Local lettuce helps with national outbreak

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.

The company produces 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. 

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 (Wheeler’s in Basin, Lynn’s in Greybull and the Red Apple Supermarket in Lovell) catering businesses and 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.”

“We are always striving to grow better and better produce,” Koehn said. “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.”