It’s time to share some of Turner Brangus Ranch history. When we purchased the Altnow Ranch in Drewsey, OR in 1981, the ranch had been in the Altnow Family just one year shy of 100 years. Joe Altnow said that his grandfather charged 10 cents a head for sheep to drink out of Altnow lake. Back then, a horse and Fresno was used to put in the lake.
You can see the outline of Oregon State behind the Brangus Bull and our Rafter Lazy T Ranch Brand is on both the right and the left in our entrance signage. We were located in Harney County where cowboys are kings. We sure felt like a king and a queen.
Many of you must wonder why I sign my name on back the of my pieces, along with our Brand. In more than 50 years of ranching, the "Rafter Lazy T" Ranch Brand has been a big part of our life. All our cattle carried this iron on the mid-section – all our horses were branded on the stifle. Just sharing a bit of pride.
(above left) This is the “Rafter Lazy T” ranch brand pendant – just a simple design that I made for myself. Ranch brands are just so special and important – they represent lots of commitment, sacrifice, and rewards. Rafter Lazy T has been with us a long time and it will always be a part of our legacy. I’d be happy to create a pendant or bracelet with your particular ranch brand – just let me know and we can work out the design.
(above right) “Where Cowboys Are Kings” when I created this pendant, it reminded me of the wide-open spaces of the high desert of Harney County. Accented with a little Turquoise, accented with a little silver, the longhorn for good measure – all set on a 2” x 1” copper backing that hangs from an 18” small copper square link chain.
Together, Tom and I first began ranching in Washington State and, over a 14-year period, I learned traditional beading techniques from the elder women of the Yakima Tribe. I made the above beadwork tapestry in Oregon; this piece was created and dedicated to our Family and our Neighbors of Harney County, honoring generation Ranchers with their Brands. Notice the Rafter Lazy T Ranch Brand on the right.
Above is a picture of Tom and I at the Houston Livestock Show in Texas in 2007 - the year we were selected “Pioneer Breeder Of The Year” by the International Brangus Breeders Association and received the Bronze Trophy – and up to that point, only the 3rd time in the history of the association that the Bronze had ever been awarded.
2007 PIONEER OF THE YEAR AWARD goes to 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.
This dedicated, friendly, and hospitable couple has earned the honor as the elite of the Brangus Breed – the 2007 Pioneers of the Year.
