Creeping over fields of green Remembering the
faces The moments unseen The hands that built
a dynasty The vision in their eyes Echoes in
the auction bar Beneath an endless sky This is
the bull buy Turn the bar Hello, everyone, and
welcome back to the Bullvine Podcast. I'm your
host, and today I have an absolutely incredible
story to share with you. It's a story that proves
sometimes the greatest dynasties in dairy genetics
hang by the thinnest of threads, and how a single
spotted calf born in Minnesota completely transformed
the Holstein world. Picture this. It's a crisp
autumn morning in September 2005 at Larkrest
Holstein's in Albert Lea, Minnesota. John and
Ann Larson are going through their usual routine
when they get word that another calf has been
born. This one's spotted, female, and sired by
the popular Pixton Shottle. In the busy rhythm
of any dairy operation, it probably seemed like
just another entry in the herd book. But folks,
they were witnessing the birth of what would
become a global genetic empire worth millions
of dollars. That spotted calf was Larkrest Cosmopolitan,
and 20 years later, even though she's passed
on, her genetic fingerprints are literally everywhere.
I'm talking AI studs from Alberta to Amsterdam,
champion rings from Wisconsin to Bavaria. Her
descendants have claimed national titles, topped
genomic rankings, and commanded record -breaking
auction prices that'll make your head spin. But
here's the thing that absolutely blows my mind
about this story. This dynasty almost never happened.
And I mean almost never happened on multiple
occasions. Let me paint you the picture of how
close we came to losing this incredible bloodline
before it even started. Two generations before
Cosmopolitan was born, her great -grandmother,
Larcrest Juror Chanel, suffered severe calving
paralysis as a two -year -old. We're talking
about a cow that was down for over two weeks.
In most cases, that's a death sentence. But somehow,
through sheer determination and the devoted care
of the Larson family, she survived. Can you imagine?
The entire foundation of this global dynasty
hinged on one cow's will to live. But wait, it
gets even more dramatic. Cosmopolitan's dam,
Larcrest -Oside Champagne, was born as a twin
to a bull calf. Now, if you know anything about
cattle genetics, you know that over 90 % of female
calves born co -twin to males are infertile Fremartins.
The logical decision would have been immediate
culling. But the Larsens kept her anyway, and
against overwhelming odds, Champagne proved fertile
and bred successfully. John Larson himself puts
it best, and I love his humility here. He says,
We've been lucky. The juror had calving paralysis
as a two -year -old and was down for two weeks.
She probably should have died, but somehow she
had the drive and spirit to survive. Then the
outside was a twin with a bull, and for some
reason we kept her, and we were lucky enough
that she bred. This just goes to show you that
even in our age of genomics and scientific breeding,
sometimes the greatest genetic treasures hang
by the most fragile threads of fate. Now, Cosmopolitan
herself didn't waste any time making her mark.
She rapidly captured international attention
by achieving the coveted number one GTPI position
among US Holstein cows. Think about that for
a moment. In a breed with millions of animals,
this spotted Minnesota heifer rose to the very
top. She combined the power and presence of her
shuttle genetics with proven transmitting ability
that would define her legacy through 184 registered
progeny in the United States and prestigious
gold medal dam and dam of merit awards. But the
real star of this story, the beating heart of
this expanding dynasty, became Cosmopolitan's
Ramos' daughter, Larkrest Crimson. And let me
tell you about Crimson, because she's where this
story gets really exciting. John Larson has this
wonderful quote about crimson that just captures
the passion these breeders have. He says, You
can just hear the love and respect in his voice,
can't you? Crimson is described as a powerful
cow with a big, strong head, wide muzzle, massive
rib capacity, an impressive width of chest and
rump. She embodies that perfect marriage of genetic
merit and practical functionality that modern
dairy farming demands. But here's where the story
gets absolutely wild, the market recognition
of this genetic goldmine. Picture yourself in
a packed sale barn. The tension is thick. Bidding
is escalating beyond all expectations. Crimson's
observer daughter, Kale, has offspring going
through the ring. Larkress Cardigan, a Uno daughter,
brings a stunning $400 ,000. Her super sire sister
Canto sells for $290 ,000. $400 ,000. For dairy
farmers watching these sales, these weren't just
impressive figures. They were validation that
genetics could truly transform their operation's
profitability and sustainability. Crimson's transmitting
ability reached its pinnacle in 2016 when she
was crowned Global Cow of the Year. after finishing
second the previous two years her sons read like
a who's who of influential ai sires calibrate
camelot chavez conquest casual and cyclone each
one carried forward the family's genetic blueprint
to herds worldwide now let me tell you about
some of the global superstars that emerged from
this family because this is where you really
see the international impact from crimson's genetics
grew multiple branches her observer daughter
larkcrest kalinda became the dam of Larcrest
Commander, a mogul son who ranked No. 31 TPI
in the US and No. 2 LPI in Canada. Commander
daughters consistently deliver those welded -on
udders and high components that translate directly
into easier milking, reduced mastitis treatments,
and enhanced profitability. But the international
reach really shows through bulls like Stanton's
Chief, a high -octane son bred in Ontario, Canada.
