2007 Pioneer of the Year

Tom & Kathi Turner

Turner Brangus Ranch is a family owned operation, where its sole source of income for the past 43 years has been made by a cow. Prior to 1981 the operation was strictly commercial cattle. Although the Turners are very progressive in all aspects of the Livestock business, the guidelines they use in their Purebred Brangus Cattle were adopted from their commercial operation and they still use a grass roots common sense approach to selecting their replacements, whether bulls or heifers.

The Turners cattle are born and raised on the high desert country of Southeastern Oregon, where weather conditions are not kind. Their cattle are subject not only to severe cold, but thrive and survive the dry range conditions of summer.

The Turners strive for the best genetics possible to produce offspring that will perform in any environment. The do not pamper their cattle; they have to perform based on the merits of their genetic background. They strive for performance and a strong maternal side.

The Turners research quite extensively when it comes to their AI Program. They feel through AI they can gain the genetic pool needed for the carcass development. Through synchronization, the Turners AI approximately 500 cows and heifers per year. And by using the following bloodlines, they are achieving great strides in carcass quality. The two Integrity sons they used, Integrity Debutante 3784/U, and Integrity 533 1580/U have given the Turners some tremendous cows as foundation cattle. The sire of these two sons GLC Integrity 1/3 was the first Certified Brangus Carcass Sire of the Brangus Breed. Other AI sires included in their AI Bull Battery are Idaho Jack S933 who to this day still performs high on the carcass ratings, Big Easy, Bright Side of Brinks, Cowboy of Brinks, Backside of Brinks, Sundance of Brinks, Townsend’s Lucky 13, Lucky 94, Lucky 304, and Suhn’s Geronimo. This year their new selection added is Black Hawk of Brinks, PR Elixir, Suhn’s Picasso, and BT’s Summit, which should make for an interesting calf crop. Every year researching the AI sires available requires painstaking time. Although the end results are extremely rewarding, ending up with a superior type animal gives the Turners the most overwhelming satisfaction.

This dedicated, friendly, and hospitable couple has earned the honor as the elite of the Brangus Breed – the 2007 Pioneers of the Year.