2009 Hardin County - Steve Landt

Steve Landt has always loved the outdoors and working with animals.  When he was old enough to join 4-H, it was a natural fit.  A neighbor sold him his first Hereford calf and a lifelong hobby was formed.  He was a nine year member of the Union-Whitten 4-H Club in Hardin County.  After high school graduation, Steve served on the Hardin County Extension Council, the 4-H Youth Committee and then a club leader for the Union-Whitten Hustlers 4-H Club.  Steve has volunteered with the 4-H program for 31 years.  Watching his daughters get involved in the same club he grew up in was a special memory for him.  Steve enjoyed watching club members grow and mature into young adults.  He also had the pleasure of seeing three of his previous 4-H members become 4-H leaders.

Steve always encouraged members to be a part of their community by volunteering and helping with service projects.  He was instrumental in developing a club scholarship fund program for graduating senior members who were actively involved in club activities and completed their record books.  He felt that this scholarship award was a way of saying “thanks” to the seniors for their dedication to their club and 4-H.               

4-H was a family affair for the Landt family for almost 30 years.   Steve’s wife, Jinny, and daughters Erin and Adrienne started to attend 4-H meetings with their dad when they were three years old.  Meeting lifelong friends for the entire family has provided lots of memories.  Even with today’s busy life-style, 4-H gave the Landt family the opportunity to spend some precious time with their daughters.

In addition to his role as 4-H leader, Steve has been an active member of the Iowa Hereford Breeders Association.  He served as president, vice-president and also was an Advisor for the Iowa Junior Hereford Association for three years.  Steve is a member of the Community Church in Union.