Successful businesses rely on people who focus their unique talents toward a common goal. Steve and Lori Johnson have proven that axiom holds for a family farm and seed business.

Steve and Lori both grew up in Page, North Dakota. Steve grew up on his family’s farm, and Lori worked for Steve’s mom throughout high school. Steve and Lori didn’t start dating, however, until they were both at Concordia College in Moorehead, Minnesota. Steve graduated with a double major in Political Science and History with minor in Business. After attending Concordia for two years, Lori transferred to Moorehead State and graduated as a legal assistant.

Today Steve and Lori, and their son, Phillip, run a Latham® Seed dealership and a TALC seed treatment operation. Steve puts his people and business relationship skills to work managing and marketing the business. Lori’s attention to detail and organizational skills are invaluable as she runs the office and keeps the books.

The Johnsons have three other children, who are also putting their talents to use in the business world: Alexis, Vanessa and Payton. 

The Johnsons became Latham dealers in 2013. They had worked with other smaller seed companies but were attracted to Latham Seeds’ focus on the future.

“Steve is always very forward looking and interested in what’s new, what’s coming up and how it will change agriculture,” said Lori. “He wanted access to new technology and better pricing.”

Their forward-looking approach also caused Steve and Lori to invest in Abbiamo Pasta Company in Casselton, ND.

The Johnsons like to take time off for biking, boating and visiting Florida. They enjoy travel adventures. They also enjoy celebrating family milestones. When the family gathers, her kids request that Lori makes potato salad. Today she is sharing her family’s favorite recipe with us.

Potato Salad

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Ingredients

  

• 5 pounds potatoe
• 6 to 8 eggs
• 2 cups Miracle Whip
• 1 quart whole whipping cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion
• powder or diced onion
• 4 egg yolks

Instructions

 

• Boil potatoes until done.
• Boil eggs until done.
• Peel potatoes and eggs.
• Dice potatoes and eggs, but reserve 4 egg yolks for the dressing.
• Blend dressing well and fold into potatoes.
• It’s better if it sits overnight.

It’s common for farmers to come together at planting or harvest to help their neighbors in need. What makes a certain group of 10 Scout County farmers unique is that they have worked together each growing season since 2005 to benefit farmers worldwide. 

“As the Biblical saying goes, if you give a man a fish, you have fed him for a day. If you teach him to fish, you have fed him for a lifetime,” Dave Boeding says. “Hearts to Harvest is about teaching farmers around the world how to feed themselves.” 

Each year this group rents 40 acres of farmland and takes care of the crop from planting through harvest. All profits from each year’s corn or soybean sales help teach poverty-stricken families in third-world countries how to feed themselves with assistance from Growing Hope Globally.

“We have helped families gain farming skills in India, Africa, Bosnia and Central America,” Dave says.

Dave retired from farming full-time in December 2021 and continues to operate his Latham® Seeds dealership. He also helps his son Ben, the fourth generation to farm the Boeding’s land. Ben operates a trucking business that his brother, Dan, helps with as a truck driver. Dave and Marcia’s third son Brian also helped on the farm until he passed away in 2014.

Having four children in the span of six years, Dave’s wife, Marcia, literally had her hands full as a stay-at-home mom. Dave was raising hogs and the couple was active in Scott County Pork Producers. They sold all the pigs in 1997, which was one year before pork belly prices plummeted.  

Now that they’re both retired, Dave and Marcia enjoy spending time with their three grandsons. They live in the heart of Hawkeye Country, but they remain loyal Iowa State University Cyclones fans. Dave received a degree from ISU in agricultural engineering.

The Boedings hit the open road every chance they get. It’s their goal to visit all 50 states, including many national parks. They will have seen 40 states before they attend Latham Dealer Kickoff in 2023. They especially enjoy traveling to visit their daughter, Sara, in North Carolina where she is a doctor and administrator at the VA hospital in Durham.

Marcia also enjoys spending time caring for her flower gardens. Though her vegetable gardening days are done, Marcia enjoys sharing this Boeding family favorite dish for Sweet and Savory Cauliflower.

Sweet & Savory Cauliflower

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Equipment

• 1 Large bowl
• 1 Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups cauliflower florets or other vegetables
• 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoon sriracha or red pepper flakes
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix until the cauliflower is well coated.
• Pour the cauliflower onto a baking sheet and place in the oven.
• Cauliflower needs room to cook properly.
• To prevent overcrowding the florets, you may need to use two baking sheets.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.

Some people find their perfect job by searching far and wide. For Quentin Boelman, it was right in front of him all along.

