Former National Turkey Federation (NTF) President Vance Larson died on October 25 at the age of 77, in Lake City, Minnesota.
“The turkey industry lost a true champion and a tireless advocate for its activities. Vance Larson was a turkey farmer, a dad, a husband, a grandpa and great-grandpa, a friend and a mentor to many across the U.S., and he will be dearly missed,” said Steve Olson, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA).
A state, regional and national industry leader, Larson served on several boards, including the NTF, MTGA and the Midwest Poultry Federation (MPF).
His service on the MTGA board spanned eight years, while he was on the MPF board for six years and the NTF board for eight years. He was the MPF president in 1981 and the NTF president in 1986. During his time as NTF president, Larson presented President Ronald Reagan with the National Thanksgiving Turkey, which was named Benjamin.
In addition to raising turkeys, the Larson family was involved in raising hogs and operating the Sargeant Grain Company.
Awards and honors
The NTF presented Larson with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. In 1987, he was presented with the Sven Ranelius Award at the MTGA and MPF joint banquet for his outstanding service to the turkey industry of Minnesota.
Larson and his brother, Larry, were inducted into the Mower County Livestock Hall of Fame in 2016.
Other community involvement
Larson, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, was actively involved in the Mower County 4-H program, Sargeant Township Board, Mower County Zoning Board, First Farmers and Merchants Bank board, Oaks Country Club and Evanger Lutheran Church.
