Season | | Latham Hi-Tech Seeds

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Agriculture is Iowa’s Masterpiece!
By Lydia Zerby, consumer insights & engagement manager, Iowa Food & Family Project

Lydia Zerby, consumer insights * engagement manager, Iowa Food and Family Project

The iconic Iowa State Fair is the perfect way to celebrate food, family and farming! Whether it’s meeting baby calves, catching a food demonstration in The Kitchen or enjoying a new fair food, fairgoers from both rural and urban communities can make lifelong memories during the incredible 11-day event.

This year at the Iowa State Fair, immerse your family in the art of agriculture with the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP)! From Aug. 11-21, visitors can engage with Iowa FFP in the southeast atrium of the Varied Industries Building.

It’s a chance to “Find your Fun” by engaging with area artists who will be creating colorful and larger-than-life murals. Visitors to the display can double their fun by hunting for hidden objects in each design. Kids of all ages (adults, too!) can spin the wheel for fantastic prizes, play ag trivia, step inside an “ag-citing” photo booth or pick up an exclusive coloring sheet. Plus, there will be a special art contest for kids to enter!

Once again, Iowa FFP will be handing out its wildly popular reusable tote bags and visitors can enter to win some blue ribbon-worthy prizes. This year’s “Grand Champion” prizes include:
- Iowa Pork gift basket courtesy of the Iowa Pork Producers Association
- Iowa Corn gift basket courtesy of the Iowa Corn Growers Association
- Earl May Nursery & Garden Center gift card
- Hy-Vee grocery store gift card
- The Machine Shed restaurant gift card
- Framed photo of Iowa agriculture courtesy of Joseph L. Murphy
The Iowa Food & Family Project is all about celebrating families, uniting rural and urban communities and providing the information and experiences consumers need to make informed food choices. The initiative involves a collaborative network of nearly 35 food, farming and healthy living organizations who are proud of Iowa’s homegrown foods and hometown values. Iowa FFP is funded by the soybean, pork, beef, egg, corn, turkey and dairy checkoffs, as well as non-checkoff resources.

Approximately 135,000 food-minded Iowans engage with Iowa Food & Family Project monthly through social media, eNewsletter and magazine channels.

We invite you to join more than 75,000 fellow subscribers who receive our monthly Fresh Pickings eNewsletter. It’s chock-full of delicious recipes, farm stories, giveaways and ways to get involved with the Iowa Food & Family Project. Sign up here for your free subscription: www.iowafoodandfamily.com/sign-up

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is a great partner of the Iowa Food & Family Project, helping the initiative maintain consumer-focused engagement as we celebrate the continuous improvement of Iowa’s farm families and their dedication to providing wholesome food for everyone. Working together, we’re building a greater understanding and confidence among food-minded Iowans.

See you at the 2022 Iowa State Fair, where visitors will “Find Your Fun!” #ISFFindYourFun
Lydia Zerby

August 5, 2022

Beef, Food & Family, General, Recipes, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

75 Reasons to Celebrate at Latham® Dealer Kickoff
Team members of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds welcomed Latham dealers from six Upper Midwest states to Iowa’s Capital City, July 14-15, to kick off our 2022-2023 seed sales year. This year’s event was particularly meaningful as our family-owned and managed company celebrated its 75^th “birthday” in grand fashion – from balloon creations and face painting for the kids to horse-drawn wagon rides and a delicious meal catered by the Iowa Machine Shed at Living History Farms.

We chose Living History Farms for this celebratory event because of its iconic nod to Iowa agriculture and its beautiful surroundings, including native Iowa prairie. We enjoyed going back to a simpler time of life when community members gathered for lawn games and ice cream.

What began in 1947 with an innovative farmer’s vision and his wife’s office management skills has since grown into a seed company with one of the industry’s deepest portfolios. Willard and Evelyn Latham worked hard to help fellow farmers be more profitable through forward-thinking solutions, all while raising five sons who have carried forth the company’s mission. And that mission – to be a trusted partner for farmers by providing personalized solutions today so they can grow even stronger legacies tomorrow – hasn’t changed.

Whether we’re hosting a Latham event on our family’s Iowa Century Farm or in a farm field somewhere in the middle of Latham Country, we honor Evelyn Latham by continuing her tradition of hospitality. Evelyn was named Wallaces Farmer Homemaker of the Year in 1962. She developed a reputation for always having a fresh pot of coffee on the burner and homemade cookies on the table when customers came calling. Scotcharoos were often on Evelyn’s cookie plate, but that goes to reason since Rice Krispies® were invented by an Iowa State University graduate.

