Local lettuce ‘safe and healthy’

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a massive multistate outbreak of the microscopic parasite Cyclospora has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from central Mexico, affecting at least nine states with nearly 2,000 reported cases. The infection causes a gastrointestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. 

Wyoming has confirmed cases of Cyclospora infections, though the state is not currently part of the official nine-state epicenter. The primary reason Wyoming has largely been spared from the mass outbreak is the highly localized supply chain. For northern Wyoming, that supply chain includes Greybull Valley Produce. 

They produce leafy greens and herbs grown hydroponically in the Greybull Business Park.

“Everything is grown indoors in a controlled environment. That means safe and healthy produce year-round even in Wyoming,” said owner Trent Koehn. 

The method uses a water-based nutrient solution instead of soil and allows GVP to grow consistent, high-quality lettuce and herbs. The plants don’t come into contact with soil, pests, or animal residue. Requiring about 10% of the water needed for soil farming. 

The Koehn family started the business in 2017 and operates the environmentally controlled 12,000 square foot greenhouse year-round. All their plants are started from seed and are 100% preservative and chemical free. 

“My favorite one to grow is the basil,” said Koehn who works closely with his father Dwight and other members of their family. 

When the greens are ready, they are harvested and packaged in the greenhouse. “It’s unique to our area, we deliver to Lynn’s within a couple hours after harvest,” he added. 

They deliver their produce to many places, including restaurants (Copper Corner in Basin, The Breadboard in Cody, Lisa’s in Greybull to name a few,) grocery stores (Wheelers in Basin, Lynn’s in Greybull, and the Red Apple Supermarket in Lovell,) catering businesses, guest ranches, and they are a provider of leafy greens to the Greybull Schools. 

Weekly delivery routes include Cody, Riverton, Lander, and Dubois along with Billings and Bozeman, Montana. 

According to their website, “It brings us great joy to know that our produce is being enjoyed by so many people, and that we are helping more people eat local food. We believe that everyone should have access to fresh, healthy, and delicious produce. That’s why we work hard to make sure that our products are affordable and accessible to everyone.”

Lettuces include Romaine, Green Leaf, Red Leaf, Bibb, Spring Mix, and the popular Lettuce Mix (Green Leaf, Red Leaf, and Bibb). 

Herbs include Arugula, Basil (living or by the pound), and Mint.

They occasionally grow other plants like cucumbers, kale, broccoli, and Bulls Blood (beets.)

 “We are always striving to grow better and better produce. Quality and respect for people and resources is everything. Our Lean Culture is all about creating an environment where everyone is empowered to learn, grow, and improve. By investing in our people and giving them the tools they need to succeed, we create a culture of excellence that benefits everyone - from our team members to our customers.”