Autumn sets in, Cooler temperatures, harvest and cattle work continues

As fall settles in across Wyoming, those involved in agriculture continue to carry out their yearly tasks, despite increased amounts of moisture and cool temperature.

The Sept. 23-29 Crop Progress Report, released by the Wyoming Office of the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) on Sept. 30, said, “Wyoming experienced fall-like temperatures and precipitation statewide last week.”

Temperatures across the state ranged from a low of 24 degrees in Big Piney to highs of 87 degrees in Torrington.

At the same time, all weather stations in the state received some precipitation, with 10 reporting over one inch of rain and Worland receiving 1.72 inches of rain. At least 13 weather stations are also reporting above-normal precipitation for the year.

Frost has also settled over the state in some areas.

“Farming operations are wrapping up for the year, as small grain harvest is completed,” says NASS. “Precipitation has aided grazing on the hay meadows. Livestock are being moved home from summer ranges. Hay harvest continues for some. Some livestock shipping has occurred.”

With harvests continuing, 95 percent of barley and 89 percent of oats were reported as harvested. Only 67 percent of corn silage was harvested, and 31 percent of corn was marked as mature. Thirty-eight percent of dry beans had been combined, and 19 percent of sugarbeets have been harvested. In addition, 69 percent of the third cutting of alfalfa has been put up.

Here at the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, with fall comes our annual Fall Cattlemen’s Edition. This year, we featured ranching operations and businesses from Albany County. Make sure to check out the edition, inserted in this week’s Roundup.