Tatmans recognized for involvement in ag

Lingle – Wayne and Kathy Tatman have a long history of service in the Wyoming agriculture industry and in their community of Lingle. In recognition of their involvement in the industry, the Tatmans will be inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame this year.
    “Wayne and Kathy have strong roots in Wyoming agriculture,” says Gary Stone, who nominated the couple. “They truly are the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to Wyoming agriculture.”
Growing up in ag
    Since their youth, Wayne and Kathy have been involved in the agriculture industry.
    Wayne grew up near Wheatland on a cow/calf ranch. When he was eight, his family moved to Rock River, where the family continued to grow their cattle operation.
    Kathy grew up on a farm/ranch near Pine Bluffs.
    Both Wayne and Kathy graduated from high school and continued their education, earning degrees from the University of Wyoming (UW). Wayne earned a Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.) in agriculture economics and a master’s degree in animal science, while Kathy obtained her B.S. in family and consumer sciences.
    “With this background, Wayne and Kathy became agricultural educators,” Stone says. “Through their involvement in 4-H and FFA and University of Wyoming Extension programming and research, Wayne and Kathy are leaders and promoters for Wyoming agriculture.”    
Wayne’s career
    During his career, Wayne’s educational efforts focused on livestock and crop production and economic issues, along with invasive plants, agricultural research and water issues.
    He worked in Park, Niobrara, Albany and Goshen counties, also serving as the UW Livestock Judging Team coach while completing his master’s degree.
    “Wayne has an impressive resume of promoting agriculture to consumers and helping Wyoming’s youth through the 4-H youth leadership program,” says UW College of Ag and Natural Resources Dean Frank Galey. “Wayne is the true definition of a great Extension educator.”
    Wayne worked for over 30 years in Extension.
Nutrition focused
    While Wayne worked in the production side of the industry, Kathy focused her career on consumers. She spent her years in Extension educating on food nutrition, food safety and preparation and food economics. She was widely recognized for her leadership in the arena.
    “Kathy joined the UW Extension Cent$ible Nutrition program in 2000,” says Galey. “During her eight years with the program, she worked with low-income families to provide nutrition, meal planning, food safety and food preparation. She was also deeply involved in 4-H youth leadership programs.”
    Galey also mentioned that Kathy was integral in developing nutrition curriculum for the state of Wyoming, a monumental effort.
    Former University of Wyoming President Tom Buchanan says, “As longtime representatives of UW Extension, Wayne and Kathy helped literally hundreds of Wyoming residents understand the impact of agriculture on so many facets of life. The proof is in the countless hours they spent working side by side with community members to successfully apply research-based knowledge to real-world problems.”
Family
    On top of their day-to-day work in the industry, Wayne and Kathy raised three sons, all of whom attended the University of Wyoming and obtained ag degrees. Their children are active in the ag industry at the state, local and national levels.     
    “This has been a way of life,” Wayne comments, emphasizing that he is proud to have instilled a love of agriculture in each of his three sons. “My sons are still involved in the industry.”
    Marty, one of Wayne’s sons, currently works for the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C. and says, “My parents have always had a true passion for education and agriculture, and they both have been able to have careers that let them pursue both at the same time. They instilled those same passions as they raised us, and they helped each of us create our own unique love for the agriculture industry.”
    He adds, “They love teaching and helping others find success in life and assisting them be the best person they can be.”
    “Agriculture has been my life,” Wayne continues. “It is pretty humbling to be mentioned in the same breath as past award winners. It means a lot.”
Community support
    Countless community members and neighbors sing praises of Wayne and Kathy, all mentioning their commitment to the industry and their willingness to be involved. The respect the Tatmans have gained in their community speaks to their positive impact.
     “Working as a team within their faith, raising a family, working with others within their respective professions – both in-state and out – Wayne and Kathy are a unique pair of individuals that the state of Wyoming can be proud of,” Stone comments.
    Wayne and Kathy will be inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame at the Chesapeake Energy, Farm Credit Services of America and Wyoming Livestock Roundup Ag Hall of Fame Picnic, scheduled for Aug. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Park in Douglas.
    Lacee and Shaun Sims of Evanston will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the picnic, and the Wyoming Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year will be recognized that evening. For more information on the picnic, call 307-234-2700.
    Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.