“The ranch was established just over a half-century ago when Charlie and Della Van Norman bought a small homestead called “The Smith Place” near Tuscarora. Charlie had just returned from duty in Europe during World War II, where he served as a decorated captain under the famous General George Patton. Charlie and Della bought two mares and began breeding touch, athletic quarter horses in the 1950s. Sons Bill and Rob followed in the couple’s footsteps, taking over the ranch’s day-to-day operations when their parents passed on. Today the ranch annually breeds about 50 mares and four or five stallions, horses of such caliber that the American Quarter Horse Association recognized the Van Norman Ranch with a Best Remuda Award in 2001. These valuable and highly-desirable horses have sold individually for more than $17,000. The ranch is known for its horses, yet the business is still beef, running about 1500 head of cattle and an equal number of yearlings. The Van Norman family also farms, cultivating 10,000 acres and baling up to 6.500 tons of hay each year for winter feed. Robin, wife, Dianne, and son, Dan, run the farming operation while Bill and Geri’s kids, Ty, Troy, and Tilly, oversee the cattle and horse business.”
– Jim Keen, Great Ranches of the West Author & Photographer
This beautiful award-winning 12×11 fine art, hard bound, coffee table book featuring over 30 ranches in 17 states with nearly 600 photographs will make a wonderful addition to any home or office, and be a showing of your support for America’s struggling farm and ranch families.