In 2023, Chief's daughters were claiming championships
everywhere. Les Pons Chief Alina won national
champion in Germany, Maxima de Bois Senior earned
the same honor in Belgium, and back in the United
States, Blexis Chief Bloody Mary captured All
-American milking yearling honors. Chief's influence
extends far beyond show rings, though. With over
22 ,000 daughters in his proof, he represents
a genetic revolution in action. His daughters
consistently demonstrate those signature family
traits. Good strength and width throughout, strong
loins, wide rumps, and those shallow, smoothly
attached udders that remain youthful and functional
throughout extended lactations. Now, I want to
talk about Sandy Valley Conway because his story
really illustrates the practical value these
genetics deliver. Conway ranked number 13 on
the daughter -proven TPI charts as of October
2023. with a score of 29 and 59. But here's what
really gets me excited. Dairymen milking Conway
daughters report something special. Kevin Jorgensen
from Select Sires explains it perfectly. Dairymen
milking Conway daughters have commented that
they are perhaps milking better than his milk
proof indicates and that they are very persistent
in lactation, being better at 150 days in milk
than they are at 60 days in milk. Mike Larson
at Larson Acres in Wisconsin, who's milking 2
,500 cows, gives us the real -world validation.
Way above average for type, really excellent
components, and I would say a bit wetter than
the proof says. Conway is very consistent in
what he does, with moderate size, welded -on
udders, and no glaring type deficiencies. This
persistence in lactation represents more than
just a genetic trait. It's the kind of practical
excellence that builds sustainable dairy operations.
When cows maintain their production deep into
lactation, everything improves. Feed efficiency,
reproductive performance, overall herd profitability.
Conway's 44 sons entering the Select Sires system
represent a multiplication of this excellence,
carrying cosmopolitan genetics to thousands of
dairy farms where improved udders, enhanced components,
and extended productive lives translate directly
into increased profitability and reduced management
challenges. Now, what really impresses me about
the Larsen's approach at Larcrest is how they've
balanced cutting -edge technology with time -tested
principles. They've developed two distinct breeding
lines from Crimson's genetics, a high TPI line
focused on production metrics and a high type
line emphasizing confirmation excellence. This
strategic approach allows them to meet diverse
market demands while preserving those essential
family characteristics. John explains it this
way. We've developed two distinct lines from
Crimson that form the mainstay of our breeding
program. We have the TPI line and a high -type
line. On the type side, they work with Crimson's
EX92 Atwood daughter Cordial, whose dormant daughter
Circadian scored VG87 as a 2 -year -old with
an impressive 3 -ive GPAT. But here's what really
excites John when he talks about what these numbers
mean for farmers and their animals. Our two -year
-olds are better than the previous generations,
especially in the areas of fitness and longevity.
They are more trouble -free than we've ever had
before. This evolution toward enhanced robustness
represents more than genetic progress. It embodies
the values that drive sustainable dairy farming.
When cows require fewer veterinary interventions,
maintain better body condition, and extend their
productive lives, the benefits cascade through
every aspect of farm management. Feed efficiency
improves, labor demands decrease, animal welfare
increases, and profitability grows. The integration
of genomic testing has revolutionized their breeding
decisions while maintaining focus on practical
outcomes. As John notes, It's always rewarding
when what you see and what the animal turns out
to be fit exactly with what the numbers predicted.
