Noble Foundation agricultural consultant wins state honor

NEWS RELEASE
Issued - September 24, 2009

ARDMORE, Okla. — The Oklahoma Beef Council recently honored an agricultural consultant with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and a Noble Foundation cooperating rancher with two of the three inaugural Oklahoma Beef Quality Assurance (OBQA) awards.

During the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association annual meeting, Robert Wells, Ph.D., received the 2009 OBQA Outstanding Trainer Award. "It is always nice to be recognized for your efforts, and I'm grateful for the award," Wells said. "I believe in the OBQA program and the best management practices it teaches."

The OBQA program teaches producers and makes them aware of individual practices to develop a safe, wholesome product for the consumers. A few of these practices include how to handle medications and vaccines, conduct low-stress cattle handling and keep usable records.

Wells, 38, has worked the majority of his life in cow-calf production and row crop systems. His selection was based on the number of beef producers he assisted in certification for the OBQA program, as well as his assistance in the development of the OBQA's training program presentation.

"Dr. Wells is a diligent and conscientious consultant who always puts the farmer or rancher first," said Hugh Aljoe, Consultation Programs Manager. "He is committed to best management practices, and this award is a reflection of his dedication to those principles."

Additionally, one of the 1,700 farmers and ranchers who work side-by-side with the Noble Foundation received recognition. Hunter Aldridge, who owns and operates a small cow-calf operation near Velma, won the 2009 OBQA Producer of the Year award.

Aldridge has worked with the Noble Foundation since 2003, hosting field days on his ranch and assisting the Noble Foundation consultants with various projects. Wells nominated Aldridge, who was unaware of the nomination.

"Mr. Aldridge is one of the finest producers I've seen during my professional career," Wells said. "Best management practices are the foundation of his operation, and he's constantly working to learn the latest techniques and technologies to continue improving an already stellar enterprise."

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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.