Louis Ellwood “Woody” Larson Jr. has dedicated his life to advancing Florida agriculture through his generous spirit and steadfast leadership. A lifelong dairyman and cattleman, Woody and his family have grown their operations into a diversified enterprise while giving back to their community, state and industry. Widely respected for his integrity and vision, Woody has played a pivotal role in shaping modern Florida agriculture.
Born in 1951 in Broward County to Red and Reda Larson, Woody’s agricultural journey began in childhood. By the time he was a teenager, he was working alongside his father in the family dairy and cattle operations. He married his high school sweetheart, Grace, in 1972 and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in dairy science. Together, Woody and Grace built a family business that has expanded into dairy, beef and conservation enterprises across thousands of acres of Florida farm and ranch land.
Woody served as general manager of Larson Dairy Inc., where under his leadership the operation grew to over 12,000 milking cows by the late 1980s. Despite challenges such as disease, hurricanes and mounting environmental pressures, Woody championed the adoption of Best Management Practices and oversaw the transition from pasture-based dairying to controlled free-stall housing. His mantra, “Stay and Do,” reflected his resilience and determination to find solutions that supported both production and environmental stewardship.
A tireless advocate for collective progress, in 1985, Woody was instrumental in establishing the additional milk check-off program used to support research and youth programs at the University of Florida, which has generated more than $9 million. He also helped launch the National Beef Referendum and later spearheaded the effort that resulted in the creation of the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board to fund beef industry research. His leadership extended into finance as well. Woody served on the Farm Credit board for nearly three decades and guided the 2011 merger of three associations into Farm Credit of Florida, where he served as the first chairman.
Beyond his business and industry roles, Woody has always prioritized giving back. For more than 50 years, he has provided dairy calves to youth exhibitors, supported FFA and 4-H programs, and hosted countless judging practices and workshops. With his siblings, Larson established three endowments at the University of Florida/IFAS, and with his wife, Grace, created Family Tree Enterprises, ensuring the next generation, including their three children, Travis, Jacob, and Ginger, would have a strong foundation in agriculture. It’s no surprise that throughout a lifetime of service Woody has been recognized for these efforts by being named to the inaugural class of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame and received the University of Florida IFAS Award of Distinction in 2006 and Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2007.
Today, as Woody and Grace transition their efforts toward conservation and opportunity for future generations, his legacy continues to embody the values of stewardship, family, and service.