National Cattlemen ’ s Beef Association
NOVEMBER 2024 | Vol . 41 , No . 1 | NCBA . org
ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVENTURES KEEP KANSAS PRODUCERS ON 140-YEAR-OLD HOMESTEAD
Rich history and incredible stories from generations ago are a treasure amongst many rural communities and small towns . Cattle producers whose families homesteaded the land or began the operation decades ago take pride in the longevity of a lifestyle that has provided for their family . In order for those family businesses to last across time , ingenuity and innovation are embraced .
Just 11 years after Kansas received statehood , Erick Larson settled his family in Beloit , Kansas , unaware that his family would continue his legacy for more than 100 years in agriculture . It can be easy to lose track of the family history on a farm that goes back eight generations , but not for Andy Larson . When asked about the origins of Larson Farms , Andy easily sprouted off dates , family names and history without pausing . According to his wife , Sara , Andy is somewhat of a local historian .
In 1880 , the Larsons relocated farther east of Beloit , in what is now Riley County and the Flint Hills . They began with 310 acres and just six cows . Today , Andy and Sara are the seventh generation to manage Larson Farms , alongside Andy ’ s parents , and their daughter Clara represents the eighth generation . In the 140-plus years since Erick founded the farm , expansion has led to breeding and raising cow-calf pairs , feeding stocker cattle , and growing their own cattle to the finishing stage .
“ I always knew I was going to come back to the farm . My dad and I had conversations as early as when I was in high school about what it would look like for me to come back to the farm ,” Andy said . “ I chose Kansas State University for college knowing that it had an excellent agriculture program and wasn ’ t far from home .”
After graduating from Kansas State University ( K-State ) with an agribusiness bachelor ’ s degree and a master ’ s in business administration , Andy used his business sense to focus on improving the herd ’ s genetics and increasing quality at every stage of production . By increasing embryo transfers and artificial insemination , dialing in cattle nutrition , and adding additional facilities , the Larsons have developed high-grading beef that they are proud to share with consumers . Andy ’ s education didn ’ t end at K-State ; he continues to stay up to date on animal welfare and land stewardship practices through Beef Quality Assurance certification and engagement in industry events .
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U . S . AND BRITISH BEEF COOKOFF | PG . 9
British Embassy officials visited NCBA ’ s office and were treated to a steak cookoff .
USING WINDBREAKS | PG . 12
Cattle producers can leverage windbreaks to improve cattle health and well-being , especially during cold winter months .
VETERANS DAY | PG . 18
Each year , we honor cattle producer veterans who have redirected their lives of service to feeding their communities and nation .