he is the epitome of what a teammate should be. Josh has mentioned numerous times how David is very appreciative of his blockers and never fails to give credit to them. Many times, Josh has hoisted David up in the air after a touchdown.”

One of the most memorable moments between Montgomery and Knipfel happened this fall during the ISU-Baylor game. Early in the third quarter Butler was blocking for a Montgomery rush. During that run, Baylor defensive back Blake Lynch held Butler after the block. A pushing contest started and soon escalated into a brawl.

“I was just trying to make sure David didn’t get hurt or anything,” Knipfel said in a Nov. 10, 2018, The Gazette article. “When stuff like that happens, that’s when dumb injuries happen. I didn’t want David to get hurt or anything like that. I was trying to break it up and move onto the next play.” Knipfel tried to break up the fight and was ejected. He was sent to the locker room until referees in the booth buzzed down, bringing back Knipfel and ejecting Montgomery. It’s a moment that fans will always remember. (Click here to watch a video of Knipfel’s return.)

“I loved the standing ovation when [Knipfel] came back on,” Butler said. “It was like a wrestler coming into a Royal Rumble.”

Let’s get ready to rumble! Good luck tonight to the ISU Cyclones. Remember to tune into the post-game Latham Locker Room Report for exclusive interviews with players and coaches.

In honor of the Alamo Bowl game, we’ve compiled a list of tailgating and Game Day recipes that promote Iowa products, including Black Bean and Sweet Corn Guacamole Dip with a hint of Texas flavor:

• Dried Beef Pickle Dip from the Iowa Beef Industry Council
• Sausage Grinders from Iowa Pork Producers
• Tailgating Eggs from the Iowa Egg Council

Alamo picture photo credit to Jeremy Davis.

 

Charming small towns blanketed in snow. Vintage trucks traversing two-lane roads. Rustic barns serving as the perfect venue for a holiday party. Feel-good story lines focused around family traditions.

Please tell me that I’m not the only one who has recently watched a Hallmark Christmas movie and thought, “People are obsessed with our lifestyle in rural America.”

Last weekend when a winter storm kept many North Iowans homebound, I lost track of the number of Facebook status updates I read from my friends who were watching Hallmark movies and baking Christmas cookies. Baking up a storm as the north wind blows and the snow flies is obviously a tradition in many of our families.

It’s that sense of family and time-honored traditions that has Americans flocking to the Hallmark channel for the Countdown to Christmas. “We love the Christmas spirit, family and the love [a Hallmark movie] portrays,” according to The Wall Street Journal article. “The beautiful, festive scenery is amazing.” And characters actually say “Merry Christmas” rather than the politically correct “Happy Holidays.”

Nearly 5 million viewers tuned into “The Christmas Train” on the Saturday after Thanksgiving 2017. Last November Hallmark became the most-watched cable network among 18- to 49-year-old men and 25- to 54-year-old women. Those viewers translate into advertising revenue. It was reported that Christmas programming accounts for one-third of Hallmark’s annual ad revenue.

No wonder the Hallmark Channel and its sister network, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, will premiere a record-breaking 37 new seasonal films between Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Here’s how the “Countdown to Christmas” has grown:

2017        33 original movies
2016        28 original movies
2015        21 original movies
2014        12 original movies

With so many wholesome movies to watch, a DIY Movie Night Popcorn Bar seems like a fitting and fun way to spend family time. If this weekend’s Hallmark movie premier doesn’t catch your eye, kick back with one of Christmas classics like “Elf,” “A Christmas Story,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Home Alone,” “Miracle on 34^th Street,” or “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Sweet treats go hand-in-hand with salty treats. Why not mix up a batch of Caramel Chex Mix?

Fall harvest can bring a sweet sense of completion as farmers see the hard work of their year come full circle. While the weeks can be long, the nights pass quickly – especially when there’s rain in the forecast. Extra stress occurs when farmers are running hard on minimal sleep. We’re all trying to get as much done as possible each day, yet our priorities quickly change if a neighbor needs help.

The agricultural community comes together to help one another, which is why I hold the harvest season near to me. There are multiple stories each year of neighbors helping neighbors.  Whether the main operator of an operation is struggling with sickness or loss of help, the uplifting stories of everyone pitching in to help one another out remind us all the reason of why we do what we do.

