provided by Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub

Reserve Champion Angus Bull – Exhibited by Lazy JB Angus, Montrose, CO. Photo by Altitude Advantage Photography

Champion Wyoming Angus Association Futurity Female –

Exhibited by Morgan Friede, Chinook, MT. Photo by Altitude Advantage Photography

Reserve Champion Wyoming Angus Association Futurity

Female – Exhibited by Carter Cox, Casper. Photo by Altitude Advantage Photography

Champion Angus Cow Calf Pair – Exhibited by Kaylynn Weber, Shoshoni. Photo by Altitude Advantage Photography Champion Commercial Heifer Pen of 3 – Exhibited by Mountain Valley Livestock, Douglas. Traci Diltz photo Champion Commercial Heifer – Exhibited by Mountain Valley Livestock, Douglas. Traci Diltz photo

CONNECTING AG to CLIMATE

By Windy Kelley, Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub

Recent and current conditions

Wyoming experienced its fifth warmest and 52nd driest July out of 127 years according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) database, retrieved Aug. 24. Scaling to the county level, the adjacent tables show temperature and precipitation rankings of select counties for the month of July. The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released Aug. 19, shows greater than 94 percent of Wyoming is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought– this is approximately a 10 percent increase compared to last month.

View the current USDM map at bit.ly/2S28VTA. Consider submitting a Condition Monitoring Observer Report at bit.ly/3c4WRLR.

Eight to 14-day and one-month forecasts

NOAA’s eight to 14-day forecast for Sept. 2-8, made Aug. 25, shows a 33 to 40 percent probability, or chance, for above average temperatures for the southern twothirds of Wyoming. There is an equal chance for below, near or above normal temperatures for the rest of the state.

For the same timeframe, there is a 33 percent probability for above average precipitation for most of Wyoming. The exception is the northwest corner of the state, where precipitation is expected to be normal.

The September forecast, made Aug. 19, indicates a 33 to 50 percent probability for above normal temperatures throughout most of Wyoming, with the greatest probability in the northwest corner. For the same timeframe, there is a 33 to 40 percent probability for below normal precipitation for much of the state.

The southeast corner of Wyoming is the exception for both temperature and precipitation, with an equal chance for below, near or above normal conditions.

Quilt fundraiser raises money for Wyoming 4-H, collegiate wool programs

Agricultural support – Cowgirl and Rancher Mickey Thoman of Sweetwater County sits outside the wool demonstration building at the Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo in Douglas with the Wyoming 4-H quilt on display. Raffle tickets for the quilt, constructed by Russell and Kathy Bell, are being sold to raise funds to support 4-H and collegiate wool judging programs and provide educational resources. Thoman, inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2018, and her three daughters raise Rambouillet sheep, Herefords and thoroughbred Quarter Horses. The quilt raffle is raising money for Wyoming 4-H and collegiate wool programs. Thoman has been part of Wyoming 4-H for more than half a century. Tickets for the quilt raffle can be purchased by visiting wyoming4h.org/quilt-raffle. Photo courtesy of UW

To view more NOAA forecasts, visit cpc.ncep. noaa.gov.

Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension program coordinator and state specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Climate Hub, University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@uwyo.edu or 307-3674380.

Keith Forgey

Aug. 30, 1960 – Aug. 21, 2021

Keith Russell Forgey, 60, of Casper finished his work here on earth on Aug. 21. Keith was born to Rodney and Lenora Forgey in Newcastle on Aug. 30, 1960.

The family moved around with their business, Forgey Construction, until they settled in Casper. Keith worked construction with them from when he was young until it was sold in 1993.

Keith met Brandi at Wear Parts and after much hemming and hawing, he finally got around to asking her out and then they were married in 1989. Their life was full of many adventures together, trips with friends and long days working together. Even at the end, Keith was more worried about Brandi than himself.

Ranching was Keith’s passion in life. Tending to his livestock and property was where one could find him.

He appreciated everyone who came to help with the work and everyone always knew the more he gave them a hard time, the more he cared about them. Keith mentored many young people as they came to work with him on the ranch.

Keith also had a special place in his heart for his dogs. Over the years he had many dogs that were his faithful companions. He and his dogs spent much time together and traveled many miles as they moved livestock on the ranch. He spent so much time with the dogs that Brandi teased him he loved them more than her.

Keith lived by the Code of the West.

He is survived by his wife, Brandi; father, Rodney (Marinel) Forgey; daughter, Shantel Anderson; son, Scotty (Stacy) Legerski; brother, Kevin (Kim) Forgey; sister, Kim (Steven) Syverts; grandchildren Bode, Tripp, Keith, Reagan and Kinsley, nieces and nephews, friends, seven dogs and his livestock.

