Larry Henneke: A Legacy Built One Lamb and One Kid at a Time
By: Jaron VanHouden
By the time Larry Henneke retired from Columbia Public Schools, he had invested decades shaping students’ understanding of agriculture. But teaching has never been just a job to him; it is a calling.
“I thought I was burnt out, and tried to leave teaching for a while. I quickly realized that I wasn’t ready to be done and missed education more than I thought I would,” Larry shares.
So even after he retired from the classroom, Larry kept teaching. The only thing that changed was the setting. Today, his classroom is a quiet farm outside Millersburg, Missouri in #Agri-Ready Designated Callaway County.
About The Farm
Henneke Club Lambs is a working farm with a focus on quality – in both the livestock it produces and the opportunities it creates for youth. Larry and his family manage a flock of around 50 ewes. Each one is bred to produce lambs that are structurally correct, well-muscled, and consistent in the ring. For Larry, success is measured in two ways: by the quality of the lambs he raises and by the young people leading them.
“I love raising lambs, but I get a lot of fulfillment from helping kids and watching them succeed with their projects,” Larry shares. “I’ve always been a firm believer in providing youth with opportunities. Most of the time that’s all it takes to spark passion.”
That belief shows up in every part of his farm. From first-time 4-H members to seasoned FFA showmen, Larry offers expert advice on fitting, showmanship tips, and responsible breeding. Often, he’s helping kids who haven’t purchased a lamb from him. For Larry, it’s never been solely about championship banners; it’s about lessons that come with the experience.
Sheep aren’t the only thing growing on the farm. Each fall, the pastures near Henneke’s house come alive with rows of mums in full bloom. He grows between 6,000 and 8,000 mums to sell to local nurseries and FFA chapters for fundraising.
“I have to watch water quality like a hawk,” Larry explains. “Our rural water runs high in alkalinity, so I test daily and adjust pH to keep the mums thriving.”
Just like his livestock, the mums are raised with precision and used to support the next generation of agriculturists.
A Steady Presence in the Ring
Larry serves as the sheep superintendent at #Agri-Ready Designated Callaway County’s fair. He organizes weigh-ins, keeps the show moving, and answers questions that come at all hours. But his influence goes far beyond the show schedule.
At nearly any fair in Mid-Missouri a cluster of bright red Henneke Club Lambs shirts can be spotted being worn proudly by young exhibitors. Larry is seated in the stands, watching closely, cheering quietly, and occasionally stepping in with a word of advice. These shirts are more than a brand. They’re a symbol of the support and guidance that helped young showmen step into the ring with confidence.
Growing More Than Sheep
Larry Henneke’s impact isn’t measured by ribbons, banners, buckles, lambs, or even mums. It’s measured in smaller moments: a kid learning to brace their ewe for the first time, a family texting for advice late at night, a young showman walking into the ring with their head high because someone took the time to encourage them.
The sheep he raises will go on to win shows and build flocks. But the confidence, grit, and knowledge he passes on will last longer than any show season.
“It’s never been about me,” Larry says. “It has always been about providing opportunities. If a lamb project can help a kid find confidence and feel like they belong, that’s what really matters.”
Because for Larry Henneke, teaching was never just a job. And his farm was never just about the sheep; it was always about the youth.Larry is a member of Missouri Sheep Producers and as a retiree is a former member of the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association.
What is Missouri Sheep Producers? A statewide organization of sheep producers and others interested in the sheep industry with a goal to promote, and develop the sheep industry in Missouri.
Newly Designated #Agri-Ready Callaway County. In #Agri-Ready Designated Callaway County, agriculture, food and forestry contributes $121.1 million in total value-added products, supports more than 2,700 jobs, and adds $90.2 million annually to household incomes according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.