Charles Sherwood Noble

Because of the dangers of drought and erosion, farmers could not depend only on irrigation. New types of farm equipment were also needed to protect crops from the weather. Charles Sherwood Noble was one man whose invention helped farmers in southern Alberta and around the world.

In 1903 C.S. Noble moved from Iowa to the Claresholm area where he began farming and selling farm machinery. Noble moved to Nobleford in 1909 and began working two farms in the area. Noble’s success in farming won him the titles of "World Flax King,” "World Oats King,” and "World Wheat King.”

Even though C.S. Noble is well known as a farmer, he is even better known as the inventor of the Noble Blade. The Blade was invented by Noble while he was on a holiday in California. He built one blade then loaded it on a trailer behind his car and brought it back to Nobleford. The Noble Blade was more than 2 metres wide and would cut stubble (stubble is lumps of dirt and dead plants on the tops of fields) and kill weeds, while leaving all the top of the ground untouched. The value of the Noble Blade cultivator was recognized worldwide, and it came into use around the globe. C.S. Noble died on July 5, 1957 at the age of 84, but his agricultural inventions are still used today.

Photo: Roots are cut but top cover remains

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