USA - WYOMING: CWC's Container Farm Arrived at Lander Center

October 18, 2024

A Freight Farm unit with an automated produce growing system is offloaded at the CWC Lander campus this week.  CWC photo

A Freight Farm container was delivered to the CWC Lander Center this week. It's a self-contained hydroponic farming facility in a 40-foot shipping container. It's a fully automated hydroponic, year-around growing system capable of producing two to four acres of produce a year. 

“This will enhance the Central Wyoming College student experience,” said Ethan Page, Instructor of Local Food and Agriculture. “We will now be able to eliminate seasonal and logistical barriers and grow food at the Lander Center 365 days a year.  We operate a student farm and a farm incubator program at the Alpine Science Institute in Sinks Canyon  We will now be able to offer fresh veggies at local farmers’ markets throughout the year.

“We are excited to have new technology on campus so our students can learn about these alternative high-tech farming practices,” says President of Central Wyoming College. “It is cutting edge and has major implications for substantially increasing food production in small spaces, and for bringing fresh foods to food deserts that have little or no access to these healthy and fresh food options.”

CWC’s AAS Degree in Regenerative Small Scale Farming is the first of its kind in Wyoming. Central Wyoming College also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Organizational Management and Leadership with an option in Agricultural Leadership. 

The Freight Farm container is lowed into place at the CWC Lander Center. Once operational there will be a public open house of the facility. CWC photo

Background

Central Wyoming College provides comprehensive agricultural education touching on all aspects of small farm management. Courses include the crop production practicum and farm business classes, where CWC students have an 80% field / 20% classroom mix. The program also covers horticulture science, and pest management and can now add controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to the mix. A greenhouse is planned for the site in the future, as well as additional courses based around greenhouse management and hydroponics. The goal is to increase the availability of locally grown food and expand employment and business opportunities. 

Boston-based Freight Farms is a global leader in modular container farming technology, shipping these units all over the world. The technology allows them to be operated wherever power and water can be supplied, regardless of seasonal climate.