Sam Noble

I come from a long line of farmers in Minnesota and bring over 10 years of experience with raising poultry both in industrial confinement and pasture-based operations. I spent my younger years raising and showing livestock in 4-H and earned a BS in Animal Science with a minor in Sustainability from Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!). In 2021 I moved to central Arkansas where I now manage the pastured poultry enterprises at Heifer Ranch for Heifer USA. I oversee various types of poultry including broilers, turkeys, layers, and ducks. I have specialized in brooding and other essential aspects of poultry production. At Heifer USA, I also create educational YouTube content aimed at educating farmers about pastured poultry. Additionally, I lead pastured poultry related research and development initiatives and product testing to improve management and welfare practices in the field as well as farmer work/life balance. My mission is to advance sustainable pasture-based poultry farming using regenerative farming practices to create a more accessible and ethical food system for farmers and communities.

Plenary

Robots on the Ranch: Automation in Pastured Poultry Systems

In this presentation, we will explore how Heifer USA is integrating automation – like our mobile ROVABARNs – into pastured poultry systems through ongoing research and development. Through hands-on testing, we’re finding ways to save time, reduce physical stress, and take some of the pressure off daily chores. Tools like the ROVABARN help farmers care for their flock more easily while scaling operations. The goal is to support a healthier work/life balance and make regenerative poultry systems more practical for farmers.