Bronze turkey line reaches 100th anniversary in Kansas

2017 marks a centennial year for a particular genetic line of Bronze turkeys being raised in the state of Kansas.

Roy Graber Headshot
Reese Frank Bronze Turkeys

2017 marks a centennial year for a particular genetic line of Bronze turkeys being raised in the state of Kansas.

Frank Reese, a grower and breeder of heritage turkeys and chickens, lives near Lindsborg, Kansas, on the Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch. The Bronze turkey variety he raises can be dated back more than 100 years, but he is now observing the variety’s 100th year in his state. Before Reese raised them, they were raised by his mentor, the late Norman Kardosh, who lived in Alton, Kansas. Before Kardosh, the turkeys were raised by his mother.

“This particular line of Bronze turkeys I have, I got my first ones from Norman Kardosh. I was just a little kid,” explained Reese.

The line of Bronze turkeys in 1916 was owned by the Bird Brothers of Pennsylvania. That year, the brothers’ exhibition of the turkey line won a blue ribbon at a poultry show at Madison Square Garden. Reese described the Bird Brothers as the “premiere turkey people in America” at that time.

The same year Mrs. Kardosh became married, she contacted the Bird Brothers and introduced the turkey variety in Kansas.

“The eggs were shipped to Norman’s uncle’s by train to Stockton, Kansas, and they hatched them. That was the foundation that I have. It came from there,” he said.

Keeping the genetic line going

With guidance from Norman Kardosh until his death about 10 years ago, Reese continued to raise the birds, always keeping the best breeders on his farm while the others were sent to slaughter. His turkeys are processed by Kevin and Kelly Kopps of Harrison, Ohio, and are marketed through Heritage Foods USA.

While other poultry farmers, including others Kardosh had worked with in raising the Bronze line, have long since moved on to more modern breeds and varieities, Reese has remained with the heritage breeds. Now in his 60s, he wants to make sure that his line of turkeys lives on. He has been working with Farm Forward in the development of the Good Shepherd Poultry Institute, which is planned to be built at his ranch.

Reese Frank Headshot

Frank Reese stands at his Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch near Lindsborg, Kansas. | Roy Graber

Reese is passionate about making sure the Bronze turkey line he produces will continue to have a part, albeit small, in the U.S. turkey industry.

“My whole purpose is to find a place for these birds, and trying to find a tiny little market of people who are willing to pay a little more for these turkeys,” Reese said.

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