Eyes first, tools second

ALBERT LEA, Minn. — The thrill of caring for newborn calves and seeing their potential is one of the most rewarding parts of breeding cattle for Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association Hall of Fame inductee, Jon Larson. He and his wife, Ann, were inducted March 19 at the association’s annual meeting. They were recognized for their lasting contributions to the state’s livestock industry and agricultural community.

Larcrest Holsteins is home to 300 cows, and the Larsons, along with their nephew, Chase Saxton, operate 700 acres. The herd has a current rolling herd average of 25,000 pounds of milk with a butterfat test of 4.9% and a protein test of 3.7%.

Larson’s passion for breeding cows began early.

“I probably learned to read by sitting on my mom’s lap and reading bull books,” Larson said. “I always loved seeing what we could do to improve the herd and thinking if we purchase this bull, and make this mating, the next generation might be the key to something fantastic. To this day, it still intrigues me. I still enjoy pedigrees and building cow families more than ever.”

Over more than 40 years of breeding cows, Larson has adopted new technologies to better monitor cow health and understand each animal’s potential. Tools such as SenseHub ear tags for heat detection and rumination monitoring, along with genomic testing, have become part of the operation.

“Genomics has certainly pointed us in the right direction in what animals we are going to work with,” Larson said. “A pretty miraculous thing SenseHub does is measure rumination.
A lot of times, if a cow is coming down with an illness, it draws your attention before something clinical comes along.
They’ve been very helpful as a tool for managing the herd.”

Still, he said that technology cannot replace skills.

“I still rely on eyeball,” Larson said. “It is certainly a tool, just as genomics are a tool, but I think you still need to keep the eyeball. You still need to get the cow sense to fully enjoy it and incorporate it.”

While Larson plays a key role in mating decisions, Ann is also involved in the farm’s breeding program and day-to-day operations.

“My wife is very good on the computer,” Larson said. “She (works on) registering, calf care and (helps keep) morale (high).”

The couple has received numerous honors over the years, including being named a 2024 Distinguished Breeder Award winner by the Minnesota Purebred Dairy Cattle Association. Larson credits much of their success to the foundation laid by his parents.

“It’s hard work every day and I absolutely love what I do,” Larson said. “But when I think of the sacrifices they (my parents) had made — including my mother cashing in her retirement and my dad working ‘till he dropped every day of his life to give us all our opportunities and our advantages and our gifts and our work ethic — I certainly accept this one for Mom and Dad.”

Larson’s mother originally purchased eight registered Holsteins, and much of the current herd traces back to those animals.

From those beginnings, the Larsons developed the well-known “C” cow family, which includes Cosmopolitan and her daughter, Crimson, a favorite that lived to be 17 years old.

“The opportunity to show her and her family to the rest of the world was pretty exciting,” Larson said. “We had a connection from the day she was born. Until you live it, you don’t know it…what an incredible run.”

The Larsons focus on breeding cattle that balance strong pedigrees with health and production.

“I enjoy a balance, and that’s what I’ve always bred for, and I always figured I breed them the way I like them,” Larson said. “If someone else agrees, then you’ve got a market. So, we’ve gone with that philosophy, and it served us very well.”

The Hall of Fame honor was presented by long-time friend Paul Trapp, who has been involved with the Larsons’ genetics program for more than 25 years.

“He has been one of our greatest supporters and friends in the industry,” Larson said.

Larson described the induction event as heartwarming.

“When all was said and done, it’s about the people who you have met, and the friends who you have made, and the experiences you have had,” Larson said. “We have met some wonderful friends. Yesterday was certainly one of those experiences that we will remember forever.”

From lessons learned from his parents to showing cattle at the county fair and now mentoring young employees, Larson said investing in the next generation is especially meaningful.

“It’s certainly something we enjoy, bringing the younger generation on and working alongside them,” he said. “It’s been beneficial, hopefully for both sides.”