Jeffrey Reuter selected as outstanding cooperator during annual Southern Plains Beef Symposium

NEWS RELEASE
Issued - August 14, 2010

ARDMORE, Okla. — The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation presented Jeffrey Reuter with the 2010 Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award during a special presentation at today’s Southern Plains Beef Symposium.

The Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award is given annually to one of the 1,750 farmers and ranchers who work with the Noble Foundation's Agricultural Division. As part of its mission, the organization provides farmers, ranchers and other land managers - called cooperators - with no-cost consultation services and educational programs in an effort to help them achieve their financial, production, stewardship and quality-of-life goals.

Criteria for the Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award are based on accomplishments within the farmer's or rancher's operation, their community service and their willingness to assist other farmers and ranchers, said Billy Cook, senior vice president and director of the Agricultural Division.

"Like the previous Leonard Wyatt award winners, Jeffrey Reuter has continued to interact with consultants on a regular basis, seeking advice on a variety of management issues," said Hugh Aljoe, consultation programs manager. "There are few people that operate stockers and such a diverse set of resources so well. It is truly impressive to observe the results of such talented management."

The Reuter family has deep roots in the El Reno, Okla., area, as previous generations homesteaded their land in Oklahoma's historic land runs. Reuter represents the third generation to make his living from their land. Their operation includes 125 mixed breed commercial cows with high-performance Charolais bulls, and they run about 350 stockers year round. They also raise alfalfa and rye, primarily for grazing. In addition, Reuter runs a stocker/feeder buying company.

Reuter discovered the Noble Foundation’s consultation program by chance. He was on a farm tour in 1992, and, in the literature provided, there was an article about the Noble Foundation. He made a phone call that has resulted in an 18-year relationship.

"They have a great organization, great people and they have developed an effective way to get information to people," Reuter said. "Their information and materials are presented clearly. Their consulting recommendations are applied and cost effective. What I have been most impressed with about the consultants is they know my operation and understand my objectives, and can readily provide me practical solutions to issues that I present to them."

Reuter credits his consultation team with assisting him with feeding programs, bull selection, cow herd health program, analysis and usage of fertilizer, better production and utilization from winter pastures and introduced perennial forages, developing stronger native grass pastures, fencing and rotational grazing strategies, and controlling areas prone to erosion. However, there is one aspect of agricultural production in which he has received the most assistance from the Noble Foundation.

"If I had to pick one thing the Noble Foundation has helped me with the most, it would have to be my management skills," Reuter said. "The relationship with the consultants has greatly improved my skill level allowing me to become a better manager which has improved my bottom line. I have also become a better steward of my land."

Reuter has also developed a wildlife program and gains additional income through hunting leases. "Noble has been instrumental in helping me develop leases and has provided valuable insight into how to develop a hunting clientele," he said.

As winners of the Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award, Reuter will receive a plaque and belt buckle; his wife, Melinda, will receive a bracelet. Their names will be placed on a permanent plaque that is displayed in the Agricultural Division Building lobby at the Noble Foundation’s Ardmore campus.

###

Photo: Jeffrey and Melinda Reuter: Leonard Wyatt Award 2010

10-039

For media inquiries concerning the Noble Foundation, please contact:

J. Adam Calaway

jacalaway@noble.org

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.