Scotcharoos are often served with Maid-Rites (not to be confused with Sloppy Joe’s). Who knew Iowa is home of the Maid-Rite® sandwich, too? Fred Angell served the first loose-meat sandwich in 1926 and franchised his idea in 1927. At Taylor’s Maid-Rite in Marshalltown, they still grind 100% choice beef daily to ensure its quality and freshness. We’re sharing a recipe for this Iowa classic, so you can enjoy loose-meat sandwiches at home.

We enjoy learning about regional fare as we travel across the Upper Midwest, visiting Latham dealers and customers. We’re linking to our past Kickoff blogs to give you a taste, too!

Related Posts:
- Kickoff 2021 in Sioux Falls, featuring recipe for Garden Grill Tri Tip
- Virtual Kickoff in 2020, featuring Barbecue Pork Sandwiches
- Kickoff 2019 at Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Altoona, Iowa, featuring a recipe for Crumb-Crusted Top Sirloin and Roasted Garlic Potatoes with Bourbon Sauce
- Kickoff 2018 at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, featuring a recipe for Honey Lavender Cheesecake Bites
- Kickoff 2017 at Branson, Missouri, featuring Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls
Shannon Latham

July 29, 2022

Beef, General, Latham News, Recipes, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Latham’s Premier Agronomy Center Opens for Tours

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ Premier Agronomy Center at our company headquarters in North Iowa provides us with opportunities to collect data on real-world challenges. It also provides us with an opportunity to talk about the exciting new Latham® products, as well as management practices, that help you raise more bushels. This year we have 18 different plots (10 corn and 8 soybean) to demonstrate different techniques.

Interested in seeing Latham’s Premier Agronomy Center? Plan a visit! Latham Dealers are encouraged to make arrangements with their regional sales manager (RSM), so they can bring their customers throughout the growing season. We will be open for public tours on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 4 p.m.

Here’s what you can see inside Latham’s Premier Agronomy Center… As you drive west on 180th Street in Alexander, Iowa, you will see our Latham Showcase plots featuring our top corn and soybean products. Next to that are corn and soybean seed treatment demonstration plots. I also planted my hybrid stress research up front. Twenty different Latham hybrids were planted from 22,000 to 36,000 plants per acre, so we can pinpoint when each hybrid flexes and how we can better manage them in-season.

The second tier of plots contains high-yield plots (corn/beans) where we “throw the kitchen sink at it,” so to speak, to try to add some extra bushels. Our soybean Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) plot uses tactics like in-furrow chelated iron products with increasing population to overcome the challenges IDC can bring. We have a silage demonstration plot with a planting date demonstration. You’ll also see a sneak peak of Latham’s corn breeding program alongside some great observation plots featuring planting depth.

The third tier of plots are “long-term plots” that include cover crops, no-till and continuous corn. These practices come with many challenges, so we have several different products/treatments including in-furrow fertilizer, biologicals, in-furrow fungicide, and biological products for providing nitrogen to corn. We also have included herbicide demonstrations, showing how cover crops can increase water infiltration during pounding rains, as well as also reduce herbicide costs and improve weed control in soybeans.

All growing season long we’re providing opportunities to learn from our demonstrations in the Premier Agronomy Center. Follow @LathamSeeds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. We share our weekly “Ask the Agronomist” videos, as well as season-specific information.

Phil Long

July 27, 2022

#FromTheField Crop Reports, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Fertility, From the Field, Fungicide, General, Growth Stages, Insects, Precision Ag, Season, Seed Treatment, Soil, Soybeans, Summer, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Tissue Test for Better Yields
Phil Long is in the field this week looking at the rapid growth phase of corn. He also shares what to scout for this time of year and how to send in a proper tissue test. Check out the video or read the article below to learn more.

With current input and commodity prices, we must get the most from each crop. To help your crop reach its potential, start with fertility. Regular soil tests are great, but the next step is in-season tissue testing.

Tissue testing supplements your soil test. You shouldn’t take a tissue test without a current soil test in hand. Once you take the tissue test, compare it to your soil test. See where the two tests match. Then make plans to address those needs either this season or next season.

Tissue testing every two weeks shows how your crop is developing throughout the season. If you only can tissue test once or twice, I recommend pulling a sample early (V4 for corn or soybeans) and before grain fill (R1 for corn and R3 for soybeans). This will give you a good understanding of what needs are not being met during crucial development stages.

