Camp Cooley Ranch® Named 2002 IBBA Breeder of the Year

For Immediate Release
April 15, 2003

Franklin, TX – At the recent International Brangus Breeders Association convention in Houston, TX, Klaus Birkel and the staff of Camp Cooley Ranch® were honored as the 2002 Brangus Breeder of the Year. This award represents the most prestigious honors bestowed upon Brangus members.

Birkel purchased Camp Cooley Ranch® in October 1991. In 1993 he purchased the Brinks Brangus cowherd and moved the cattle form Kansas to Texas. Since 1993, under Birkel's ownership, the Camp Cooley Ranch® umbrella has grown to include over 1200 registered Brangus females as well as additional cattle joint ventures in Mexico, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina. Upon accepting the prestigious award, Birkel recognized Ken Hughes, Camp Cooley Ranch® cow herd manager, as a key and integral part of the ranch's success.

Throughout Birkel's ownership, performance data and carcass evaluations have been a focal point for the advancement of the cow herd. In 2001, the development of the Producer Revenue Enhancement Program (P.R.E.P.) began a showcasing of the proven genetics from the Camp Cooley herds. The calf buy-back program has enabled beef producers to recognize the value of Camp Cooley genetics in the feed yard, on the rail and in the pasture.

Annually, Camp Cooley Ranch® hosts one of the largest bull sales in the state of Texas. Brangus, Angus, and Charolais bulls sold at this sale typically find homes across the United States.

For further information regarding this press release please contact:

Cheramie Viator
Camp Cooley Ranch®
(979) 828-3968