CWC is ready to train the next generation of farmers.
We're looking for students who want to strengthen our local food system and feed themselves, their families, and their communities.
"This program has enormous potential to make changes on a regional level. We need more farmers producing for local markets. The best way to cultivate new farmers is to eliminate as much start-up risk as possible by providing the most comprehensive education possible so students walk away feeling confident in their skills and knowledge. If they build community with fellow classmates, develop a vision and goals, and make some mistakes along the way, they will have a huge advantage entering a notoriously challenging career.” --2021 Participant
The Central Wyoming College's Alpine Science Institute, located near Lander, Wyoming is seeking aspiring small and mid-scale farmers to join our next Beginning Farmer training cohort starting in April 3, 2024.
Through generous grant funding from USDA-NIFA, USDA-FMPP and the LOR Foundation, CWC offers a comprehensive farmer training and farm incubator program with the goal of increasing the number of economically and environmentally sustainable farm businesses in our region. Supporting the growing farm to table movement, the program provides small-scale agropreneurs with the knowledge and skills to start and successfully operate their own independent farm business. Crop production training focuses on growing in high elevation, short season environments, utilizing regenerative farming practices. The Crop Production Practicum is offered April through September each year.
The business of farming is taught through a comprehensive farm business course where participants create their own farm business plan. This course is offered during the fall each year.
Participants who have completed both the Crop Production Practicum and the farm business course are able to apply to enter the incubator to start their own small farm business. The incubator provides 1/8 acre plots, access to water, equipment, and mentoring to support beginning farm entrepreneurs.
Our farm infrastructure includes a 1/2 acre education farm (site of the Crop Production Practicum), high tunnel hoophouse, geodesic dome greenhouse, composting area, a vegetable processing/packing facility with walk-in cooler, a fruit orchard, toolshed, and barn.
***Partial scholarships available for the 2024 program. Scholarships help cover program costs and fees (housing excluded).***
Housing is available on a first come, first-served basis for the duration of the six month training program. Students have access to the showerhouse, laundry, and shared kitchen. Housing is also available for incubator farmers. To apply for housing click here.
ASI Farm
"This program provided such a great opportunity to learn the basics of farming in Wyoming, better understand soil health systems, and create a wonderful community with like-minded folks." --2022 Participant
Breaking out new farm ground and planting a few crops.
"I was planning to buy land and just farm it. I realize now that would have been a mistake. I have much more knowledge and skills now."--2021 Participant
Visiting farms in Teton Valley, ID.
"I've learned so much during this program, and really appreciated getting to be part of the growing season from start to finish, learning about soil health and various plants and pollinators all while getting to be surrounded by interesting, smart and thoughtful people. The community I've gained through this program has absolutely been my favorite part!" --2022 Participant
2021 Beginning Farmer cohort assembling a geodesic dome greenhouse.
"I'm planning on taking what I have learned to expand my current market garden into a larger functioning produce farm."--2021 Participant
The farm in late summer.
Harvesting, processing and selling the season's bounty!
With new knowledge, I am able to grow healthy food at home for my family. I feel I can start my own farm business with more confidence."--2021 Participant
CWC's Alpine Science Institute located 5 miles south of Lander, WY.
At the Alpine Science Institute, our expansive trail system provides miles of recreation for hikers, mountain bikers and Nordic skiers. Sinks Canyon State Park and the Shoshone National Forest are a just a few miles away. There you can explore the beautiful Sinks Canyon and access the backcountry of the majestic Wind River Mountains.
Central Wyoming College's Alpine Science Institute is a multi-use educational and recreational facility. The site has a rich history in agriculture dating back to the 1890's. The ASI is also home to CWC's outdoor programs: Outdoor Education and Leadership, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, Expedition Sciences, GIST and Anthropology and Archaeology.
Farm Program Options
Through our comprehensive farmer training program, participants can earn a certificate or AAS degree in Regenerative Small Scale Farming. Crop Production Practicums I, II, and II provide hands-on technical training in the 1/2 acre education farm plot, composting area, orchard, high tunnel hoophouse, and vegetable processing and packaging facility. Students learn the business of farming through the farm business course. Each student completing the program with a farm business plan are ready to launch their own independent farm business on our incubator farm or their own farmland.
