Grazing conditions nationally continue to wither, as Missouri continues to dry out, while Florida fares the best.

Joe Roybal 1

August 7, 2012

2 Min Read
Pasture & Range: Florida Is The Best, Missouri The Worst

U.S. pasture and rangeland condition can’t get a break, as the latest latest USDA Crop Progress report (week ending Aug. 5) shows the situation continuing to circle the drain, as almost 60% is categorized as in Poor or Very Poor condition.

Overall, the report on conditions in 48 states found that 31% of pasture and rangeland is in Very Poor condition, while 28% is rated in Poor condition, 25% is in Fair condition, 14% in Good condition, and only 2% in Excellent condition. That’s a slight decrease from the previous week when 29% was rated in Very Poor condition, 28% in Poor condition, 26% in Fair condition, 15% in Good condition and 2% in Excellent condition.

 States with the best pasture and rangeland conditions are in the Southeast, particularly Florida, which boasts 98% in Fair or better condition, and Mississippi at 97% Fair and better. Green pockets also exist in the Northeast, led by Maine, with 91% in Fair or better condition, and Connecticut, with 89%. On the West Coast, the state of Washington boasts the best situation, with 90% in Fair or better condition, and a nation-leading 23% in Excellent condition.

The states graded as having the worst conditions are led by Missouri, which has a whopping 99% of its pasture and rangeland graded as Poor or Very Poor; the remaining 1% is graded as Fair. Meanwhile, Illinois is rated as 95% Poor and Very Poor, and Kansas is rated as 89% Poor and Very Poor.

See the state-by-state breakout of pasture and range conditions (week ending Aug. 5), see the table below. Also listed are crop condition reports for corn and soybeans.

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