There’s more than meets the eye in the rural town of Pritchard.

The land is rich with agricultural history and tradition, and Turner Ranch is among those with the most notable past. The farm has been in the Turner family for generations spanning over 100 years.

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone had the honour of presenting Turner Ranch owners, Harold, Shirley, Cody and Tamara Turner, with a Century Farm Award. The award recognizes the family-run farm for over a century of contribution to the provincial economy and British Columbia’s agricultural history.

When George William (Bill) Turner immigrated to Canada from England; he homesteaded the ranch land and was granted the land in February 1913. He worked the land with his brother Thomas and his family. Thomas' son, John Thomas (Jack) Turner, after serving in the Second World War, returned home to Duck Range and purchased the land from his uncle Bill.

Jack formed a partnership with his brother Ted, and worked the land until his death in 1976. Jack’s wife Audrey and her family farmed with Ted until his death in 1985. Audrey and her son Harold continued to carry on the Turner family's ranching tradition.

In 1988, Harold married Shirley. They had two children, Cody and Tamara, both having a keen interest in agriculture. In 1995, they formed the company, Turner Ranch Ltd. Today, Harold and Shirley, along with Cody, raise cattle and grow hay, continuing to contribute to the economic community and keeping the Turner name active in the agricultural industry.

Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for 100 years. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in British Columbia. The Century Farm award program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone –

“British Columbia has a rich agricultural history and it is my pleasure to present the Century Farm Award to Turner Ranch. Your contribution to the community and the role your ranch plays in our province’s agriculture industry is greatly appreciated and I wish you continued success!”

Harold and Shirley Turner, owners, Turner Ranch –

“We are honoured to accept this award on behalf of the family. The dedication and hard work set forth by our previous generations has made it possible for us to reach this milestone. We look forward to the continuation of our family ranch for many generations to come.”

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.’s Century Farm Program:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/century-farm-awards