NASS Data Shows Pasture Improvement

OMAHA (DTN) -- Timely rains have led to an improvement in pasture and range conditions in many of the top cow-calf producing states, especially in the Plains states, according to the latest USDA's National Agricultural Statistic Service report.

DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick said a slow-moving front over the weekend brought areas of scattered showers and thunderstorms to most of the Midwest. He said the increased temperatures going into the holiday weekend will push another slow-moving front through that could linger into next week.

"Overall, active weather continues next week as well. Though some drought exists, and more rain is needed, precipitation is generally coming at a good pace for the Plains region," Baranick said.

Pasture and range conditions in drought-stricken Nebraska saw an increase of 10 points in the good-to-excellent category, with 37% of the state here. While 4 points fewer were seen in the very-poor-to-poor category at 27%.

Improvements were seen in the other Plains states of Kansas, South Dakota and North Dakota, with the percentage of pastures in the good-to-excellent category at 66%, 42% and 61%, respectively. Wyoming also saw a 7-point improvement in pasture conditions to 30%.

Troubling drought areas are still seen in the Southwest states of Nevada and Arizona with 95% and 86% in the very-poor-to-poor category, respectively. While Montana saw some improvement in conditions, 47% of pastures are still considered very poor to poor.

The Pacific Northwest states of Washington and Oregon are seeing some increase in drought with more pasture and range in the very-poor-to-poor category and fewer on the good to excellent side.

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

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National Pasture and Range Conditions (48 states)

	Very poor	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
48 States	12	17	28	31	12
Previous week	12	17	28	31	12
Previous year	9	14	29	39	9

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