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2021 Sale of Champions Sets Four Records

It was another record-breaking weekend at the Iowa State Fair as the 2021 Sale of Champions set a record by raising more than $445,000 for scholarships! The Sale of Champions also broke four records for the highest selling species. The Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb, exhibited by Phoebe Sanders of Eagle Grove, set a new sheep record at $18,500.

The Champion and Reserve Champion animals selected during the Iowa State Fair livestock shows are sold annually during the last Saturday of the fair. The 16 winning exhibitors are asked to raise funds from their hometowns, and then buyers from across the nation put in the remaining funds.

Phoebe Sanders with her 2021 Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb.

“What I love about Iowa and agriculture is you’ll find an outpouring support of people who want to see you succeed,” says Phoebe, who is a junior in Agricultural Business at Iowa State University where she is active in Block & Bridle and Ag Business Club. “I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve received. This year we raised $11,000 to put toward buying my market lamb. Fareway and Lettow Show Pigs paid the remainder of the selling price.”

The Winner’s Circle

Proceeds raised from the annual Sale of Champions fund scholarships offered by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFFA). To be eligible for a Winner’s Circle Scholarship, students must study agriculture in either a two-year college or four-year university in Iowa. Scholarship applications are typically due April 1, and recipients are invited to a picnic held the day of the Sale of Champions.

“My favorite part about leading the Iowa Foundation for Ag Advancement (IFAA) is the Sale of Champions and the academic support we are able to provide to students studying agriculture in Iowa,” says Andrew Lauver, IFAA president. “I love seeing the scholarship recipients line up to receive their scholarships and then viewing the families enter the ring with their champion animals to celebrate their successes through the sale of their animals.”

The Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb, exhibited by Phoebe Sanders of Eagle Grove, set a new sheep record at $18,500.

Phoebe has been both a scholarship recipient and an exhibitor. She received a Winner’s Circle Scholarship in 2019, so she understands first-hand what a difference the IFFA scholarships make to students. She also has raised a significant amount of scholarship dollars for the past three years as she exhibited the Grand Champion FFA Market Lamb in both 2021 and 2020. In 2019, her market lamb was Iowa State Fair Reserve Grand Champion and also sold in the Sale of Champions.

As a Clarion – Goldfield – Dows FFA member, Phoebe started showing lambs seven years ago. She has one more year of state fair eligibility left.

“My favorite thing about the state fair is connecting with friends I haven’t seen for a whole year,” says Phoebe. “Showing animals has allowed me to make so many friends. I’m living in a house (at college) with six girls who I know from showing and none of them are from my hometown.”

Another benefit to showing livestock, says Phoebe, is developing confidence from being in the ring.

“I’m so grateful for my family and the support they give me. Growing up my brother, Denton, has been my mentor. One of my favorite memories was winning showmanship at the American Royal in Kansas City. My brother told me I had to do it even though I was reluctant, and I was glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone.”

Phoebe Sanders in the show ring with her market lamb.

Phoebe adds, “My advice for anyone showing an animal is to make connections and work hard because people will notice that. My family’s motto is to do our chores the best that we can and to work with our animals the best we can. After that, it’s just one man’s opinion.”

That work ethic is paying off for Phoebe both academically and professionally. This summer she worked under grain merchandisers at Gold Eagle Co-op. She also worked as an intern at Rule Sheep Co. in Hawarden. During the summer of 2020, she interned with ISU Extension and Outreach in Wright County. After graduation, Phoebe would like to work in grain merchandising or in ag sales.

In celebration of Phoebe’s Grand Champion Market Lamb, today we’re sharing a recipe from the Iowa Sheep Industry Association’s chili cookoff.

Shannon Latham

August 25, 2021

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

Prepare Now for a Fight Next Season
Mother Nature throws a few curveballs each season and 2021 is no exception. Our crops are suffering from drought, but weeds are thriving across Latham Country. Herbicides are not as effective when weeds are not “actively growing” as has been the case this season. Grass herbicide tank mixes were much less effective this year due to dry growing conditions and antagonism in the plant.