More detailed information about the courses and available training options can be found here.
***We recognize prospective students have different training needs depending on their individual goals. We can customize training options to meet those goals.***
Participants are expected to have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, be a part of a team, be able to lift in excess of 50 lbs, and work in all types of weather.
Prospective students must contact an advisor to discuss program requirements, financial aid applications, review transcripts and register for classes. Please call (307) 332-3394 or landercenter@cwc.edu to schedule an appointment.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 beginning farmer cohort.
Classes begin April 3, 2024
Crop Production Practicum l, April 3-May 17, W/Th/F, 8am-12pm.
Crop Production Practicum II, May 29-August 9, W/Th, 8am-12pm. Flexible work hours (4 total) will occur M/T/F.
Crop Production Practicum lll, August 21-Sept 27, W/Th/F, 8am-12pm.
Integrated Resource Management (farm business course), August 20-December 3, T, 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Ask about our other courses in Horticulture Science, Contemporary Growing Systems, and Pest ID and Management!
Once students complete the training program and have completed a business plan, they can apply to enter the farm incubator and launch their own independent farm business. 1/8 acre plots are available for lease at below market rates. Plot rental includes irrigation water and access to farm infrastructure. Farm equipment and tools and one-on-one technical support available at hourly rates. The farm incubator will open for the 2024 growing season on April 1st, with the application period beginning in January 2024.
Meet our staff
Ethan Page is the Local Food and Ag faculty and teaches the Crop Production Practicum and assists in the farm business course. He brings a diverse background experience that includes organic vegetable production, controlled environment agriculture, operations management, education, and environmental science. Originally from New York, Page has been involved with agriculture since he was young. Ethan has a Bachelor's Degree in large animal science and environmental studies from Delaware Valley College and a Master's in bioscience focusing on local food production in developing countries.
Keith Duren is the Head of the Agriculture Department at CWC, and is the Instructor of Agriculture. He teaches classes in Animal Science, Range Management, Ag Business, and related topics. He assists with the farm business course.
Livy Lewis and Kelly Pingree assist in recruiting and mentoring Native American beginning farmers for the Farm Incubator project. They are co-directors for the Wind River Food Sovereignty Project on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Kathryn Primrose is the Education Coordinator for CWC's Lander Outreach Center. Kathryn assists beginning farmer participants in registering for classes, financial aid needs. She coordinates farm-based community outreach workshops.
Melissa Hemken serves at the Community Food Systems specialist for CWC. A small-scale farmer herself, she understands the challenges beginning farmers face. Melissa teaches particpants about marketing and selling opportunities locally and state-wide.
Our partner organizations
We are proud to partner with other agencies, organizations and farm businesses to provide education, technical expertise and mentorship for our beginning farmers:
Central Wyoming College
Wind River Food Sovereignty Project
Popo Agie Conservation District
UW Cooperative Extension Service
Wyoming Hunger Initiative
Wyoming Food Coalition
Click here to learn more about the history of the apple orchard, our orchard restoration efforts and orchard guild permaculture project.
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Land cleared for planting the new orchard circa 1895.
University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center, B. C. Buffum Papers, Accession Number 400055, Box 9, Item 15
Apple trees were shipped from a nursery in Rochester, NY. The barn and chicken coop still stand.
ah400044_01312 New Orchard on Lander Experiment Farm. Taken by B. C. Buffum - Feb. 27, 1906 (old orchard in background)
The orchard in early spring. Table Mountain is in the background.
ah400044_01316 Orchard on Lander Experiment Farm. Taken by B. C. Buffum - April 6, 1905 (1906) ( close-up of old orchard.)
The orchard in peak production circa 1911.
Field station researchers also developed varieties of grass for hay that would produce well in Wyoming's challenging environment.
The station was also known for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables for early residents of the Lander Valley.
Today, the historic orchard occupies about 15 acres of land, with about 50 surviving apple trees.
Lander, Wyoming
Lander is located in the foothills of Wyoming's Wind River Mountains.
Main Street, Lander
The town of Lander is quickly becoming an outdoor recreation mecca. Hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails surround the town. Home of the International Climber's Festival in July each year, Lander is the base for world class rock climbing. Visit the Lander Chamber of Commerce and City of Lander to learn more about what our beautiful town has to offer.