‘Corn King’ Reflects on Amazing Career in Seed, Ag
You’ve heard of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon—a parlor game where players challenge each other to choose an actor and then connect them to another actor via a film that both actors have appeared in together, repeating this process to find the shortest path to Kevin Bacon.
For seed industry veteran Mike Larson, the game is probably closer to one or two degrees. Mike’s friendships and professional connections run deep. He’s played a leading role in the seed business in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota for decades.
And for the last 21+ years, he’s played an integral role in the success of Peterson Farms Seed, our dealer-partners and growers.
A masterful storyteller, history buff, family man, engaged board member, Corn King, lutefisk chef, mentor—Mike is a man of many talents and passions. As he reflects on his career and looks toward a well-deserved retirement, we took the opportunity to chat with Mike about his career, some of his favorite things and what he hopes to do next.
What does agriculture mean to you?
The first and main thing is relationships. I’ve been reflecting on this quite a bit—all the dear friends I’ve made through the years. We’re in the business of agriculture where so much is out of our control, but we can control how we treat others.
What was your first job in agriculture?
I grew up on the family farm near Walcott, N.D., which is where I discovered my love for agriculture. I became a farmer-seed dealer but got washed out in the 80s due to high interest rates. I went to work for a seed company with basically all of North Dakota as my territory. I spent a lot of time developing relationships, one of which was with Carl and Julie, which is how I ended up with Peterson Farms Seed. I couldn’t imagine a better place to spend my last 20+ years.
What is the best thing about working in the seed business?
The fact I ended up going from the farm to the seed industry—I got to work with a lot of great people, many of whom have become friends.
What advice do you have to others in the seed business?
Do the right thing.
Get to know your customers and find out what they need so you can help place products on their farm. You learn a lot by simply picking up the phone.
What are your plans for retirement?
I have a few projects planned. Spend more time with my family. Try to do a little hunting. Because of my farm background I’ve got a few offers to haul beets or jump in the combine.
Do you have a favorite corn hybrid?
I’ve had a few favorites over the years. Right now, it’s probably 73S84. It’s just such a go-anywhere hybrid.
I enjoy evaluating the hybrids that tackle the problem areas—tough ground, such as high-salinity soils. We have a lot of that in the prairie pothole region. Each year I’m planting plots in those areas to see what will work best for growers.
Favorite book: The Bible, to start. But I’ve always enjoyed reading history books. My parents would take us to the library during the summer, and that’s where my love for reading started.
Note: Mike has a bookshelf full of history and biographies in his office.
What brings you joy?
A cup of coffee with breakfast. My wife, kids and grandkids. The grand dog. The neighbor kids who come over all the time. Pretty simple stuff.
We can’t thank Mike enough for his contributions and leadership. We wish him the very best, because that’s what he’s brought to all of us every day. Thanks, Mike!
