Stop buying expensive genetics. This 60-year closed herd outperforms open herds with 13,100kg averages and proves internal breeding beats purchasing.
Ever wonder what it’s like to step onto a farm where six generations of passion have shaped every detail? That hit me when I first visited Larenwood Farms on a crisp morning in Drumbo, Ontario. There’s Chris McLaren, already making his rounds before sunrise, moving with purpose through a barn where 110 Holstein cows represent decades of meticulous breeding decisions. Steam rises from their breath in the cool air while the gentle hum of milking machines creates a soothing backdrop to the daily rhythm played out here since 1852. It’s not just any farm—it’s living history with cutting-edge science folded into every corner.
You can’t miss the wall of awards in the farm office. Those plaques and shields—including multiple national herd management awards and the coveted Holstein Canada Master Breeder shield—are not just decorations. They’re milestones in a journey that perfectly blends old-school farming wisdom with the innovation you’d expect from a tech startup, not a 163-year-old family operation.
Where It All Began
“Our family has been on this farm site for 163 years,” Chris tells me with a smile that speaks volumes about his connection to this land. “Our relatives on my grandmother’s side moved here in 1852 and settled this property, and we’ve continuously had our family on this site ever since. I’m the sixth generation, and Hailey, Joel, and Dana are the seventh generation to live on this farm site.”
Walking the property with Chris, you can’t help but feel the weight of decisions made by farmers long gone. What started as a typical mixed farm gradually evolved into a dairy specialization about 50 years ago and now spans roughly 700 acres, producing all the feed their livestock needs.
“We love our little community that we live in here. This is downtown Richwood, where our farm is,” Chris gestures toward the quiet countryside. There’s something genuine about how the McLarens approach their role here—farming isn’t just business; it’s being woven into the fabric of a place.
The game-changer for Larenwood came in 2012. That’s when they built their new milking facility designed for 126 milking cows and 24 dry cows. Before that, Chris and his team had knocked out bunker silos in 2011 and converted their haylage silo to high-moisture corn the same year. But the modern free-stall setup replacing the old tie-stall barn truly transformed everything.
Chris remembers that transition vividly. “The morning after we moved the cows into the new barn, I remember standing in the feed alley just watching them,” he recalls with the kind of enthusiasm you’d expect from someone describing their first sports car, not a dairy facility. They adapted quickly to the sand bedding and free stalls—within hours, they were more comfortable than ever. That moment reinforced everything we believed about putting cow comfort first.”
Not Your Average Dairy Farmer
What makes Chris such an interesting character in the dairy world? It’s that rare combination of dirt-under-the-fingernails farming experience and serious academic credentials. His path took him through the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College and then to Ontario Veterinary College, where he earned a master’s degree working with Dr. Ken Leslie’s research group. That’s not the typical resume you expect from someone driving a feed truck at dawn.
“My time at the University of Guelph opened my eyes to the vast knowledge and understanding that research can have on improving the dairy farm,” Chris shares. “Undergrad classes and their faculty made me open to discussing and asking questions. My time at OVC, while doing my master’s, with Dr. Ken Leslie’s research group allowed me to see how important research is to our farm and the industry. I am still in contact with many of his students and faculty for advice or to participate in research projects.”
This science-forward approach is evident in everything at Larenwood. Chris doesn’t just review data—he interprets it through the lens of those academic foundations.
“Science insights are used every day in every decision we make,” he emphasizes, with the conviction of someone who’s seen the direct benefits. “We’re always looking to see what research says about management decisions. We always challenge salespeople to show us the research. We won’t buy products or make management changes unless there’s proof it works.”
I love how Chris says, “It’s important to always critically examine a problem or opportunity and gather information just as you would in a scientific study. We can make an educated decision after gathering information from many sources, either producers or research.” This blend of skepticism and openness makes the Larenwood approach so effective.