Here are some tips on how to use tissue testing to your advantage this season:
1. Sample whole plant (above ground) when shorter than eight inches. Once a plant gets to reproduction, use the leaf below and opposite the ear leaf for corn. For soybeans, use the most recently matured leaf (usually the 2^nd or 3^rd leaf from top of the plant). Take at least 15 leaves/plants per sample.
2. Take multiple samples to compare locations in the field and to look for consistencies. If you are looking at a trouble spot, be sure to also take a sample from a good spot in the field. Send samples in a breathable bag (not a plastic Ziploc bag), or your results may not be good.
3. Compare back to your soil test. Keep environmental conditions in mind at the time of sampling. Most labs will categorize the nutrient levels based on what growth stage the plant was in when sampled. Tissue testing is like taking your temperature; the tissue test can reveal consistencies in a field that must be addressed to break that next yield barrier.
Check out other corn videos and articles on The Field Position.
Phil Long

June 29, 2022

#AskTheAgronomist, Corn, Crop, Disease, From the Field, Growth Stages, Soil, Summer, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Alfalfa Threats

Corey Catt, Forage Product Manager

Like other crops, high-quality alfalfa is commanding a good price. Strong market prices can change the economic thresholds, making it easier to justify investing in pest control. Below are some charts to help guide you.

Many insects can damage alfalfa, so it’s important to build a plan that keeps alfalfa healthy. Insects can damage the plant so much that the plant can acquire a disease and die.

Each alfalfa plant is like a factory. Crop scouting, spraying and fertilizing is like providing critical maintenance to keep the factory operating efficiently, as well as to optimize yield and quality.

Controlling alfalfa insects generally involves two things: (1) spraying insecticide; and (2) cutting alfalfa early. Check out these two articles for more insight.

Alfalfa insects: What to look for and how to scout

Alfalfa Weevil

Check out other alfalfa articles and videos from our experts.

Webspec Admin

June 22, 2022

Agronomics, Alfalfa, Crop, Disease, Fungicide, General, Growth Stages, Insects, Season, Spring, Summer, Tech Tuesday
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Estimating Optimal Time to Cut Alfalfa
Every grower tends to have a different strategy of when to begin cutting alfalfa. Some cut on a certain date in May no matter what and continue the cycle every 28 days. Some growers wait until the alfalfa has reached about 10% bloom, which historically provides a good balance between the highest yield without compromising quality.

To measure quality for an area of the field, you could use the scissors technique. This is a good method, but it takes a couple of days to get results from the lab. During that time, the plant has changed.

Another method used to estimate the optimal first cutting date for alfalfa is Predictive Equations for Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) method. Developed by the University of Wisconsin, PEAQ uses the alfalfa stand height and maturity stage (vegetative, bud or open flower) to estimate the relative feed value (RFV). In general, it is recommended to harvest alfalfa at about 150 RFV for milking dairy herds and 125 RFV for heifers, stock cattle and lactating beef cattle.

You can order an actual measuring stick or use a tape measure and follow these steps as outlined in the May 2021 issue of “Integrated Crop Management News” by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach:
1. Choose a representative two-square-foot area in the field.
2. Determine the stage of the most mature stem in the area by using the definitions at the top of Table 1.
3. Measure the tallest stem in the area. The tallest stem may not be the most mature stem. Measure the stem from the soil surface to the tip of the stem, not to the tip of the leaf. Straighten the stem for an accurate height measurement. Based on stem maturity and stem height, use Table 1 to estimate the RFV of standing alfalfa crop.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 in five representative areas across the field.
5. To estimate harvest quality, subtract 15-25 RFV units to account for harvest losses during the haylage or hay harvest process, respectively.
6. Determine optimum harvest time using the PEAQ estimate, livestock forage quality needs, considerations of upcoming weather forecasts favorable for harvest and drying, and the general assumption that RFV drops three to five points per day.
Source: Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Maintaining Quality

Alfalfa value is based on quality. For quick calculation, the old standard of $1/point of RFV. (NOTE: The current market is worth more than $1 per point, but we’re going to stick with this for easy math.) If your RFV is 200, one dry matter ton of this forage is worth $200 / dry matter ton. In the Midwest, four cuttings of alfalfa can yield 5 to 7 tons.

High commodity prices also have us reflecting on ways to extend our alfalfa stand. It’s best to keep your cutting equipment sharp. It’s generally recommended to cut a pure stand of alfalfa at two or 2.5 inches from the ground. If you have a mixed species with grass in the mix, cutting it at 2.5 to 3 inches helps maintain the grass stand life.

