CHEYENNE VALLEY RANCH

Cheyenne Valley Ranch is a traditional cow-calf operation located in the rolling Sandhills near Hyannis, Nebraska. Operated by Marty Larsen, the ranch’s roots run deep in the Sandhills. The Larsen family began ranching generations ago at Swan Lake near Whitman, where Marty’s grandparents established the original family operation. Today, Marty manages both the Cheyenne Valley Ranch and the Swan Lake Ranch, which feature the region’s signature landscape of soft, sandy hills, sub-irrigated meadows, and many lakes that define this part of western Nebraska.

Marty runs a commercial Angus-based cow-calf operation, raising healthy, well-bred cattle through careful management and selective breeding. Artificial insemination plays an integral role in the breeding program - each spring, he AIs his heifers and a portion of his cows to produce consistent, efficient calves that perform well on grass. Maintaining herd health and running a strong calving program are top priorities.

Calving begins around March 1 for heifers and March 10 for cows, with a smaller group of fall-calving cows to balance the workload. Branding takes place in early May for the spring herd and again in the fall for the later calves. After preconditioning, steers are typically sold right off the cow, while heifers are weaned and evaluated as potential replacements. Marty’s focus remains on raising high-quality feeder cattle and replacement heifers, emphasizing low-stress cattle handling, herd health, and careful stocking rates to support long-term range health.

Each summer, the ranch puts up about 1,700 bales of hay from seven wet meadows, beginning just after the Fourth of July. The work is steady and often demanding, but Marty believes in doing things right and taking care of both people and livestock. He values honesty, integrity, and being a good neighbor—principles passed down from his father and grandfather, who were always ready to lend a hand in the community. Those same values guide the way the ranch operates today, from its grazing practices to how visitors, employees, and interns are welcomed.

Life on the ranch reflects the spirit of the Sandhills—authentic, hardworking, and rooted in community. Fishing at Swan Lake, friendly gatherings, and big meals during busy seasons are part of life on the ranch. Marty’s mother, Joan, lives at the Cheyenne Valley headquarters and enjoys the company of visitors, adding another warm, family touch to the ranch atmosphere. Both ranch locations have roping arenas, and Marty keeps steers on hand for regular practice. Roping and horsemanship are family passions that run deep in the Larsen family.