USDA Invests $908,216 to Expand Wyoming Meat Processing Capacity, Strengthen Competition and Support Ranchers

(Casper, Wyo., November 4, 2026) - Recently, Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced that processors in 40 states would receive $57 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). This includes $908,216 for three Wyoming processors to expand their capacity and create new and better markets.

"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," said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins.

"USDA Rural Development is committed to supporting small and family-run processors across Wyoming and throughout the nation," said USDA Rural Development Wyoming State Director Tyler Harrison. "Small and regional processors are critical to increasing competition. The Trump Administration is focused on expanding independent and regional processing, encouraging rancher and producer-owned alternatives, and reducing unnecessary barriers that prevent new competitors from entering the market."

In Wyoming, the following processors have received MPPEP grants:

• Wyoming Legacy Meats, LLC, located in Cody, received a $552,906 grant to expand its processing capacity by purchasing and installing specialized equipment and completing necessary facility modifications. These improvements will increase processing of value-added products such as smoked meats, cured and brined products, formed patties, specialty sausages, jerky, and processed tripe. The project is expected to increase the company's customer base, save nine jobs, and create nine rural jobs.
• Star Valley Meat Block & Cold Storage, located in Thayne, received a $186,198 grant to modernize and expand its USDA-inspected meat processing operations by replacing aging equipment and adding new processing and packaging technology. These upgrades will increase throughput, improve packaging quality and shelf life, and strengthen regional meat supply chains while creating additional market opportunities for livestock producers and customers. The project is expected to save 16 jobs and create four rural jobs.
• C4 Meat Processing, LLC dba Home on the Range Meat Processing, located in Cheyenne, received a $169,112 grant to purchase specialized processing equipment and expand its value-added processing capacity. This investment will help increase production of nitrate-free smoked meats, including bacon, ham, smoked poultry, dehydrated dog treats, and various other specialty products. This project is expected to save seven jobs and create two rural jobs.

MPPEP is managed by USDA Rural Development's Rural Business-Cooperative Services and provides grants to help eligible independent processors expand their capacity. USDA Rural Development designed the program to encourage competition and sustainable growth in the United States meat processing sector and improve supply chain resiliency.

USDA has awarded more than $200 million to independent businesses under the MPPEP program. These projects have created thousands of jobs across the country.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway . The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making Rural Development's investment data accessible to the public. For more information about USDA Rural Development programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wy .

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