About Cranor Charolais

Cranor Charolais has deep roots in the Gunnison Valley, with a rich history that spans over 90 years. The story begins in 1933 when Hannah’s grandfather, John Cranor, moved to Gunnison to work on the Cloverdale Dairy and the Taylor Dam. In 1938, John began leasing land from Charles Soverin and Fernzelle Soverin, and in 1950, he and his wife Phoebe purchased the ranch. The land was originally homesteaded by Howard Marshall in 1891.

In 2017, Hannah returned home to Gunnison after completing her degree in Farm and Ranch Management from the University of Wyoming. At this time, she decided to start her own cattle herd, and thus Cranor Charolais was born. Over the years, the ranch has grown, expanding into direct-to-consumer beef sales and even starting a yak herd in 2024. Cranor Charolais continues to honor the legacy of hard work, passion, and dedication started by her grandparents.

Quality Cattle & Sustainible Practices

At Cranor Charolais, we are committed to producing high-quality Charolais cattle that meet the needs of our customers, whether they’re purchasing premium beef cuts or looking to expand their own herds with registered cattle. We focus on breeding with the whole animal in mind, ensuring the highest standards in both performance and health. Our mission is to preserve the integrity of our family’s legacy while adapting to modern demands, including direct beef sales and sustainable land management practices.

Cattle Care at Cranor Charolais

Breeding & Care: Our Commitment to Excellence

At Cranor Charolais, we take a holistic approach to breeding. Rather than focusing on a single trait, we select breeding animals based on their overall quality, ensuring that whether we are producing meat or selling registered cattle, we deliver animals of the highest standard.

The Charolais breed is known for its efficiency in beef production, with exceptional growth rates and feedlot gains. With a rich history dating back to the 16th century in France, Charolais cattle have shaped the beef industry worldwide. Today, they are renowned for their size, muscling, and meat quality. At Cranor Charolais, we continue to honor this legacy with responsible breeding and care.

The Cranor Team

  • Hannah Cranor-Kersting

    Owner & Third-Generation Rancher
    With a degree in Agricultural Science – Farm and Ranch Management from the University of Wyoming, and a passion for ranching, Hannah is the driving force behind Cranor Charolais. She has completed the Master’s in Beef Advocacy, Beef Quality Assurance training, and the Animal Ag Allies Program. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Agriculture from Colorado State University.

  • Lane Kersting

    Lane is an integral part of Cranor Charolais, supporting various aspects of the ranch operations alongside Hannah.

  • Walt Cranor

    Owner of Cranor Inc. and a rancher for over 60 years, Walt is a mentor and source of invaluable experience for the family operation.

  • Margaret Cranor

    Margaret has been the heart of the ranch operations since she married into the family. For decades, she has worked side by side with her husband. From bookkeeping and planning to making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, Margaret keeps the ranch moving forward. Her commitment, organization, and love for the land and community make her an essential part of what makes the ranch feel like home.  

1 4

Certifications & Industry Recognitions

We are proud of our commitment to quality and sustainability. Our certifications include:

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training
Colorado Proud Program Member
Animal Ag Allies Certification from the Animal Ag Alliance
Master’s in Beef Advocacy Program

These certifications reflect our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in animal care, production practices, and community involvement.

Learn More