The Larson Family was an early pioneer family with a story that begins in 1865 with the arrival of Erick Larson emigrating from Sweden. Taking advantage of the homestead act in 1872 he took out a claim in newly established Mitchell County near Beloit, KS. Here he brought his new wife Emma originally from Ukna Sweden to attempt a life as a farmer on the edge of the frontier. After traveling to the small town of Mayday, Kansas in Riley County near the current day Green, Kansas the family decided to purchase 310 acres of Flint hills grass and creek bottom-land on March 6^th 1880. Since 1880 we have continuously maintained a beef cow herd and grown crops in the area. This acreage is the current site of their farming/ranching headquarters. In 1881 Erick’s mother Martha joined the family in KS as they built their operation.

Standing at the headquarters is a home finished in 1896 built by Erick and son John that has seen 7 generations of Larsons live within its walls. Martha, Emma, and Erick managed the farm into the early 1900’s. John and Amanda directed the expansion of the operation through the depression and dustbowl and into the late 30’s. Paul and Elfi brought the farm through the war time era and into the early 70’s. John and Evelyn directed the operation through the late 70s boom times and into the farm crisis period of the 80’s. Raymond and Kellie took over management in the mid 80’s and currently manage the operation with Andy & Sara. Andy & Sara’s daughter Clara represents the 8^th generation of Larsons to live in Northern Riley County, Kansas.

Riley County is located in an area known as the Flint Hills. The flint hills area is the last of the tall grass prairie in the United States. The area stretches from North to South across the East-Central portion of Kansas and into Oklahoma. The land is characterized by rolling hills, sharp scenic bluffs, abundant limestone, tree filled creek valleys, numerous springs, native warm season perennial grasses and productive farm ground. Primary crops in our area includes corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum, alfalfa, brome hay, and native prairie hay grasses. Our average rainfall is in the Mid 20 in range. The area is able to support stocking rates in the 7-15 acres per pair range for a May 1 to November 1 grazing season.