Keith was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents and brother-in-law, Lance.

A memorial celebration will be held Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. at Forgey Land and Livestock, 4291 N. 6 Mile Road. Cards can be sent to PO Box 2581 Mills, WY 82644.

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up at Hilltop National Bank under the name “Keith Forgey Dog Park Fund” to build a dog park in town in his memory.

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It is with many broken hearts comes the announcement of the passing of Bart Allen Bader on Aug. 13 in Billings, Mont. Bart was born Jan. 9, 1965 in Thermopolis to Carol and Martin Bader.

Bart joined his older sister Melodi, and one of his fondest memories growing up was racing the trains outside Thermopolis on their horses. He loved spending summers in his younger years being mentored by Mike Ready working on his ranch.

Bart lived his life following his interests and handedly soared in everything he sought to do. While serving proudly as a Bobcat wrestler, his talents were able to take him to state. From there, he attended Central Wyoming College (CWC) in Riverton and was part of the livestock judging team.

While attending CWC, he was one of four to receive the Outstanding Ag Student of the Year and granted High Individual Overall at the 1985 Great Western Livestock Show Horse Judging. Upon his graduation from CWC, Bart was granted a full-ride scholarship for Livestock Judging to Chico State in California, where he flourished in his passion and obtained numerous accomplishments, some of which included being named the High Individual Overall for livestock judging at the San Francisco Cow Palace and the Los Angeles County Fair.

Along with accomplishments, Bart also gained friendships during his time at Chico, which he carried with him throughout his life. After college, he followed his passion by volunteering his time teaching 4-H and FFA students in the Thermopolis area about livestock and horse judging.

Bart later worked as a crude oil truck driver for many, many years. He blossomed wherever he was planted and took great pride in always doing the best job possible, no matter the task at hand.

Bart was known for having a big, loving heart, being a great horseman and as a one-of-a-kind individual with unquestionable integrity.

Bart found true happiness in 2017 when he married Linda Reed, and instantly became a devoted husband, a loving father to her three children and a doting Papa Bart to her seven grandkids. His attentiveness assured each one of them he would never miss a single game, concert or activity.

Bart was always protective, favored the underdog and had a burning desire to instill good, solid values in those around him. Bart’s smile could light up a room, and his chuckle could bring it to laughter – both of which will be sorely missed.

A big part of Bart’s life centered around Quarter Horses. He loved the red and blue roans, and he looked forward to the day he could teach the younger generation his horsemanship skills.

Bart loved listening to all kinds of music from AC/ DC to George Strait and was an avid sports fan who loved the Wyoming Cowboys.

Bart is survived by the love of his life Linda; her three children, Travis (Linsey) Brooks, Justin (Paige) Reed and Amanda (Ty) Vass; his parents, Martin and Carol Bader; sister Melodi; two nephews, Seth and Matthew and his seven precious grandchildren.

A celebration of Bart’s life will be held at the Hot Springs County Fairgrounds at 1 p.m. on Sept. 18. In lieu of flowers, a Bart Bader Memorial Fund has been established thru Big Horn Federal Bank in Thermopolis to help alleviate the medical expenses incurred.

MARKET continued from page 1

through the summer have shown a strong seasonal price increase,” Peel continued. “Cull cow prices have pulled back from summer peak prices, moving into fall seasonal declines, but remain above year-ago levels.”

Cattle on feed

The Aug. 20 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Cattle on Feed report noted cattle placement in feedlots during July totaled 1.74 million head, with net placements of 1.68 million head, eight percent below July 2020. The same report shared marketing of fed cattle during the month of July totaled 1.9 million head, five percent below the 2020 statistic.

Cattle and calves on feed for the U.S. slaughter market in feedlots with greater than a 1,000-head capacity totaled 11.1 million head on Aug. 1, down two percent from August 2020.

“Feedlot inventories continue to fall, partly seasonally, but also reflecting the cleanup of the backlog of feedlot cattle from earlier in the year,” Peel explained.

He continued, “August represents the sixth consecutive monthly decline in feedlot inventories from the February peak, a decrease of 1.032 million head or about 8.5 percent over the six months. In the previous five years, the average feedlot inventory decline from the spring high to summer low has been 6.2 percent.”

Carcass weights

With what seems like a reduction of the backlog of fed cattle in feedlots, Peel said current carcass weights are an indication that feedlots are more current.

