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This year, the Noble Research Institute is pleased to recognize Mr. Jimmy Kinder of Walters, Oklahoma, as the 2018 recipient of the Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award. Jimmy Kinder and his wife, Margaret, have been cooperators with the Noble Research Institute since 2007.

Wind and water carries tons of topsoil, the foundation of life, away from farmland each year. The soil, and its ability to produce food, slowly weakens. Farmers and ranchers are increasingly adopting an old-time armor for soil: cover crops. But they have many questions that still need answered.

Generally speaking, a 1% increase in organic matter corresponds to an increase in soil water-holding capacity by about 20,000 gallons of water per acre.

Cover crops can provide soil health benefits, but it is important to have a plan. Before growing cover crops, producers should consider goals, herbicide and pesticide use, and available resources.

Cover crops are a tool in agricultural production just as tractors and herbicides are tools. When used correctly and with purpose, they can be effective. When used incorrectly or with unrealistic expectations, they can be harmful.

Noble Research Institute staff have experimented with growing cover crops in various environments in the Ardmore, Oklahoma, area over the past several years. Here are some observations.

Three Oklahoma ranchers share their regenerative agriculture experiences and best advice for those on the Journey.

A research study investigating the use of cover crops and tilled and no-till beef cattle grazing systems leads to more questions about crop rotations, species, economics and soil health.

Regenerating the land is achievable, but it is not a recipe. It starts with a belief that soil, water, plant, animal and human are all connected, meaning every decision must work with this natural rhythm and not in spite of it.

The sunflowers along Sam Noble Parkway are being grown as a cover crop and as a border around cover crop research plots.