USDA Awards $908K to Wyoming Meat Processors

Three Wyoming meat processors received a combined $908,216 through a USDA expansion program.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Agriculture

Brushed stainless-steel smoker door slightly open with warm smoke rising, set in a weathered rural building with open high-plains landscape beyond.
The USDA awarded $908,216 in Meat and Poultry Expansion Program grants to three Wyoming processors, including Home on the Range Meat Processing, which received $169,112. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture distributed $908,216 in Meat and Poultry Expansion Program grants to three Wyoming meat processors. The funds are part of more than $57 million being distributed across 40 states.

Why it matters

The grants are intended to expand processors' capacity and create new and better markets for meat producers. For Wyoming, the funding targets local processing operations in Cheyenne, Cody and Thayne.

The USDA distributed $908,216 to three Wyoming processors, including $169,112 to Cheyenne's Home on the Range Meat Processing, within a nationwide program exceeding $57 million across 40 states. Final production and job outcomes for the recipients have not yet been reported.

The players

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The USDA is the federal agency that administers the Meat and Poultry Expansion Program and oversees food and agricultural policy across the United States.

Home on the Range Meat Processing

Home on the Range is a meat processor in Cheyenne, Wyoming, that received $169,112 to purchase equipment and expand processing capacity.

The details

Home on the Range Meat Processing will use its $169,112 grant to buy specialized processing equipment and expand capacity. Cody's Wyoming Legacy Meats and Thayne's Star Valley Meat Block & Cold Storage also received grants, and the investment is expected to increase production of nitrate-free smoked meats, including bacon, ham, smoked poultry and dehydrated dog treats.

Timeline

  1. The USDA grant announcement article was published on November 4, 2026.

Market Landscape

The Meat and Poultry Expansion Program is a federal effort to strengthen independent meat processing capacity against consolidation in the industry. Wyoming's grants add rural and small-scale processors to that national push.

Residents who buy locally raised meat may see more processing options and specialty products from Wyoming processors as the funded expansions come online. The grants are projected to save seven jobs and create two rural jobs.

The takeaway

Federal grants can expand local meat processing capacity, giving independent producers more options beyond large consolidated plants.

Further reading

Explore more Agriculture coverage for context on the state's livestock and processing sector.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Cap City News.

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Do you think federal grants to local meat processors are improving options in your area?