“Steer and heifer carcass weights dropped below year-ago levels in May and continue below year earlier levels,” he explained. “Carcass weights reached a seasonal low in June, a tad later than the normal May low, and are rising seasonally into the last part of the year.”

According to Peel, weekly steer carcass weights were 896 points, down 10 pounds year-overyear, but 18 pounds heavier than carcasses in 2019. Heifer carcasses weigh 817 pounds, which Peel reported is down 15 pounds from 2020 and 11 pounds above 2019.

Peel shared, lower carcass weights also reflect more current impacts and incentives which follow higher costs of gain in the feedlot.

Futures contracting

The optimism in the cattle market is greatly reflected in the futures market, Peel shared, noting, “Live cattle futures for December are $10 per hundredweight (cwt) above current levels with an April 2022 level of $140 per cwt.”

Cash feeder markets continue to adjust for higher feed costs, Peel said, especially in terms of lightweight and heavy feeder cattle.

“The flattening of the price line across weights translates into higher value of gain potential for added feeder cattle weight gain,” he explained. “Increased optimism and less volatility would be greatly appreciated as cattle markets finish 2021 and look ahead to the coming year.”

Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

managed to cook up a meal to feed us all.”

“After they are done for the day, these women drive into town and take part on boards, committees and elected offices to help guide our communities the way they help guide us at home. They usually get home to us snoozing on a chair under a blanket they’ve made,” said Cotton. “It’s pretty evident women really are the heart of agriculture.”

With this, Cotton invited Wyoming Stock Growers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna to the stand to introduce the 2021 Heart of Agriculture Award recipients.

Albany County honoree

The first woman to receive Heart of Agriculture recognition was Janet Talbott of Albany County.

“Janet and her husband started as married producers in the High Plains in 1965 and soon became well known for their club calves and BraeArden-Hereford cattle,” noted Magagna. “With a focus on family and youth, Janet cofounded the Super Skeeters 4-H Club in 1972 and continued as a leader until 1987.”

Magagna explained, Talbott continues to assist with pedigree and production documentation on her ranch, while also helping with calving checks and cooking for the branding crew.

Campbell County honoree

Bobbi Geis of Campbell County was second in line to receive recognition.

Geis is currently president of the Campbell County CattleWomen, an active 4-H leader and charter member of her FFA Alumni Group and is involved in her local Homebuilder’s Club.

“If not feeding, gathering, branding, shearing, calving, lambing or pregnancy testing, one can find Bobbi at Campbell County Fair, Wyoming State Fair or the Ag Expo educating attendees about the agriculture industry because she is a true advocate for agriculture,” said Magagna.

Carbon County honoree

Next to receive recognition was Vickie Herring from Carbon County.

“Operating outside of Encampment, Vickie has partnered for 50 years raising registered and commercial Angus cattle and club calves,” explained Magagna. “Vickie makes an art of balancing cattle production and children, while recently winning the Champion Pen of Feeders at the National Western Stock Show.”

“Vickie is an aggressive supporter of 4-H, FFA and school basketball programs and is involved in the Snowy Range CattleWomen, Wyoming CattleWomen and church activities,” Magagna added.

Converse County honoree

From Converse County, Laurie Boner was honored as the Heart of Agriculture Award winner.

“Laurie is the bloodstream of one of our most progressive and promotional ranch families,” stated Magagna. “Whether it is supporting the development of the Mountain States Lamb Cooperative, helping family and friends develop direct sales for lamb products or raising new generations of producers, Laurie quietly works with dedication, creativity and focus to promote agriculture.”

Fremont County honoree

Janet Givens was the Fremont County Heart of Agriculture honoree.

Magagna noted Givens partners on a diverse operation while also serving as an advocate to a wide array of audiences.

In fact, Givens has served various roles within the Wyoming CattleWomen, Lander Valley CattleWomen and Fremont County CattleWomen. She also partners with UW Extension for the Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days and coordinates the annual Agriculture Exposition for third graders across Fremont County.

Goshen County honoree

From Goshen County, Jenny Conrad was honored.

Conrad has been the secretary for the Wyoming CattleWomen’s Association for several years while also serving as promotions chairperson for the Goshen County CattleWomen, as county fair superintendent and in many other community roles.

Hot Springs County honoree

Carol Dockery was the Hot Springs County honoree.

“Carol has served as a 4-H leader for 20 years and is currently serving on the Hot Springs County Farm Bureau,” noted Magagna. “She serves as a member of the Hot Springs Pioneer Museum Board, Hot Springs County Historical Society and was appointed to the Hot Springs County Natural Resource Planning Committee by county commissioners. Carol has also worked as an election judge for over 35 years.”

