Central Wyoming College (CWC) has unveiled a new addition to its Lander campus with the arrival of a 40-foot Freight Farm, County 10 reports.
The fully automated hydroponic system, housed within a shipping container, is designed to grow fresh produce year-round and can produce the equivalent of two to four acres of crops annually.
Ethan Page, Instructor of Local Food and Agriculture at CWC, highlighted the transformative potential of the Freight Farm for students.
“This will enhance the student experience by eliminating seasonal and logistical barriers, allowing us to grow food 365 days a year,” he said.
The farm will complement CWC’s existing programs, which include a student farm and farm incubator program at the Alpine Science Institute in Sinks Canyon. The college plans to supply fresh vegetables to local farmers’ markets throughout the year.
CWC President Brad Tyndall expressed excitement about the impact of the technology on agricultural education.
“This cutting-edge system has major implications for increasing food production in small spaces and providing fresh food to areas that lack access,” Tyndall said.
The Freight Farm will serve as a key learning tool for students enrolled in CWC’s agricultural programs, including its unique Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Regenerative Small Scale Farming—the first of its kind in Wyoming. CWC also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Organizational Management and Leadership with a focus on Agricultural Leadership.
The Freight Farm technology, developed by Boston-based Freight Farms, enables food production in any location with access to water and power, regardless of climate. Future plans at CWC’s Lander Center include the addition of a greenhouse and expanded coursework in greenhouse management and hydroponics.
CWC’s agricultural programs aim to increase the availability of locally grown food while opening up new employment and business opportunities. The project was made possible through funding from the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, the Department of Energy, and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.