Because weeds always find a way to succeed and survive, we need an integrated approach to manage them. Below are few things you can do this year to combat weeds next year:
1. Document the worst fields. Latham’s FREE Data Forward® app scouting tool allows you to drop a pin in the field where you see weed escapes. Late summer is the best time to do this as you’re doing yield estimates and late-season field visits. As the crops mature, you can easily see those green weeds poking though. Then later this fall make sure you’re selecting the right herbicide- resistant traits in your soybeans to put up the best fight against them in 2022.
2. Spray early and layer residuals. Don’t go away from applying residual herbicides just because Latham is offering Enlist® E3 and Xtend® traits. No matter which soybean traits you’re planting, residual herbicides should be part of the program. Layering herbicides in the early season and then in your post application will be most beneficial. In 2021, we sprayed taller weeds. Then drought prevented soybean rows from closing quickly enough, so we had late flushes of weeds after a rain. Prepare to spray weeds when they are small, regardless of soybean growth.
3. Try cover crops. Cereal rye reduces the density of waterhemp early in the growing season, which in turn allows herbicides to be more effective on smaller weeds, according to a multi-state study funded by the United Soybean Board. If you have a field with strong waterhemp pressure in corn this year, cereal rye is an excellent tool to help prevent your fields from being overrun by waterhemp next year.
4. Dig out the iron. I saw row cultivators appear this year in areas to help slow down the weeds and allow the soybeans to close the rows. Extra tillage is not advantageous for the soil structure and limiting runoff, but in a year when herbicides are less effective, sometimes we must drag the iron to the battlefield.
It’s all about an integrated approach. No matter how many options we have for herbicide traits, weeds will always foil our best efforts. It’s time to put on our fighting gloves and manage each field based on its weed control needs.
Phil Long

August 20, 2021

Agronomics, Crop, Drought, Herbicide Technology, Industry News, Season, Soybeans, Spring, Summer, Weather, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AskTheAgronomist: Foliar Feeding Soybeans

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Precision Agronomy Advisor Phil Long addresses a series of questions about foliar feeding soybeans and shares some tips and practices to help with return on investment.

Webspec Admin

August 18, 2021

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Crop, Season, Soybeans, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

5 Key Takeaways from XtendFlex® and Enlist E3® Systems
Based on a recent needs assessment poll conducted by Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, the top two soybean trait technologies for 2022 planting will be Enlist E3® and XtendFlex® soybeans.

Both technologies have triple-stacked traits, featuring tolerance to glyphosate (Roundup) and glufosinate (Liberty®) herbicides. Enlist E3 soybeans also are resistant to 2,4-D Choline herbicides (Enlist Duo® & Enlist One®). For XtendFlex® soybeans, the 3^rd tolerance is to dicamba herbicides like XtendiMax®, Engenia® and Tavium®.

Do everything you can now to keep resistant weeds from gaining a foothold in your fields. Following are five key takeaways for effectively using weed control programs with both trait packages:
1. Start with a clean field. One or two tillage passes may be necessary to take care of emerged weeds. For no-till operations, a good burndown herbicide program is needed.
2. Always use a pre-emergent herbicide program whether before or after you plant. Consult your local ag chem retailer for herbicide recommendations for your area but try to use a program with multiple herbicides and sites of action.
3. Use a strong (multiple site of action) post-emergent herbicide program.
  For post-emergent applications in Enlist soybeans: I like what I’ve seen when Enlist One and Liberty are applied together. Pay attention to weed size, the stage of your crop, and label rates. If needed, you can use a second application of Enlist One if you wait at least 12 days and it’s before the full bloom stage (R2).
For post-emergent applications in XtendFlex soybeans: You CANNOT tank mix any dicamba-based product with Liberty! I like applying XtendiMax (plus applicable tank mix partner/s) either pre-emergence or early post-emergence and then having the flexibility to come back at or before R1 with Liberty. This maximizes the benefits from this new technology while keeping you in compliance with the EPA-approved herbicide labels. Applying XtendiMax early also decreases the chances of off-target dicamba movement to sensitive crops.
1. As always, read and follow all label directions for herbicide use. Whoever applies these herbicides is directly responsible for knowing the labels, including all setback and buffer requirements.
2. Knowing what is planted where is a matter of crop life and death. All forms of dicamba and 2,4-D belong to the auxin (Group 4) chemical family but react differently, depending on the herbicide trait package being used. Remember, this family primarily controls broadleaf weeds. Most grasses show little or no effect from the application of Group 4 herbicides. XtendFlex and Xtend soybeans are tolerant only to dicamba-based products and can be killed with an application of any 2,4-D product. Likewise, if you spray Enlist E3 soybeans with dicamba, they will die.
Mark Grundmeier, Product Manager