Good fertility programs, insect management programs and fungicide treatments also impact the quality of alfalfa and corn silage. We will provide information about these topics as the growing season progresses.

Check out other alfalfa articles on The Field Position.
Webspec Admin

May 25, 2022

Alfalfa, Crop, General, Spring, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AsktheAgronomist – Emergence

Precision Agronomy Advisor, Phil Long, brings us an update from the field. He shares what to keep an eye on with this late spring and how emergence may be quicker than normal.

Phil Long

May 19, 2022

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Emergence, General, Growth Stages, Season, Soybeans, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Monster Cookies for Spring Planting!

From the time he was able to follow in his father’s shadow, Troy Johnson of Odebolt in West Central Iowa, spent as much time farming as possible. He began farming full-time with his father, Reese, upon graduating from high school. Shortly thereafter, Troy had the opportunity to purchase his first 40 acres.

The Johnson Family

The Johnsons raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa. They started using cover crops in 2015 and have expanded their cover crop acres every year. Benefits include increasing organic matter, controlling erosion, as well as better weed control and water infiltration.

“I’ve been planting Latham® soybeans since the beginning and started planting Latham Hybrids when they came out in 2004,” says Troy, a fourth generation Iowa farmer. “I’ve planted other brands for neighbors, and it’s easy to see the difference in quality when you open a bag. Latham is known for its high-quality standards, and its reputation is well deserved.”

When the Johnson’s neighbor Russ Wilken retired as a Latham® dealer, he asked if Troy would be interested in the dealership.

“I was already planting Latham, so it was a no brainer,” says Troy. “I always enjoy trying new things, so I appreciate getting to learn about new Latham products early. I really appreciate having a team of professionals available whenever I call. Latham Seeds provides us with great customer service.”

Just as Troy’s farming enterprise has grown throughout the years, so has his family. He and his wife, Kathi, are the proud parents of three daughters. Jaci is a sophomore at Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove (OABCIG). She enjoys singing, reading and babysitting. Jaci also is involved in FFA. Sophi is in eighth grade. She plays the saxophone and is a volleyball player. In addition, Sophi enjoys designing cards with calligraphy. Tori, sixth grade, plays the piano and trumpet. She also plays volleyball, basketball and softball.

“We have been blessed to raise our children on the family farm,” says Kathi. “There are many values and lessons the girls have learned that will benefit them in the future. Although farming has its ups and downs, we are grateful to God for the life He has allowed us to live.”

A Tradition of Hospitality

Evelyn Latham, wife of Latham Seeds’ founder Willard Latham, was known for her gracious hospitality. She was sure to invite family, friends, neighbors and customers to sit down at the table to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with a plate full of homemade cookies. It’s no wonder she was named Master Farm Homemaker in 1962 by Wallaces Farmer!

Throughout the years, we have shared some of Evelyn’s favorite recipes with our dealers and their families. We were delighted when Kathi shared with us that Jaci’s Monster Cookies advanced from the county 4-H competition to the 2017 Iowa State Fair. We can only imagine how delighted Evelyn would have been, knowing Jaci was creating wonderful memories with her mother in their kitchen.

“It was an honor to have my cookies selected to go to state,” Jaci, who earned a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair with her Monster Cookies. “I was not expecting that because 2017 was my first year exhibiting 4-H projects at the fair.”

Today we’re once again sharing Evelyn’s Monster Cookie recipe with our readers. We hope you’re able to share a cup of coffee and a few heartwarming smiles with friends, families and neighbors as you enjoy a few homemade cookies. Perhaps you can enjoy a few cookies this planting season!

Shannon Latham

May 13, 2022

Corn, Desserts, Food & Family, General, Recipes, Soybeans, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AsktheAgronomist – Spring Tillage

Phil Long, precision agronomy advisor, breaks down spring tillage and when to know if the field is ‘fit.’ It’s been a challenging spring, but there is still plenty of time to get the crop in safely and efficiently! Subscribe to Latham’s YouTube Channel today!

Webspec Admin

May 12, 2022

#AskTheAgronomist, Corn, Soil, Soybeans, Spring
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AsktheAgronomist – Alfalfa Evaluation

The rain is causing some planting delays in Latham Country, so we thought we’d take a look at our alfalfa stand! Phil Long, precision agronomy advisor, dives into how to evaluate an alfalfa stand and how to gauge growth. Subscribe to Latham Seed’s YouTube Channel today!

Webspec Admin

May 5, 2022

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Alfalfa, Crop, From the Field, General, Growth Stages, Season, Spring