Pastures, Range Lands Continue To Dry Out

According to the latest USDA numbers, pasture and rangeland conditions continue to slide downward.

"Current numbers showing 56% of US pastures and rangeland rated in very poor to poor condition," noted USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. "That is up a significant four percentage points from last week. Just 22% rated good to excellent that's down two points from a week ago.

"If we continue to see relatively good conditions from the Mississippi valley eastward, primarily," Rippey continued. "Still have a few states, including New Jersey, West Virginia, Alabama and Florida coming in with pasture conditions greater than 70% good to excellent."

At the same time, Rippey said some areas where significant pastures health remain, especially here in the west.

"Leading the country in pastures and rangelands rated very poor to poor on August 30th is Oregon coming in 75%, closely followed by Wyoming at 73% and Arizona."

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