Noble Research Institute recently hired Steve Swaffar as an agricultural consultant. In this role, Swaffar will help farmers and ranchers learn about and apply regenerative grazing principles on their operations.

“Steve’s vast experience in regenerative agriculture, along with his passion for helping farmers and ranchers, makes him a tremendous asset to producers who are looking to rebuild soil and build a stronger bottom line,” said Hugh Aljoe, director of producer relations at the institute. “I know producers will appreciate his practical and applicable management tips and his dedication to improving soil health.”

Swaffar, who grew up working on his grandparents’ wheat and cattle farm in Grant and Garfield counties in northern Oklahoma, brings more than 30 years’ experience to the role. Most recently, he served as executive director of No-till on the Plains. Before that, he was director of natural resources and government relations director for Kansas Farm Bureau.

Swaffar said he’d long been a fan of the institute, and when the organization focused its operations on regenerative ranching, he knew wanted to join the journey.

“It really caught my attention, because that’s the space I was already working in,” Swaffar said. “It was a no-brainer for me. The reputation of Noble, the people of Noble and the focus on regenerative ranching — it’s everything I was looking for.”

Swaffar completed his bachelor’s degree in systematics and ecology in 1988 and his master’s degree in systematics and ecology in 1995, both from the University of Kansas. He is a member of Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, American Fisheries Society and Kansas Grazinglands Coalition.