Award-Winning? That’s an Understatement
The wall of achievements at Larenwood tells a story few farms can match. They snagged the national DHI (Dairy Herd Improvement) Herd Management Award for three consecutive years—2014, 2015, and 2016. In 2021, they placed seventh among Canada’s Best Managed Dairy Herds. But the crown jewel? That 2019 Holstein Canada Master Breeder shield—dairy farming’s equivalent of an Oscar.
When I asked which award meant the most, Chris didn’t hesitate: “It’s Hard to pick between the herd management award from Lactanet and master breeder. Both have been our goals for many years. To have accomplished both in such a short time is extremely gratifying. This is especially true since we are a closed herd, and all improvements have been made through good management and breeding decisions over the long term.”
Think about that again—most farms need decades to achieve just one of these recognitions. Larenwood knocked out both in quick succession. That’s like winning a marathon and then immediately acing a triathlon.
The numbers behind these achievements are just as impressive. They milk 110-115 cows with an average 305-day milk production of 13,100 kg. First-lactation cows average 11,100 kg, second-lactation cows hit 13,600 kilograms, and third-lactation cows reach a whopping 14,200 kg. Fat content? 4.5%. Protein? 3.3%. And get this—their somatic cell count is just 48,000. If you know dairy, you know that’s ridiculously low and speaks volumes about their milk quality.
Chris has this great analogy for dairy farming: “Managing a dairy herd is like juggling many balls in the air simultaneously and hoping not to drop any. If we drop a ball, we want to know why and how we can improve next time.” That’s the mindset that separates good farms from great ones.
Cow Comfort: Not Just a Catchphrase
Before building their 2012 facility, Chris became a barn tourist, visiting farms across North America and internationally to cherry-pick the best ideas. “I did a lot of touring nationally, locally, and internationally. He explains that I went to many meetings and events and learned from many great producers,” he explains.
What strikes me about Chris’s morning routine is how he watches his cows. “You can tell so much just by watching,” he says with the insight of someone who truly understands these animals. “Are they comfortable in the stalls? Are they spending enough time lying down? Are they eating aggressively at the bunk? These observations tell me more than any computer data could.”
One principle trumped all others throughout the facility design process: cow comfort. “Focusing on cow comfort and keeping the cow as the center of the facility is important and key to getting the most from those cows,” Chris emphasizes. This isn’t just talk—every detail, from the 48-inch stalls with sand bedding to the ventilation system, was designed around what makes cows happy.
I love Grant McLaren’s (Chris’s father) philosophy: “The best cow in the barn is one you don’t know you have.” Isn’t that brilliant? It perfectly captures their goal—create an environment where cows thrive without constant intervention, freeing up the team to focus on improvement rather than putting out fires.
The proof is in the pudding—or, in this case, the milk. Since moving to the new facility, Larenwood has seen dramatic decreases in lameness and metabolic disorders while production has soared.
Feeding Champions
By mid-morning at Larenwood, feed delivery takes center stage. Chris’s approach to nutrition reflects the same scientific mindset he brings to everything else. “I treat the dairy cow like she’s an athlete,” he explains while checking the day’s feed mix. “The athlete needs unique good genetics… You need good feed, you need good management, you need good prevention, and you need a good team around you, and that’s kind of the philosophy we use when dealing with cows and everything that we do.”
The daily dance between Chris and Grant is something to behold. Grant typically handles the feed mixing, drawing on decades of experience, while Chris contributes insights from milk production data and health observations. It’s a perfect blend of expertise and analysis.
Their nutritional program isn’t complicated, but it is precise. The Total Mixed Ration uses about 60% corn silage and 40% haylage on a dry matter basis, plus high moisture corn, roasted soybeans, and a specialized protein blend. This approach gives cows consistent energy throughout the day.
“We focus on a high roughage diet,” Chris notes. “We try to get high intakes of roughage into our cattle. We breed cattle to have lots of capacity and width to eat a lot of feed, and we try to harvest great feeds so they can do that.”
One innovation I found particularly clever is their automatic feed pusher, which runs eight times daily. It’s a simple technology that ensures cows always have feed within reach—critical for top-producing animals that might consume over 30 kg of dry matter daily.