August 17, 2021

Agronomics, Crop, Herbicide Technology, Industry News, Season, Seed Technology, Soybeans, Spring, Summer, Weed Control
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AskTheAgronomist: High-Yield Soybeans and Node Count

As the calendar moves closer to harvest, many farmers are looking to gauge yield expectations in soybean fields. In this week’s segment, Precision Agronomist Phil Long explains the correlation between node count, spacing, population and yield.

Webspec Admin

August 11, 2021

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Crop, Growth Stages, Season, Soybeans, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

6 Tips for Harvesting Corn Silage in Drought Conditions
Drought-stressed corn can create a range of silage harvest issues. With much of Latham Country experiencing abnormal to extreme drought conditions, risks such as high nitrate levels, variable moisture content and potential for yeasts, molds and mycotoxins must be accounted for and well understood.

Taking extra precautions to ensure a safe and productive corn silage harvest is a worthy investment. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind this summer and fall.
1. Consult your team. Before you make any corn silage harvest decisions, verify your plan doesn’t impact your insurance coverage. It’s also good to discuss feed-out plans with an animal nutritionist so you have a plan for when and how the forage will be used.
2. Test chopping height. As you prepare to harvest silage, test various chopping heights for nitrates. Nitrate concentration tends to lessen as chopping height increases. Measure your chopping height and then send a 5-inch stalk sample to the lab. It is best to send at least two samples. By testing different heights across the plant, it gives you a general idea of nitrate hot zones. Also, remember that recent rains can increase nitrate levels.If you harvest high on the stalk to avoid high nitrate levels, your tonnage will be reduced. It is estimated that you harvest 1 ton per foot of no ear or poorly eared corn.
3. Monitor moisture content. As fields vary, so too will harvest moisture. Ideally, you want to get to 65% whole plant moisture. If it is drier, packing can be difficult but mixing in small particles can help if needed.
4. Test on harvest day. Testing nitrate levels on harvest day will give you a good frame of reference for the final product. If it shows high, do not feed it to pregnant animals, and consult with your nutritionist regarding feeding to it the rest of your livestock. Allow this crop to ensile at least 21 days, and then retest.
5. Innoculate. Anything to help ensile and preserve the forage after chopping is important. Because drought-stressed corn can be so variable in content, moisture and packing densities, it can lead to potential issues with high nitrates, mold, yeasts and mycotoxins. A good inoculant can help the fermentation process and reduce any further problems during feed out.
6. Test before you feed. Ensiling can help reduce nitrate levels by as much as 40-60%, but the final nitrate levels can be dependent on good packing. It is always best to test before you feed silage to livestock. As a rule of thumb, take at least two samples from different areas of the silage pack. One sample is just a number, two samples start the trend and three samples add confidence. There is just too much at stake to risk nitrate poisoning.
While Mother Nature can certainly throw some unexpected curve balls our way, these tips can help you make the best of a not-so-ideal harvest scenario.
Webspec Admin

August 11, 2021

Agronomics, Corn Silage, Crop, Drought, Season, Summer, Tech Tuesday, Weather
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

The Iowa State Fair Returns

By Aaron Putze

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This often-cited comment isn’t just a favored figure of speech. A 2013 published study proved that people involved in long-distance relationships had more meaningful interactions than those who saw each other daily.

