CONNECTING AG to CLIMATE

By Windy Kelley, Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub

Recent and Current Conditions

Wyoming experienced its 16th coolest and 58th wettest March out of 129 years, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information database, retrieved April 24.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) map for Wyoming, released April 20, classifies over 31 percent of the state as moderate to extreme drought (D1 to D3) and over 24 percent of Wyoming as abnormally dry.

The remainder of the state, nearly 45 percent, is classified as none. In other words, these areas are not experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions.

View the current USDM map at bit.ly/2S28VTA

Consider submitting a Condition Monitoring Observer Report at bit.ly/3c4WRLR

Eight- to 14-day, one-month and Grass-Cast forecasts

NOAA’s eight- to 14-day forecast for May 3-9, issued on April 25, shows a 33 to 50 percent probability for above normal temperatures for all of Wyoming. For the same timeframe, the forecast shows a 33 to 40 percent probability for above normal precipitation for the entire state.

The May forecast, issued on April 20, indicates equal chances for below, near or above normal temperatures for nearly all of Wyoming. The exception is the northeast corner of the state where there is 33 to 40 percent probability for below normal temperatures.

For the same timeframe, the forecast shows equal chances for below, near or above normal precipitation for all of Wyoming.

For additional information and NOAA forecasts, visit cpc.ncep.noaa.gov

Grass-Cast maps for 2023 are now available. Recall Grass-Cast forecasts grassland productivity for select areas in Wyoming and beyond.

Visit grasscast.unl.edu/ to view the maps, which are updated biweekly. Producers should ask themselves if rain through August is above, near or below normal, how much range vegetation they might grow in their area.

Windy K. Kelley is the regional Extension program coordinator and state specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Climate Hub,

Bill is survived by his wife Billee, son Dusty (Gina) Hackett, daughter Jacque Hackett (Randy Flint); four grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren and one great- the University of Wyoming Extension and WAFERx. She can be reached at wkelley1@uwyo.edu or 307367-4380.

Austin Snook • 307-290-2161

Taylor Snook • 307-290-2273

Craig Deveraux • 307-746-5690

Dan Catlin • 406-671-7715

Clint Snook • 307-290-4000

Cheyenne Seymour • 605-641-0638

Casey Sellers • 307-217-2614

Jim Forbes • 307-351-5932

Tye Curuchet • 307-351-8666

Daniel Escoz • 307-217-1440

Market Report • April 26, 2023

Nice run of cattle today, replacement heifers and grass cattle selling on a stronger market. Weigh up markets full steady. Weigh up and sheep/goat special next week.

Kade Kinghorn • 307-620-0525 www.buffalolivestockwyo.com