About A.W. Thorne Land & Cattle, Inc.

Albert (Abbie) and Joan Thorne

About Us

We both grew up during the time when kids were expected to take up the slack on the ranch. Even though we were both raised hundreds of miles apart we have the same country kid values. We learned early on what a penny was worth and how hard it was to keep a hold of it. We learned how to work beside the hired help, be the hired help and also be the boss. We both learned how to raise, nurture and market livestock for a living. When you live with your herd like we do you become in touch with their personalities, their needs and welfare. They are our second family! We have tried to uphold that tradition that our ancestors left behind for us. Take care of your cattle and customers and they will take care of you. We are the Owners, Executive Directors, General Managers, Herdsman, Show Cattle Managers, Director of Compost Operations and Maintenance! ha We pretty much consider our Ranch a "Bed, Breakfast and Bovine facility."

We hope and pray that our children and grandchildren will have the same opportunity for the future in agriculture if they so desire.. We live a life that very few people have the chance to experience. The Lord has truly blessed us and our families. Our children and grandchildren are the rocks that cement our whole theory on life. With out their love and support we would be just two old people raising and caring for cattle.

In 1991 Albert W. Thorne introduced the Fullblood Braunvieh breed to Oklahoma, when Braunvieh bulls were purchased for commercial Beef Master cows. He liked the cross so well that Fullblood Braunvieh donors and top Herd Sires were added to the herd. The Beef Master cows became recipient mothers to ET calves in the extensive embryo program that developed. He selected several genetics for his breeding herd from Canada after visiting breeders there and in Switzerland. He researched the bloodlines brought in from Switzerland and Europe. He saw blood lines that he felt could improve his breeding program and felt that the breeder ethics and integrity were superior in Canada. He also added American genetics from the Golden Link herd in Nebraska.

Black and Polled Purebred Braunvieh make History at Thorne Ranch In 1999, black and polled Braunvieh genetics were introduced to Oklahoma too. Home to Black Icon the first homozygous black and homozygous polled Purebred Braunvieh bull in the breed. Black Icon is 93.75% Braunvieh and 6.25% Angus. A big gentle giant that has produced some outstanding females that we use exclusively for our Club Calf Program.. He consistently produces the right kind. Semen available for the commercial breeder. He works great on straight Angus cows. He will keep them black, polled, add bone, muscle, maternal and a great carcass. He is a one in a million.

The Thorne Ranch Club Calf Program The Club Calf program developed in the year 2000 when Registered Angus were added to the herd. Maine Anjou and more Simmental genetics were added in 2002 to produce percentage cattle for the club calf program. We utilized our existing Braunvieh herd of Fullblood, Black Purebred and percentage Angus-Braunvieh cows. They contributed; great dispositions, strong maternal, bone and carcass quality. Customers are amazed at the growth, thickness and correctness of our club calves. Plus we have one of the best recipient herds out there for embryo calf raisers.

We breed for Spring and Fall calves... The Spring calves start arriving in February and end in April. The Fall calves start the end of August and finish in November. We aim to produce a powerful product that will fit everyone's program and show schedule.

We are Albert and Joan Thorne owners and operators of Thorne Ranch. We both came from cattle ranching families from the Panhandle of Texas and the Sandhills of Nebraska. Our parents taught us old fashioned values! Hard work and honesty go a long way in this world. Life after all is..."All about families"

Albert (Abbie) William Thorne, his father Albert Nealy Thorne and grandfather William Quincy Thorne purchased and raised stocker feeder cattle and farmed wheat around Hereford and Canadian Texas in the 1950's to 1970's. They were partners in several feed lots that were established in the Panhandle area in the 1960's.

In 1963, the ranch in northeast Oklahoma was purchased to add pasture for summering yearling cattle. After running yearlings in Oklahoma so much cheaper the Texas ranch was eventually sold to the Wheeler family. It was either put in center pivot sprinklers for irrigation or go where it rained more. It was a wise decision. They could utilize the rainfall and better pastures in the northeast Oklahoma ranch.

The present day Thorne Ranch is still located in northeast Oklahoma... D. B. A., A. W. Thorne Land and Cattle, Inc. Adair, Oklahoma Celebrating a lifetime of Excellence in the cattle industry.

History of Thorne Ranch

Thorne Ranch Cattle & Breeding Program

2008 National Western Stock Show Best Four Head

TLC Bud Fullblood Braunvieh Sire. Grand Champion Bull at Louisville KY. Sired many champions.

2011 Grand Champion Maintainer Cow-Calf Pair and Supreme Female.

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Albert W Thorne 1962 with his Hereford Steer in FFA.

Thorne Ranch near Miami and Canadian Texas

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

Thorne Ranch cattle fit several facets in the cattle industry today. We have had many winners in the show ring, thanks to our friends and cattle kids that helped us exhibit TLC Cattle over the years. With out their dedication and skills we could not achieve such glory! Thank you and God Bless!

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A.W. Thorne

Land & Cattle, Inc.

Adair, Oklahoma