While I prefer seeing those I love frequently, perhaps the adage best applies to Iowans’ love affair with the Iowa State Fair.

Sunset at the iconic Iowa State Fair

After its absence last year, one of our nation’s most iconic events returns Aug 12-22.

Call it a hunch, but my gut tells me the crowds will be enormous.

This will be my 25th fair in 26 years. After teetering on state fair burnout at the close of the 2019 edition, I’m ready and waiting for the gates to open and the canon sound 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 12.

America Needs Farmers artwork at the Iowa State Fair

Once again, I’m relishing thoughts of riding the sky glide, walking the cattle barn, navigating the Grand Concourse, sampling corn dogs, hot beef sundaes, and deep fried deviled eggs (check out the latter at the Cluck ‘n Coop tucked just inside the Midway operated by my friend Shon Bruellman).

I’m also looking forward to advocating once again for farmers during the 11-day event. The number of state fair visitors routinely tops one million. Most who walk the grounds have little to no connection to agriculture.

The Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP) returns to the southeast atrium of the Varied Industries Building. It’s our 10^th year in the location. Given roughly 250,000 fairgoers pass through the atrium annually, simple math tells me we’ve rubbed elbows with almost 2.5 million people.

Rooster at the Iowa State Fair

The impact has been measurable. Each fair, we add thousands of new fans to Iowa FFP’s audience. In addition to having an appetite for state fair cuisine, they hunger for candid and accurate information about the food they eat, how it’s grown and who grows it. The Iowa FFP is an open book about food, family and farming. We welcome the interest people have in all things food-related, from the simple (no, chocolate milk doesn’t come from brown cows!) to the complicated (yes, genetic modification is a good thing).

Those who sign up to engage with Iowa FFP receive farm-fresh information about modern agriculture via a

combination of our e-newsletter, popular Fresh Pickings Magazine (published quarterly) and social media offerings. Not only does the audience stick, but surveys show that those engaged with the Iowa FFP are 6% more trusting of modern agriculture than the general public.

Aaron Putze, APR, serves as the Sr. Dir., Information and Education for the Iowa Soybean Association. He was raised on a farm near West Bend and lives in Waukee with his wife Crystal and children Garrett, Grant and Jaelyn.

Given it’s our 10^th fair, we’re going back to how it all began. In August 2010, our first exhibit featured numerous ag-centric creations made entirely out of canned and packaged food items. In 2021, we’re constructing a larger-than-life tribute to Iowa farmers. It will again be built entirely of canned and packaged food. While I’m not about to spill the beans on what we’ll be constructing, rest assured that you’ll leave the exhibit knowing that our food, land and future is in good hands because of the dedication of Iowa’s farm families.

But that’s not the only place the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) will have a presence. In addition to joining with Iowa’s commodity organizations to bring the Iowa FFP exhibit to life, biodiesel made from soybeans will power the state fair trams. Children participating in the super-popular Little Hands on the Farm will learn how soybeans are grown while visitors to the Ag Building will have the opportunity to visit with soybean farmers on select days. ISA is also helping support the volunteers who will be caring for the pigs, poults and turkeys fairgoers will ooh and awe at in the Animal Learning Center.

Absence might make the heart grow fonder but coming together is the best way to connect people who don’t farm with those who do.

And, so it will be again this year at the Iowa State Fair. I for one can’t wait.

Webspec Admin

August 5, 2021

Appetizers, Dairy, Food & Family, Recipes, Season, Sides, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

#AskTheAgronomist: Which Yield Factor is Most Important?

Which yield factor has the most bearing on final yield: kernel round, ear length or test weight? Precision Agronomist Phil Long and Intern Kirsten Suntken do the math in this segment of #AskTheAgronomist.

