Wy Fresh Farms: Community Support In The Face Of Change

An update on an urban farm's efforts to survive in light of city annexation efforts, the Wyoming AARP and U.S. Senate candidate James Byrd will highlight the "Weekend in Wyoming" program on Saturday, Feb. 21.

We had Wy Fresh on a couple of weeks ago, discussing their efforts to stay in business in the face of annexation efforts of their property by the City of Cheyenne.

The problem is that city ordinances would basically prohibit the urban farm from operating because of limitations on livestock and similar restrictions.

Tommie Kniseley and her husband David have operated Wy Fresh Farmstand at 200 Walterscheid Boulevard for several years. The company's website says they are "an urban farm located in the center of Cheyenne. We've been growing vegetables without herbicides or pesticides for fifteen years. We specialize in salad greens, microgreens, and seasonal vegetables."

Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins recently said the city is working to find a solution:

I have spent a lot of time working with our staff to find solutions that will allow WY Fresh Farm to continue operating and serving their customers. Their farm is part of the city council’s goal to annex county pockets. During our meeting of the governing body on Monday evening, we heard two hours of testimony from customers and supporters of the farm. It is obvious they are loved by their customers. Our goal now is to find a definition of an urban farm that we can put into our rules that will support their ongoing farming efforts. We learned that WY Fresh Farm not only sells their products but is the outlet for 50 other local farmers.

So what is the latest? One of the Kniseleys is slated to call in live at 11:05 and update us.

We'll hear from Tom Lacock, Associate Director of the Wyoming AARP will join us at 11:33 to discuss what is going on at the Wyoming Legislature and what it means for Wyoming's Senior Citizens. We'll also go an update on the latest scams making the rounds in Wyoming

At 12:05, we'll have U.S. Senate candidate James Byrd live in studio. Byrd, who is from Cheyenne, recently announced his candidacy as Democrat for the Senate seat currently held by Republican Cynthia Lummis, who is retiring.

Byrd represented the Cheyenne area in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019. What does he see as the issues in the upcoming campaign? Why is he the best candidate for the job? Can a Democrat win in ruby-red Wyoming? Those are just some of the questions we'll delve into.

It's all on this week's ''Weekend In Wyoming" program on am 650, KGAB from 11 am until 1 p.m.!