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Lincoln Today
By the People, for the People
Hi-Country Snack Foods pauses jerky production
One of Montana's biggest employers and a longtime Lincoln staple has halted operations.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:09pm
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As a longtime pillar of the Lincoln, Montana community, the pause in operations at Hi-Country Snack Foods raises concerns about the impact on local jobs and the broader economic challenges facing small towns.Lincoln TodayHi-Country Snack Foods, a prominent jerky producer that has employed dozens in the Lincoln community for nearly 50 years, has paused its operations. The move follows the layoff of multiple employees last summer, and the company's owner says they are working to determine the best path forward for the business and the local community.
Why it matters
Hi-Country Snack Foods has been a major employer and economic driver in the small town of Lincoln, Montana for decades. The company's decision to pause production raises concerns about the impact on local jobs and the broader community that has relied on the business.
The details
According to the statement from Wyatt Nielson, co-owner of Yellowstone Naturals which owns Hi-Country, the company has made the "difficult decision" to pause operations at the jerky production facility. Nielson says the company is "actively working with all stakeholders to determine the best path forward for the business and the Lincoln community." The pause in production comes after the company laid off dozens of employees last summer.
- Hi-Country Snack Foods has been producing and selling jerky for nearly 50 years.
- The company most recently employed more than 50 people.
- Dozens of employees were laid off by Hi-Country last summer.
The players
Hi-Country Snack Foods
A prominent jerky producer that has been a major employer and economic driver in the small town of Lincoln, Montana for nearly 50 years.
Yellowstone Naturals
The Bozeman-based holding company that owns Hi-Country Snack Foods.
Wyatt Nielson
The co-owner of Yellowstone Naturals, the company that owns Hi-Country Snack Foods.
What they’re saying
“We've made the difficult decision to pause operations at Hi-Country and are actively working with all stakeholders to determine the best path forward for the business and the Lincoln community. We care deeply about our team and the role Hi-Country has played in this community, and our focus right now is on handling this transition responsibly. We expect to share more information in the coming weeks.”
— Wyatt Nielson, Co-owner, Yellowstone Naturals
What’s next
Yellowstone Naturals, the parent company of Hi-Country Snack Foods, says they will be sharing more information about the company's future plans in the coming weeks as they work to determine the best path forward.
The takeaway
The pause in operations at Hi-Country Snack Foods, a longtime pillar of the Lincoln, Montana community, highlights the economic challenges facing small towns and the importance of major employers. The company's owner says they are focused on handling this transition responsibly and working to find the best solution for the business and the local community.