Webspec Admin

August 4, 2021

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Season, Summer
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds

Turkey Producers Serve Up Tasty State Fair Traditions
“Fun, delicious, unique and healthy” aren’t usually the words fairgoers associate with food on a stick, but that’s exactly what Iowa’s turkey producers serve up at the “Turkey Grill.” You can get a taste of it at the 2021 Iowa State Fair (ISF) from Thursday, August 12, through Sunday, August 22, 2022.

“The Turkey Grill started with the goal to promote turkey and to provide a healthy, delicious alternative for fair-goers, and it continues to do so today, 38 years later,” says Gretta Irwin, Executive Director & Home Economist for the Iowa Turkey Federation / Iowa Turkey Marketing Council.

The Turkey Grill is located east of the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. To learn more about the fair or to get answers to frequently asked questions, visit IowaStateFair.org. There’s also an official Iowa State Fair app.

We strive to serve fun, delicious, unique and HEALTHY turkey items.

NEW! Breakfast Poppers

The Turkey Grill’s new Breakfast Poppers.
- $2
- Breakfast in a meatball! Turkey, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, onion, green pepper, red peppers.
- 5 meatballs per serving
- Guests can put their favorite condiment (ketchup, salsa, hot sauce) with the meatballs.
Turkey Tenderloin
- $7
- Marinated breast meat and slow grilled (recipe below)
- On the Iowa State Fair “Healthy Choices” list
- 166 calories, 25 grams of protein and only 1 gram of saturated fat
- We will serve it in a bun or on a stick
- No allergens. Marinated in lemon juice, soy sauce alternative so gluten free, vegetable oil, red wine, onion, ginger, pepper and garlic powder
Not Your Momma’s Taco
- $6
- Deep-fried flour tortilla, Mexican-seasoned shredded turkey, homemade veggie slaw, mango salsa
- On the Iowa State Fair “Healthy Choices” list
- The meat is made exclusively for us by West Liberty Foods, the same turkey is featured on our shredded turkey sandwich, without the Mexican seasoning
- People’s Choice Best New Fair Food of 2016
  The Turkey Grill’s grilled Turkey Tenderloin on a bun.
- Sold almost 17,000 turkey tacos at the 2016 Iowa State Fair
Pulled Turkey Sandwich
- $6
- Shredded Turkey Sandwich (all white meat)
- Will remind you of that perfect turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving
- 120 calories, 1-gram saturated fat and 26 grams protein
- No allergens. Ingredients: Breast meat, natural turkey broth, salt, sodium phosphate and natural flavorings.
Turkey Drumstick
- $10
- Brined, smoked and slow grilled to perfection
- Only 140 calories per 3 ounce serving and 1 gram of saturated fat, this perfect-to-share fair item since it is about 16 ounces of meat.
- No allergens, no wheat gluten or milk products, gluten free
Griddle Sticks
- $2
- pancake batter covering a turkey sausage on a stick, served in a tray with syrup
- 160 calories, 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 7 grams of protein
- Contains egg, milk, soy and wheat
“We hope that our guests enjoy this powerful protein year-round!” adds Irwin.

To help encourage you to eat turkey year-round, below are links to a few of our favorite blog posts about Iowa turkey producers with links to turkey recipes:
How delicious does Lemon Garlic Rotini with Zucchini sound? This recipe, which features a pound of turkey breast meat, is included in a link within a blog post above. Because it’s zucchini season, I wanted to be sure you check it out.

The Iowa Turkey Federation also is sharing its recipe for Grilled Turkey Tenderloin Marinade. Trust me, it’s incredibly delicious. Better yet, try it yourself!
Shannon Latham

July 30, 2021

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

#AskTheAgronomist: Corn Rootworm Pressure Now and Into the Future

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Corn rootworm pressure has been steadily increasing over the past few years across the Midwest. Precision Agronomy Advisor Phil Long discusses how to identify and gauge pest pressure in your fields and plan for the future.

Webspec Admin

July 28, 2021

#AskTheAgronomist, Agronomics, Corn, Crop, Insects, Season, Summer