For years, Quentin drove past Latham Seeds’ office on his way to work, thinking, “I should get a job there.” The company’s strong reputation, deep roots in agriculture, and family-oriented culture always stood out to him. Finally, in February 2015, he made the leap — and he hasn’t looked back since!

As Logistics Manager, Quentin is the guy who makes things happen. From hiring truck drivers and organizing seed loads to clearing snow and handling last-minute needs, he takes pride in keeping operations running smoothly.

“When something needs to get done, I’m your man,” Quentin says. And trust us, he delivers on that promise every day.

Born and raised in Alexander, Iowa, Quentin has always been drawn to farming. He started his own mowing business at age 10, worked for local farmers as a teenager, and later spent six years at Dows Farmers Coop delivering seed and handling operations. His FFA experience gave him valuable skills, including welding and strengthened his love for agriculture.

Quentin and his wife, Kendra,married in 2015 and have three children: Ian, Noah and Kenzley. When he’s not working, Quentin enjoys fishing, hunting, camping and spending time outdoors with his family.

Quentin doesn’t just step up at work — he steps up for his community, too. He joined the local fire department at 16 and has now served for 18 years, including six years as Fire Chief. His favorite part? Helping others in times of need.

Join us in celebrating Quentin! His dedication, work ethic and passion make him an invaluable part of the Latham Seeds family!

When the Boelman family fires up the smoker, one side dish always makes an appearance: cheesy potatoes! This rich, melty and comforting classic is a must-have side.

Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes

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Equipment

• 1 9 x 13 baking pan

Ingredients

  

• 1 package hash browns frozen
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 16 oz container sour cream
• 2 packages Colby jack cheese shredded

Instructions

 

• Mix hash browns, sour cream, mushroom soup and 1 package of cheese together in bowl.

  Spread into 9×13 pan.

  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  Cover with aluminum foil.

  Bake at 350 for 30 mins.

  Remove from oven and add remaining bag of cheese.

  Return to oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

At just 23 years old, Caleb Renner is already making waves in the agricultural world. As a fifth-generation farmer from North Central Iowa, Caleb is not only helping his father and grandfather raise corn and soybeans, but he’s also revolutionizing grain bin safety with his innovative new product, AgriNet.

Rooted in Agriculture

Growing up east of Klemme, Iowa, agriculture was a way of life for Caleb.

He was an active member of both FFA and 4-H in high school, and his involvement in local organizations like the Farm Bureau Board and Ag Ventures in Mason City has kept him engaged in the broader ag community.

Today, he’s balancing farming with completing his associate degree at North Iowa Area Community College, with plans to pursue a four-year degree in an agriculture-related field. Though he’s undecided on a major, his passion for innovation and problem-solving in farming is undeniable.

Finding a Home with Latham Seeds

Caleb’s journey with Latham Seeds began with the encouragement of a mentor, his neighbor (and Latham RSM) Kody Trample. After seeing firsthand how Latham operates, he knew he had found the right fit.

“Latham is, at its core, a Main Street company, not a Wall Street company,” Caleb says. “They are invested in the communities they exist in and work within, and that matters to farmers.”

He became a Latham Dealer because he believes in the company’s farmer-first approach and enjoys working with local growers to help them maximize their yield potential. Building relationships with fellow farmers isn’t just a job to Caleb; it’s something he genuinely loves.

Introducing AgriNet: A Safer Future for Farmers

Caleb’s passion for agriculture includes making farming safer. One of the biggest dangers farmers face is entering grain bins to clear out grain, a process that has led to too many tragic accidents. Caleb saw a need for a better solution, which led to the creation of AgriNet.

“The idea came to me two years ago — what if we could use nets and winches to clean out grain bins instead of putting people inside them?” Caleb explains.

Since then, AgriNet has been in development and will undergo testing this summer with local farmers. The goal is to have the product fully launched by the spring of 2026. “My hope is that one day, farmers will never have to enter the grain bin,” he says.

Caleb’s ingenuity has not gone unnoticed. He’s already been recognized for his innovation, receiving awards and accolades for AgriNet’s potential to improve farm safety.

Life Beyond the Farm

When he’s not farming, innovating or studying, Caleb finds time for his other passions. He plays the drums in a small cover band with his grandfather and brother, volunteers at Youth for Christ, and enjoys spending time with his fiancée watching movies or hitting the golf course.

A Future Built on Innovation and Community

As Caleb looks ahead, he’s excited to continue growing his farm, expanding his business as a Latham dealer and bringing AgriNet to market. More than anything, he’s committed to helping fellow farmers thrive.