The Genomics Game-Changer
By mid-morning, Chris often shifts to the most fascinating aspect of Larenwood’s operation—its genomic breeding program. Despite being a closed herd for over 60 years (meaning they haven’t purchased outside animals), they’ve achieved remarkable genetic advancement through strategic breeding decisions.
“A turning point in our farm’s genetics was when we started testing every animal with genomics,” Chris explains with the enthusiasm of someone who’s found a secret weapon. “This technology gives us another tool to find the cows that will contribute to producing better cattle. The improvement and consistency of the herd has been incredible.”
Want proof? Just look at their production data by Lifetime Profit Index (LPI) rankings:
| LPI Value | Percentage | Count | Avg 305-day Milk (kg) | Avg 305-day Fat (kg) | Avg 305-day Protein (kg) | Avg Classification |
| 3447 | 26% | 11 | 11,636 | 542 | 402 | 82.9 |
| 3236 | 23% | 10 | 11,639 | 505 | 412 | 82.5 |
| 3069 | 26% | 11 | 11,786 | 504 | 402 | 79.3 |
| 2808 | 26% | 11 | 11,574 | 494 | 394 | 81.0 |
| Total | 100% | 43 | 11,657 | 511 | 403 | 81.4 |
What does this mean in plain English? Cows with higher LPI consistently produce more milk with better components while maintaining healthier udders. For a commercial dairy, these differences translate directly to the bottom line.
I appreciate how Chris balances technology with tradition. “Genomics is a tool just as pedigree knowledge is,” he explains. “Genomics allows you to see animals and pedigrees needing more improvement or focus. However, having that knowledge of the pedigree and what has worked in a family helps to select bulls that complement cows.”
Their breeding philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “Make the daughter better than the mother.” Each cow is bred by examining the linear traits of both cow and bull to find complementary matches. They’ll often alternate generations with production-focused bulls and then type-focused bulls.
The results speak for themselves. Take their ‘H’ family progression:
Larenwood AirIntake Homer 903: 85 points in 4th lactation, 2478 LPI, 14,770 kg Larenwood Alligator Homer 1123: 91 points in 3rd lactation, 3116 LPI, 15,130 kg Larenwood RangerRed Homer 1269: 85 points in 1st lactation, 3561 LPI, 11,830 kg, Larenwood Poprock Homer 1262: 3739 LPI, 105kg fat, type 13
Or their ‘C’ family:
Larenwood Randall Crazy 907: 90 points in 3rd lactation, 2942 LPI, 17,580 kg Larenwood Alligator Crazy 1114: 85 points in 1st lactation, 3286 LPI, 12,600 kg Larenwood RangerRed Crazy 1228: 83 points in 1st lactation, 3706 LPI, 13,000 kg Larenwood Anahita Crazy 1416: 3689 LPI, 16 type, Larenwood Anahita Crazy 1467: 3584 LPI, 84kg fat, type 17
You should see Chris when he talks about these cow families—his face lights up as he points out subtle improvements in udder texture, teat placement, and dairy strength that would escape the casual observer but represent decades of careful decisions.
This focused breeding work has also produced outstanding bulls, now available through artificial insemination. Larenwood MAXIMUM (3553 LPI, 15 type) and Larenwood PG MONUMENTAL (3839 LPI, 108 kg fat, type 13) represent the culmination of generations of careful breeding.
“Having bulls in AI is a validation of our breeding philosophy,” Chris says with justifiable pride. “But more importantly, we know these bulls will create the kind of trouble-free, productive cows that commercial dairy farmers need to be profitable in today’s challenging environment.”
Baby-Making Business
By afternoon, Chris typically focuses on reproductive management—probably the least glamorous but most crucial aspect of dairy farming. Their move to the new facility in 2012 brought unexpected benefits in this area. “We noticed when we came into the new barn that getting cows pregnant was improved,” Chris notes. “Seeing cows move around and technologies all helped.”
