Cody Foster didn’t originally set out to open a meat processing business, but a move to Wyoming and some eye-opening experiences in the local processing world changed his course. Growing up in Northern California, Cody was a passionate hunter. He’s been hunting “ever since I could walk,” as he puts it, processing meat to feed his family. But once Cody had kids, hunting fell to the wayside as he focused on family life. Still, that love for the outdoors and self-sufficiency remained. When he and his family relocated to Wyoming, he noticed a gap in the market for reliable meat processing.
The turning point came when he brought in three bulls to a local processor and found himself disappointed with the results. “We took a few bulls into a processor and only got 200 pounds of meat back,” Cody says, recounting the frustrating experience. For Cody, this just wasn’t right. The steep costs and uncertainty drove him to a decision: he was going to create a processing business that Wyoming’s hunters could trust.
Starting from Scratch with CoolBot
With encouragement from a friend in Jackson who also works as a processor, Cody was introduced to CoolBot as a cost-effective cooling solution. Cody decided to insulate the 12×12 shed that was already on his property, and then he installed CoolBot to transform the space into a well-functioning cool room. And now that setup has allowed Cody to keep up with the demands of a busy hunting season. “We’re able to hold up to 25 animals at a time,” Cody explains. In a short period, his business took off through word-of-mouth recommendations and his Facebook page.
What makes CH Meat Processing stand out is the personal, family-oriented approach Cody and his wife bring to their work. For now, it’s essentially the two of them doing most of the processing (and most of the skinning, as well!). “We’ve got a slower turn around time (than commercial processors), but offer much better quality work,” Cody explains.
A Growing Need for Reliable Game Processing
For many hunters in Cody’s area, knowing they can get their meat back and processed efficiently is crucial – whether it’s deer, elk or antelope. Some local processors prioritize large-scale operations, often handling both livestock and game animals, which can lead to overcrowding and the potential for cross-contamination. Cody saw the opportunity to fill this gap by offering a personalized service that ensures quality control and respects each hunter’s specific requests. “People keep coming back because I keep their meat separate and take the time to dry-age it properly,” Cody explains. “I hang animals for 5-7 days before cutting, which gives a better quality of meat.”
And in addition to traditional game processing, Cody also provides services for making jerky and various types of sausages. Cody also offers dry-aging to his customers. This approach means hunters can bring their animals in, leave them in the cool room to dry-age for several days, and then receive premium cuts that maintain a rich flavor. Using CoolBot has allowed Cody to meet his customer’s high standards, while keeping his own costs manageable.
Organization & Efficiency (+ Piece of Mind!) With CoolBot
Inside the current cooler, Cody has installed a unique rail system using I-bolts and J-hooks. “We can hang 15 animals upright and use shelves for quarters,” he explains. This setup keeps everything organized, with tags attached to each animal to ensure compliance with local regulations and accurate tracking. “We get inspected weekly (by Fish & Game),” Cody adds, “so following the guidelines is really important.”
And with CoolBot’s remote monitoring capabilities, Cody can adjust the temperature from his phone, an essential feature given that his oil field job takes him on the road frequently. This feature has helped him maintain quality control even when he’s not onsite.
Plans for Expansion
As demand has continued to grow, Cody is already planning his next steps. He envisions a much larger facility, a 15×36 store-front shop with a dedicated 10×36 cooling space. This upgrade would triple his capacity, allowing him to process and store even more animals during peak seasons. “My goal next year is to cut at least 500 animals,” Cody shares. This expansion would enable him to diversify his offerings further.
The Power of Word of Mouth + Community Connections
In a short time, Cody’s business has flourished, largely due to his dedication to high-quality processing and personal connections within the community. “I work really closely with another great processor in town,” Cody says. They exchange referrals, helping hunters find trustworthy processors when they’re fully booked. His approach to community over competition has allowed CH Meat Processing to build a solid reputation and a loyal client base.
Thanks to CoolBot, Cody has been able to transform an existing shed into a full-fledged cool room without the steep investment in commercial cooling systems. By combining family values with quality service and modern tech, Cody’s journey with CH Meat Processing shows how a passion for hunting and community can lead to a thriving business that serves the local area with integrity.