The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation presented Micheal and Julie Campsey with the 2008 Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award during a special presentation today at the Southern Plains Beef Symposium.

The Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award is given annually to one of the 1,600 farmers and ranchers who work with the Noble Foundation's Agricultural Division. As part of its mission, the Agricultural Division provides farmers, ranchers and other land managers - called cooperators - with consultation services and educational programs in an effort to help them achieve their financial, production, stewardship and quality-of-life goals.

Criterion for the Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award is based on accomplishments within the farmer's or rancher's operation, their community service and their willingness to assist other farmers and ranchers, said Wadell Altom, Senior Vice President and Agricultural Division Director.

"Micheal and Julie Campsey are living proof that hard work and dedication produce amazing results," Altom said. "They may not have had direct experience when they began ranching but now - through their willingness to learn and their unquestionable passion for the land - they operate one of the finest ranches in the area. They are committed, generous and kind. The Noble Foundation is honored to call them friends."

In 1993, the Campseys began their ranching venture when they moved to a ranch, near Jacksboro, Texas, owned by Micheal's father. Even though they possessed little agricultural experience, they were thrust into a managing the ranch a few years after Michael's father retired. Their local veterinarian told them about the Noble Foundation and their consultation services.

"We contacted the Noble Foundation, and our program has never been the same," Micheal Campsey said.

The Noble Foundation consulting team brought the Campseys a wealth of information about weaning and vaccination programs, animal uniformity and breeding practices. Noble Foundation agricultural economists further assisted in developing recordkeeping systems. The Campseys built on the foundation of knowledge and support from the Noble Foundation. A decade later, the Campsey's ranch is not only thriving, but providing the couple a means to give back to the community around them.

Beyond ranching the Campseys also began a wildlife management program for their enjoyment and to diversify their income. The ranch is now enrolled in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department "level 3 managed lands program" for the deer population. The Campseys donate 10 hunting blinds annually to hunts for underprivileged boys.

"Our team is as hands-on as we want them to be, and they are always accessible," Julie Campsey said. We talk to them regularly. We will always want to have them as part of our management plan."

As the winners of the Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award, the Campseys receive a plaque; Micheal Campsey receives belt buckle; and Julie is awarded a bracelet. Their names were placed on a permanent plaque that is displayed in the Noble Foundation Agricultural Division Building lobby.

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News Release Issued: August 9, 2008

For media inquiries concerning the Noble Foundation, please contact J. Adam Calaway, Director of Public Relations, at 580.224.6209 or by email at 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.