Through careful analysis and consultation with advisors, they’ve achieved a pregnancy rate of 28%—significantly above the provincial average. This reflects excellent heat detection and conception rates.
Their breeding strategy is surgical in its precision: “25% of heifers are bred sexed semen, 25% recipients, and 50% conventional,” Chris explains. The milking herd has 10% sexed to heifers, the bottom 20% to beef, and the rest conventional semen.” They also implement an embryo transfer program, flushing select elite heifers and implanting embryos into lower genetic merit animals—accelerating genetic progress across the herd.
The stats are impressive: 70% insemination rate, 45% conception rate, 41% conception at first breeding, and 83% of cows pregnant by 150 days in milk. The pregnancy rate is 30+ %. These numbers put Larenwood in elite company for reproductive performance.
I love watching Chris during his late afternoon rounds through the dry cow area. He examines each pregnant animal with the care of an expectant father, mentally planning their calving management and future breeding. “Each pregnant cow represents not just future milk production but the next step in our genetic plan,” he explains. “I’m already thinking about what bull might work best on her daughter before she’s born.” Talk about planning!
Family Business Done Right
As evening approaches at Larenwood, Chris and Grant meet again to review the day and plan for tomorrow. Their collaborative management style exemplifies what family farming should be. “I am involved in the overall management, genetics, and herd health. My dad is focused on the feeding and cropping,” Chris explains. “We both have input into all aspects but have the area we are mostly focused on. We talk each morning to set the day’s priorities.”
What you see as a visitor masks the complex coordination behind the scenes. “There are days when we haven’t explicitly discussed a task, but we both know it needs doing,” Chris says with a knowing smile. “That’s the advantage of working with family—sometimes we can communicate without words.”
Chris’s appreciation for his father’s mentorship shines through in every conversation. “My biggest mentor and advisor would be my dad. He is supportive of all the changes we make. He is very thoughtful and analytical of every decision to ensure we make the correct choice. These skills, as well as ‘never be afraid to ask questions,’ he taught me.”
Beyond the family core, Larenwood employs one full-time and five part-time staff members who contribute to the farm’s success. Chris emphasizes clear communication in team leadership: “Everyone needs to understand not just what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it. When the team understands the reasoning behind a protocol or change, they’re likelier to implement it consistently.”
Old School Meets New Tech
The most fascinating thing about Larenwood might be how they blend six generations of farming wisdom with cutting-edge scientific knowledge. As a 60+ year closed herd with such a deep family history, tradition runs in their soil. Yet, they consistently embrace innovation that many newer operations miss.
“We’re always learning from past experiences, which helps us learn and grow as dairy herd managers,” Chris reflects. “There’s great value in listening to the past and not repeating mistakes. However, we’re always open to new, well-researched ideas. It’s great having my dad and uncle around the farm to remind me of things they’ve tried that were successful or failed. We’re constantly investing in new technology that can provide more information to help make good decisions.”
You can see this balance in action during breeding decisions. Chris might be consulting genomic data on his tablet while drawing on generational knowledge of cow families. “The genomics tell me the numbers, but our family history with these cows tells me how they’ll likely respond to different management approaches,” he explains. “You need both perspectives to make the best decisions.”
Isn’t that the sweet spot we’re all looking for? Honoring wisdom while embracing progress?
Bouncing Back Stronger
No farm reaches Larenwood’s level without facing serious challenges. When I asked Chris how he maintains motivation through setbacks, his answer revealed the mindset that’s propelled their success: “I always try to do my best in everything that I do. There is always room for improvement, and that is what motivates me. Failure or an issue is a challenge to fix that problem and be successful.”
He continues, “I try to stay focused on the long-term goal and see that there will always be bumps in the road. Over the years, I have learned that it is important to stop and appreciate successes and not dwell on failures for too long.”
