The Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) has released their findings following an extensive investigation into the distribution of meat to local food banks. The issue surfaced after the WDA received a complaint claiming that local food banks had received domestic meat slaughtered and processed under custom exemption and were donating it to food bank patrons.  The meat in question was from livestock animals purchased during the 2025 Lincoln County Fair and then donated to the food banks after processing.

According to the 200 page report released by the WDA on December 3, the investigation began August 25 following the complaint. “The purpose of the investigation was to determine if custom exempt domestic meat was being accepted as donations to Afton Food Pantry, Alpine Food Bank, and Thayne Community Food Bank, was being donated to patrons of the food bank, and to identify the owners of the meat,” reads the report.

“Evidence was gathered in the investigation to prove that 4H animals raised in Star Valley were being purchased from the auction at the Lincoln County Fair on August 9, 2025, slaughtered and processed under custom exemption,” the report continues, saying that the meat was then “donated to the Afton Food Pantry, and Thayne Community Food Bank for further distribution by donation.” The report clarifies that it was found that the Alpine Food Bank had not received any such donations during the time of the investigation.

The report outlines the investigation process that led to identifying the original buyers of the animals and returning the meat to them. In total, over 300 pounds of meat was removed from food pantry freezers with as much as possible returned to the original buyers from the livestock auction.

According to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture website, custom exempt meat plants “slaughter animals and process the meat for the individual owner. Meat processed in a custom exempt plant cannot be sold to stores or other individuals.”

Derek Grant, Public Information Officer with the WDA, clarified that the WDA’s concern was not in the actual processing of the animals, since the facilities in question can process under the custom exemption. But rather because the meat was processed under custom exception, labeled as “not for sale” and then redistributed to the food banks for donation instead of given back to the original owner.

“The Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) partners with the USDA to implement the Federal Meat Inspection Act in our state and it requires that the quality of meat offered for donations is of equal quality to that available in the retail chain,” said the WDA in a statement to SVI Media. “WDA or USDA inspections provide the only means of documenting that this has been achieved as required by federal law. We perform inspections, education, and outreach across Wyoming with the goal of a safe food supply and to create a level playing field for producers, businesses, and consumers of Wyoming. As part of this, we also rely on the professionals in that sector and citizens across the state to help make sure food is safe and the products available at the grocery store or in restaurants meet the same quality and safety standards as the products available through our food banks. There is a significant history of charitable donation of quality meats from Star Valley which has created a solid reputation worth preserving.  We appreciate the hard work of all involved to help keep our food safe and ensure a level playing field for all.”

“We have been deeply moved by the support and generosity of our community,” said Sierra Mitchell of the Afton Food Pantry. “After the difficult news about losing hundreds of pounds of meat, Star Valley immediately rallied around us. The calls, messages, donations, and encouragement have meant the world. We are especially grateful for the gift of two cows that will be USDA processed in December, ensuring families have high-quality protein through the winter.”

Mitchell added, “We’re also relieved and excited to have secured USDA-approved butcher dates just two days after the 2026 Lincoln County Fair. This gives our 4-H kids — and especially our fair donors — peace of mind knowing their donation will go straight from the show ring to feeding local families and onto tables within days.”

She continued, “What could have been a moment of discouragement became a reminder of who Star Valley truly is. The monetary donations that came in didn’t just cover the loss — they exceeded what we originally paid in fair processing fees. That’s the kind of generosity that stops you in your tracks. What started as a complaint against us, has somehow turned into a blessing we didn’t expect, and it says so much about this community. When we face something hard, Star Valley doesn’t dwell on the setback, it turns it into compassion, strength, and hope for the families we serve.”

The Thayne Food Bank also provided a statement to SVI Media following the investigation. The statement reads “The Thayne Community Food Bank worked closely with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture this fall to rectify a non-compliance issue. Fortunately, we only had a handful of animals and a small amount of non-USDA donated meat poundage. The Thayne Food Bank has returned to its original adopted procedure of only accepting USDA certified products. We appreciate that the WDA representative was professional in defining the State and Federal policies. We look forward to working closely with our local youth and buyers next summer at the Lincoln County Fair to ensure compliance in the future.”

“Salt River Meat Company expresses our deep concern over recent events that required local food banks to return hundreds of pounds of donated meat intended for families in need. While we believed it was permitted to process meat for donation, we acknowledge that we should have conducted additional research into current regulations,” stated Salt River Meat Co in a statement to SVI Media. “To prevent similar challenges in the future, Salt River Meat Co has introduced enhanced internal protocols to accurately identify animals intended for donation and ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.”

“Meat donation represents a meaningful sacrifice,” said owner Dee Harbach. “Our goal is to guide donors through the proper steps to avoid potential setbacks—even if that means referring them to another butcher better suited to meet their needs.”

To help offset costs associated with this non-compliance issue, Salt River Meat Co is hosting a Quarter for a Cause Beef Raffle, with all proceeds benefiting Star Valley food banks. Tickets are available for purchase at Salt River Meat Co. (40 West 5th Ave, Afton, WY) or by calling 307-885-6328. Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. Three winners will be drawn on January 2, 2026 and notified by phone.

“Join us in supporting local families and food banks while getting a chance to win a quarter of premium beef for your family, a steak package, or a breakfast package! As a custom-exempt processor, we reaffirm our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our customers and our community.”