Casper will become the hub of Wyoming’s growing local‑food movement this weekend as the Wyoming Food Coalition hosts its 2026 Annual Conference November 12‑14 at the Agricultural Resource and Learning Center (ARLC) on Fairgrounds Road. The three‑day event invites agricultural producers, food entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit organizations, policymakers and community members from every corner of the state.
Connecting Producers and Communities
Executive Director Ally Reeder emphasized the coalition’s mission to improve the connection between Wyoming’s growers and local consumers. “We advocate for local producers to make it easier to access their local markets so that Wyoming foods remain on Wyoming plates,” she said. Reeder noted that the coalition has members in every Wyoming county, making the conference a unique opportunity for producers to share challenges, successes and practical solutions.
Program Highlights
Attendees can expect a packed schedule of educational presentations, workshops and networking sessions. Topics include cooperative business models in agriculture, citizen advocacy and local food policy, effective use of social media and storytelling for producers, and rural resilience and well‑being for farmers.
Hands‑on activities will feature a whole‑carcass breakdown demonstration, a seed swap, a silent auction, a book exchange, a farmers market and children’s programs designed to teach families where their food comes from.
Local Tours and Partnerships
Saturday’s tours will showcase Casper‑area operations, giving participants a first‑hand look at how local initiatives support food production, education and community connections. Sheridan producers such as Wellborn Farms, Young’s Farm from Parkman, Papa Joes Produce and Julie Rieder of Science Kids will be on hand to share their experiences.
Why It Matters for Wyoming Families
By strengthening the local food system, the conference aims to improve food access for families across the Cowboy State, support rural economies and preserve Wyoming’s agricultural heritage. Reeder summed up the goal: “We want to get the word out about the conference. It is open to anyone interested in where food comes from, how it reaches the community and how to strengthen Wyoming’s local food economy—from farmers and ranchers to educators, food business owners, nonprofit leaders, gardeners and consumers.”
Registration Information
Registration is now open. For full details and to sign up, visit wyfoodcoalition.org/wfc-annual-conference-2026. Additional information is available at wyfoodcoalition.org.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
