John Latham literally grew up in the seed business. His grandparents started Latham Seeds in 1947 as an oats company. And more than 70 years later, their former home in North Central Iowa remains the company’s headquarters. Today Latham Hi-Tech Seeds offers a full lineup of corn, soybean, alfalfa and cover crop products. John Latham serves as president; his wife, Shannon, serves as vice president; and John’s brother, Chris, is the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

John graduated in 1992 from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Business. He then spent two years as a production agronomist for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, before joining Latham Seeds in 1994 as a sales representative.

A leader in the seed industry, John currently serves as the American Seed Trade Association’s Vice Chair and previously served as ASTA’s North Central Region Vice President from 2012-2018 and Chairman of Seed First Political Action Committee from 2015-2018. He also has served as chairman of the ASTA’s Corn & Sorghum Division and Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee. John and Shannon co-chaired the ASTA’s 125th annual convention in 2008. John also served as Iowa Seed Association President from 2003-2004.

John is active in his community, as well. He has served as his church council president and recently served as chair of the Franklin County Development Association.

In his leisure, John enjoys golfing, traveling and following Iowa State University sports. John and Shannon are the proud parents of two teenagers, Ian and Elizabeth.