The Noble Foundation presented Tom and Pat Loftin of the Double Bar Ranch with the 2006 Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award during the Southern Plains Beef Symposium on Aug. 12. The Loftins operate cow-calf, goat and wildlife enterprises near Windthorst, Texas. They have been working with Noble's Agricultural Division since 1995.

The award is given to Noble cooperators - participants in the Agricultural Division's consultation program - who best exemplify leadership in agricultural production techniques, stewardship of natural resources and profitability of their overall farm/ranch operations. Following the example set by Leonard Wyatt, a successful farmer-stockman and a long-time cooperator from Purcell, Okla., recipients have demonstrated their willingness to help others, including participating in producer forums and hosting field days and tours.

"We could not recognize anyone who better exemplifies the qualities necessary to be an outstanding cooperator," said award presenter Russell Stevens, a Noble wildlife specialist and manager of the consulting team that works with the Loftins.

Tom Loftin credits his Noble consulting team with helping him improve his cattle herd, pastures and wildlife production.

"Being the son of a rancher and cattle buyer, the ranch has always been a part of my life style," Mr. Loftin said. "I strived to improve my ranching operations with the help of various agencies, but it was not until I became a cooperator with the Noble Foundation that my plans really began to produce the desired results."

Mr. Loftin added that they have a true working relationship with their consulting team.

"They're always out helping us implement the suggestions they make," he said.

The Loftins had several family members on hand for the award presentation, including their daughter and son-in-law Alison and Randy Hale; their daughter, Sherry King and granddaughters Logan and Lindsey; and Mrs. Loftin's sister and brother-in-law Jan and Scott Johnson.

The Loftins received a plaque commemorating the award, along with a custom-designed belt buckle for Mr. Loftin and a cuff bracelet for Mrs. Loftin. Their names also will be added to the permanent Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award plaque in the reception area of the Agricultural Building on Noble's Ardmore campus.

For more information about becoming a cooperator or the Agricultural Division's consultation program, please visit www.noble.org/Ag/Index.htm.

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Photo Cutline:	Russell Stevens of Noble presents award to Mr. and Mrs. Loftin.

News Release Issued: August 17, 2006

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.