Thirteen-year-old Tate Lundt of Rockwell, Iowa, knows a thing or two about hard work, community spirit and the power of giving back. This year, the West Fork Winners 4-H and West Fork FFA member took his steer, named “Pablo,” to the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair — and made history for Franklin County.

A Record-Breaking Show

Pablo is a 1,605-pound crossbred steer and was the heaviest in the show. And he wasn’t just a crowd-pleaser — he raised more money than any of the other 25 steers. 

For Tate, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show was about more than ribbons and records. Participants also volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, where Tate and his family helped with cleaning, repairs and arts and crafts.

“A couple of our family friends have stayed there, so it was cool that we could help them give back,” Tate says.

Walking in the parade into the pavilion, seeing Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and showing in front of such a large audience were all unforgettable moments for Tate. But knowing that his efforts will help families in need made the experience truly special.

When Tate’s not in the show ring, on the basketball court or riding ATVs, he enjoys pitching in on the farm — especially tillage work — and spending time with his family. He also has a go-to dish he calls “The Bean Stuff,” which he’s sharing with us today.

Congratulations to Tate and Pablo on a remarkable accomplishment! And for showing that hard work and heart make the perfect team.

Latham Quality is proud to announce Rachel Dannewitz as the new manager of our seed conditioning and packaging facility in Alexander, Iowa. She becomes just the third person in our company’s 78-year history to hold this role — and the first female to do so.

Rachel’s first day made a memorable impression. Latham’s old soybean treater was being torn out and replaced with a brand-new one — part of an exciting investment in the future of our operations. This summer, we’re also tearing our scale house down to the studs and giving it a full remodel. There’s a lot of activity at the plant these days — and a lot of opportunity for Rachel to lead.

Rachel grew up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota — a suburb of the Twin Cities — and never expected to build a career in agriculture. “I was a theater kid,” she says. “I was involved in theater, debate and the speech team. I didn’t know much about farming and ag.”

That changed when she began studying plant biochemistry. Rachel earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota and went on to complete her M.S. in Biochemistry at Iowa State University, both with a focus on plants.

After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Business and a minor in Agronomy, Curtis worked for ag startup Ag Solver before realizing his heart — and his future — were on the farm.

“I didn’t think I’d return so soon,” he says. “But I missed the farm too much.”

That full-circle moment brought Curtis back to Winterset, where he and Kaylee are raising the next generation and diversifying the farm. He discovered Latham Hi-Tech Seeds the way many good ag stories begin — through a family connection.

“My father-in-law, Randy Miller, went to college with Shannon and John,” Curtis says. “I heard about Latham on (Iowa State University’s Cyclone Radio) Locker Room Report, then ran into (dealer recruitment manager) Bryan Rohe at an ISA meeting. We were just talking, and next thing I know, I was planting a few Latham products.”

That trial run made a big impression.