Rural Grinnell girl named the 2024 Iowa Teen Miss Agvocate USA

      Olivia Latcham, 14, was recently named the 2024 Iowa Teen Miss Agvocate USA. Olivia attends Montezuma Community Schools. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
        Olivia Latcham, daughter of Curtis and Amanda Latcham of rural Grinnell, has been named the 2024 Iowa Teen Miss Agvocate USA.
         Olivia, age 14, lives on a farm where she raises her own show sheep and helps daily with her family’s more than 200 sheep herd.
         She is on the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association Board and is involved in the heartland youth show circuit as well as shows at the Poweshiek County Fair, where she has earned the showmanship award along with many other awards. She is a leader and has earned the leadership award in FFA along with second place at the state competition for her CSI competition.
        She also held titles of Iowa People’s Choice and Iowa Advocacy Ambassador in 2023 through the Teen Miss United State Agriculture.
        Olivia, who attends Montezuma Schools, plans on being a veterinarian when she goes to college with a focus on ultra-sounding livestock and large animals.
      “She is a strong advocate for family-owned farms and loves to explain that family farms help feed the world, too,” said Amanda of her daughter. “She has held successful food drives where she collected more than 4,000 canned goods along with clothing drives. The food donation provided food for 550 area families.”
       She also assists many neighbors and friends with square baling hay. She is a hard worker and has the drive to be successful in the farming industry. Olivia is always one to help the youth and she is a role model. She is a leader that many people young and old are inspired by.
        Olivia is available to visit farms, talk to groups and advocate for agriculture.