The McLarens’ approach to challenges is methodical and research-driven. “By doing the proper research and asking lots of questions before we change something, we believe we make the correct decision at that moment, and few mistakes are made,” Chris explains. “We try to stay positive and see each setback as a learning experience for us to get better. We will often ask, how could we have done better? Or, what could we change next time? If there is an issue, we will involve our advisory team and develop solutions. We’re not afraid to contact industry experts in that area to give us ideas.”
This commitment to continuous improvement extends to every corner of the operation. “We are always looking for the next challenge and the next area that we can do better for the cows and the herd,” Chris adds. This relentless forward momentum has earned them those awards and shields.
What’s Next for Larenwood?
Do you know what’s fantastic about Larenwood? They don’t just talk about improvements—they make them happen. Remember that tie-stall barn renovation for automatic calf feeders I mentioned? Chris and the team have already completed that project in 2022! And that new heifer facility he was eyeing? They built it in 2023. Talk about getting things done.
“The combination of the calf barn, the heifer barn, and better genetics all contributed to almost 1000kg per lactation more milk for the first lactation animals,” Chris tells me with well-deserved pride. Can you imagine that kind of improvement? We’re talking about first-calf heifers producing an extra 1000 kilograms of milk each—that’s the power of combining facility improvements with genetic advancement.
So, what’s actually on the horizon for Larenwood now? Something even more exciting. “We are renovating our milking barn for robotic milking,” Chris explains. “This is the next evolution of Larenwood. From tiestall to freestall, now robotic.”
I love how he frames this progression—it’s like watching the evolution of dairy farming in real time through one farm’s journey. Each stage represents a significant leap forward in cow comfort and operational efficiency.
The robotic milking system isn’t just a fancy new technology—it fundamentally changes the relationship between cow and caretaker. “This will allow for a more stress-free barn that allows the cow to be milked as often as she chooses,” Chris explains. This will increase the milk production per cow from the current twice-daily milking.”
Think about what this means for the cows. Instead of being herded to the parlor on a strict schedule, they can decide when they want to be milked. Some might go three or four times daily, especially in peak lactation. It’s cow-centered farming that has been taken to the next level.
Beyond these facility improvements, Chris’s vision remains constant: “Continue improving the herd’s health, production, and genetics. Work with a few cow families in the barn to produce elite genomic animals that improve the herd and give us a chance to put more bulls in AI.” And yes, he’s still aiming for another master breeder shield to join the first.
Standing on land that’s supported his family for six generations, Chris carries both the weight of responsibility and the excitement of possibility. “Each generation has left this farm better than they found it,” he reflects. “My goal is to continue that tradition while preparing the next generation to take it even further.”
Don’t you think something about that blend of completed achievements and ambitious plans is inspiring? It’s the Larenwood way—constantly moving forward while building on past success.
Wisdom Worth Sharing
As the day winds down at Larenwood, Chris makes his final barn check under the soft night lighting. In these quiet moments, he often reflects on the journey and what wisdom he might pass along. His advice for young farmers is worth its weight in gold:
“Learn from as many people as you can. Don’t be afraid of asking questions from those that are ‘better’ than you. Learn from them, and you will be surprised by how many people are willing to answer all your questions.”
He emphasizes patience and persistence: “Long-term consistent success does not happen overnight. Stay patient and focused on your goals.” And his most important principle? “But most of all, always keep the cow at the forefront of everything you do.”
This advice encapsulates the Larenwood approach—humble learning, long-term vision, and unwavering commitment to animal welfare. It’s how six generations have built one of Canada’s most respected dairy operations.
The Heart of It All
As darkness settles over Larenwood Farms, the barn lights dim, and the rhythmic sound of contented cows chewing their cud creates a peaceful backdrop that belies the sophisticated operation behind the scenes. This place—this remarkable blend of heritage and innovation—stands as living proof of what’s possible when family wisdom meets scientific precision.
From genomic testing to facility design, from their award-winning breeding program to their meticulous attention to cow health, every aspect of Larenwood reflects a commitment to excellence that spans generations. Those national awards aren’t just decorations—they’re external validation of an approach that puts cows first while embracing science and tradition.
