Powell, Wyoming is the Central Link to Agribusiness
Across Big Horn, Washakie and Park Counties alone, agricultural production contributes more than $263 million in annual economic output, supports over 3,475 jobs, and generates more than $143 million in labor income.
Powell is the central link in our region’s crop cultivation with massive irrigation infrastructure that cultivates crops to from mountain snowfall. Powell has the necessary transportation with local trucking companies, highway, rail line, and education attainment that fills the transportation gaps. Powell is the agribusiness hub that supports our region with barley production, bean collection, the nation’s first gluten free oats manufacturer.
The three counties support nearly 1.6 million acres of agricultural operations, ranging from expansive rangeland, cultivated crops and pasture. Operations vary in size, providing flexibility for innovation while maintaining a regional industry cluster.
Livestock production within the 3 counties includes 114,000 heads of cattle and significant sheep production. The wider region of the Big Horn Basin adds significant regional stability in agriculture production and offers many untapped opportunities in Agribusiness.
Crop production further strengthens regional agricultural base. Producers harvest tens of thousands of acers in alfalfa, barley, sugar beets, corn and beans. Producers look to diversify their crops when the rotation, producer input investment, and skills match current crop production.
Agribusiness is a Dependable Regional Economic Driver
Workforce Sustainability
Agribusiness supports a broad spectrum of employment opportunities on-farm, logistics, maintenance, healthcare and professional services. These jobs are locally rooted, locally trained, and locally cultivated. In Park County alone, agriculture employment supports nearly 1,800 jobs. Northwest College and NWC Center for Training and Development provide local opportunities for employment training. Park County School District #1 has an excellent FFA program and new facilities to enhance the agriculture employment pipeline.
Agribusiness Research and Development
University of Wyoming Research and Extension Center located in Powell, Wyoming specializes in irrigation studies. The center has been in Powell for over a hundred years and understands how to maximize water for productive yields. The UW R&E Center measured a 30-year average of 6.67 inches of rainfall. Powell doesn’t rely on rainfall but irrigation from the Shoshone Project which also make this center unique globally.
Agribusiness has a Competitive Advantage in Powell
Agribusiness is not simply a traditional industry it is a strategic economic asset. It’s proven performance, hard-working farm families, water dependability and industry cluster linkages regionally make it one of the most dependable sectors in Powell over the long term.
For companies who want to chat about Agribusiness opportunities in Powell contact PEP.