Largent and Sons: Multigenerational Hereford operation continues to thrive

Mark and Cathy Largent are part of a multigenerational ranching family that has been raising registered Hereford cattle for more than 100 years. 

Their operation, Largent and Sons Herefords, is a respected name in the Hereford industry.

Located in Kaycee, Largent and Sons Herefords raises cattle renowned for carcass traits, maternal instinct, reproductive ability, eye pigment and performance in any conditions.

The early years

The Largent family legacy started in Texas in the early 1900s. Mark explains his great-grandfather started out raising commercial cattle near Fort Worth, Texas and eventually moved to Merkel, Texas in 1902 to start a registered Hereford herd.

“I think he was the third registered Hereford breeder in the state of Texas,” Mark says. 

Mark notes life in Texas was difficult for the family, as they battled drought and poverty throughout the early years.

To improve conditions, Mark’s father David Largent took a job as a ranch manager in Arizona working for a wealthy Hereford breeder and clockmaker by the name of Foy Herschede.

When Mark was about five years old, the family moved to Arizona and his father managed two ranches for Herschede and looked after the show herd.

While Mark was in high school, the Largents sold the original ranch and bought another ranch near Fort Davis, Texas. 

Here, Mark met Cathy, and the two were married in 1970.

Expanding the operation

After they were married, Mark and Cathy moved to Montana and began to build up their herd. They lived on a ranch north of Livingston, Mont. for 17 years before moving to Kaycee. 

Mark and Cathy have three children – David, Laura and Sherry – who enjoyed showing cattle during their junior high and high school years.  

“Cathy and I had three kids so we tried to expand our operation,” recalls Mark. “We found this ranch for lease near Kaycee, and when it came up for sale, we were able to buy it.”

They ran cattle in Montana and Wyoming for years, but eventually the Largents sold the Montana place and Mark and Cathy moved to Kaycee in 1989.

“Cathy and I took over the ranch corporation in 1990 after I became a pastor,” says Mark. “We moved on to the summer grassland about 10 miles south of Kaycee on I-25, which is where we are today.”

After the 1990s, Mark began to focus less on the show ring and more on carcass quality, reproduction, performance and efficiency in the feedlot.

“We’ve worked very hard on putting more carcass ability in our Hereford cattle,” Mark says. 

Today, the ranch runs several hundred head of Hereford cattle and hosts an annual bull sale in November. 

Raising Herefords

On and off the ranch, Mark remains dedicated to the Hereford industry. 

He has served two terms as president of the Wyoming Hereford Association and supported the industry throughout Wyoming and Montana. 

“My pursuit of excellence in Herefords keeps me going,” Mark says. “I study the expected progeny differences and pedigrees and watch what other people are doing. I’m not above asking for council because I know I don’t have it all figured out.”

Mark says functionality in the Hereford breed has improved over the years. The breed has always been known for hardiness and durability, making them good range cattle.

“Hereford cattle have made a living for us now for 123 years,” Mark says. “We love these cattle, and my dad always told me Herefords can do anything any other breed can do, it just takes a little time and a breeding plan to get them there.” 

Largent and Sons Herefords has focused specifically on improving carcass ability over the past 30 years.

“We’ve had several bull customers who have fed out their steers and had excellent feedlot and carcass performance, so we feel we are on the right track,” Mark notes.

“Herefords have good bone structure and fertility, in many ways outperforming Angus,” he adds. “The Hereford and Angus breeds also complement each other very well, and this is one of the best crosses available for commercial producers.”

Family first

Largent and Sons Herefords is a family business, and the Largents have been blessed to work together for seven generations.

In addition to ranching, Mark has been pastoring the same church since 1999. It started with a dozen people and has grown in the years since.

“My two passions are cattle and pastoring our church,” says Mark. “I love cattle and I like to preach God’s word, so I have two wonderful passions. God has blessed us on both sides.”

Family keeps Largent and Sons Herefords running, eliminating the need for hiring outside help.

Mark’s son David has been helping on the ranch since 1999. 

“I feel fortunate to have married Cathy – she is the most valued partner any man could have,” Mark says. “We will have been married 56 years this summer and have made it through all of the ups and downs, droughts and blizzards.”  

“We’ve been through it all, but when you have a great partner to go through life with, it’s always better,” Mark adds. “It’s been a good journey and I feel very blessed.”

To learn more about Largent and Sons Herefords, visit largentandsons.com, e-mail largentandsons@yahoo.com or call Mark at 307-267-3229.

Heather Smith Thomas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.