What makes Larenwood’s story so compelling isn’t just the impressive statistics or the wall of awards. The values guiding their success for over 160 years are putting the cow first, embracing continuous improvement, making data-driven decisions, and maintaining that long-term perspective that seems increasingly rare today.
In an era of agricultural consolidation and economic pressure, Larenwood is a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful, knowledge-based farming. Chris McLaren and his family have created an award-winning dairy operation by honoring their rich heritage while embracing scientific advancement. This legacy will continue to inspire dairy farmers for generations to come.
Could we all learn something from that approach?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Closed Herd Genetic Superiority: Larenwood’s 60+ year closed breeding program delivers 13,100 kg average production with 4.5% fat and 3.3% protein, proving internal genetic development outperforms expensive external purchases while reducing disease risk and maintaining genetic consistency across generations.
- Genomic Testing ROI Validation: Strategic genomic testing of every animal in a closed herd generated measurable improvements in production consistency and udder health, with cows ranking higher on Lifetime Profit Index consistently producing 11,600+ kg milk compared to industry averages of 9,500-10,500 kg.
- Facility Investment Impact: The 2012 freestall barn conversion combined with 2022-2023 calf and heifer facility upgrades delivered 1,000 kg additional milk production per first lactation heifer, demonstrating how cow comfort investments generate immediate and measurable production returns.
- Reproductive Performance Through Management: Achieving 28% pregnancy rates with 45% conception rates and 83% of cows pregnant by 150 days in milk proves that systematic breeding protocols and cow comfort create superior reproductive efficiency compared to industry averages of 18-22% pregnancy rates.
- Technology Integration Strategy: Larenwood’s progression from tie-stall to freestall to robotic milking systems represents strategic technology adoption focused on cow choice and comfort rather than operational convenience, positioning the operation for continued production improvements and labor efficiency gains.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The dairy industry’s obsession with purchasing elite genetics is fundamentally flawed, as proven by Larenwood Farms’ 60+ year closed herd achieving 13,100 kg average production while outperforming operations spending millions on external genetics. Chris McLaren’s systematic approach combining genomic testing with internal breeding decisions has delivered three consecutive national DHI Herd Management Awards and a Master Breeder shield—achievements that typically require decades for most operations. Their 110-cow operation maintains a 48,000 somatic cell count and 28% pregnancy rate while generating 1,000 kg additional milk per first lactation heifer through strategic facility improvements and breeding precision. By treating every cow like an athlete and applying scientific methodology to traditional farming wisdom, Larenwood proves that genetic progress through internal development delivers superior ROI compared to expensive external purchases. The operation’s transition to robotic milking represents the final evolution of their cow-centered philosophy, allowing animals to dictate milking frequency rather than human schedules. This case study demolishes the myth that genetic advancement requires constant external investment, instead demonstrating how systematic internal breeding programs generate sustainable competitive advantages. Every dairy farmer convinced they need to buy their way to genetic progress should examine how Larenwood’s approach could revolutionize their breeding strategy and profitability metrics.
Learn More:
- 5 Technologies That Will Make or Break Your Dairy Farm in 2025 – Practical strategies for implementing the same technology transitions Larenwood mastered, including robotic milking ROI analysis and smart calf sensors that reduce mortality by 40% within the first year of adoption.
- 2025 Dairy Market Reality Check: Why Everything You Think You Know About This Year’s Outlook is Wrong – Reveals how Larenwood’s component-focused breeding strategy aligns perfectly with 2025’s market shift toward butterfat and protein premiums, plus strategic positioning tactics for capturing enhanced pricing in today’s transformed dairy economy.
- The Digital Dairy Revolution: How IoT and Analytics Are Transforming Farms in 2025 – Demonstrates how to scale Larenwood’s genomic testing success using IoT sensors and data analytics that deliver 15-20% productivity gains while reducing health costs by 30% through precision monitoring and automated decision-making systems.
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