Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act Expands Local Access, but Producers Face Licensing Questions

Rancher and Americans for Prosperity Director Tyler Lindholm breaks down the Wyoming Food Freedom Act, clarifies licensing questions, and discusses the future of local agriculture in the state.

SUNDANCE, WYOMING (RFD NEWS) — State “Food Freedom Acts” are designed to expand consumer access to locally produced foods by allowing small-scale producers to sell homemade products without government inspection. While the legislation aims to support local agriculture, questions over licensing and regulatory exemptions have caused some confusion among producers.

Wyoming Rancher Tyler Lindholm, and the director of Americans for Prosperity, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on his state’s Food Freedom Act and what it means for local producers.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Lindholm explained how the act works and the benefits it provides to small-scale farmers and ranchers. He addressed recent issues involving meat licensing, clarifying where misunderstandings have arisen about protections under the law. Lindholm also discussed potential steps to strengthen the Food Freedom Act to reduce confusion and better support local producers.

As a lifelong rancher, he shared his perspective on the current state of the beef industry and his outlook for the months ahead, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for Wyoming producers.

Related Stories
Lower U.S. and Mexican production means tighter sugar supplies and greater reliance on imports headed into 2026.
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.
Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jan and Erin Johnson also join FarmHER + RanchHER host Kirbe Schnoor on this week’s Dirt Diaries podcast to dig in on entrepreneurship, legacy, and letting go.
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
While the U.S.-China framework for soybean trade is in place, Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs tells us he will believe it when he sees it.
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) shares an end-of-harvest update and a peek at the farmland market in Central Illinois.