LOVELL (WNE) — Wyoming was largely spared from a mass outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness, known as cyclosporiasis, from a parasite linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from a supplier in central Mexico — thanks to a 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 its plants are started from seed and are 100% preservative and chemical free.

When the greens are ready, they are harvested and packaged in the greenhouse. 

The family delivers its produce to 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 it is a provider of leafy greens to the Greybull Schools.

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