Lloyd Noble has changed the world– twice. Today he is still contributing to the good of agriculture.
His story began in the 1920s and 30s when Noble helped revolutionize the oil and gas industry. His success allowed him to focus energy and resources on strengthening land management and solid conservation in the Southern Great Plains where the Dust Bowl had devastated agriculture.
He realized Oklahoma’s (and the nation’s) future prosperity hinged on caring for the soil and improving agriculture, so he established The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation on Sept. 19, 1945, with the mission to advance agriculture through education, research, and direct interaction with farmers, ranchers and land managers. Noble also understood that communities could be strengthened through targeted giving, so from even the earliest days, he made philanthropy an essential activity of the Noble Foundation.
“Mr. Noble was a man of tremendous vision,” said Bill Buckner, president and CEO of the Noble Foundation. “He desired a way to give back, and he achieved a way to better the world through research, engaging agricultural producers and land managers, and targeted philanthropy. He was a truly remarkable individual, and we are proud to be a part of this living legacy.”
The 70th anniversary celebration began last week with an organization-wide reception. In November the foundation will host Chris Koch, an Alberta farmer born without arms or legs, as a guest speaker. Events will continue for the next 12 months with a series of special stories and videos that highlight the past seven decades of contributions, as well as a social media campaign using blue cows featured in posted pictures along with personal stories of how the Foundation has benefited participants.
The public can join in the blue cow social media campaign. The first 300 participants who like or follow one of the organization’s social media networks will receive a blue cow. Participants must find a network they have not already followed then post a message on that network with the #BlueCow and the phrase, “I want a blue cow!” The Noble Foundation’s social media networks include Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Noble Foundation will host a reception and art show focused on farm life during summer 2016. Details will be released in January 2016.
