USDA Provides $908,216 in Grants to Three Wyoming Meat Processors
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As part of a nationwide initiative to support meat processing operations, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is distributing $908,216 in grant funds to three Wyoming meat processors. One of these businesses, Cheyenne’s Home on the Range Meat Processing, is receiving $169,112.
Over $57 million is being distributed across 40 states through the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Expansion Program. In Wyoming, these funds will be used to expand processing capacity and create new, improved markets, as stated by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in a USDA press release.
"Under President Trump, this administration is delivering for the men and women who feed our nation. Now that these funds are moving, ranchers will have more options close to home, more competition will return to the market, and more of the value of American-raised beef will stay in rural communities," Rollins emphasized.
Tyler Harrison, USDA Rural Development Wyoming State Director, added that supporting local operations fosters competition. The monetary support in Wyoming will benefit Cody’s Wyoming Legacy Meats, Thayne’s Star Valley Meat Block & Cold Storage, and Cheyenne’s Home on the Range Meat Processing.
Home on the Range plans to use its funds to purchase specialized processing equipment and expand its processing capacity. The project is anticipated to increase production of nitrate-free smoked meats, including bacon, ham, smoked poultry, dehydrated dog treats, and various other specialty products. The USDA projects the initiative will save seven jobs and create two rural jobs.
To learn more about the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Processing Program, visit the department’s website here.