Country Fair - Alexander Iowa

PUBLIC INVITED TO “LATHAM COUNTRY” FOR FREE, FAMILY FUN
Everyone is invited to take a scenic country drive to Alexander, Iowa, on Friday, July 30, for a day filled with family entertainment at the Latham Country Fair. Activities will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m.
“From a petting zoo to balloon animals, and from in-field demonstrations to high-powered ag policy presentations, we’ve planned a day full of activities for the entire family to enjoy,” said Shannon Latham, vice president, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “Family is incredibly important to Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, which has been family owned and operated for more than 60 years. That’s why we’re Celebrating Our Independence by inviting you and your family to the Latham Country Fair.”

Production and agronomic presentations will begin at 9:15 a.m., with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Corn Specialist Roger Elmore sharing tips on how to produce 300-Bushel Corn. “How to Make 80-Bushel Beans,” will be the topic of discussion when the University of Minnesota’s Seth Naeve takes the stage at 10:15 a.m. Daren Mueller, a researcher working on ISU’s Corn and Soybean Initiative, will present, “Stop the Nematodes: Corn and Soybeans,” at 11:15 a.m.
At 11:30 a.m., “The Big Show” featuring WHO Radio’s Mark and Bob will broadcast live from Latham Seeds’ headquarters. Mark Pearson, host of Iowa Public Television’s Market to Market, will serve as the afternoon’s keynote speaker.
“We’re honored that Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Lang have agreed to lead a discussion on the 2012 Farm Bill,” says Latham. “Join them at 2 p.m. to discuss how the Farm Bill could impact your state and your farming operation.”
In addition to esteemed speakers, the Latham Country Fair will feature a day filled with entertaining and educational activities. Monsanto’s Mobile Technology Unit,TM showcasing advances in plant breeding, biotechnology and Genuity™ trait innovations in corn and soybeans, will be on site providing guided tours.
Another draw to the Latham Country Fair will be big equipment displays, thanks to cooperation from Hagie Manufacturing of Clarion, Iowa; Phelps Implement of Hampton, Iowa; and SUKUP Manufacturing of Sheffield, Iowa.
The Franklin County Farm Bureau will provide kids hands-on learning related to animal and livestock presentation through activities associated with their Ag in the Classroom Curriculum.
Throughout the day there will be ongoing tours of showcase plots including Latham Hi-Tech Hybrids and Latham Hi-Tech Soybeans with LibertyLink, Agrisure and the Genuity family of traits and technologies. Research demonstrations will highlight VOTiVOTM biological seed treatment for nematode control in both corn and soybeans; a corn population study; and Latham’s research on soybean lines featuring both CystX for soybean nematode resistance (SCN) and the new Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Soybean technology.
While farmers take a look at products in the pipeline, their families can enjoy games and crafts. Children’s activities include:
• Petting zoo;
• Bounce House;
• Giant Slide;
• 50-foot obstacle course;
• Skee Ball;
• T-ball; and
• Basketball Hoop Challenge.
The Latham Country Fair will also include craft fair and commercial exhibits including several Hampton Area Chamber members. Please contact Shannon Latham at 515-371-0450 if you are interested in exhibiting at the Country Fair.
“We planned the Latham Country Fair to include activities, information and product showcases for everyone to enjoy,” says Shannon Latham. “I encourage you to bring your family and enjoy a day where the food and the fun are already taken care of ― all you need to do is come and enjoy! I’ve been a huge fair fan from the time I joined 4-H in third grade ― and while I admit that was quite a while ago, I still enjoy a good fair. We’re hoping our events on July 30th create fond memories for all who attend.”
For directions to the Latham Country Fair and more details on the day’s activities and presentations, visit www.lathamseeds.com and click News and Events, Country Fair.