Noble Research Institute Moves Forward with Ardmore Campus Renovations
Multi-phase project will result in $40 million of improvement to the organization’s main campus.
ARDMORE, Okla. (Mar. 18, 2025)— Noble Research Institute, a trusted educational resource for farmers and ranchers since 1945, has announced plans to improve its main campus as part of a comprehensive transformation of current facilities.
Over the past several years, Noble’s shift toward field-based applied research and farmer and rancher education has created a unique opportunity to re-imagine its Ardmore-based campus. These grounds house the education, research and ranch operations supporting Noble’s mission to guide farmers and ranchers in practicing regenerative principles that yield healthier soil, more productive grazing land and business success.
Phase one of these renovations was completed in the fall of 2024, removing approximately an acre of greenhouse facilities. Noble donated these facilities to the Center of Family Love, an Okarche-based nonprofit, to strengthen and enhance the Center’s vocational programs.
The second phase, scheduled for completion this summer, will involve the removal of a building complex comprising almost 90,000 square feet of enclosed space. This includes structures dating back to the late 1940s when Noble moved its operations to its present location. A 2018 fire in the complex rendered the facilities unusable. Once complete, the space representing the building’s footprint will be restored and merged with a connected demonstration grazing pasture. This outdoor learning space will be available for Noble’s in-person educational activities and field days.
Phase three will entail renovating the Noble Commons, an 84,000-square foot building. Constructed in 2005, the building will be modified to expand its usable space to serve Noble’s 200 employees, including educators, instructional designers, researchers and support operations. The renovations are scheduled to be completed in mid-2026.
“We are building a campus that supports the great work of our employees to serve the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and owners of grazing lands,” said Steve Rhines, president and CEO of Noble Research Institute. “Our employees bring to life our purpose every day – to save our nation’s grazing lands by promoting land stewardship through management, building soil health and keeping farmers and ranchers on the land.”
The expected demolition, renovation, and occupancy costs are nearly $40 million.
Planning is also underway to assess the addition of on-campus learning spaces for U.S. farmers, ranchers and landowners who travel to Ardmore for educational programs. Noble delivers its educational programming online and in-person in Ardmore, across Oklahoma, and several key grazing states, including Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Montana and California.
“This project truly reflects the direction that Noble and its mission are heading,” said Charlie Canny, director of facilities at Noble Research Institute. “It also shows our continuing commitment to the Ardmore community and our investment in Oklahoma. Our founder, Lloyd Noble, established Noble in Ardmore in 1945 to work directly with the land and its caretakers – farmers and ranchers. It is a tradition we are proud to continue today, and this campus renovation will support our work for many decades to come.”
For more information about Noble, its mission and educational programs, visit https://www.noble.org/.
About Noble Research Institute
About Noble Research Institute
Noble Research Institute is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to farm and ranch management and has been a leading, trusted resource in agriculture since 1945. The organization serves agricultural producers with education, research and consultation on regenerating soil health to improve their land, livestock and livelihood. Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to restoring U.S. grazing lands, Noble actively manages 13,500 acres of working ranchlands to provide real-world insights and applications for farmers and ranchers.
For more information about Noble Research Institute, visit www.noble.org.
For media inquiries about Noble Research Institute, please contact:
Kim Leaston | Sr. Public Relations Specialist | mailto:[email protected]
Comment