Key Takeaways
- Newman University launched the Smart Mobile Agriculture Lab, a $1 million climate-controlled facility designed as an educational tool for students across multiple campuses.
- The mobile lab features hands-on technology including drone piloting capabilities and tractor driving simulations, representing the region's largest mobile agriculture laboratory.
- Senator Jerry Moran attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and highlighted how Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding played a major role in the lab's development.
- The mobile lab will serve students from Newman University's Wichita campus and HERE program schools including Garden City Community College, Dodge City Community College, and Seward County Community College.
- Major sponsors supporting the project include American Implement, MJE, Garden City Co-op, and Heartland Soil Services.
Newman University Debuts Advanced Mobile Laboratory
Newman University has officially launched its Smart Mobile Agriculture Lab, marking a significant investment in agricultural education for Southwest Kansas students. The over $1 million climate-controlled facility was unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Refinery in Garden City on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026.
The mobile laboratory enables students to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge agricultural technology, including drone piloting and tractor driving simulations. As the region's largest mobile agriculture lab, the facility is designed to provide field experience for students before graduation.
Leadership Vision for Newman University's Agricultural Education
“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.
Congressional Support and Funding
Senator Jerry Moran attended the ceremony and spoke about the role of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding in making the project possible. The funding aligns with broader efforts to expand accessible higher education throughout 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.”
Multi-Campus Implementation
Beginning in Summer 2026, the mobile agriculture lab will serve students across Newman University's network, including the Wichita campus and HERE program partner institutions. The HERE program encompasses Garden City Community College, Dodge City Community College, and Seward County Community College, extending the lab's educational impact throughout the region.
