At just 23 years old, Caleb Renner is already making waves in the agricultural world. As a fifth-generation farmer from North Central Iowa, Caleb is not only helping his father and grandfather raise corn and soybeans, but he’s also revolutionizing grain bin safety with his innovative new product, AgriNet.
Rooted in Agriculture
Growing up east of Klemme, Iowa, agriculture was a way of life for Caleb.
He was an active member of both FFA and 4-H in high school, and his involvement in local organizations like the Farm Bureau Board and Ag Ventures in Mason City has kept him engaged in the broader ag community.
Today, he’s balancing farming with completing his associate degree at North Iowa Area Community College, with plans to pursue a four-year degree in an agriculture-related field. Though he’s undecided on a major, his passion for innovation and problem-solving in farming is undeniable.
Finding a Home with Latham Seeds
Caleb’s journey with Latham Seeds began with the encouragement of a mentor, his neighbor (and Latham RSM) Kody Trample. After seeing firsthand how Latham operates, he knew he had found the right fit.
“Latham is, at its core, a Main Street company, not a Wall Street company,” Caleb says. “They are invested in the communities they exist in and work within, and that matters to farmers.”
He became a Latham Dealer because he believes in the company’s farmer-first approach and enjoys working with local growers to help them maximize their yield potential. Building relationships with fellow farmers isn’t just a job to Caleb; it’s something he genuinely loves.
Introducing AgriNet: A Safer Future for Farmers
Caleb’s passion for agriculture includes making farming safer. One of the biggest dangers farmers face is entering grain bins to clear out grain, a process that has led to too many tragic accidents. Caleb saw a need for a better solution, which led to the creation of AgriNet.
“The idea came to me two years ago — what if we could use nets and winches to clean out grain bins instead of putting people inside them?” Caleb explains.
Since then, AgriNet has been in development and will undergo testing this summer with local farmers. The goal is to have the product fully launched by the spring of 2026. “My hope is that one day, farmers will never have to enter the grain bin,” he says.
Caleb’s ingenuity has not gone unnoticed. He’s already been recognized for his innovation, receiving awards and accolades for AgriNet’s potential to improve farm safety.
Life Beyond the Farm
When he’s not farming, innovating or studying, Caleb finds time for his other passions. He plays the drums in a small cover band with his grandfather and brother, volunteers at Youth for Christ, and enjoys spending time with his fiancée watching movies or hitting the golf course.
A Future Built on Innovation and Community
As Caleb looks ahead, he’s excited to continue growing his farm, expanding his business as a Latham dealer and bringing AgriNet to market. More than anything, he’s committed to helping fellow farmers thrive.
“I am thrilled to work with local farmers and build relationships as not only a Latham salesman but also a member of the community,” he says. “I love talking and meeting people, and any job that encourages that, I will excel in!”
And, if you ever find yourself at a cookout with Caleb’s family, be sure to ask for a serving of their famous steak tacos. This is a “three-time, back-to-back, family cook-off champion recipe,” Caleb says proudly. Just don’t expect him to share the entire secret recipe!
Steak Tacos
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 steaks any cut
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 large cloves garlic crushed
- 1 Tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- In a small bowl mix all the ingredients together; marinate meat overnight.
Ingredients
- Marinated steak
- Street tortillas
- Tomatillos
- Green peppers
- Poblano peppers
- Jalapeno peppers
- Green onion
- Chopped cilantro
- 1 block pepperjack cheese smoked and shredded
- Fresh lime
Instructions
- Preheat BlackstoneGriddle to high heat.
- Grill and char peppers and tomatillos. Mince garlic and chopped onion; puree in blender. Add salt to taste. You just made salsa!
- Cook the steak for 3 or 4 minutes per side or to your liking.
- Remove steak from the heat; let rest for 5 minutes
- While steak is resting, warm tortillas on the griddle – about 30 seconds per side
- Slice steak against the grain into thin strips
- Place warm tortilla in taco holder to add toppings. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top.