GARDEN CITY, Kan., April 8 — Newman University is pleased to unveil its newest educational asset, the Smart Mobile Agriculture Lab. The over $1M climate-controlled lab will enable students to learn skills using the latest technology in a hands-on manner. From piloting drones to tractor driving simulations, the region’s largest mobile ag lab enables students to earn field experience ahead of graduation.
“We are excited to present the Newman Mobile Agriculture Lab to the community. We are confident that this addition will redefine agricultural education at all Newman campuses and cannot wait to see our students learn and grow using this resource. A huge thank you to our sponsors American Implement, MJE, Garden City Co-op and Heartland Soil Services for making this vision come to life,” said Alden Stout, vice president of academic affairs at Newman University.
The ribbon cutting for Newman’s Mobile Agriculture Lab took place at the Refinery in Garden City on Tuesday, April 7th. The community was encouraged to attend, grab food and beverages, celebrate the ribbon cutting and of course take a tour of the newest trailer in town! Senator Jerry Moran spoke ahead of the ribbon cutting and elaborated on how Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding played a major role in this lab, building on the movement for accessible higher education in Southwest Kansas.
“I am pleased to work with Newman University to expand access to higher education in Southwest Kansas,” said Sen. Moran. “This new Mobile Agriculture lab is just one of the many efforts Newman has made to provide accessible education to students across our state. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on students as they learn and grow in our local communities.”
Newman University students from Southwest Kansas to Wichita will be able to make use of this mobile ag lab beginning in Summer 2026. Campuses currently include Newman University Wichita Campus and the HERE program schools consisting of Garden City Community College, Dodge City Community College and Seward County Community College.
