“Agritourism” Debuts in 2010 Iowa Farm & Rural Life Poll

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

For nearly 30 years, the annual Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll has tracked changes in rural social networks. This year’s Farm Poll introduced three sets of questions about agritourism, or the act of visiting a working farm or agribusiness for enjoyment, education or active involvement. Although less than 1% of Iowa farmers currently host entertainment activities like festivals or corn mazes, 34% of respondents agree that Iowans should get more involved in agritourism.

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds entered the agritourism arena this summer by hosting our first Latham Country Fair. Also, this summer I had the pleasure of touring Hansen Dairy, which makes a significant contribution to northeast Iowa through its agritourism activities.

Agritourism is a means to increase farm income and to expand tourism in rural areas, according to the 2010 Farm Poll. And, several leaders in our area couldn’t agree more. That’s why, beginning in January, I’ll be serving on a committee with the Hampton Chamber of Commerce that will explore how agricultural businesses can help expand tourism right here in Franklin County.

Exploring ideas that will provide entertainment, while educating the public about agriculture, truly fascinates me. Rural Sociology courses were among my favorites in college, so it’s no wonder that I’m especially intrigued by the Farm & Rural Life. If this topic also interests you, read more about results from the 2010 Farm Poll here: http://www.soc.iastate.edu/extension/farmpoll.html.

Congress Considers Enacting Estate Tax Issues

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

Today I received an email from the American Soybean Association (ASA), asking soybean leaders and supporters to contact their elected representatives about estate tax reenactment and the biodiesel tax incentive.

Tomorrow ASA farmer-leaders will be in Washington, D.C., participating in a press conference at the National Press Club about the need for Congress to enact estate tax legislation before Dec. 31. If it’s not enacted by this date, the estate tax rate will revert to the 2001 rate of up to 55% with only a $1 million exclusion. This means it will be especially difficult to pass along farms, ranches and small businesses from one generation to the next.

Also tomorrow ASA members will participate in a biodiesel fly-in to urge members of Congress to extend the biodiesel tax incentive. Biodiesel is a key market for U.S. soybean oil and has been a key factor in supporting domestic soybean prices in recent years. It also reduces our dependence on petroleum and creates jobs.

If you’d like to contact your elected officials about either of these issues, click here.

(Source: American Soybean Association)

Power-Packed Breakfast is Key for Power Shopping!

Posted on November 25, 2010 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

As soon as we’ve washed the dishes and refrigerated the leftovers, my aunts, cousins and I will break out the Black Friday ads! There will be newspapers from the two nearest trade centers, and we’ll swap sections until we’ve reviewed, analyzed and compared every price. We’ll share what’s on our kids’ wish lists and drop hints about what we’d really like someone to buy for us. Of course, we’ll have to decide the order of stores we’ll visit since they open at different times; it’s imperative that we strategically plan how to get to each store in time to get the best buys.

Another key to a productive shopping day is eating a high energy, power-packed breakfast. High energy is practically synonymous with high protein, low sugar food. Make use of left-over Thanksgiving dinner by cooking up an egg white omelet with turkey, cheese and mushrooms. (Omelets are super quick and easy, so you can get to the mall sooner!) Another quick and easy idea is to top off a bowl of instant, high-fiber oatmeal with cranberries. Complex carbohydrates like this provide your body with much needed morning fuel without causing rapid shifts in insulin levels like simple carbohydrates do, according to eHow’s “How to Eat a High Energy Breakfast.”

Honestly, I’ll probably eat breakfast on the run this Friday. I’ll most likely grab a protein bar and a cup of vanilla-flavored coffee on my way out the door. Then I’ll eat a handful of smoked almonds around 10 a.m. as I’m driving between stores. Black Friday is all about optimization, Baby!

What tops your Black Friday shopping list?