VIDEO: Central Wyoming College’s Lander Campus Transformed With New Freight Farm

Sponsored by Central Wyoming College

October 15, 2024

Lander, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College’s Freight Farm arrived yesterday at the Lander Center.  The 40-foot shipping container is a fully automated hydroponic, year-round growing system, and is capable of producing two to four acres of produce a year. 

“This will enhance the Central Wyoming College student experience,” says 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.”

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. 

“We are excited to have new technology on campus so our students can learn about these alternative high-tech farming practices,” says Brad Tyndall, 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.”

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.

Central Wyoming College serves as a vital hub for agricultural education and innovation in Wyoming. Through pioneering programs and year-round growing systems, CWC is reshaping the future of the state’s agriculture industry. Central Wyoming College is ranked #1 of all community colleges in Wyoming by Niche.

Central Wyoming College would like to thank and recognize its Freight Farm funders including the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, the Department of Energy and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.