Dry Conditions Plague US Pastures

OMAHA (DTN) -- Declining pasture and range conditions are seen across the country as widespread drought-type conditions move in.

Compared to the previous year, conditions don't seem as bad because of moisture throughout the first part of the year, but a decline is continued to be seen each week.

Looking at the major cow-calf states, more pasture and range is moving toward poorer quality, according to the latest USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report on Monday. Texas has seen a 6-point decline in good-to-excellent pastures, with 26% in this category. There has also been a 4-point increase of very poor-to-poor pastures in Texas, marking 32% here.

Oklahoma has seen a 3-point decline in good to excellent, with 55% of pasture and range in this category. However, that state has 3 points less in the very poor-to-poor category, at 10%.

The other major declines from the positive category were in Utah with an 11-point sink; Iowa, with a 7-point decrease; and Colorado, with a 5-point decline.

When looking at the very-poor-to-poor pasture and range conditions, the Southwest states of Nevada and Arizona are still suffering the most with 90% and 88% in that category, respectively. Montana continues to deal with 60% of pastures in that category. Wyoming and Illinois aren't far behind with 51% of pastures being very poor to poor.

Locally poor conditions are seen in many parts of the country. The Delta region has many of these areas.

Alabama Extension at Auburn University said in a news release that almost 95% of Alabama is experiencing some level of dryness or drought.

Cattle producer Jack Robertson, located in east central Alabama, said late-season droughts have affected his stockpiling rates going into winter, as well as affecting hay production.

"Drought also delays the planting of winter grazing, and if you have to supplement feed, you are paying more than it would have cost to grow the forage. This, in the long run, means droughts cost you more money and time for less beef production," Robertson said in Auburn news release.

DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick said warm and dry conditions are expected to continue through most of the Central and Southern Plains this week, which is favorable for fieldwork, even if it is not favorable for fall grass growth. "A front will move into the Northern Plains on Wednesday and may produce some showers, with better chances for Friday and into the weekend," Baranick said. The Delta also continues to see warm and dry weather. (See Baranick's latest blog on a possible weather pattern change at https://www.dtnpf.com/….)

See the accompanying maps for more on the changes in various states.

National Pasture and Range Conditions (48 states)

	Very poor	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
48 States	12	23	33	25	7
Previous week	13	23	30	26	8
Previous year	18	25	31	21	5

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

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