Wyoming

Wyoming is known for its wide open plains and open pasture so it should come as no surprise that there are over 25.7 million acres of permanent pasture and rangeland in the state, making up nearly 88% of the states 29 million total acres of farmland. As of 2021 there were 12,200 active farms in the state, primarily raising livestock. The state generates over 1.25 million cattle per year, with 681,000 being beef cattle. Additionally, the state produces 330,000 sheep and 105,000 hogs annually.

The remainder of the acreage is used primarily for hay, alfalfa, and haylage, but also generates a modest amount of corn, barley, and wheat.

Wyoming farms have been on the rise, increasing by around 2,000 farms since 2007, an indication that the farming landscape is thriving. In 2017 it was reported that the average market value of agricultural products sold per operation was around $123,313, down around $10,000 from the previous 5 years. Of the $1.47 billion total agricultural revenue, only $3.5 million are direct to consumer sales, and $18.5 million direct to business and local retail.

Sourcing directly from family-owned, local, regenerative farms increases direct to consumer demand, thus signaling farms and local businesses to move into this space to keep up with demand. Farm to table nutritional sourcing broadens profit margins for farmers and keeps money in circulation in the local economy, allowing local farms and businesses to regain their independence and thrive. In turn, this gives the community more access to high-quality, nutrient dense foods at fair market price, restoring their independence and creating a self-sufficient tribe that is less reliant on big-box retail and large corporate industries.