From lining up field help, coordinating rides, planning meals and fixing breakdowns, everyone in the community plays an irreplaceable role. Below are three recipes that can contribute to meal planning and harvest preparation. Not only are these recipes quick and easy to prepare, they can be easily transported to the field or to a neighbor’s house.

Pizza Hot Dish

1 lb. hamburger

1 small onion

1 can mushrooms

8 oz. pkg. egg noodles, cooked

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 can cheddar cheese soup

Mozzarella cheese

Brown hamburger and onion, drain.  Put into a casserole dish and add mushrooms, egg noodles, spaghetti sauce and soup.  Stir well.  Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake an additional 5-10 minutes.

Golden Parmesan Potatoes

6 large potatoes

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

3/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/3 cup butter

Parsley (optional)

Melt butter in a 9×13 pan while the oven is preheating to 375 degrees.  Meanwhile wash potatoes and cut into pieces.  Combine flour, cheese, salt and pepper in a plastic bag.  Add potatoes and shake in bag to coat.  Add potatoes to 9×13 pan.  Bake a half hour, take out and stir and bake another half hour.  Sprinkle with parley before serving.

Spaghetti Salad

1 lb. angel hair pasta

1 large tomato, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 onion, chopped

16 oz. bottle creamy Italian salad dressing

2 tsp. prepared mustard

1/2 cup sugar

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Cook spaghetti.  Drain and cool.  Mix dressing, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl.  Combine with other ingredients.  Marinate several hours or overnight before serving. May also add black olives and pepperoni.

The screenshots below are two examples from just this year of farmers helping farmers.

“Nothing compares to a day at the Iowa State Fair, and nothing compares to food grown right here in Iowa!”

The opening line of the program for the first ever Farm to Fair meal at the Iowa State Fair couldn’t be more true. This past weekend, I was one of the lucky 500 gathered at the largest dinner table ever set at the Iowa State Fair.

To bring this event together, state fair coordinators posted an open invitation for fairgoers to apply to be at the table. Just over 400 were awarded a seat with the remaining seats reserved for willing Iowa farmers to attend, share stories and answer questions about how the food started on the farm and arrived at the dinner table at the fair.

Dinner guests were greeted at check-in by none other than Iowa’s own Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Deputy Secretary Julie Kenney. Fitting hosts for a meal that celebrates Iowa agriculture. My seat was at the center of the table. A table so long I couldn’t see either end!

The meal was prepared by The Machine Shed restaurant. An organization that strives to source Iowa-grown products and promote the hard work of everyday Iowa farmers. Each course featured a different commodity grown here in Iowa and was served by Iowa FFA student volunteers. These high school students are enrolled in agriculture education classes around the state with many aspiring to be future farmers or ag professionals. As a past FFA member myself, I couldn’t be more proud to have them be part of such a great event at the fair.

As the meal got underway my table wasted no time introducing ourselves. I was seated with couples from the Perry area and Waukee – both communities in central Iowa. We talked about their favorite parts of the fair, what they do for a living and things they were looking forward to with the remainder of summer. Then came the questions for me. For the most part, none of the questions were surprising as most of them stem from topics often misconstrued in the media. Do you use antibiotics? What about hormones? How much land does it take to raise cattle? Do you farm alone? Are the tariffs going to make it hard for you to continue farming? My favorite topic, where do you market your beef?

With each question we were able to piece together more of the puzzle as to how beef starts on my farm and ends on plates across Iowa. We talked about how beef that we market direct to family allows them to fill a freezer and have meat high in zinc, iron and protein at the ready for their kids fueling their bodies for sporting events. We talked about how the beef we market direct to local restaurants creates economic activity locally – from the family farm, to the local locker to the family-owned restaurant. We also talked about how part of our herd is marketed at a regional sale barn. Where buyers from larger labels like Tyson come to purchase market-ready beef to process and package for grocery store sale. So even though the package may not have our SkyView Farms name on the outside, beef available at the grocery store is often raised by a family farm.

