Breeding Excellence: The Legacy of Thomas Angus Ranch
In the sprawling landscapes of Baker City, Oregon, a legacy was born – a legacy that has etched its name among the pioneers of superior Angus cattle breeding.
Breeding Excellence: The Legacy of Thomas Angus Ranch
In the sprawling landscapes of Baker City, Oregon, a legacy was born – a legacy that has etched its name among the pioneers of superior Angus cattle breeding. The story of Thomas Angus Ranch is a testament to the vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment of Bob and Gloria Thomas, who embarked on a journey that would redefine the standards of Angus cattle breeding.
Roots of Success
It all began in 1950 when Bob Thomas made his first foray into the cattle industry, purchasing a cow/calf pair for $475 and a herd bull for $300. Little did he know that this modest beginning would lay the foundation for a cattle herd that would eventually exceed 1,000 producing females. The journey unfolded as Bob and Gloria moved from their Iowa home to join forces with Myron Fuerst in New York, and later, to Long Island, where they worked on the C. V. Whitney Estate.
Under the guidance of Angus scholars like Myron Fuerst, Bob honed his skills, developed an eye for quality, and cultivated a passion for breeding superior performance genetics. These formative years shaped the philosophy of Thomas Angus Ranch – a philosophy grounded in integrity, honesty, and a deep understanding of their customers’ needs.
A Move Westward
In the early 1960s, the Thomases made a pivotal decision to move to Baker City, Oregon. This marked the beginning of a cattleman's dream as Bob established the Thomas Angus Ranch. The turning point came on November 6, 1973, with the inaugural Thomas Angus Ranch Sale, held in Baker City. This event, which started as a local affair, quickly became a record-breaking success, setting the standard for sales across North America.
Over the years, the ranch's dedication to breeding Angus cattle aligned with the requirements of commercial cattlemen deepened. Today, the original sale has evolved into five sales held annually across four states, drawing cattlemen from all corners of the country. The tradition lives on, with the original sale still taking place each October, showcasing over 250 bull calves and females.
Awards and Recognition
The commitment and excellence of Thomas Angus Ranch have not gone unnoticed. Bob and Gloria Thomas were rightfully inducted into the Angus Heritage Foundation, recognizing their significant contributions to the breed. The ranch itself earned the esteemed title of Seedstock Producer of the Year by the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF). Currently ranking among the top 25 largest seedstock producers in North America, Thomas Angus Ranch continues to uphold a tradition of excellence.
Striving for Perfection
As the torchbearers of this illustrious legacy, the team at Thomas Angus Ranch carries forward the vision set by Bob and Gloria Thomas. With more than 50 years of history and endurance, the ranch remains dedicated to breeding sound, functional Angus cattle that consistently meet the evolving needs of its customers.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, Thomas Angus Ranch looks ahead to the next 50 years with a commitment to expanding its horizons and reaching even greater heights in the realm of Angus cattle breeding. The legacy lives on, and the story of Thomas Angus Ranch continues to unfold, chapter by chapter, in the heart of Baker City, Oregon.