Johnson County honoree

The Heart of Agriculture honoree from Johnson County was Colette Camino Fenster.

“Coming from one of our legacy ranch production families, Colette not only loves ranching, but supports many others in doing the same,” stated Magagna. “She serves as an essential component at fairs, shearings, brandings and rodeos while assisting in an active role of fundraising for agricultural causes.”

Laramie County honoree

Bobbie Frank of Laramie County also received the recognition.

“Bobbie and her husband Dan have owned and operated Horse Creek Angus near Meriden since 2013. Prior to this, they ranched south of Cheyenne,” explained Magagna.

Magagna further explained, Bobbie is most widely known for her advocacy in regards to conservation and agriculture in Wyoming. In fact, Bobbie served as executive director of the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts for 29 years and as executive director of the Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation since its inception in 1993.

Natrona County honoree

Mary Allemand Owens was the honoree for Natrona County.

“Mary balances decades of ranching with service on the Natrona County Republican Central Committee, Weed and Pest boards, Natrona County CattleWomen, Farm Service Agency County Committee, the Agriculture Expo for Youth, Natrona County Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee and a practicing Master Gardener,” said Magagna.

Additionally, Owens is a current member of the Wyoming Livestock Board and former member of the Natrona County Predator Board.

Niobrara County honoree

From Niobrara County, Carmen Shane received the Heart of Agriculture Award.

“With a reputation for producing quality hay, Carmen and her husband also operate a yearling cattle operation and raised sheep for many years,” said Magagna. “Carmen supports almost every community activity in Niobrara County with an ever-present smile.”

Park County honoree

Deanna Siggins was the award recipient from Park County.

“Deanna was born into a ranching family south of Great Falls, Mont. She met her husband Alan in college, and they were married in 1967,” explained Magagna. “Besides cooking for the family, Deanna did regular ranching chores to help out with the livestock.”

Following the passing of Alan’s mother, Deanna took over all the bookwork for their ranch. She also served as a volunteer at the Cody Long Term Care Center for 32 years, was a charter member of the Cody Country CattleWomen and served as an election judge for 30 years, according to Magagna.

Sheridan County honoree

Terri Kane of Sheridan County also received the Heart of Agriculture Award.

“Terri is the partner behind the scenes helping to keep numerous different ranches running for decades. With ranches, livestock and family scattered from mountain meadows across 45 miles to dry rangelands, the books, wildfires, drought and day-today operations can be a challenge, but Terri does not let this overshadow her commitment to community organizations and family,” said Magagna.

Sublette County honoree

From Sublette County, Amanda McGinnis was the recipient of the Heart of Agriculture Award.

“Amanda is a full-time rancher and mother of toddlers. Calving, feeding, branding, fencing, shipping and range management are all part of Amanda’s life, and like many women producers, she has a child on her hip most of the time,” stated Magagna.

Magagna also noted Amanda plays an active role in the Young Producers Assembly of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and has helped create a Ranch Toddler Safety Program with UW Extension.

Teton County honoree

Kate Mead was the award recipient from Teton County.

“Kate is involved in every aspect of day-to-day operations on the Mead Ranch near Jackson,” stated Magagna. “She calves heifers, feeds, sorts, brands and generally mothers the family’s Black Angus herd.”

“Kate started diversifying 12 years ago by buying steer calves, finishing them on ‘spent’ grain from local brewers and selling the finished product directly to local restaurants, grocers and butchers as Jackson Hole Natural Beef,” added Magagna. “Kate also serves on the School Board, Learning Center Board, Teton Conservation District, Jackson Hole Land Trust and the Grand Teton National Park Foundation Board.”

Uinta County honoree

Magagna recognized Karen Henry as the Heart of Agriculture honoree from Uinta County. Magagna noted Karen formerly served as the president of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company for 11 years. She was also involved in the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors, the Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Program, Wyoming Ag in the Classroom, Beef Checkoff, Willow Creek Homemaker’s Club and Fort Bridger Cemetery District.

Additionally, Karen is currently an active leader and ag representative in the Uinta County Citizen’s Coalition for Sound Resource Use and Management.

Weston County honoree

Lastly, from Weston County, Dana Tysdal received the Heart of Agriculture Award.

“Raised on a ranch only 10 miles from her current operation, Dana can be found spending days on a swather, moving, gathering and vaccinating cattle, running for parts, feeding chickens, cats and dogs and helping sick neighbors clean their house or driving them to the doctor,” said Magagna. “Stepping up into any role needed, Dana is the ‘heart’ of agriculture.”

Hannah Bugas is a corresponding writer for the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.