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Noble Research Institute United States (US)

About: Noble Research Institute

Noble Research Institute is a U.S. nonprofit that conducts research and delivers education to help farmers and ranchers apply regenerative practices that improve soil health, grazing productivity, and business outcomes.

Charity / registration number

73-0606209

Abbreviation / Acronym

Not publicly available

Founded

1945

Headquarters

Oklahoma

Assets

Not publicly available

Annual Giving

$138 M

Staff

Not publicly available

Mission and History

Mission

To help farmers and ranchers implement regenerative methods that improve soil condition, enhance grazing land productivity, and support business success.

History

Noble Research Institute was established in 1945 by Lloyd Noble following the environmental damage of the Dust Bowl, with the aim of encouraging agricultural practices that benefit land and productivity. Originally named The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, the organization expanded consultation and demonstration activities over time. In 2017 it announced plans to operate as an agricultural research organization. In 2020 the institute shifted its strategic focus to regenerative agriculture. By 2023, it launched nationwide educational programs designed to support farmers and ranchers in improving land, livestock, and livelihoods.

Type of Foundation

Private / Family Foundation

Focus Areas

Climate / Environment, Research & Innovation

Approach and Operating Style

The institute primarily operates through applied research, education, consultation, and demonstration rather than open grantmaking. Its teams of researchers, consultants, educators, and ranch managers develop tools, courses, and technical guidance for farmers, ranchers, and land stewards. Programs focus on building producer knowledge, skills, and confidence in applying regenerative principles at scale. The organization also conducts research across varied grazing environments to assess ecosystem responses, resilience, and economic performance, and uses working ranch lands as demonstration sites.

Funding & Grant Information

Funding Restrictions

Funding Restrictions Other

Grant Application Deadlines

No Deadline

Major Programs and Initiatives

  • Grazing Lands Research — Applied research examining ecosystem responses, resilience, and economic performance across grazing environments and production systems.
  • Education, Mentorship, and Learner Support — Development and delivery of tools, products, and services that build producer knowledge and confidence in regenerative practices.
  • Noble Land Essentials — In-person workshop focused on soil management and forage improvement.
  • Noble Grazing Essentials — Training program on optimizing forage use and grazing land performance.
  • Noble Profitability Essentials — Course providing financial tools to improve ranch business performance.
  • Noble Orchard Essentials — Training to support perennial crop health, cost reduction, and resilience.

Geographic Reach

Other Countries

Impact and Legacy

Since 1945, the institute has supported U.S. agricultural producers through research, consultation, and education focused on land stewardship. It maintains 13,500 acres of working ranchland used as a living laboratory for regenerative practices. The organization has set a long-term goal to positively impact soil health, grazing animal production, and the financial security of farmers and ranchers nationwide.

Partnerships, Leadership, and Other Details

Partnerships

The institute works collaboratively through teams of researchers, consultants, educators, and ranch managers to deliver its programs. It conducts producer-guided research and provides data intended to demonstrate the impacts of regenerative land management. Additional institutional partnership details are not publicly available.

Leaderships

Steven P. Rhines | President & CEO

Other Details

Noble Research Institute operates as a section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. It reported total revenue of $45,787,934 and total expenses of $45,578,802 for 2024.
Its work integrates research, producer education, and on-ranch demonstration to support adoption of regenerative land management practices. The institute maintains working ranch properties used to test and demonstrate management approaches.

Contact and Official Links

Official Website :

Address :

Oklahoma, US

General Contact :

5802235810
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