Ranching is more than a livelihood—it is a culture built on hard work, honesty, and family, and it is this culture that continues to shape Northern Colorado today. At the center of that is TurnKey Cattle Company, where beef is not just a meal—it is the living testament of a cowboy’s legacy. Founded by Chad Sanger and his family, TurnKey Cattle Company carries forward the traditions of the ranch while offering something distinctly modern: a chance for local families to taste beef raised with honesty, quality, and a promise rooted in community values.
For Chad, TurnKey Cattle is not a side business or a passing idea but a continuation of a way of life. Ranching is a rhythm that has defined his family for generations. Early mornings, hard labor, and an unshakable reliance on neighbors are the cornerstones of a livelihood that is both demanding and rewarding. His vision for TurnKey reflects that deep sense of connection. “What we do brings family and friends together to achieve a goal,” he explains. “The Western way of life is community. Without it, ranches don’t survive. It’s something I want to carry on for many generations to come.”
That vision is about ensuring that ranching itself doesn’t become a relic of the past. In Northern Colorado, where agricultural roots run deep, ranchers have always been at the heart of community identity. Chad sees TurnKey Cattle as a way to keep that identity alive, reminding people that the values of the ranch—hard work, honesty, integrity, and care for the land—still matter. For him, preserving this way of life is just as important as raising beef, because without it, a vital part of Colorado’s story could be lost to the next generation.
TurnKey’s philosophy is captured in its brand identity: The Flavor Frontier. The tagline reflects the family’s promise to always seek better—not only in the flavor of the beef, but in the stewardship of the land and the continuation of tradition. “I am not a man that settles,” Chad says. “I want to keep improving, and that is my promise to our customers. Where we are at now is just the beginning.” His words carry a dual meaning: improvement isn’t only about refining taste, but also about ensuring that ranching remains visible and respected in a rapidly changing world.
The Sangers raise their cattle the way they believe beef should be raised—pasture-raised, grass-fed, grain-finished, and free of hormones or unnecessary shortcuts. Their approach is deliberate, built on principles passed down through family and strengthened by experience. “We care about every single step from the pasture to your plate,” Chad says. “We pride ourselves in quality and honesty.” This philosophy separates TurnKey from store-bought beef, where efficiency often overshadows connection. In contrast, every cut from TurnKey reflects the family’s hands-on care and their insistence on doing things the right way.
But TurnKey Cattle Company is not just about cattle—it is about people. “A majority of the great memories I have are around a table,” he reflects. Those memories, whether they involve family dinners on the ranch or holiday gatherings, remind him of the importance of tradition. In the Sanger household, prime rib has long been a centerpiece at Christmas and Thanksgiving, a meal that signifies celebration and togetherness. With TurnKey beef, Chad hopes other families can create their own traditions and memories, carrying forward that same sense of belonging.
The staged long-table dinner, with its Western charm and communal seating, captures more than just aesthetics—it reflects what TurnKey stands for. A meal, in this setting, is a shared experience where neighbors become family and family becomes community. By anchoring their brand in these values, the Sangers are showing that ranching is not just about producing food but about preserving a way of life where people gather, connect, and share in something meaningful.
As TurnKey expands its offerings, from individual cuts to bulk bundles like the Cowboy Crate, the goal remains steady: to keep ranching visible and viable for the next generation. For Chad, the most important part of this work is ensuring that children in Northern Colorado grow up with an understanding of ranching. He hopes they will see the dignity in the work, the value in the land, and the joy in gathering around a meal that came from the hands of people they know.
At its core, TurnKey Cattle Company is about legacy. Chad’s work ensures that the values of ranching are not lost on the next generation. It is a reminder that the Western way of life still matters, that flavor can always be refined, and that the result is far more than a meal. It is, in every sense, a promise kept.
Chad’s Favorite Prime Rib Recipe
Ingredients
-
TurnKey Cattle Company Prime Rib Roast
-
Olive oil
-
Kosher salt
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
-
Place the TurnKey Cattle Company Prime Rib on a roasting pan or baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it evenly across the entire surface so the roast is fully coated.
-
Sprinkle generously with kosher salt, making sure every side is seasoned for the best crust.
-
Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes to create a rich, golden exterior.
-
Lower the oven temperature to 220°F and continue cooking slowly until it reaches your preferred temperature.
-
For a tender, juicy center, aim for an internal temperature of 135–145°F (medium rare to medium).
-
-
Once finished, let the roast rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
“The Western way of life is community. Without it, ranches don’t survive. It’s something I want to carry on for many generations to come.” – Chad Sanger