University of Wyoming Expands Specialty Crop Directory to Promote Local Foods
The University of Wyoming (UW) has released an updated version of its Specialty Crop Directory, spotlighting locally grown foods and products across the state, with a special focus on Converse County.
The 2024 edition aims to strengthen the local food movement by connecting consumers directly with producers, offering information on everything from farmers’ markets to online ordering options.
According to Robert Waggener, the directory’s coordinator and editor, one of the most significant updates is the expansion of listings, which now total nearly 1,100, including about 300 new entries. These listings cover a diverse array of products such as fresh produce, culinary herbs, jams, jellies, hard cider, and locally made sauces like Rick’s Original Habanero Sauce from Glenrock.
“This directory makes it much easier for consumers to buy local by listing producers and their products in multiple counties,” Waggener said.
He and his wife, Leslie, have used the directory to explore and sample various local foods during their travels across Wyoming.
The directory also highlights Wyoming’s growing number of year-round farmers’ markets and farm stands, with at least 19 currently operating in 10 counties. Notable markets include The Urban Basket in Campbell County, The Milk House Farmers Market in Natrona County, and Wildly Fresh Market in Weston County. These markets offer fresh vegetables even in winter, thanks to innovative practices like heated greenhouses and the use of shipping containers for controlled farming environments.
One challenge the local food movement faces is ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce during Wyoming’s harsh winters. Waggener noted that producers like Papa Joe’s Produce in Sheridan and Skyline Gardens in Casper are already finding ways to address this, but the sustainability of these efforts depends on whether consumers are willing to pay premium prices for fresh, locally grown food year-round.
Another feature of the updated directory is the inclusion of personal stories and mini-profiles of producers, giving readers insight into the lives of those behind the food. This storytelling component is designed to foster greater appreciation for the local food movement and inspire more participation.
The directory also provides resources for school and community gardens, county fairs, garden clubs, and agricultural organizations, with an online database expected to launch soon. Waggener expressed hope that the directory will encourage further collaboration among producers and consumers, bolstering the success of local foods in Wyoming.
“The goal is to ensure locally grown and made products thrive, even in challenging conditions,” Waggener said.
He emphasized that the directory reflects a growing commitment to supporting local agriculture and fostering community connections.
The UW Specialty Crop Directory is available as a free downloadable publication. For inquiries, contact Waggener at robertw@uwyo.edu or visit bit.ly/wyo-specialty-cropdirectory.
