Newman University Unveils Largest Mobile Agriculture Lab in Southwest Kansas

The $1M climate-controlled lab will enable students to learn hands-on skills using the latest agricultural technology.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred agricultural equipment and technology, conveying the hands-on, experiential nature of the new mobile lab.The new mobile agriculture lab will bring cutting-edge agricultural technology and hands-on learning opportunities directly to students across Southwest Kansas.Garden City Today

Newman University has unveiled its new Smart Mobile Agriculture Lab, a $1 million climate-controlled mobile lab that will allow students across Southwest Kansas to gain hands-on experience with the latest agricultural technology, from drone piloting to tractor driving simulations. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Senator Jerry Moran, who discussed how Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding played a key role in making the lab a reality.

Why it matters

The new mobile agriculture lab represents a major investment in accessible, hands-on agricultural education for students in Southwest Kansas, a region that has historically lacked access to advanced agricultural training resources. By bringing this state-of-the-art facility directly to local campuses, Newman University is aiming to better prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators for the region.

The details

The over $1 million Smart Mobile Agriculture Lab is a climate-controlled, fully equipped mobile classroom that will enable Newman University students to gain practical experience with the latest agricultural technologies. The lab features capabilities like drone piloting, tractor driving simulations, and other hands-on learning opportunities. The lab will be shared across Newman's campuses in Southwest Kansas, including the Wichita campus as well as partner schools like Garden City Community College, Dodge City Community College, and Seward County Community College.

  • The ribbon cutting for the Newman Mobile Agriculture Lab took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The mobile lab will be available for Newman University students to use starting in Summer 2026.

The players

Newman University

A private Catholic university founded in 1933, with a main campus in Wichita, Kansas and outreach sites across the state as well as in Oklahoma.

Alden Stout

The vice president of academic affairs at Newman University, who announced the unveiling of the new mobile agriculture lab.

Senator Jerry Moran

The U.S. Senator for Kansas, who spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony and discussed the role of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding in making the lab possible.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Alden Stout, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Newman University

“I am pleased to work with Newman University to expand access to higher education in Southwest Kansas. 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.”

— Senator Jerry Moran

What’s next

Newman University students from Southwest Kansas to Wichita will be able to make use of the mobile agriculture lab beginning in Summer 2026.

The takeaway

The new mobile agriculture lab represents a significant investment in hands-on, technology-driven agricultural education for students in Southwest Kansas, a region that has historically lacked access to advanced training resources. By bringing this state-of-the-art facility directly to local campuses, Newman University is aiming to better prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators for the region.