Greenway Equipment, Inc. proudly announces the grand opening of the new Greenway Ag Mechanics Lab at Camp Couchdale, made possible through a $150,000 donation from Greenway to Arkansas Future Farmers of America (FFA). Owned and operated by the Arkansas FFA Foundation, Camp Couchdale has long served as a cornerstone for agricultural education and leadership development across the state. The new lab marks a major step forward in enhancing those efforts.
The Greenway Ag Mechanics Lab is designed to serve multiple roles. First, it will act as a model facility for school superintendents statewide, showcasing what a fully equipped agricultural mechanics shop can look like in their own schools. Second, it will become a key resource for professional development, providing teachers with hands-on training from industry professionals in a space built for excellence.
“This project aligns perfectly with our mission to support the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Bill Midkiff, CEO of Greenway Equipment. “By investing in teacher training and career development at the grassroots level, we’re not just building a lab—we’re building a stronger future for Arkansas agriculture.”
During the summer, the lab will host in-service training sessions for teachers, including “train-the-trainer” workshops led by professionals from the ag industry. The space will also be used to host specialized training opportunities, such as women-only workshops and breakout sessions during student leadership events.
Beyond teacher development, the lab will serve Arkansas FFA students directly by supporting Career Development Events (CDEs), career exploration programs, and enrichment activities for students seeking a clear and guided path toward career success in agriculture and related fields.
“Today marks a promising step forward for agricultural education in Arkansas,” said Eric Hughes, Chairman of the Arkansas FFA Foundation Board of Directors. “The grand opening of the Greenway Agricultural Mechanics Lab is the result of an incredible partnership between Greenway Equipment and the Arkansas FFA Foundation—one grounded in a shared belief in the potential of our students and educators. We are so thankful for Greenway’s unwavering support to ensure hands-on learning opportunities for FFA members and cutting-edge training for agricultural educators across the state for years to come.”
In addition to its educational mission, the lab and surrounding facilities will be available to Arkansas FFA supporters as a retreat space. With the ability to sleep over 300 individuals and host large-scale gatherings, Camp Couchdale is positioned to become a premier destination for both education and collaboration.
Greenway’s investment in the Ag Mechanics Lab reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening agricultural education, supporting local communities, and preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.
