Kansas Wheat Awards David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship to Rose Latta

Like many 4-H and FFA students, Rose Latta from Marysville explored different projects from sewing to photography, but it was at 4-H Discovery Days that she discovered her true passion. During a hands-on milling class, she milled a small sample of wheat and then used the flour to bake cookies — the first time she saw the entire process from kernel to finished product. 

“I was fascinated by how milling works and how it connects to the food we consume every day,” Latta wrote in her scholarship essay. “At that moment, I realized the impact milling has on the world, and I fell in love with the process.”

Latta’s interest in flour milling and her conviction to make a tangible difference in the global food system made her the perfect recipient for the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship, which awards one $1,000 scholarship to a current undergraduate or graduate student from Kansas who is pursuing a career in the field of agriculture. 

The scholarship, administered by Kansas Wheat, honors the legacy of David Radenberg, a lifelong wheat farmer from Claflin and an industry leader. He represented central Kansas on the Kansas Wheat Commission from April 2011 to March 2020, including serving as chairman from August 2018 to May 2019. Radenberg was also a founding board member of the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation.

In 2013, Radenberg also visited multiple Pacific Rim countries to promote U.S. wheat. The contrast between third-world poverty he saw in thriving modern cities left an impression on him and reinforced his support of wheat research to help feed a hungry world.

“David Radenberg saw clearly the connection between Kansas wheat farmers and their global consumers,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin. “This year’s scholarship recipient echoes that passionate belief in how agriculture helps make the world a better place.” 

Latta, who graduated from Marysville Junior/Senior High School in 2024, is currently pursuing a major in milling science and management at Kansas State University, complemented by minors in personal financial planning and leadership. She also works as a student employee at the Hal Ross Flour Mill, where she assists with basic maintenance tasks and mill operations. She leads mill tours, providing visitors, domestic and international, with informative and engaging explanations of the milling process. 

Latta is an active member of the K-State Milling Science Club, Quest freshman honorary, K-State women’s wrestling club and the Sunflower 4-H Club in Marshall County, demonstrating her well-rounded dedication to her studies and community.

Latta plans to continue expanding her knowledge of milling science, refining her hands-on skills in the mill and finding new ways to contribute to the milling industry’s success. 

She is committed to the global food system and making a lasting impact through milling. 

“Milling is a critical part of the food system, not only in feeding humans, but also in providing food for animals and a variety of other products,” Latta wrote in her scholarship essay. “The fact that milling touches nearly everything that is consumed, whether it’s in food or other products, made me realize how important the industry is. The connection between agriculture and feeding the world is fulfilling. It gives me a sense of purpose, knowing I can help ensure people have access to the food they need to thrive.”

Learn more about Kansas Wheat scholarship opportunities and winners at https://kswheat.com/scholarships.