Mission Statement
Our mission is to raise the best longhorns from proven genetics, yet with the attention to detail that only a hands on type operation like ours can deliver. We are blessed with the ability to walk out of our backdoor and see our cattle daily. We work all of our cows with a bucket on foot, and almost all of our animals will eat out of our hand. Although color is important to us, it follows behind horn, which follows behind a good disposition and confirmation. We strive for long-standing relationships in the longhorn industry. Building a solid relationship with our buyers is important to us. From pre-sale to post-sale, we are committed to providing excellent service and a solid source of needed information throughout the years.
Evidence of success
Repeat customers is our biggest evidence of success. We are proud to say that over 60% of our customers come back within a few months to buy from us again. We cater to breeders with small herds and newcomers, and love to share the knowledge we have learned from "older breeders" and from Shannon's dad, Vestal "Little Gene" Larson Jr., who is a third generation cattleman and horseman himself. Another important piece is our lease / loan a bull program, which has helped several new breeders stay in the business after the first free 1 year membership to the TLBAA is over.
Our Breeding Program
We are big fans of Emperor, Gunman, Chuckwagon, Phenomenon, Ambush 13, Welfare, Coach, Don Juan of Christine, V.J. Tommie,.. and the list goes on. Our only limitation is such likes must be contained in under 50 acres, therefore we have a small number of representatives of these great bulls. We have recently began collecting some "straight" Butler, and "full" Butler animals and hope to have two programs going in the next couple of years. At this time we are using a Brown Bomber son (Rex Mosser branded and bred), Christmas Lee, who is out of the great Delta Trudy cow (Emperor and Phenomenon genetics). Our goal is to use this great young bull for the next two to three years while our Butler bull, SDL Mirabeau RG15 matures. We will be offering 1/2 interest in Christmas Lee once his first calf crop hits the ground in the Spring of 2007.
Our Brand
Our brand is a third generation brand that Shannon's late Paternal Grandfather, Vestal Eugene Larson, Sr., designed (although "Little Gene" swears to this day he came up with it) back in the 1940's. The V E L is the initials of both men.