In 1957 Thomas Herefords started as a romantic dream of newlyweds Richard & Shirley Thomas. They knew it would take more than hard work to achieve their goals for the ranch so they joined the Missoula Hereford Association and later our state and national associations to begin exhibiting their own cattle and glean knowledge from breeders around them. Giving themselves to long hours and year after year of grit and determination Richard and Shirley’s commitment to the dream continues to grow as an ever present reality, which has truly evolved into a family affair. Thomas children Donna, Bruce & Terri Jo, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have all benefited from Richard and Shirley’s sacrifice and continue to value and invest in the ranch to this day.
Partnering with his father to develop the vision Bruce and his wife Tammy live on the ranch, come home to “work after work” making herd improvement decisions and helping with daily ranch management. Their children Kurt & Jessica, Amber & Travis, and Heather now live off the ranch but continue run cattle with the herd. Though they are not always on sight each member of the family brings a unique perspective and benefit to Thomas Herefords. Great grand kids Cooper, Conner, and Kynlee simply give us more incentive to build the ranch, toward an even more exciting future.
Our little slice of heaven is nestled, in the Western Montana Flint Creek Mountain Range, where history and beauty meet. The ranch is situated at 4,000 feet elevation and centrally located between Missoula, Helena and Butte. Our cattle are summered on leased pastures at elevations ranging from 5,000 – 7,000 feet where a day’s ride includes mountain lakes, historic sites, and incredible scenery. Gold Creek boasts of pioneer mining and the first discovery of gold in Montana. Also the last stake driven, to mark the formal opening of the first transcontinental rails, linking the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest was driven in our very own back yard.