“I am thrilled to work with local farmers and build relationships as not only a Latham salesman but also a member of the community,” he says. “I love talking and meeting people, and any job that encourages that, I will excel in!”

And, if you ever find yourself at a cookout with Caleb’s family, be sure to ask for a serving of their famous steak tacos. This is a “three-time, back-to-back, family cook-off champion recipe,” Caleb says proudly. Just don’t expect him to share the entire secret recipe!

Steak Tacos

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients

  

Marinade

• 2 steaks any cut
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 large cloves garlic crushed
• 1 Tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• In a small bowl mix all the ingredients together; marinate meat overnight.

Ingredients

• Marinated steak
• Street tortillas
• Tomatillos
• Green peppers
• Poblano peppers
• Jalapeno peppers
• Green onion
• Chopped cilantro
• 1 block pepperjack cheese smoked and shredded
• Fresh lime

Instructions

 

• Preheat BlackstoneGriddle to high heat.
• Grill and char peppers and tomatillos. Mince garlic and chopped onion; puree in blender. Add salt to taste. You just made salsa!
• Cook the steak for 3 or 4 minutes per side or to your liking.
• Remove steak from the heat; let rest for 5 minutes
• While steak is resting, warm tortillas on the griddle – about 30 seconds per side
• Slice steak against the grain into thin strips
• Place warm tortilla in taco holder to add toppings. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top.

Success in life requires a backbone, not a wishbone. Just ask Shannon Latham, who was diagnosed with scoliosis (an extreme curvature of the spine) when she was in junior high.

“My mom will tell you one of the hardest days of her life was watching me struggle to put on my shoes after I was fitted into my back brace,” said Shannon, who grew up in Greene, Iowa. “The prosthetist said I needed to learn to do things for myself. My parents never let me believe I was a victim, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”

This instilled a spirit of strength in Shannon. When she enrolled in Iowa State’s College of Agriculture in 1989,
the ratio of males to females was 5 to 1.

“I believe one of the main reasons I’ve succeeded in agriculture is because I haven’t made an issue out of my gender,” Shannon said. “I treat all people with respect. I study hard and work harder.”

That kind of backbone defines the American spirit, which Shannon embraces through:

1. A strong work ethic. Shannon grew the size and quality of her purebred, registered Suffolk flock as part of a 10-year 4-H Sheep Project. She tracked expenses and revenue. She also came up with a farm name and promoted it. This marketing mindset inspired her to complete an MBA from the University of Iowa. It also influences her role with Latham Hi-Tech Seeds.

2. Small-business savvy. Shannon’s parents were small-business owners who taught her the value of a dollar. At age 10, she opened a checking account solely for buying and selling sheep. “I wasn’t allowed to spend what I didn’t have,” says Shannon, who applied her business skills to other entrepreneurial endeavors.

3. Assertiveness. Shannon landed her first full-time as director of legislative affairs. As a 21-year-old lobbyist, Shannon needed to talk to a state senator about an unintended consequence of a bill he had sponsored.

“I offered an amendment to solve the problem,” she recalled. “He got in my face and said, ‘You tell your boss not to send a little girl to do a man’s job.‘” I looked at him and calmly responded, ‘In all due respect, my boss sent me to do this job because he knows I’m competent and capable.‘”

4. Pursue Your Passion. While attending the 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus trip, Shannon became interested in someday holding public office. She was elected in 2020 to the Iowa House of Representatives. As a freshman, she served as vice chair of the Appropriations Committee. Then, in 2022, she served as chair of the House Local Government Committee. She was re-elected in November 2024 to her third term and is currently awaiting her committee assignments.

Shannon’s leadership has earned her many awards, including the Iowa Soybean Association’s Advocate for Agriculture, inclusion in the 2016 FarmHer Hall of Fame, and ISU’s Greenlee 2020 Professional Achievement Award. Of all the titles she’s held, however, “mom” is her favorite. Ian graduated in May 2024 from Iowa State University. He recently started a job as Government Relations Manager for Iowa Corn. Ellie recently started a job at the new Bin Town Daycare Center in Sheffield.

5. Giving back. Shannon is active in Zion St. John Lutheran Church and has served on the church council. She was a Girl Scout leader for 12 years and served as the inaugural chair of the Communications Committee for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). She is a former member of the Iowa 4-H and Franklin County 4-H Foundations.

When she isn’t serving her state or her community, Shannon enjoys traveling. She also is an avid reader and enjoys spending time in the kitchen.

Shannon’s Pork Roast with Raspberry Sauce is a fix-it-and-forget type of meal that looks impressive, especially when company is coming.