I so enjoyed this opportunity to join the largest table ever set at the Iowa State Fair. And for the opportunity to answer consumer questions about my part in raising healthy beef for Iowa tables. Each course of the meal also came with a recipe! So I thought it fitting to share one with you all today. It’s sweet corn season! Make a pit stop at a local sweet corn stand or seek it out in the grocery store and give this corn casserole recipe a try. I recommend!

By Kelly Visser, Iowa Soybean Association communications program coordinator

There’s no better celebration of food, family and farming than the iconic Iowa State Fair. Whether it’s meeting baby piglets, cheering on grocery bagging competitions or enjoying a new fair food, fairgoers from both rural and urban communities can make lifelong memories during the incredible 11-day event.

The Iowa Food & Family Project will have an exhibit in the South Atrium of the Varied Industries Building, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the fair. The display will offer fairgoers a unique perspective about agriculture, farm families, food and food retailers.

More than 250,000 fairgoers are expected to “follow a farmer” through a one-of-a-kind combination barn-and-home, complete a short quiz and enter to win several fabulous prizes including a $500 meat & dairy bundle, $500 Hy-Vee Gift Card, $500 Earl May Dream Garden and Casey’s Pizza for a Year!

Visitors can take their turn at the Food and Farm Trivia Wheel and meet celebrity artists as they paint a larger-than-life mural celebrating Iowa and the families and food that grow here. Here’s the celebrity guest painting schedule:

• Chuck Long | Thursday, August 9 at 1 p.m.
• Cy and the Iowa State University Cheer Squad | Wednesday, August 15 at 1 p.m.
• Governor Kim Reynolds | Thursday, August 16 at 1 p.m.

Follow the Iowa Food & Family Project on Facebook for live updates from the fair.

Iowa State Fair by the Numbers

It takes a lot of volunteers, food and fuel to power the fair each year, and Iowa’s farm groups play a huge part in making it happen! Here are a few fair food fun facts:

• Approximately 160,000 eggs on a stick are handed out each year.
• The Iowa Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters serves 28,000 pounds of beef each year.
• On average, more than 7,100 gallons of ice cream are served at the Dairy Barn.
• Each year, 75,000 pork chops are served.
• Beer and hot dogs are fair favorites that are made with corn.
• The turkey grill opened in 1983.
• The fair spans 400 acres. A farmer can grow 94,000 bushels of corn or 26,000 bushels of soybeans on 400 acres.
• A world record for the most people simultaneously eating corn dogs was set at the fair in 2008, with 8,400 corn dogs consumed!

Iowa State “Fare” Cookbook

You can continue enjoying fair food all year long with recipes from Iowa Food & Family Project’s Iowa State “Fare” Cookbook. The cookbook serves up tried and true recipes created by Cristen Clark, a farmer, award winning-cook and fair aficionado. Click here to download a copy of the cookbook.

By Kelly Visser, Iowa Soybean Association communications program coordinator

There’s no better celebration of food, family and farming than the iconic Iowa State Fair. Whether it’s meeting baby piglets, cheering on grocery bagging competitions or enjoying a new fair food, fairgoers from both rural and urban communities can make lifelong memories during the incredible 11-day event.

The Iowa Food & Family Project will have an exhibit in the South Atrium of the Varied Industries Building, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the fair. The display will offer fairgoers a unique perspective about agriculture, farm families, food and food retailers.

More than 250,000 fairgoers are expected to “follow a farmer” through a one-of-a-kind combination barn-and-home, complete a short quiz and enter to win several fabulous prizes including a $500 meat & dairy bundle, $500 Hy-Vee Gift Card, $500 Earl May Dream Garden and Casey’s Pizza for a Year!

Visitors can take their turn at the Food and Farm Trivia Wheel and meet celebrity artists as they paint a larger-than-life mural celebrating Iowa and the families and food that grow here. Here’s the celebrity guest painting schedule:

• Chuck Long | Thursday, August 9 at 1 p.m.
• Cy and the Iowa State University Cheer Squad | Wednesday, August 15 at 1 p.m.
• Governor Kim Reynolds | Thursday, August 16 at 1 p.m.

Follow the Iowa Food & Family Project on Facebook for live updates from the fair.

