Fun For All: Chief Washakie Puts Heart into Harvest

The Chief Washakie FFA chapter is once again stepping up to serve the community - this time by providing high-quality meat to families experiencing food insecurity.

With the support and permission of landowners Sam Ray and Travis Greisman, FFA members participated in a special wild game initiative that benefits both agriculture and local families. The program allows hunters to harvest antelope that often cause damage to alfalfa fields, with the meat then donated to community food banks. It’s truly a win-win-win for the landowners, the hunters, and the community.

Unlike last year’s special season, this year’s participants drew regular hunting licenses and harvested antelope during the general season.

Food insecurity continues to be a major challenge across Wyoming, where more than 83,000 residents struggle to access adequate nutrition. To help meet that need, Chief Washakie FFA partnered with the Paintrock Hunter Mentor Program, sponsoring the effort as their Young Hunters Care Project.

The Wyoming Game Warden Association and local Game Warden Matt Lentsch helped fund the project by covering processing supplies and license costs. Additional donations—including pork shoulder to aid in processing—were generously provided by Blair's Market and Lentsch himself.

In total, eight Chief Washakie FFA members, joined by a mentor student, harvested 11 antelope, which were processed into approximately 350 pounds of ground burger and steaks. The finished meat was donated to the Washakie County Ministerial Association Food Bank in Worland and personally delivered to Jen Beasley by FFA members. A portion of the meat—about one-third—was also shared with Joe Moon at the Thermopolis Food Bank.

“This project really brings together students, mentors, and the community for a greater cause,” said Grace Godfrey, Chief Washakie FFA Advisor. “It not only teaches responsibility and skill, but also the importance of giving back.”

Through teamwork, mentorship, and generosity, the Chief Washakie FFA continues to uphold its mission of supporting both agriculture and community well-being.

Follow what they are up to by visiting the Chief Washakie FFA Facebook page.

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