Madison Reporter

The partnership between Larson Acres, a multi-generational dairy farm in Evansville, Wisconsin, and the Dairyland Initiative is helping to redefine modern dairy farming. Sandy Larson, General Manager of Larson Acres and a UW-Madison alumna, states, "The Larson family has been farming in southern Wisconsin for nearly a century. By focusing on three key pillars — quality, pride, and family — our farm is truly a superior example of modern dairy farming."

Larson Acres has been recognized nationally for excellence, much of which is attributed to its collaboration with the Dairyland Initiative (DI). The initiative, founded in 2010, is a science-based program from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine that helps optimize dairy cow health and well-being. "Larson Acres is an example of a farm that pushes us to come up with answers to important questions while being open to trying new innovations," says Courtney Halbach, Outreach Specialist for DI.

Improvements at Larson Acres, guided by DI research, include innovations in bedding management, stall enhancements, and ventilation systems. Additionally, the farm serves as a practical training ground for students, industry partners, and peers, sharing best practices throughout the broader dairy community. "We all need farms like Larson Acres," says Nigel Cook, professor and chair of the Department of Medical Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Mike Larson, Dairy Manager of Larson Acres, highlights the integral role the initiative has played for the farm. "One of the first major building projects where we sought guidance from The Dairyland Initiative was our expansion in 2010," he recalls.

Larson Acres’ achievements, including being named Dairy Producers of the Year in 2024, are seen as a testament to the farm's dedication. Sandy Larson attributes their success to family collaboration, employee development, and partnerships like the one with the Dairyland Initiative.

The Dairyland Initiative provides farmers access to the best available information for making informed decisions on farm improvements. This includes a free website offering resources and virtual tours of farms that have adopted its recommendations. Workshops and on-site visits further supplement this support. "We rely on two-way communication to come up with practical solutions that are informed by research," says Halbach.

Globally, the impact of this partnership can be seen in farms across Wisconsin and beyond. "Growth in some capacity will be part of our future," says Sandy Larson, with the farm looking forward to continued collaboration with The Dairyland Initiative.