The Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award is given annually to one of the 1,600 farmers and ranchers who work with the Noble Research Institute’s producer relations program. As part of its mission, the organization provides farmers, ranchers and other land managers – called cooperators – with no-cost consultation services and educational programs to help them achieve their financial, production, stewardship and quality-of-life goals.

“Kinder is a fourth-generation farmer who uses all the information and resources available to make informed decisions about his land and enterprises,” said Hugh Aljoe, director of producer relations. “We are proud of all he’s accomplished and the lasting relationship we have forged with him.”

Criteria for the Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award are based on accomplishments within the farmer or rancher’s operation, their community service and their willingness to assist other producers.

Kinder, and his wife, Margaret, live in Walters, Oklahoma, and operate 5,000 acres on his family’s diversified operation, consisting of stocker cattle, wheat, canola, sesame and grain sorghum. Kinder was an early adopter of no-till farming practices and remains an avid investigator and adopter of farming technologies to add value to his operation.

"I’ve had a passion for farming and agriculture for as long as I can remember,” Kinder said. “My parents told me I could start farming once I was old enough to push in the truck clutch. It’s an honor to get to help other agricultural producers provide a better food source for our nation and world. I sincerely appreciate Noble’s commitment to helping producers and advancing agriculture. It’s hard to put into words what this organization has truly done for us and agricultural producers alike.”

Kinder became a cooperator in 2007 and served as a nonresident fellow, providing direction and support to the consultants and agriculture researchers for eight years. He has served his community at the local and state levels, being active in his local church and community organizations. Kinder has also been actively engaged in the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, serving as a district director for many years.

“Kinder manages every aspect of his operation, always treating it as a business while improving the land he owns and operates,” Aljoe said. “He remains active with our consultants in his operational planning. He also strives to be a continual student and mentor to others, which makes him an outstanding producer to interact with other producers.”

As the Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award winner, Kinder received a plaque and belt buckle. Margaret received a bracelet. Their names will be placed on a permanent plaque that is displayed in the Building C lobby on the Noble Research Institute’s Ardmore, Oklahoma, campus.  

—From Noble Research Institute news release

PHOTO: Jimmy and Margaret Kinder received the 2018 Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award at the 2018 Texoma Cattlemen’s Conference. Photo courtesy of Noble Research Institute.