Iowa State Fair by the Numbers

It takes a lot of volunteers, food and fuel to power the fair each year, and Iowa’s farm groups play a huge part in making it happen! Here are a few fair food fun facts:

• Approximately 160,000 eggs on a stick are handed out each year.
• The Iowa Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters serves 28,000 pounds of beef each year.
• On average, more than 7,100 gallons of ice cream are served at the Dairy Barn.
• Each year, 75,000 pork chops are served.
• Beer and hot dogs are fair favorites that are made with corn.
• The turkey grill opened in 1983.
• The fair spans 400 acres. A farmer can grow 94,000 bushels of corn or 26,000 bushels of soybeans on 400 acres.
• A world record for the most people simultaneously eating corn dogs was set at the fair in 2008, with 8,400 corn dogs consumed!

Iowa State “Fare” Cookbook

You can continue enjoying fair food all year long with recipes from Iowa Food & Family Project’s Iowa State “Fare” Cookbook. The cookbook serves up tried and true recipes created by Cristen Clark, a farmer, award winning-cook and fair aficionado. Click here to download a copy of the cookbook.

As the old adage goes, “If you love something let it go. If it comes back to you, it was meant to be.” For Jacob Van Manen, sometimes you must leave the farm to realize just how much you miss it.

“I always enjoyed helping on the farm, but it wasn’t until I went off to college and received a couple of job offers to work in an office that I realized I couldn’t stand working inside all day,” Jacob says.

Jacob and his sister, Emily, were raised on their family’s farm in East Central Iowa. This dynamic duo has been selling Van Manen Sweet Corn for virtually their entire lives. They officially took over the business about seven years after their father, Kevin, said he was ready to retire from raising produce. As is the case with most farmers, Kevin never really retired.

Today four generations of the Van Manen family — including Jacob’s wife, Kate, and Emily’s husband, Braden — have come together to help with the family operation, whether to pick produce, manage roadside stands or any number of other chores. Kevin’s mom, Trudy, shows up faithfully every morning to drive the gator for her grandkids (and great grandkids). Kevin and his wife, Julie, began growing sweet corn in the 1980s and have sold it at roadside stands for 30 years. As their family has grown, their roles have changed and the farm has evolved.

 

Kevin and Jacob both farm full time. In addition to raising produce, they raise field corn and soybeans. They also raise Holstein feeder calves and pigs. Jacob’s wife, Kate, works right here at Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds as our digital marketing strategist. She has added a produce season to the mix by selling pumpkins and mums at self-serve stands in the fall.

Everyone plays a role in this family business. Sweet corn is picked fresh every morning and then transported to town before the roadside stand opens. Van Manen Sweet Corn & Fresh Produce has expanded during the last five years to four, full-time stands. They also have added Muscatine watermelon and cantaloupe to their inventory.

Family members’ roles have changed, too. Kevin and Julie used to pick produce daily. Now Grandma Julie is usually on “kid duty” with four little ones, ages five and under. Kevin feeds the cattle and hogs as others pick corn.

“I just love growing things,” says Jacob, who enjoyed exhibiting horticultural products through 4-H and FFA. He still enjoys entering his produce in the open class competition at the county and state fairs. “We’re just a hardworking family that loves what we do.”

Jacob looks forward to passing along his love of agriculture. He and Kate are the proud parents of Kennedy and Karter. Emily and her husband, Braden, live 20 minutes south of the family farm and have two children, Isabella and Anastasia.

“It’s really cool that my kids will have an opportunity to grow up on a farm like I did. Not many kids today get to do that. Not many people realize sometimes we work 80-plus hours a week to bring in a crop,” says Jacob, who is a fifth-generation Iowa farmer. “Not many people today know where their food comes from. We want consumers to understand the care we take to produce safe, healthy and nutritious foods for their table.”

 

The Van Manen family opens their farm to tours. They also were a recipient of the Choose Iowa Award from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig.

Check out their stands available Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (or sold out) through July and August.

• Newton – Newton Classic Carwash
• Grinnell – First State Bank
• Marshalltown – by Scooters
• Altoona – Rasmussen Bike Shop – Altoona

Be sure to follow them on Facebook for the latest updates: Van Manen Sweet Corn & Fresh Produce. 

Today Jacob is sharing with us one of his family’s favorite recipes for Sweet Corn Dip.