The Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of a state-of-the-art center pivot irrigation system for the college’s Hagen Farm. Provided by Advanced Farm Supply (AFS), the new system will enhance agricultural education, research, and workforce training opportunities while aligning with the college’s strategic goals of innovation and collaboration.
AFS, based in Burr Oak, Michigan, is owned by Cody Render, a Glen Oaks alum, and Brandon Yoder. Their partnership with the college extends beyond the purchase, with students set to participate in every stage of the system’s installation, including assembly, wiring, and testing. The system will also be a key educational tool in the college’s Agricultural Irrigation program, designed to provide workforce training in water management and precision farming.
“After several years in the making, the Glen Oaks student-run farm is finally getting irrigation!” said Reid Leaverton, Agricultural Equipment Technology program faculty member. “This new equipment will not only support the crops students plant, tend, and harvest but also propel Glen Oaks into exciting new areas of agriculture, research, water ecology, and resource management. It will serve as the cornerstone of our Agricultural Irrigation program, preparing students for careers in this vital sector.”
The center pivot system will be installed on the Hagen Farm, located east of the main campus and north of Sauger Lake Road. It will draw water from the campus pond, which is part of the Prairie River watershed and approved by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Featuring advanced technology, including remote controls and diverse sprinkler configurations, the system will provide students with hands-on experience in soil management, crop production, and sustainable water use.
“This project is a testament to Glen Oaks’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge educational opportunities for our students while fostering partnerships that benefit the local agricultural community,” said Dr. Bryan Newton, president of Glen Oaks Community College.
The $118,241.19 project is funded through capital expenditures and significant contributions from the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation. The system aligns with the college’s mission to support innovation and collaboration while preparing students to meet the demands of the agricultural industry.
For more information about Glen Oaks Community College and its agricultural programs, visit https://www.glenoaks.edu/programs-of-study/agriculture/.