And that is just as important to us whether we
are using it to pick out the high milk heifer
from a group of siblings or the high type heifer.
John reflects on the genomic revolution. For
us, it really has been the realization of what
genomics promised. Technology has enhanced rather
than replaced the fundamental principles of good
breeding and animal husbandry. The family's extraordinary
impact gained formal recognition in Holstein
International's Comprehensive Cow Family Tournament
in 2021, where Larcrest Cosmopolitan secured
the eighth position among 40 of the world's most
influential cow families. Judge Byrne Sommer
characterized her as the powerful combination
of shoddle and outside, while Mauricio de los
Santos described her as a strong and speckled
shoddle daughter. representing an exemplary family
that has contributed splendidly to breeding all
over the world, both in the male and female lines.
The global reach of these genetics is truly remarkable.
John explains their international approach. The
main export countries for us have been Japan,
Germany, France, and the Netherlands. We really
value our international clients and enjoy working
with them. This has created a network of elite
breeders working with cosmopolitan genetics.
each adding their expertise to the family's ongoing
evolution. In Japan, bulls like Cosmopolis became
among the most popular daughter -proven sires.
In the Netherlands, Vekas Chevrolet achieved
success and in Germany, Fnatic made his mark.
This global network creates a feedback loop of
genetic improvement where success in different
environments validates and refines breeding decisions
made back in Minnesota. Today, the cosmopolitan
influence continues expanding through currently
active AI sires, including Genasaur's captain,
who reached number one TPI in the U .S. in 2025.
This proves that the family's impact remains
as strong as ever, nearly 20 years after cosmopolitan
first captured the world's attention. Strategic
initiatives at Larkrest, including the development
of polled genetics through lines like Larkrest
-Ferra -PRC, show how they continue innovating
while preserving the family's essential characteristics.
This willingness to explore new genetic combinations
while maintaining core family traits ensures
the legacy will continue evolving to meet future
industry needs. As I wrap up this incredible
story, I want you to think about what it really
represents. Walk into any modern dairy parlor
from Minnesota to Bavaria, And you might find
yourself observing the quiet revolution that
cosmopolitan genetics have created. Her 184 registered
progeny in the United States represent just the
beginning. The true measure of her impact lies
in countless descendants now milking in commercial
herds worldwide. These aren't just genetic abstractions.
They're cows that maintain their production deeper
into lactation, require fewer veterinary interventions,
and generate more profit for farming families.
Each improved udder reduces mastitis risk and
treatment costs. Each enhanced component percentage
increases milk check values. Each extended productive
life reduces replacement costs and improves herd
efficiency. The story of Larcrest Cosmopolitan
ultimately transcends genetics and numbers. In
an industry where animal welfare, environmental
stewardship, and economic sustainability increasingly
define success, This family's evolution toward
enhanced robustness and functionality provides
a roadmap for responsible breed development.
From a single spotted calf born on a Minnesota
farm to a global genetic empire spanning continents,
the cosmopolitan dynasty stands as proof that
exceptional breeding, when guided by wisdom,
commitment, and respect for both genetic merit
and practical farming values, can create legacies
that outlast any individual cow, farm, or even
generation of breeders. The story continues,
writing itself in breeding barns from Minnesota
to Munich, from Ontario to Osaka, wherever dedicated
breeders recognize that true genetic progress
comes not from chasing trends, but from developing
complete animals that excel in all the traits
that matter to sustainable dairy farming. That
harmonious balance between genetic excellence
and sustainable farming practices that may just
be the most remarkable achievement of all. Thanks
for joining me on this incredible journey through
the Larcrest Cosmopolitan legacy. If this story
teaches us anything, it's that sometimes the
most extraordinary achievements begin with the
most fragile circumstances. But with vision,
dedication, and yes, a little bit of luck, they
can transform an entire industry. Keep breeding
those complete cows, folks, and we'll see you
next time on the Bullvine Podcast. They never
will die. From the show ring, from the tune,
the quiet strength they knew. Hear their stories
now, coming right on through. Oh, tell the tale,
tell the tale, the Beaumont legends live here.