EWC Agriculture Program Sees Significant Growth as Program Modernizes

TORRINGTON, Wyo. – Eastern Wyoming College’s Agriculture Department is experiencing significant growth as the college modernizes its programs, strengthens industry partnerships and prepares students for careers in a changing agriculture industry.

Agriculture credit-hour generation increased 56% from Fall 2025 to Fall 2026, while enrollment headcount increased 24%, according to EWC President Jeffry Hawes.

“The freshman ag class is the largest in recent EWC history,” Hawes added.

The growth comes as EWC has streamlined its agriculture offerings, strengthened its faculty and industry connections, invested in modern technology and increased opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials.

“We are now fully staffed with a team that brings proven industry connections to EWC ag,” said John Hansen, EWC Vice President of Student and Academic Services. “Industry alignment is exactly why we are seeing such a strong surge in enrollment. Students recognize that our program bridges the gap between the classroom and their future careers.”

Under the leadership of Martin Winchell, EWC director of agriculture development, the department now offers two associate degrees and three certificates. Programs provide pathways for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions, return to family farms and ranches or enter the agriculture workforce.

Students also have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships and industry partnerships while earning credentials such as Commercial Driver’s Licenses, Chemical Applicator Licenses, Beef Quality Assurance certifications and artificial insemination credentials.

“Not every student has the same goal when they come to college,” Winchell said. “Our goal is to provide programs that meet those different needs while still maintaining a strong connection to the agriculture industry.”

EWC also has invested in two mobile learning laboratories that bring modern agriculture technology and hands-on training directly to students and industry partners.

One 50-foot mobile lab focuses on agronomy and agriculture technology, including precision agriculture tools, drones, utility vehicles, welding, hydraulics, electrical systems and water and soil testing. A second lab focuses on animal science, providing training in areas such as ultrasound technology, artificial insemination and livestock management.

“Our students need experience with the tools that producers are using today,” Winchell said. “Technology is a major part of agriculture, and these mobile labs allow us to bring that technology into the classroom and into the field.”

The labs were developed with industry collaboration and strategic partner University of Wyoming-SAREC to ensure students train on equipment and technologies currently used in agriculture.

Hansen said the investments are positioning EWC as a regional resource for agricultural education and workforce development.

“Through the tremendous support of our donors, EWC Foundation and industry partners, EWC is committed to providing an industry-leading education and producing highly trained students who are future-ready and equipped with the latest technical skills,” Hawes said.

Hansen said EWC’s location in Goshen County, the state’s leading production agriculture county, also provides an advantage.

“Eastern Wyoming College serves as the true gateway to agriculture for Wyoming,” Hansen said. “Because Goshen County leads the state in production agriculture, EWC is strategically seated at the center of Wyoming agricultural innovation.”

Hansen credited the program’s growth to years of investment by EWC, the EWC Foundation, donors, industry partners and community members.

“The program’s growth reflects years of investment that genuinely believe in the future of agriculture,” Hawes said. “Those investments are now producing tangible results through increased enrollment, expanded student opportunities and a much stronger workforce pipeline for the entire region.”